morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Holy Family Catholic Hostel-Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Left the Holy Family Catholic hostel early. I was up and out by 8am for about a 20 miler today.It's a 1 HOUR walk back to where the AT starts with a good climb out of town.Stopped off at the P.O. in Pearisburg to mail my journal pages to SILVER FOX.I've got 5 days worth of food so the pack is feeling a little heavy.Today I made it to Pine Swamp Shelter. Also here tonight are COOL TOOL; WALLEYE; NO POINT; RED MAN; CAT MAN and NAP TIME. The shelter has a fire place so that makes it nice and cozy in here. They were calling for thunder storms today but we did not get them. So probably the storms will arrive in the next few days. Today the hike was so beautiful with lots of spring flowers blooming. I walked through several old apple and cherry orchards which were also in full bloom. I'll most likely stay in shelters instead of under my tarp since these thunder storms are probably going to dump some good amounts of rain.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Today, Sunday, I was on the trail by 8:00am. Not an early start for the planned 18.5 mile day to get to Laurel Creek Shelter. The hike started out easy and then the trail turned into miles of loose rock that I took great care to cross slowly. I really would hate to twist or sprain my ankle. About noon I met a section hiker, Bart, when told me he was a new dad. They had twin boys 12 weeks ago and this was a short get away for him until back to fathering.There's a major design flaw on these new trail shoes I got. Where the rubber sole comes up over the front toes - there is too much of a bump. That rubber toe "bumper" catches on rocks and roots and several times has tripped me up and landed me on my knees. :QNOT good!!Later in the day I nearly stepped on a snake slithering across the trail. This snake actually came at me instead of fleeing! I was told later the Copperheads do not have the yellow marking like this snake had on it's scales.WHEW!!I got into Laurel Creek Shelter about 6PM more tired the I usually would be since the last several miles were a very long climb.
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: light rain

Today was a very good day. Put in 22.5 miles. Staying here tonight in the Pickle Branch Shelter is the same group of hikers as last night. There was a good heavy rain while I was up on a ridge. The weather report is calling for a low of 30 degrees in the morning with this cold front that's moved in. I am really looking forward to a shower when I get in to Troutville, VA. Not sure where I'll stay when I get there. Possibly I can share a room with someone.I enjoy listening to music in the evening.
Date: 2010-04-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just got a very short call from Frost due to very low cell phone battery. Spent the last few nights in shelters after leaving Pearisburg because of all the rain. Did not mention the location of which ones. Will post those later. Frost sounded up beat as always and was happy to hear my report that the weather there should be improving with clearing and warmer temps.in the forecast. He was nearing Dragon's Tooth(690.9 miles from Springer) and Devils Seat(692.1) this morning. Hopes to share a motel stay in Troutville, VA 1.5 days or 30 some miles away where he'll resupply, shower, do laundry and recharge himself and batteries.Monday he received some trail magic from several Virginia PolyTech University students he met who were out on a day hike. They gave Frost 1/2 loaf of French bread, jar of Nutella, mochi(rice) candy, ginger candy, and 6 chocolate chip cookies!! AWESOME!! To the surprise and delight of the hikers in the shelter last night he shared the trail magic goodies. Just passin' on the magic!
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night was pretty chilly. Temperature dropped into the high 30s. Regardless, I was warm in my summer bag. I got an early start this morning walking in the dark with my headlamp. The scenery was awesome today. Amazing geology of the uplifted Appalachian Mountains. The Tinker Cliffs are a sight to behold!Tonight I'm sharing a room with BIG RED at HoJos. BIG RED is from Mempis, TN.Really nice to get a good hot shower and cleaned up. Got in to Daleville before noon. It was great have the afternoon to rest and watch TV. Ate a big salad. It's like my body was craving veggies.Called Silver Fox. It was good to talk and catch up with each. She'll be going to THE COPPER HOG for a kick off party for May's National Bike to Work and SchoolMonth. I had a small twinge of "wish I was there too" for that party with allour biking friends.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Highcock Knob

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a long hard day with the heat, humidity and bugs. There was a breeze so I think that helped keep the bugs at bay. The walk today was nearly 20 miles to Punch Bowl Shelter. However, I prefer to not sleep in the shelters because there are so many hungry mice in them. I really enjoy setting up my tarp. But tonight the sky is clear so I'm going to sleep out under the stars.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Bald Knob camp site
Miles today: 14.1

WOW!! Today I have reached 800 miles from my start in GA on Springer Mtn. Now that's a milestone!! Headed out early this morning with the plan to hitch hike the 9 miles west into Buena Vista, VA when I got to US60. It was good I got the early start. When I got to US60 I walked & walked & walked with my thumb out. Logging truck were barreling past and no one was stopping. Just when I began to think this idea to hitch hike into Buena Vista was a mistake a slick car pulled up and stopped in the middle of the highway lane along side of me!! The man at the wheel popped his trunk and told me to put my backpack in there. But first I suggested he better pull off this highway onto the shoulder of US60. I did not want any vehicle to come around the bend and find us in it's path!!!This man was very kind. He was a Baptist pastor. I apologized to him for my pungent BO. He said, "That's ok, but turned the A/C on full blast He drove me all the way into town and then across town to the grocery store. Went more then the 2nd mile for me. God bless him!Getting back to the trail started out the same. No one was stopping, until I decided to head for a late lunch at a SUBWAY I saw up ahead. That's when this guy pulled over and told me to hop in. He wore suspenders, a straw hat and had a beard. When I told him he looks just like an Amish man he said he wears suspenders to keep his pants up and that he's a Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Not EVEN remotely Amish. He could only take me a couple miles, and that was fine. No sooner had I walked a bit down US60 -when a Penske moving truck pulled over. I was really surprised this truck driver would stop to pick up a hitch hiker. He said he really wants to hike the AT too and wanted to hear all about it. Nice guy. His truck was full of art work he was delivering to an art gallery. He dropped me off back at the trail. Turned out to be a great day meeting 3 nice men from different walks of life. I hiked just a couple miles up the trail to Bald Knob. Set up my tarp.Tried to call Silver Fox and was surprised to get through this time. She was excited for the arrival of her mom Tuesday afternoon. Mom is flying into SeaTac from PA with a family friend to help with her cross country flights.I'm enjoying the beauty of all the rhodies and azaleas in colorful and brilliant bloom at this camp site and all along the trail these days.What I'm NOT enjoying is the increase of bugs. I actually had a horse fly follow me for about 1 mile until I was able to terminate him. I let him land on me and just as he began to bite - WHACK!! I am going to have to get some bug spray, hat with netting AND netting for inside my tarp at night - SOON. Amazingly I have not seen any mosquitoes - YET! But I know this bug thing will get 1,000x worse as I head north.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Bald Knob camp site

To: Montebello, VA (Dutch Haus B&B)
Miles today: 14.0

Slept real well last night, but feeling like I need some R&R. The plan today is hike to Montebello and stay at the Dutch Haus B&B. That will be 14 miles plus the extra 2 miles to walk to the B&B. I almost changed my mind about coming here today. I'm really glad that I decidedto treat myself. It's a very nice place to relax, recharge and clean up. Also here tonight is OOPS and a southbounder.Just noticed today that the hip belt on my new back pack is starting to rip out of the seam. REI is very good about their product and will mail me a new backpack to Harpers Ferry. I will also order a bug net bivy from Mountain Laurel Designs. I had planned to buy one at an outfitters on the trail but have not seen any yet. Also was hoping to see what other hikers are using and like. However, not many hikers are using tarps. Sure hope I can make it to Harpers Ferry without a bug bivy. Bugs are starting to show up by the 1,000s!! Still have not see mosquitoes, only black flies which do bite.Next destination is Waynesboro - about 39 miles.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Montebello, VA (Dutch Haus B&B)

To: Hanging Rock
Miles today: 16.3

Today I made it as far as Hanging Rock - 830.3 m.m. I was planning to make it to a shelter but could not pass up this great view from Hanging Rock. I'm on a rock ledge in a small rocky crevice which is just big enough for my sleeping bag and me. The sun is setting soon at 7:45PM. A good stiff breeze is blowing up the cliff and all the hawks I saw earlier must have settled in to sleep for the night. Today I met only one other hike - WAIT & SEE. He's heading into Waynesboro tomorrow too.I need to get some bug net or see what I can find. Today I thinking of all my friends at Merrill Gardens. Silver Fox sent the cardyou all signed. I read it again and plan to carry it with me all the way to Mount Katahdin, Maine. I think of you all. You are all very special. Cathi, give my greetings to all who remember me. Also a special "HI" to Pat Anderson, Peggy French and Norma Armstrong. Hope you all are doing well.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Hanging Rock

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

Long hike plan today. It was a 25 miler all the Waynesboro, VA. However, at about 20 miles I ran out of gas. I'm at the Paul C. Wolfe Shelter. It's a very nice one next to a stream and a waterfall. The past few days have been hard hiking for me.First there was Three Ridges Mt. followed by Humpback Mt. These all have taken there toll on me. So here I am, just short of Waynesboro by about 5 miles.The bugs are certainly on the war path. I must get a net ASAP.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy and short 5 mile walk into Waynesboro, VA. Schlep and I were able to catch a ride with a trail angel(Wayne. He was very nice and really made us feel welcome. Spent the day looking for bug net, shopping for more food, trying to get photos onto this TJ - still no luck there. Went out to eat at an all you can eat Chinese buffet which was very tastey.                                             Before setting up my tarp I gave Silver Fox a call. Her mom is visiting from PA for a week.I'm at a park which is next to the YMCA in Waynesboro, VA. Also staying here is ANTWAN; SUGARBUSH; DETHMARCH and SCHLEP. Tomorrow I'll head out into the Shenandoah National Park which is about 103 miles long and will take me about 5 days to walk through. We are expecting rain in a few days.Good news: I found a suitable bug net for my tarp. It's late - 10:30PM, time to get some sleep.
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Turk Mountain 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke at 6:00 AM and got packed up quickly. Walked to the grocery store for breakfast-egg biscuit for 99 cents. I put my 5 days worth of food bag on the produce scales. It weighed in at 14.5 pounds (3 lbs/day) It feels like a crazy amount of food, but not doubt I'll eat every scrap of it!I got a larger memory card for my camera, but still have had no success in getting them onto PICASA or on to here, TJ. I'll just have to figure it outat the end--unless someone out there has some tips on what to do.It's back to my walk in the woods. I'm hoping for at least 10 miles today.Got a good walk in today to Turk Mtn Trail.Pitched my tarp tonight in a very rocky ridge spot behind a row of trees for a windbreak. I expect there will be rain tonight. I'm in my bag under a tarp ready to listen to PRAIRIE HOME COMPANIONwith Garrison Keeler on NPR.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Turk Mountain 

To: Pinefield shelter
Miles today: 23.0

It was cold today but no rain ever came down. It's 8:45 PM and dark. I've stopped 1 mile south of Pinefield shelter. I'm tuckered out. The tarp site is not very good. It's facing into the wind and there is no wind break and I'm too tired to move camp. Glad I still have my down vest.
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Pinefield shelter

To: Bearfence Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 21.6

Today I walked 21.6 miles to Bearfence Mtn shelter bringing me to 906.9 miles along on this here Appalachian Trail Adventure!!Also here tonight is Ken who started hiking the AT shortly after me.Yesterday I met HUCKFIN & DOG BLUE.All very nice guys.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Bearfence Mtn Shelter

To: Byrds Nest #3 Shelter
Miles today: 22.4

Byrds Nest #3 shelter is huge. It was built by the WPA in 1964. I pulled in here rather late after a 22.4 mile day. I was thrilled to find a great fire made by Dimitri, from Russia. I was so glad for the warmth. Also here is Ken.
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Byrds Nest #3 Shelter

To: Gravel Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.5

It rained most of the night last night. Today I'm headed for Gravel Spring Shelter which will be about a 17 mile day. Everything is wet, sticky and stinky.I've not had a shower since Montebello and that was 132 miles back!! I must be smelling rather ripe!Today it was raining with lots of thunder and lightning and that is not much fun to hike in. The average temperature has dropped the past few days. However, after hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains and all THAT cold and snow this I can handle.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Gravel Spring Shelter

To: Terapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 13.4

This morning I was a bit slow in getting up and going. It was only a 13.4 mile day to get to Front Royal, VA. I'm staying at the Terapin Station Hostel tonight. It felt so good to get all cleaned up, showered and warmed up too. I'm here with 10 other hikers. We are talking about going out for an $8.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT buffet.YUM!Harpers Ferry is about 54 more miles. That will be grand to get there.
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Terapin Station Hostel

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a late start today after a welcome rest at the Terrapin Hostel. I went into the town of Front Royal via the free shuttle with Ken and Tucan. With the late start getting back on the trail I thought I'd only do a 10 miler. However I felt so energized that I and the others also did 15 miles here to Dick's Dome shelter.I met Ronnie here. a friend of BLOODHOUND. Tonight I did not feel like cooking.Had a meal of fresh baked bread and cheese I had bought in Front Royal.Thinking of doing a long hike tomorrow--all the way to the Blackburn AT Center.That will be a 27 mile day. Time to sleep...
Date: 2010-05-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've not heard from FROST since last Thursday, May 11 when he was at Byrds Nest #3 Shelter near Luray, VA. That was at the 929.3m.m. He was at the shelter with 2 hikers - Ken from NC and Dimitri from Russia. I guesstimate he is nearing the psychological halfway point of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.Frost had his first bear sighting.Today is my(SILVER FOX) birthday so I sure do hope to get a call from FROST.More posts coming when I get FROST'S next mailing of journal entries.Sorry there have been no more photos added. FROST just has not had any luck with doing that for various reasons. Below are some other hikers who have great photos BEN BENVIE aka ROOSTER or just GOOGLE benbenvieblog.comBen is a professional photographer. His photos are amazing!alsoKING has consistently added great photos too.Silver Fox, for FROST
Date: 2010-05-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

YEE HAA!! FROST just called-my best birthday present yet today!! I certainly did not expect it to be him calling since it was 8PM here in WA state and 11PM on the AT, which is way past hiker midnight!He put in his longest mileage day so far - 27 miles! Up and on the trail early with the intention of making it all the way to the Blackburn AT Center which is a Potomac AT Club facility -- 0.3 mile off the trail. FROST said it was getting dark and past 8:30 PM. Also his water was all gone. He could not find the trail on the right that should lead down to the center. So he figured he had missed the turn off in the dark and decided he better start looking for a site to cowboy camp. Feeling a bit disappointed that he had missed the turn off and had run out of water.When suddenly his head lamp lit up a sign post. There it was! the sign pointing to the Blackburn AT Center!!What happened next to FROST was like a dream. As he headed down the steep switchbacks he was just hoping to find a nice spot at the Blackburn Center to set up his tarp and get some water to cook his pasta trail dinner. He walked up to the main center building and opened the door. The conference room was full of about 50 people. He stood there a moment, then someone invited him to come on in. FROST says, "I'm not sure what to do, I'm an AT thru-hiker. What's this group?" Next thing some of the people were telling him all about their club. It was a potluck gathering of a Gourmet Vegetarian Club having an amazing feast!!!! They told FROST there's so much food here just help yourself to whatever you would like to try. He could not believe it!! This amazing generosity and huge spread of vegetarian food, French wine AND desserts, when just a bit earlier he thought he was going to be cowboy camping with no water until tomorrow. Suddenly, here he was enjoying all this fabulous food and wine!! WOW!! When he called he was all finished eating and ready to go to sleep. The Blackburn Center has a screened in front porch where they said he could sleep.Tomorrow, May 16 FROST will do a 13 mile day which will bring him into Harpers Ferry.He has several packages at the P.O.--REI sent a replacement backpack. The hip belt/strap is tearing out of the one he has now. Also an early birthday package from me. FROST will be 52 on JUNE 1. Then we lost cell phone connection. So I can only imagine FROST is sound asleep by now with a full and satisfied tummy!OH - I almost forgot. Today he passed the 1,000 mile marker -YEE HAA again!!Nearly halfway to the goal of Mount Katahdin, Maine. What a great way to celebrate that milestone with a GOURMET VEGETARIAN POTLUCK FEAST.Silver Fox on behalf of FROST
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Headed out this morning about 8:00 with the hopes of getting to the Blackburn AT Center. Today there was a section of trail called the ROLLERCOASTER - up & down, up & down, up & down....That stretch went ok. On the way I met a couple and their cute little daughter. They were the caretakers of The Bears Den Center, a hostel owned by the ATC and operated by the PACT. Later in the day I did stop off at The Bears Den hostel to return the little girls unique and colorful mitten which I found laying on the trail. The dad had hiked back several miles looking for it and the daughter was so happy to have her mitten found and returned.Here's Alan's story of the rest of that day:It was about 5:00 pm when I headed off again for the Blackburn Center which was approx. 8 more miles. I walked until dark and thought I'd missed the trail turn off to the Blackburn Center, so I was making plans to cowboy camp, but at this point I was so thirsty and had run out of water and there were no springs near.Felt beat and it was totally dark by now. That was when I found the trail and walked down the .2 mile switchback trail to the Blackburn AT Center. I went up to the main building, opened the door and looked in. The room was full of people who were eating, laughing, playing music and having an all around good time. A very nice woman noticed me at the door and asked if I was a thru-hiker and if I was hungry. I told her "YES" to both questions. It turned out this group was a club called DC VEGETARIANS. She told me they needed help eating all the great food. I was so glad to help with that! Everything was gourmet and the party lasted until 2:00 in the morning. They said I was welcome to sleep on the screened in porch which I did, and very soundly with my full tummy.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry, WV-Towns Inn Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Into Harpers Ferry, WV today. Here I'll get ready for the next section of this AT adventure. Its 11:00pm. I've had a good hot shower here at the Towns Inn Hostel.Met up with KEN & BLOODHOUND. Also LIKELY a flipflop hiker is here. In the morning I need to get to the PO to pick up some packages, so staying outside of town was just no very convenient.Today I hiked around town checking out the historic sites. Went to the ATC to register and get my photo taken - I'm 2010 thru hiker #72 -- out of the 100s that are currently on the AT this year.
Date: 2010-05-17
To: Harpers Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Adding to Frost's journal. Woke this morning and made pancakes for several other hikers here at the hostel in Harpers Ferry, WV. Then got to the PO to pick up my new backpack and mail back my current one. The hip belt was tearing out. I also sent home a shirt and my winter vest. Guess I'll not need that for a few months. Silver Fox also had a package sent here for me with more vitamins, chocolate and a birthday card.Plus I had a package from GoLite with new shorts. They are perfect! I'm very happy with the style, fit and 3 pockets.YEAH!! I spent a good deal of time walking around Harpers Ferry. It's a very historically interesting place. Tomorrow morning I'll head on up to Green Briar State Park crossing another state line from WV into Maryland. I've passed through 5 states and have 9 more states to go.FROST just called. HOORAY!! He's reached the psychological 1/2 way point.He's taking 2 zero days in Harpers Ferry, WV after he rolled into town May 16, Sunday afternoon. Got up and off to the post office first errand of the day to pick up mail drops of a new backpack, new shorts and a birthday package from SILVER FOX.Also needed to get more minutes added to his TracFone.It's a stretch of rainy and chilly weather they are having there.Frost plans to get an early start tomorrow, May 18 to do a 23 mile day. The plan is to make it all the way to the footbridge where the A.T. crosses over Interstate 70 about 12 miles east of Hagerstown, Maryland. However, he does not want to hurry because the trail has turned rocky and with the rain it's been slippery too! Silver Fox's uncle Lester and aunt Estherwill be picking FROST up and taking him to their home. Uncle Clair and aunt Lois are also planning to visit FROST while he's there. I'm happy he can spend a day or 2 with my Miller family relatives.