morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-29
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Campsite at 1104.4
Miles today: 12.2

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:First thing this morning, Scout and Tumbles passed the 2015 half way point. Then head to Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the half gallon ice cream challenge. Tumbles chose Raspberry and then had a pint of chocolate to chase it down. While they were at the State Park, Brian, one of my Army buddies from back in the day rode his motorcycle over with Subway sandwiches for Scout and Tumbles. Tumbles craves the veggie delight! Scout did not take the half gallon challenge, instead he decided to eat real food. The adventurers decided to take a swim, and then catch a free shower before heading on to the mile 1104.4 campsite. I can tell their spirits are on the rise. They are renewing their effort to be done mid September. Virginia is a thing of the past.
Date: 2015-06-30
From: Campsite at 1104.4

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles decided to resupply at the Green Mountain Store. Both were dragging today, but Tumbles more so than Scout. All that sugar does that to ya. When they got to Mt Holly Springs, PA they decided to go into town a get a bite to eat, and they found WiFi to Skype at a Tire Shop. While they were in town, a vehicle pulls up with Tennessee tags. So when the lady gets out, Tumbles greets her and says that she is from Tennessee as well. This is where it gets interesting... The lady stops to chat, and then asks where her parents are. Tumbles responds that her parents are in Tennessee. The lady freaks out! "How old are you?" 16. She freaks out even more! "Do your parents know you are out here?" Yes, I am Thru hiking the Appalachain Trail with my 19 year old brother. She looks at Scout and turns back to Tumbles. "I am a teacher, and I am responsible for making sure kids are safe, I want to talk to your parents right NOW!" Scout is getting frustrated. Tumbles, not so much; I think she enjoys freaking people out. So, Tumbles pulls out her phone and calls her mom, Ice Cube. Well, Ice Cube is at the store, but her 13 year old brother, Bug answers. She tells the super freaked out Teacher from Tennessee, my mom is not home, but you can talk to one of my other brothers, Bug. The Teacher does not know what to do, and declines. So Tumbles puts her phone on speaker and asks Bug what she has been doing for the last 3.5 months. Without missing a beat Bug answers, Hiking the Appalachian Trail with Austin (Scout). The flabergasted, busy body, super freaked out Teacher from Tennessee huffs and puffs and walks away. Really people? Have we come to this point now as a Society? If you don't like it, mind your own business. Meanwhile, Scout and Tumbles will continue their epic adventure to Kahtadin and the title of 2015 Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker.
Date: 2015-07-01
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Stealth Camp mile 1135.1
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles hiked the short hike into Boiling Springs, PA and immediately got sucked in. Scout left his headlight at a shelter, and the Trail has not brought it back to him. So he got a bike from the ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Office and went on a search. Not much luck. Tumbles hung out by the ATC office charging the phones and battery sticks. Later, they decided to take time for lunch, and got some Pizza. When they went to pay, both their debit cards were declined and they had maybe $6 cash. MOM! Ice Cube went to the bank and transferred money to their accounts. Crisis averted. So lets talk money. Naturally, Scout and Tumbles have both burned through the meager amount of money they saved for the Trip. Much of that went to upgrading their gear before the hike. Fortunatly, their parents (Master Yoda and Ice Cube) recognize the oppurtunity they have to accomplish such a life changing event at such a young age. We are happy to help fund the adventure. Up until this point, they have been spending between $15 and $20 a day average. This is pretty low, for TWO Thru hikers, let alone one. Now they have shifted to $25 a day for the last two weeks. Maybe it is the fact they are past the Mason Dixson Line, or maybe they just needed to make some extra purchases for food and such. Either way, I am impressed that they have come so far on so little money. We did ask them to be sure and give us a better accounting of their expenditures so we know when to put more money in their accounts. Before the hike Scout did a lot of research on how to keep the hike cheap. We have also encouraged them to be frugal. I am really proud of them. At this point, they are on track to finish on less than $4,000. We shall see.When they finally pulled themselves out of town, they had 14 more miles to go to the next shelter, and it was almost 5 pm! Around midnight, they stopped at mile 1135.1 to set up camp, so they would not wake the other hikers at Darlington Shelter.Some of these picture Tumbles sent need to be tagged. If you know one of the hikers in a picture, leave a note and I will update it for you. Thank you for following along. God Bless.
Date: 2015-07-02
From: Stealth Camp mile 1135.1

To: River Campsite mile 1148.8
Miles today: 13.7

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles made it into Duncannon and did a fast resupply. Tumbles has decided that while there are good people up North, most seem aloof and grouchy. Glad they don't have to hike through NYC! There was a Trail Angel in town that gave them a ride. Thank you. They decided to camp at the River campsite. While in camp some dude brought two beers over for Adina. She kept telling him no thanks, but he left them and walked off. Well, she gets up and took them back. She told him that she really did not want them, but thank you for the gesture.
Date: 2015-07-03
From: River Campsite mile 1148.8

To: Stealth Camp Mile 1161.8
Miles today: 13.0

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:The day started out well, with the duo making good time. At about 8 miles in, Tumbles was feeling pretty sore and was having a hard time continuing. They managed to get their 13 miles in for the day and set up camp. We got to Skype with them for a few minutes tonight. We could tell they are both needing a real day off. They are determined to hike at least 13 miles (16 is the goal) a day and not take any Zeros if they can help it. I hope they will decide to take one in NJ or NY. The body needs to recoup sometimes. Really proud of them both. On the home front, Ice Cube is going to make a Miles Chain starting at 1,000 miles remaining. She used to do this when I was in the Army and gone from home.
Date: 2015-07-04
From: Stealth Camp Mile 1161.8

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: moderate rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:The intrepid duo had a bad day today. Sore, tired, and homesick. The rocks are taking their Toll. Scout says he is looking forward to doing Laundry soon. Tumbles has gone to hiking in her Teva sandals (In the ROCKS!)since she can't seem to get her socks clean, and the wet boots are causing foot problems. As they hiked into Rausch Gap Shelter, Tumbles began hiking with another female hiker (I did not catch her name) who seemed to be having just as bad a day. By the time they made it to the Shelter, Tumbles said they were laughing and joking. Scout got a fire going with wet wood, some steel wool and flint n steel. As all six hikers came into camp, spirits began to rise. Tumbles said someone discovered some fireworks and they had a small celebration. The hikers stayed up late talking and encouraging each other. Scout said this is what it is all about!Tumbles mentioned that when she lost her phone in Virginia, she lost the number to Aunt T. (Tonya), the Trail Angel they met at Woods Hole Hostel. Aunt T was going to host Scout and Tumbles when they got to New Jersey. If you are following the Journal Aunt T, please send her a text or leave a note here so we can link y'all up. Also, Ms Barbara Rall, thank you for your offer. Best way is to text them and let them get back to you. Anyone wanting to encourage the hikers, Tumbles number is 423-605-4693 (Please send encouraging words, leave the negativity out). Thank you all for your support. Keep them in your prayers.
Date: 2015-07-05
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles are very excited that they made it past the half way part of Pennsylvania. Beautiful weather today. Found some Trail Magic at the I81 cross, then climbed the mountain to the ridge top and hiked to William Penn Shelter. Tumbles found a huge black snake eating a mouse right on the Trail.
Date: 2015-07-06
From: William Penn Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles made it into Pine Grove and began the search for Fuel, to no avail. After doing some resupply and getting Subway they headed back to the Trail. When they arrived at the 501 Shelter it was already after 4 pm and thunder storms were closing in. They decided to stay in the shelter and head out early tomorrow in an effort to beat the huge storm bearing down on New England tomorrow. Spirits are high, and they are grateful for an easy day. Hopefully their bodies can rest fast. Hello to the Patterson's from NY, they said it was good chatting with you.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA Mile 1217.5
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Hiking with Waldo today, Scout and Tumbles made it to Port Clinton, PA. This will be the longest day they have done so far. They decided to sleep under the stars at the Pavilion Campsite. They will go into Hamburg tomorrow to do laundry, replace some gear, and eat at TACO BELL!
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Port Clinton, PA Mile 1217.5

To: Campsite mile 1220.3
Miles today: 2.8

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Had a great day in town. Very productive. Laundry all done, filter replaced, phones and battery sticks charged. Did a food resupply also. Finally made it out of town but managed to just get camp set up as the storms hit. Tumbles wants to thank everyone for the words of encouragement.
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Campsite mile 1220.3

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:When the ground is dry, Scout says they can get about 1.5 to 2 miles per hour. When it is wet, they slow down to about 1 to 1.5 MPH. This has been very frustrating, but they hope once they get out of the rocky area they can make up for lost time. Spirits are high, and they are enjoying the adventure. The shelter tonight has flush toilets, a shower and a place to charge a phone. Hoping for good hiking conditions in the morning.
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Trail Magic Camp mile 1248.7
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Very good day hiking today. About a mile short of the shelter they came across a camp of former Thru Hikers grilling for anyone that stopped by! Scout and Tubmles decided to camp with them tonight. These guys even had a place for hikers to charge their phones and devices. No vegi burgers for Tumbles, but she was ok eating the other stuff. Tumbles said she was sitting on a rock looking out over the mountains and decided to turn her phone on. When she did, she had a text from a number she did not recognize. It turned out to be Honeybee and contained a photo of them in Georgia! She is so excited to get a message from her. That made her day Honeybee, thank you!
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Trail Magic Camp mile 1248.7

To: Smith Gap Rd mile 1269.7
Miles today: 21.0

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles decided to take the option of a 21 mile slack pack. They got dropped off at Smith Gap Rd and hiked South back to camp. The Trail Magic Camp had more food waiting for the hikers and even had vegi burgers for Tumbles. Thanks guys. This is a group of 2007 Thru hikers that go every year and provide Trail Magic for the hikers. Too cool. This also puts Scout and Tumbles 24 miles from completing Pennsylvania! New Jeresy is just under 73 miles, so it wont be as taxing on the mind. We got to Skype at the view overlooking the Lehigh river. It was beautiful! Spirits are high, keep them your thoughts and prayers.
Date: 2015-07-12
From: Smith Gap Rd mile 1269.7

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:The goal was to make it out of Pennsylvania in two weeks. Looks like they will do it in 15 days. The temptation was strong just to do 24 miles into Delaware Water Gap, but Scout and Tumbles opted to take it easy and do 17.3 miles. Scout and Tumbles will make it out of Pennsylvania tomorrow and are looking forward to tackling New Jersey. The paper chain is getting shorter!
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA mile 1293.4
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout thinks he drank some bad water, and was throwing up and trotting first thing this morning. After things calmed down, he and Tumbles hike the 6.4 miles to Delaware Water Gap and lined up a spot to sleep at the Church of the Mountain. They got a ride to the Walmart and did their resupply. Tumbles has been losing so much weight, she got a smaller size hiking shorts. Scout finally replaced his torn shirt. Since Scout felt so bad this morning, they decided to call it a short day and try to build strength. The hike will continue tomorrow. Seven states down!
Date: 2015-07-14
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA mile 1293.4

To: Rattlesnake Spring campsite mile 1306.9
Miles today: 13.5

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles headed into New Jersey today after a short day yesterday. Scout was still feeling a little under the weather after his bout with Giardia. Their goal was to try and maintain about 15 miles a day, but they decided to call it after 13.5 miles.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: Rattlesnake Spring campsite mile 1306.9

To: Stealth Camp mile 1323.7
Miles today: 16.8

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Tumbles has upped her Bear sightings to 16 bears after coming across a momma bear with her two cubs. Tumbles backed down the hill and waited for Scout to come along before moving up the Trail. Momma bear was gone. Off and on there has been plenty of rain. Since they are headed to Maine, it is only fair to say that they are having plenty of rain and pain. Tumbles said she had a blister that developed from hiking in wet boots and it popped. After four months of hiking and over 1300 miles they are still dealing with the basics. Both Scout and Tumbles are needing to replace their boots. We had anticipated that they would, after getting done with Rocksylvania. Since getting to an REI from the Trail proves challenging, they are looking at other options. With the miles today, it brings their New Jersey daily average to 15 miles a day.
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Stealth Camp mile 1323.7

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:On a sad note, Tumbles broke her Teva sandels today. When it rains and her boots get wet, she likes to put her sandels on and let her feet and boots air out. She has mentioned that she wants to change her Super Feet insoles out. I had not realized that both Scout and Tumbles are using their origional Super Feet! When they replaced their boots in Virginia, they did not change the insoles. So, I think if you are on the fence, those Super Feet might be worth the cost. Both Scout and Tumbles have holes in their boots, but they are going to try and get another 100 miles out of them.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Stealth Camp mile 1367.1
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles decided to get up early, waking by 5 am and hitting the Trail. Tumbles was having a lot of trouble with her feet and decided she really needed to replace her Super Feet insoles. When they got to Barrett Rd, there were some day hikers headed into town that dropped them off at Sneakers to Boots in New Milford, NY. Tumbles replaced her insoles and they did a few things in town and started walking back to the Trail. Since it is apparently illegal to hitch hike in New York, they figured they would have to walk the 2 miles back to the Trail. As they walked down the road, a lady carrying in her groceries asked if they wanted a ride! Trail Angels twice in a day. Tumbles wanted to hike to the NJ/NY line so they did that, but had to hike back a little to set up camp. As it was getting dark, they heard someone yelling for help. They found a guy who appaerently had been day hiking with no water, food, or light source. His friend was somewhere in the area. Tumbles gave him some water, and food. Then they figured out where he needed to go. I think they were able to call his friend. Since it was dark, they gave him one of their flashlights and sent him on his way.Later in the evening, around 11 pm, the couple they were sharing camp with decided to get in a knock down drag out fight. At first Tumbles just yelled over for them to be quite and get some sleep, but when things started flying and it began to sound physical, Scout got up to stand gaurd while Tumbles packed their stuff. When they called us, I advised them to call the Sheriff, since it was an obvious domestic issue, and get their stuff packed. While they got ready to leave, the woman left camp. As Scout and Tumbles started to walk out, the man decided he had to plead his case with them, and started following them explaining why it was all the womans fault. They finally dropped him, and made their way past Prospect Rock in the dark. They found a place to camp at Furnace Brook and finally went back to sleep at about 2 am. Interesting start to New York. Tumbles said that she had talked with the woman earlier in the evening. She did half the Trail last year and is doing the second half this year. We wish her luck. Needless to say, Icecube was worried sick all night about Scout and Tumbles. I tried to explain that they are Thru hikers, the best of the best, and they would be fine hiking into the darkness. Not sure I helped.
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Stealth Camp mile 1367.1

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: few clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles got off to a slow start this morning. Both are sad that one of their friends, Wild, of the Wild Boys hiking team is heading home. It appears to be a money thing for him. Boys is staying on the Trail and is talking about hiking with Scout and Tumbles, for a new team called Boy Scout Tumbles, hehe. The hikers stopped at the ice cream stand and relaxed for a while, letting devices charge and harassing non-hikers... No kidding, while Tumbles was on the phone with me, a poor lady dropped her Ice Cream! Tumbles yells, 'It's still good! Just grab it and wipe the dirt off. If you don't want it, we'll take it.' So, that's how you Yogi something, hmmm. What is this Trail teaching these guys, lol. They decided to hike to Wildcat Shelter, in Honor of SoBo hiker Wildcat, who they hope to see soon. Wildcat keeps a Journal on here too. They met him in Maryville, TN where he works at Little River Trading Co. Really good guy. Since they were tired anyway, they stopped. They seem to be loving life, but now I worry about how they will react when they get home and have to get back in the Grind. Thanks for following!
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So you pack up your gear, grab your big brother and go for a hike, to date spending over 4 months in the woods. The last thing you want to deal with is a strange guy that keeps showing up and bugging you because you just happened to set up camp in the same spot that he decided to get silly on his Girlfriend (not really sure on the relationship). Yes, the crazy, angry guy from the other night has managed to show up again on the Trail, and he feels like he needs to convince Scout and Tumbles that he is a good guy, and did not do anything. He calls himself Pac Man or Tony. The other night he followed the intrepid Thru hiking duo into the dark pleading his case. Scout tells me that he even accused Scout of wanting to cause some harm to the lady, M A. Like him throwing her gear into the woods and even appearing to get physically abusive, and for sure, verbally abusive, was not a Threat to her? Scout finally told him that he is an Eagle Scout and a man of honor. He had to tell the guy that he needed to leave them alone now. I suspect that by him following Scout and Tumbles, that gave her time to come out of her hiding spot in the woods and get to a safe spot. To have to deal with drama not even your own can be very frustrating, let alone add that to the Thru hike. Just sucks.Meanwhile,Scout and Tumbles hiked through the Lemon Squeezer and some other awesome terrain. Slow going to be sure. They did come across Trail Magic by Padre a former Thru Hiker.
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Stealth Camp mile 1389.3

To: Hemlock Springs mile 1405.8
Miles today: 16.5

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:On the way out of camp Scout and Tumbles ran across another Park Ranger. In the course of the conversation, the Ranger realized who they were and advised that she needed additional info to complete the report the other guy submitted last night. Once they got done, they pushed on. Sadly, they missed the Zoo by 10 minutes! Seems like the real trail should never be closed. They had to blue blaze around the Zoo. This is only the second deviation from the Trail. Back in Southern Virginia, the Trail was flooded in a section and they Blue Blazed about a mile. Tumbles was very disappointed, the Zoo was on her list of things she wanted to see. I bet her perspective will be different now that she has seen so many of those creatures free, in the Wild.They hiked into Hemlock Springs campsite, and relaxed out the evening. These last few days have really brought their moral down. The most awesome thing is that they both encourage each other. Tumbles tends to be so positive, and this really helps.On a side note, I will now be updating the Journal with some degree of lag. Now that there may be a pissed off guy out there that does not like Scout and Tumbles. I have heard from other hikers in that area that have seen Pack Man, and he is still looking for the lady. She has been in our prayers. I would love to see all the hikers shrug it off and enjoy their journey. Thank you for following.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: Hemlock Springs mile 1405.8

To: Stealth Camp mile 1419.7
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Hikers are doing well. They say with the heat and humidity it is hard to want to hike during the mid day hours. Their shoes are just about done. Tumbles says hers are really hurting her feet. This is the time for digging deep and refocusing on the end goal. They hope to replace shoes in a few days in Connecticut.
Date: 2015-07-24
From: Stealth Camp mile 1419.7

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Still dragging, but hope to be out of New York soon. The heat has been getting unbearable. Tumbles broke her Teva's beyond repair, and her boots make her feet go numb. Time to replace the shoes. Will start making plans for that. Still on the journey.
Date: 2015-07-25
From: RPH Shelter

To: Nursery Camp mile 1448.7 AT Rail Station
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Regardless of the heat, Scout and Tumbles pushed to the AT Rail Station. There is a site to camp at the Nursery beside the tracks. Trains all hours of the day and night.