morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice easy day. Lots of birds out singing, chipmunks and squirrels running all over the forest floor and making all kinds of noise like kids on a play ground. I finally got an eyeful of bears today. About 30 meters in front of me in a forest meadow I see a black streak moving perpendicular to my advance. In fact at first I thought it was a dog, kinda Labrador-ish. Then as the animal hit the actual trail I was walking, this part being about three feet wide, I got a good view of a black bear and three little cubs. Now I had stopped when I first saw the movement, mere seconds mind you, and the four moved by at pace and did not even notice me. But for that few split seconds I was amazed, bewildered and in awe, in quick succession. Very special, kinda scary, seriously cool. I was giddy after the brief encounter and talked to myself saying...did you see that? The Trail is pretty much the same over the last few days, easy ups and gentle downs and lots of ridge walking. My last two stops have been without internet access. Ironically there has been plenty of free wi-fi, but I am sans laptop. My Pocketmail device does ok for journal entries and that is the extent if it. I'm not able to send via my cell phone for whatever reason so that is why the blog goes dry for a while. I'm feeling good and the miles are adding up just nicely. I won't tell you any boring stuff about my aches and pains because it is a constant I've learned to put out of my mind while hiking, its just when I stop that I've got to work on...MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Memorial Day Bonanza-Day Family Barn
Miles today: 20.0

Woke up early and planned to head for Sarver Shelter which stood 23 miles away. There were two other shelters along the way and at War Spur there were five other hikers buzzing about a Memorial Day Feast put on by students from Craig County High School at Level Creek Church from noon till dark (the flyer advertised everything possible to eat-pure motivation). We all agreed at 2pm to make a dash for it-8 miles. For me I'm good for two miles an hour and it was gonna be close as there were two good ups to clear plus the dreaded end of day miles. Well about three miles from the objective the heavens opened up and dropped some much needed rain and slowed me down as I was on the downhill leg. I made it at 1800-incredible time really (2nd to last). And oh boy was the feed everything and more. I started out with two glasses of ice cold milk followed by chicken chowder, then a massive made to order ham sandwich and veg, finished off with an ice cream sandwich. I could not consume another bite. This year 21 thru-hikers made the stop, which was conveniently just off the trail, compared to more than double that last year.The rain had let off but was now back and the Day family offered us their barn for the night which is where I'm writing this journal entry. The two story barn is quite old and no longer used for hay or livestock, perfect for several hikers. To top it off the family even offered to wash and dry our wet clothes. Many thanks to all the family's who took the time to welcome and feed us. God Bless America!
Date: 2007-05-29
From: Memorial Day Bonanza-Day Family Barn

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out fairly early from the barn after eating leftovers from yesterday¢s feast. Nice day if not a bit too humid. While walking down to Va. 630 to rejoin the trail, I opined out loud all we need now is a girl my Lord in a flatbed ford, well the darnedest things happen and she came along and we jumped in the back. It was a lasting impression as we jumped out and she shouted out, be safe ya'll. The gang of five I had loosely been walking with over the last two days decided to hold up at Niday shelter (11 miles in) to avoid the coming rain and rest from lots of miles. I pushed on alone and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. It was a long climb up to the Audie Murphy Monument (he was the most decorated American soldier from WWII-and his plane had crashed near the site) and then a long was down to Trout Creek-1,540 to 3100 and back down to 1525.The thunder rumbled through the night but no rain and I'm off again. Mike Cloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Daleville, VA

To: Hagerstown, Maryland
Miles today: 0.0

My Blues Brother Jeff picked me up and drove us north to the Western Maryland Blues Fest {www.blues-fest.org} and what a night. We were guests of Walter Trout and got backstage passes, food and liquid refreshments. Nora Jean Brusco came out and ripped up the stage and got the crowd up and moving. Walter and the boys were just turning on the fire when the concert was called off due to lightening and imminent rain after only 30 minutes, and boy did it rain. Jeff and I were willingly pressed into roadie service and helped breakdown the equipment and get everything off the stage. We happily walked back a mile, yep a whole mile, to the hotel in the rain and to a good nights sleep. Now its back to the Trail...
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Cold Mountain
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got into a great groove today and was really pumping like a machine. Got a good signal on the cell and was able to speak to three of my children and all is seemingly right in the world.All in all great day on the Trail and looking forward to visiting the Dutch Haus for some fabled home cooking, a good rest and to pick up my newest replacement pack as the Vapor I'm currently lugging around is coming apart at the seams. Will cross the 800 mile mark tomorrow. N.B., Boot Drama resolved .
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Cold Mountain

To: Fish Hatchery Rd, Montebello, Va
Miles today: 12.5

Easy day. Missed lunch at the Dutch Haus by 20 minutes... Lois and Earl feed thru-hikers lunch everyday for free (April-July). Bad news is my replacement pack from REI has not arrived. I'll take the slack pack route until it arrives. I'm sleeping in a very nice bunk house with four others--JP, Mr. Hawaii, Bad Influence and Mr. Wagos.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Fish Hatchery Rd, Montebello, Va

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 20.0

Great nights sleep and big breakfast. In the back of the pickup with Mr. Wagos and Scholar to slack from Reeds Gap back to Montebello. Get this,I only carried water, lunch and a few snacks. It was a liberating feeling and all three of us hiked with the wind getting up to heady speeds of over 3 mph. The Priest massif, at 4,063, was our challenge for the day and I must admit the most enjoyable climb to date. Funny how well the hiking goes with no load on the legs and back. Back to the Dutch Haus for a shower and massive dinner. Got my pack and replacement rain jacket, I had managed to break the zipper. BTW...the Dutch Haus has a weighing scale, remember I stated off in Georgia at 236, and today...a staggering 210. I spent the rest of the night reading a loaner book from Scholar, New and Selected Poems (Vol. 1) by Mary Oliver. Yes I know, it's getting a bit scary now...
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Reeds Gap

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

Another day of slack packing with Mr. Wagos and Scholar. Started at Reeds Gap again and headed towards Waynesboro. At Dripping Rock we came off the AT and decided to walk the rest of the way on the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the views and sunshine. It was a wonderful day of stunning views one would not normally see on the Trail. I'm gonna seriously chow down on some Mexican food tonight...
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro VA

To: Waynesbo Zero
Miles today: 0.0

Day to refit, refresh and wait for the Post Office to open tomorrow to pick up my boots. The weld on my 848 mile Meidl boots is coming apart and time to pull on some new ones. I was also lucky enough to find a pair of Montrail size 15 trail shoes. They are basically high tech sneakers and they are really light. I hope they work well on the trail.On the funny side of Trail life--Three young white boys and a girl (early teens) walking on the opposite side of the street as I was leaving the Mexican restaurant I had dinner at yelled out a greeting, "hey dawg, nice socks". Referring to my lack of tan from my shins down.I could only laugh and keep on walking...
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Byrd's Nest

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

When it stopped raining, it was very cool and misty for the rest of the night along with a very heavy dew. It fact, I must admit it was bordering on cold. The day started a bit overcast, very damp and pungent. I looked over my AT Thru-Hikers Companion book and ascertained the elevation was fairly even to Front Royal and decided to make a shot at it. The Shenandoah National Park is very nice and easy to move though very quickly. However it takes a toll nonetheless on the feet and joints and the pounding is still resonating throughout this body of mine. From the book the elevation to Harpers Ferry is also fairly flat and I'm gonna shoot to make it in two days--that's a mere 53 miles...
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Front Royal

To: Just off Hwy 50, Behind the Barndoor BBQ
Miles today: 20.0

I had a great easy day hiking on mostly flat Trail today. It threatened high heat but the tree canope provided great cover overhead. Saw lots of deer and rabbits out and about. When I got to the hwy crossing at US 50 there was a sign indicating .8 mile to the Barndoor BBQ, which called my name. I walked the distance and had the Barndoor sampler which consisted of 1/4 chicken, ribs, BBQ sandwich, slaw and potato salad. Not to mention the barley and hops liquid refreshment. Another hiker, 501, from Boston--who I met earlier in the day--made the trek just behind me. We settled in for a great chow down. There was 4.5 miles to our evening destination of Rod Hollow Shelter, but we asked if we could camp on the premises and was given the ok to go behind the restaurant and settle down on some vacant building plots. We set up in no time and got busy making zzzz's. Good night all.NB-The inevitable call of nature had me up around 02ish. I was greeted by what seemed like thousands of lightening bugs doing their thing. As there was no moon, it was pitch black, and I was transported to another world. Eat your heart out Dr. Stephen Hawking. On top of that some feral cats decided to have a throw down around zero dark thirty and I thought saber tooth tigers were on the rampage. It was also one of the loudest dawn chorus' to date along with a very heavy dew normally found in an open field...
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Fathers Day - Harper's Ferry, WV 

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The old town in HF is a lovely throwback to yesteryear. I first heard about Harpers Ferry at USMC Boot Camp during history lesson time. John Brown, an abolitionist, attempted to capture the town's arsenal as a staging point for a slave uprising that was put down by a then Col Robert E. Lee and a few Marines. The War Between the States started 16 months after Brown was hanged. This town saw lots of action during the War Between the States (i.e., The American Civil War)and changed hands between the sides a few times. Gen "Stonewall" Jackson is also credited with capturing an entire Union garrison of 12,500 troops (http://www.nps.gov/archive/hafe/jackson.htm). Most of the buildings are in great shape and there are some very nice shops. Wish I could say the same for the hotel I'm staying in. The Hilltop Hotel was opened in 1888 and overlooks the Shenandoah River. It obviously was a grand place in it's day, but sadly is run down and suffering from neglect. I went to ATC headquarters to sign in and have my photo taken for the Class of 2007 thru-hiker album, I was #323 this year. Numbers seem to be down according to the chart on the wall by almost half, and no one seems to have any idea why. I'm feeling a lot better and ready to start north through Maryland. Thanks for all the emails of support and donations for Orbis. I look forward to seeing my old friend Darren Sawyer next Saturday. Turn off the TV, get outside, enjoy the world and listen to the radio more.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Turners Gap
Miles today: 17.5

Great start to the day walking along the old (and very flat) C&O canal which mules used to tow barges along till 1924. It was also very nice to walk beside the Potomac River on the right in contrast to the stilted and neglected canal.The journey into Maryland was quite nice and easy but the heat and humidity made it's appearance with vigor. About 2pm-ish the rolling thunder of a storm started beating the drums. I decided it was not just a rain storm and wanted to get something over my head other than a tent. I grabbed by ATC guide and ascertained I was coming to a major intersection and would risk a hitch-hike. No need. John was picking up his wife Mary who was out for a day hike and asked if I needed a ride--what do you call lucky? No motels in the area but they live next to a newly opened hostel called the "Free State" hiker hostel. It is owned and operated by Ken (BonePac-06) and Jennel Berry (and the correct number is 301-824-2407) off Wolfsville Rd (at N mile 1040.1 and S mile 1133.9 according to the ATC). It is the perfect hostel. Connected to the house but walled off, it has a climate controlled bunk room that sleeps 17, free laundry, phone and internet access. Plus a sitting/game room, snacks and drinks. What else could one ask for? Oh yeah, John and Mary offered to give me a ride back to the Trail in the morning...Sweeeet.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Turners Gap, MD

To: MD17-Wolfsville RD, MD
Miles today: 13.5

Took an easy short day as my feet needed some recuperation. John, true to his word, came to the Free State Hostel and picked me up right on time. I went back to Turners Gap and walked to Wolfsville on an exquisitely easy and cool day. John offered to take me to dinner after my return. By the time I returned to Free State, 501 and Catchup had arrived. John and his family took all of us to AYCE at Golden Coral and then back to their house for a few cool ones and a bit 'o Jameson. Thank you very much!!! On to PA tomorrow.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: MD17-Wolfsville RD, MD

To: Near Ridge Rd, Pa
Miles today: 35.0

Today is supposed to be Naked Hiker Day, yet I've seen none, nor did I participate. I decided to challenge myself to get to the halfway point of 1087 miles--only 48 miles. Ten miles into the morning and upon leaving Maryland I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line line where some fine Trail Angel left a cooler of ice-cold soda, thank you!! Everything was in place to make my objective, however I was not counting on a late afternoon thunderstorm-which soaked me. I had just crossed into the Caledonia State Park (mile 30) and was in what I thought was a serious rocky area and slipped and hurt my right heel as I over stepped a rock and slid down way too quick and slammed into the ground in a kind of ugly split. I thought oh great I finally hit the infamous "Rocksylvania" and get hurt at the start. I managed to get my act together and move along gingerly. Much to my relief and embarrassment the rocky outcrop was just a short stretch of a few hundred feet, not the real deal rocks for days which starts in at Duncannon. Well I just could not shake the throbbing pain in my heel and gave up the search for the half way point at mile 35. Tomorrow is another chance to excel.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Near Ridge Rd, MD

To: Near Pine Grove Rd, Pa
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Really sore heel this morning. Beautiful temps and easy trail. There is no where to hide so I hobble through the pain after taking a few more ibuprofen (called vitamin I out here). I entered Pine Grove Furnace State Park which was a place that manufactured firearms during the Revolutionary War. It also has a general store with a grill (yep I wolfed two burgers) and the halfway marker. It's also the first opportunity to take part in the "half-gallon" challenge that celebrates the halfway point. This consists of eating a half gallon of ice cream as fast as you can--the record is currently 4 mins 14 secs. I passed due to my sensitive teeth (am I boring or what?). Mercifully the trail was quite flat and not too rocky, so I kept up the pace, albeit much slower.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Boiling Springs, Pa

To: Near Hawk Rock, PA
Miles today: 21.0

Great day off with the Sawyer Family along with the biggest & best breakfast I've had on the Trail! Thanks for having me in your home!! Got back to the AT with lots of energy. The afternoon was hot and I sweated like a bear in heat (I'm guessing here). I did my first hiking by headlight and half moon until I found a nice tent site. All is well and my heel is feeling better in spite of the rocks. Tomorrow more rocks. Night all.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Near Hawk Rock, PA

To: Near Yellow Springs Village Site
Miles today: 25.0

My heel came back on-line today and reported for full duty. Many thanks to the internal medical staff and backstage crew for covering heel during the injury. Great hiking day with a few rocky patches but mostly flat and fast. Not much wildlife showing itself and it got damn hot and humid in the afternoon. In the area where I stopped to camp there is a white mailbox. Initially I thought there must be a camera nearby recording what people do, or there could be one of those silly snakes that shoot out. It just had a notebook to sign. One of the stranger sites on the AT.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Near Yellow Springs Village Site

To: Near 501 Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: few clouds

Really tough hiking day in rock hell. It was hot and humid and my feet just got tore up. To top it off I was walking along trying to humor myself singing the old Frampton anthem "Show me the way" as I turn a forest corner and hear this deep growl, I admit that I let out a little surprise yelp. I do a quick scan and see no bear, but get the deep growl again. I look down and see a raccoon stressed out like a cat. This scares the shit out of me, and then I start laughing, but the raccoon is not amused. I try and shoo it off but it stands it's ground--it must be rabid. I pick up a branch and shake it a the damn thing (is this silly or what?) finally it turns around and walks off very slowly with attitude. Not more than an hour later a Wild Turkey all the sudden starts screeching and takes flight and goes crazy trying to fly out of the canopy, it took a few seconds for me to laugh.Then I was pestered by freaking gnats using my eyebrows for repelling ropes all day and just drove me crazy flying in and around my face in an aerial dance. They targeted my right eye and ear and just would not quit. Anyway my friends I'll stop whining and get some sleep. Oh yeah Katahdin is now less than a thousand miles away...Quote of the day about the rocks, "you've got to enjoy the pain."
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Near 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

One helluva hot and humid day, over 96 in the shade. I was speeding through the rocks when I must have lost concentration and rolled my right ankle. The rocks of Pa. claimed another victim. It was one of those all the lights came into my brain housing group and eyeball sockets--I let out one crazy rebel yell as I thought the POP was a break. Well I hopped around in the rocks like a crazy man and was waiting to fall down. I got my wits about me and figured the ankle was not broken, but it was throbbing like rail road tracks with lots of traffic. No one around and nowhere to hide, time to push on through. I looked at my guide book and Port Clinton was only four miles away, so I hobbled in. The decent to PC was fairly steep and it took what seemed like an eternity. Big disappointment to find the only hotel in PC closed. I stuck out the thumb and went to a strip mall town called Hamburg to a very pricey Microtel Inn (the guide sez 1 mile east which is BS as it must be almost 100! -ok I'm stretching it just a smidge...). I'm sitting here with the A/C on full and ice on the ankle. I'm also praying for rain and a quickly repaired ankle.MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Recovery (zero) Day, Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Well it stormed and dumped much need rain overnight and I was glad to be out of the woods (really). I was tempted to strike out this morning as it was nice and cool, but I tried the stairs here at the motel and the ankle (probably with heel in support) said not yet. So I headed to the post office in Port Clinton to return the not so great (at least for me) Montrail shoes to REI. When I was greeted with a stroke of luck as I ran into Catchup's husband Richard who is visiting her from New Hampshire and slacking her to Delaware Gap. He listened to my sad tale and offered the same service to get me over the next three days. Now that really takes a load off my mind, back and ankle and allows much needed extra recovery time without the stress of missing more days. He then took me to the post office and onto Cracker Barrel where I chowed down baby. I managed to obtain yet another pair of hiking shoes from Carbelas, a ankle high pair of New Balance that seem to be the just the ticket (and were half price as someone returned them with a bit of dirt on--what a deal!). I also purchased a 40 liter hydrosack to put inside my pack to keep everything dry. The pack cover just does not do the job when the rain falls in torrents. Plus it's a snap to pull everything out when a slack packing opportunity arises (BTW there are some out here and surely reading this who find the practice of slack packing repulsive and consider it a form of "cheating". Well I say phooey as I know how to be miserable and am out here to enjoy the journey and not to conform to somebody else's hiking code). Therefore giving you and empty pack to carry snacks, water and rain gear (I got that tip from a woman who thru-hiked a couple of years ago and said the hydrosack will come in handy fording rivers in New England). Well I've eaten loads of food, restocked my provisions, washed my clothes and iced the ankle to no end. My old shipmate Dave Manning did some detective work and tracked me down to the hotel and invited me to his house when I reach NY.Sadly I also got wind that 501 had to leave the trail with a kidney problem (blood in his urine) and wish him a speedy recovery! I will be taking it slow for the next few days to say the least.I'm thinking about a little Paul Simon ditty...I gotta get some diamonds on the soles of my shoes to help get rid of the walking blues...diamonds on the soles of my shoes, a-wha-a-wha.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Recovery (zero) Day, Hamburg, PA

To: Eckville Shelter, PA
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I learned today from my wife that David Bamber passed away suddenly, in his early twenties. David was a wonderful human and I enjoyed the short time I got to spend with him in our Scout troop. My deepest sympathies to the Babmer family.Easy hike, good weather and the ankle is mucho better. I set off from Port Clinton with Catchup, Silver, Spirit, Bonofied, Nitro and Ziplock at 0715 (with Richard (Catchup's hubby) and Ski-man (her brother) in support). The trail was very kind and while others complained I was smiling and happily putting miles behind me. The section took less than six hours (and I'm used to 12-15 hrs) so I got bored sitting around the camping area at Eckville when I know I've got more miles in me. I did finish reading "Are we Rome" and commend it if you like comparative history and analysis. The New Balance 851 boots are just great and I'm looking forward to putting the miles on them. Only 955 miles to go...