morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-15
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro 
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: few clouds

A deer walked into the campground this morning, a pleasant way to start the day.  Also, the streak of good (dry) weather enters its 3rd day. Weather can make or break a hike.  The trail into Waynesboro is relatively mild, though long.  It has Humpback Mountain to overcome, but the change in elevation pales to yesterday's climb of Three Ridges Mountain. Still, I find my legs resisting any climb, even little ones. But the draw of town is powerful.On my way I met a 57-year old trial lawyer who took a keen interest in my thru-hike efforts.  One pointed question of his left me speechless: what am I going to do when the hike is over.  Honestly, I don't know.  I can't imagine this hike ever being over. I arrived at Rockfish Gap about 5 p.m. and found posted a list of trail angels willing to shuttle a hiker into Waynesboro for free. Fortunately, I had cell service.  I chose one name almost at random, avoiding the first name on the list, thinking most people would pick that one. "Yellow Truck" was his name. To my surprise he said he'd pick me up in 10 minues.Meanwhile I bought a bag of kettle corn and a Dr. Pepper and waited.  A yellow truck pulled up next to the picnic table where I sat.  In a moment of brilliance I asked him, "Are you Yellow Truck?" "Yes," he said, "Hurry up."He was a crotchety old guy who took pride in his crotchetyness.  "You smell, you're ugly, and I don't want to know your trail name. All I want to know is where you are from and what you did for a living?"  I found him to be an absolute pleasure to chat with.  This is his 15th year shuttling hikers.  He was born in Manhattan, and he lived in NYC until he was 2 years old.  I asked him if his years in NYC were the reason for his caustic wit. He said undoubtedly. He drove me to the Super8 on the opposite side of town. After washing off the stink of the woods, I went to the Golden Corral, an AYCE, and managed to wolf down 4 plates of American cooking. I  plan to zero tomorrow before my next push -- Harper's Ferry!
Date: 2017-05-16
From: Waynesboro 

To: Waynesboro 
Miles today: 0.0

Waynesboro has a bus system that loops through town.  It costs only 50 cents to ride.  This was my means of reaching town center.  It should have been an uneventful trip. Unfortunately, at the bus stop where I was awaitng arrival of the 9:30 a.m. bus, a young man hopped up on meth stood beside me and attempted to converse with me.  He spoke gibberish, and I humored him. Then he caught a glimpse of my phone.  "Ooo," he said. "Let me see it." "No," I said, walking away to the bus that had just come to the stop. He soon followed onto the bus.  For the next 20 minutes, he lay across the back seats of the bus, rambling and moaning.  Needless to say, the tranquility of the ride was lost, and my opinion of this town, surrounded by such beautiful mountains on such a beautiful day, forever blemished.Notwithstanding, I completed my resupply, ate like a starving man, and rested my weary bones.  Tomorrow morning, I will take another free shuttle ride, provided by a trail angel, back to Rockfish Gap.  From there I push on to Harper's Ferry.  I feel as though I am on the cusp of being in the North.
Date: 2017-05-17
From: Waynesboro 

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Cindy "Miss Lady" Davis shuttled me back to the trailhead at Rockfish Gap early this morning.  Already inside her pickup truck sat LoTech and Attaboy.  I'd not seen LoTech since Damascus, and I was meeting Attaboy for the first time.  He was returning to the trail after being airlifted by helicopter from Siler Bald back in March.  We thanked Miss Lady for her kindness -- she shuttled us for free - and we were on our way.Within minutes we were in Shenandoah National Park (SNP),  walking near and often crossing Skyline Drive.  At the entrance, I self-registered for a backcountry permit.  Like the Smokies, the SNP has many regulations for thru-hikers to follow while passing through. My hike today is a long one, over 20 miles.  The huts in the SNP, which are called shelters elsewhere, are oddly spaced.  You must choose between one that is 12 miles into the park, making for a short day, or 20 miles.  Since the weather is sunny and warm, I'm just coming from town well fed and rested, and I feel good, I'm focused on the longer distance. The Shenandoahs are not flat.  I've encountered many ups and down, more ups today than downs.  But the climbs are not brutal.  This became a banner day -- I caught a glimpse of a bear in the late afternoon. It was on higher ground looking down on me.  I saw only its head; it had a light brown snout and dark ears.  When I stopped walking to get a better view, it turned and ran. Though I could no longer see it, I could hear its dashings through the woods, thankfully in a direction away from me.  So it is true, there are bears out here after all.  I will be sure to hang my food from now on, or for as long as I'm in the park.
Date: 2017-05-18
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a hot one today.  Though the hike was relatively short, just 13.2 miles, it was tough.  The heat of the day sucked the energy out of me. Temperatures were in the high 80s and low 90s. And the water sources along the way were far apart, 6 to 10 miles, and unpredictable - you could not be certain a spring was going to be flowing.  On top of being hot, I was thirsty much of the time. The Shenandoah National Park has a few Campstores and Waysides (grills and some groceries) in proximity of the trail. These were a handy source of food, so I did not have to carry more than a day's worth. At the Loft Mountain Campstore I picked up supplies and a half-pint of chocolate Hagen Daz. Two miles later I pulled into the Loft Mtn Wayside, where I bought one of their famous Blackberry milkshakes. So good, especially to a overheated, thirsty traveler.  I tarried at the Wayside for over two hours, in the shade, drinking more ice water and a Gatorade, until my blood temperature dropped below boiling and I felt ready to resume hiking. I had forgotten how enjoyable it is to hike with flying insects.  Before I reached camp I had a swarm of gnats orbiting my head. They were bathing themselves in my sweat. Waving them away was fruitless. The annoyance level was high. Occasionally I'd swat hard at them, intending to inflict bodily harm. Once I smashed the side of my head, thinking I'd stop the annoying buzzing, but only causing my ear to ring.  I looked at my palm and found no victims.  Another swat slammed my glasses into the bridge of my nose, and, to my utter frustration, without any kills. To their credit, the little pests distracted me from the hills and the heat, and soon I was at my stop for the night, a whipped mule, but looking forward to a night's rest.  I vowed that tomorrow I would carry more water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Passed the 900 mile mark today, somewhere near Powell Gap.  I also saw my second bear just before reaching Powell Gap.  This time I got a good long look at it.  It bounded down a hill about 40 yards to my right.  Once it got behind some leafy cover, it stopped and watched me.  I stopped and watched it. It gradually made itself less visible among the bramble.Thunderstorms popped up late in the afternoon and rain fell hard, refreshing at first, but turning cold.  My glasses were so streaked with water, I could scarcely see.  For over a mile I hustled towards the Lewis Mtn Campground, which I knew had a campstore.  However, I had no clue in which direction it resided.  To escape the downpour, I ducked into a restroom.  It had a hot air dryer, which I ran dozens of times to dry my hands and shirt. Johnny Walker joined me shortly to get out of the rain (and use the facilities), but didn't stay long. He steeled himself and dashed back out into the elements.  Moments later a camper entered the restroom -- evidently this was the place to be in a thunderstorm.  He did his business, gave me directions to the store, and went back into the storm. I, on the other hand, waited for the rain to let up before I braved the last quarter mile.Once in the store I did laundry, primarily to dry my clothes, microwaved a can of Chef Boyardee spaghetti and meatballs (a new low), and feasted on a double chocolate muffin. Meanwhile the store filled with hikers seeking asylum and calories.  Already Stinky, Lucky Penny, That Guy, and Johnny Walker milled about, getting dry and warm and consuming supposed nutrients.By the time my laundry had finished, the storm had too.  I moved on to the Bearfence Hut and decided to sleep in the shelter, despite my aversion to them.  Rumors spoke of more rain throughout the night, and I did not want to deal with it.  Two others were already there, but there was plenty of room. Later, Already Stinky and Lucky Penny arrived and joined us in the shelter.  As the sun set, two deer came into camp to drink from a nearby spring.  It was nigh idyllic.
Date: 2017-05-20
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

It rained hard overnight, making my choice to stay in the shelter seem like brilliance.  But a night in a shelter reminds me why I prefer the tent; I simply don't sleep well.  Two of my coinhabitants awoke at 4:45 a.m., pitch dark still, and packed their bags.  This they could not do quietly, though I know they tried.  I was therefore up for the day.I planned a short hike today because the next hut after Rock Spring was 22 miles away, and I didn't want to do two consecutive twenty milers.  Maybe some day, but not now.On the way to Rock Spring I stopped at the Big Meadow Wayside to do a small resupply and to enjoy another Blackberry milkshake.  Fog covered the mountaintop at the Wayside, making it cool to sit outdoors, a stark contrast to the temperature of two days ago.  The passing storm brought in a cold front.  I ate my meal and drank my shake in the company of Spiceman and his son Steve, Johnny Walker, and That Guy. After lunch, I pushed on to today's destination. A big surprise occurred at the shelter. Pogo, who I have not seen since I dropped him off at a hostel in Troutville  (or was it Troutsdale?), came into camp.  It was an utter delight to meet up with him.  We revisited all that happened that fateful day.  It was a pleasant way for the day to close.
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

My plan for today was to end the hike at Open Arms hostel.  It provides free pick up and drop off shuttle services from Thorton Gap, a mere 14 miles from Rock Spring. I prearranged the ride into town, and all I had to do was get to the Gap by 3 p.m.Along the way, however, I made a spontaneous decision to eat second breakfast at the Skyland Restaurant. It offered an AYCE buffet.  This was another brilliant choice on my part.  I ate to my stomach's content. I also chatted with Already Stinky and Lucky Penny for well over an hour, sitting on a comfy sofa, sipping coffe, in the restaurant's lobby. When you feel sugar deprived, you crave a soda, protein deprived you crave a burger, and furniture deprived you crave a comfy sofa.  It was time we'll spent, but now I would not make my 3 pm appointment with the shuttle. Fortunately, I received cell service along the way and rescheduled pick up for 4:30.Alison of the Open Arms hostel arrived right on schedule and brought me to the hostel in Luray. After I settled my things and took a refreshing shower, she brought me to Walmart in town so I could do a resupply, but not before taking me to Mimslyn Inn, a 1930s speakeasy. That night, one of the hikers staying at the hostel, Miles, who is a chef, made chicken parmesan and linguini.  I had seconds and slept that night on a Posturepedic mattress a sated man.
Date: 2017-05-23
From: Gravel Springs Hut 

To: Front Royal Terrapin Hostel 
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

To the best of my knowledge the bear did not return during the night. In the light of morning, though, I realized the beast had wreaked more havoc than initially thought. The handgrip of one hiking pole had chew marks, presumably the result of the critter's taste for salt. I also discovered a one-inch gash in my sleeping bag, which I was able to patch. My Crocs, however, were missing, as were my gaiters, which were tucked into my Crocs. I had tethered the Crocs together with a carabiner, explaining why both were gone. The bear had also run off with a Smart water bottle that had my Sawyer filter still attached to it. This Curly Turtle found in the woods. Many thanks to her and Slip 'n Slide and others for helping me scour the woods. Despite our efforts, we never recovered the Crocs. Now what possible reason could a bruin have for stealing them?The previous night's drama made me somewhat uneasy. I needed to regather my wits and get new gear, so I decided upon a short hike to the Terrapin Hostel, arriving before noon. As I was relating my plight to the hotel's owner, a gent who overheard the tale loaned me his tent. A true trail angel. Coincidentally he lives just 30 minutes from my home town in MA.That afternoon at the hostel I ordered a new tent from Big Agnes, with delivery to Harper's Ferry scheduled for May 30th. Fingers crossed, I hope it arrives on schedule. Though I intend to sleep in shelters and hostels along the way, having the loaner tent gives me confidence to keep moving forward to the town. If, for any reason, I cannot find a place to sleep in those places, I always have the tent to fall back on.That day I met and had dinner at El Maguay's in Front Royal with Influx, Daddy Long Legs, and Blue Steel.
Date: 2017-05-24
From: Terrapin Hostel 

To: Dicks Dome
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: moderate rain

My night of sleep at the hostel was worse than crummy. The bed was a huge air mattress that amplified every movement I made. It had more ridges than a Ruffles potato chip. After lying awake until midnight, I decided to try to sleep on the futon in the living room. Now I'm not particularly tall, but the four foot long futon was wholly inadequate to lay upon lengthwise. I tried the fetal position for a while, but it was futile. Sleep came in 15 minute stretches, at best. At 4 a.m., I returned to the air mattress and may have dozed for two hours. In a zombie-like state, I managed to cover 19 miles to reach the Dicks Dome Shelter and was pleased to find a place under its protective cover to park my carcass. Rain was imminent and expected to continue overnight. I did not want to set up the borrowed tent in the rain. The shelter I shared with Grapenut, a 22-year old gent from Houston, TX. He had recently returned to the trail after a 5-day hiatus due to a minor medical problem.
Date: 2017-05-25
From: Dicks Dome Hut

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: moderate rain

Passed the 1000 mile marker this afternoon. Now that's becoming real distance. I hiked most of the day with Grapenut and That Guy. The rain held off for much of the day, and the sun even broke out for a while, but when we were four miles away from Bears Den Hostel a rainstorm descended the likes of which I had not yet encountered over the 1000 mile stint. Water fell in sheets. Hail pelted my raingear. Thunder rumbled overhead. The trail turned into calf - deep rapids. It was adrenaline pumping insanity.The sign to the Bears Den Hostel mercifully appeared. It is a stone structure maintained by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. By far it was the best hostel I've yet to come upon. For $30, I received a large pizza, a soda, a pint of Ben and Jerry's, unlimited coffee, a shower, laundry, a comfy bed, and a self-made Pancake breakfast. It also became a grand hiker reunion, many of us looking for a clean, well-lighted place to get out of the rain. We chatted for hours. I was surprised to learn I had become somewhat a celeb, at least my tent had, for pictures of my tent had reached the hostel days before my arrival. People seemed genuinely excited to see in person the victim of the renegade bear. That night I managed to dry all my wet clothes, including my boots, which I stuffed with newspaper and placed on front of the fireplace. Tomorrow I would start fresh and we'll fed, with ambitions to reach Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

I know it's an old tune, but the quality of sleep at the Bears Den Hostel was worse than lousy. I could not have been asleep more than a few minutes when I felt a hand on my leg. What's up, I mumbled. Roll over, someone said. I knew he was complaining about my snoring. I'm already on my stomach, I replied. In other words, it is what it is. But the damage was done. I could not fall back asleep, knowing full well that as soon as I did the walls would start rattling again.On the positive side, I was the first one out of bed, the only one awake, drinking coffee and cooking pancakes when the sun's first rays came through the window. This fine breakfast, however, was not enough to dispel the fatigue-caused foul mood I was in. The foul mood morphed into a bout of self-pity. I hated every root, every rock, every fallen log blocking my path as I dragged my poles across the Loudoun Heights. My foul mood also led to some foul language, but if no one else is in the woods to hear it, is it really foul? I was ready to go to DC and fly home. I called Diane and vented. She talked me off the ledge. You need a break, she said. I sure did. Fortunately I had booked a night at the Econo Lodge. There I would snore as loudly and long as I pleased!
Date: 2017-05-27
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nothing like a good night's sleep to change your perspective. A warm and large breakfast helps enormously, too. All was now right with the world. After filling my belly, I returned to my room and took a long, long nap. I vaguely remember telling housekeeping to come back another day.Later that afternoon, Diane arrived in town. She was in the neighborhood and thought she should drop in to see if I was still in a funk. We had dinner at the Anvil on Washington St. I had a blackened chicken penne that brought tears to my eyes. When no one was looking, I licked the bowl clean. We met Shop Teacher, Blue Steel, and Multi-tool at the restaurant. They had just come into town and we're staying at the Teahorse hostel. This being Memorial Day weekend, there was no room at the inns. I look forward to another zero tomorrow. The rest is doing me good.
Date: 2017-05-28
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Diane and I toured the Historic District of Harper's Ferry. The buildings look straight out of the 19th century. On our tour we walked across the Byron Memorial Footbridge, which crosses the Potomac River. The Potomac joins the Shenandoah River at this location. Surrounded on three sides by lofty heights, and at the confluence of two wide rivers, Harper's Ferry is certainly situated at a scenic spot. That it was fought over so frequently during the Civil War makes it all the more fascinating to me. This town may have become my favorite (or a close second to Damascus).We ate lunch at Almost Heaven in lower Harper's Ferry, feasting on BBQ pulled pork and smoked turkey. Yes, it was almost heaven. Later that afternoon we drove one hour to REI in Fairfax, VA, to shop for new boots. I am retiring my Salomon boots after 1022 AT miles. I was so happy with those boots, my new boots are of the same brand. X-Ultras. High-tops with ankle support. I selected them with Rocksylvania in mind. I can't believe I am thinking about PA! It keeps getting better and better.
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: overcast clouds

My third consecutive zero. It's been a valuable break. My toes no longer look like pork sausages and they no longer tingle with pins and needles. And I'm no longer ravenous. After lunch today I actually said I'm full. I'm ready to begin the second half of this long journey. I just hope my new tent will be waiting for me at the post office tomorrow a.m. Otherwise I'll be taking a 4th consecutive zero.
Date: 2017-05-30
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Dahlgren Campground 
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Diane and I met CBiscuit this morning at the Econolodge's continental breakfast. We caught up on the bear story and on the cold rain drama that drove everyone to Marion, VA.At 8 a.m. I went to the post office. To my relief, my new tent was there. This was the last item needing to be replaced on account of the bear.  My new Crocs are a lighter, sleeker model than the ones stolen.  For this I am grateful to the beast.Diane drove me to the trailhead at 9 a.m., and left to return to MA.  The next time I will see her will likely be late June, when I expect to pass through my home state.  Within minutes of being dropped off, upon crossing the Potomac River on the Byron Memorial Footbridge,  I was in Maryland, the 6th state that I've entered on this marathon walk in the woods.  This state greeted me kindly, starting with a couple of miles of a canal towpath.  It's flat and straight and parallels the Potomac River.  In general, the AT in Maryland is relatively easy, elevation-wise, but the ground can be rocky. Perhaps this is a precursor of PA.   I set up my new tent at Dahlgren Campground and before I had even finished dinner, it rained.  It's officially christened now, and filthy with splashed mud.  And, yes, I have a new food handling process -- not a single morsel gets anywhere near the tent.  I check every pocket of my pack for energy bars and wrappers and remove my food bag and put all of it a good distance away from the tent before I unload the contents of the pack into the tent.  My respect for a bear's ability to pick up even the faintest of food odors has increased immensely.
Date: 2017-05-31
From: Dahlgren Campground 

To: Ravens Rock Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: few clouds

Last night's rain made the trail muddy, but the terrain is predominantly flat.  I'm quite fond of this state.  Too bad the AT has only 40 miles in MD.  The weather also has been accommodating.  The rain stopped shortly before I broke camp. Still, I had to roll up a wet tent, which adds some weight to the pack, not a back-breaking amount, but it's just useless dead weight.My mission today was to do some sightseeing, rather than to merely trudge through a tunnel of green.  I took a short side trip (i.e., a blue blaze) to see the Washington Monument, not the famous one in DC, but the first one erected in his honor years before the Civil War. Actually, it's a rebuilt version of it, the original having been demolished over the course of time by vandals and what not.  It's made of stone and shaped like a milk can.  The site of the monument is on a hill overlooking a valley.  The Union used the location as a lookout post. Everywhere you turn in MD seems to have a Civil War story associated with it. I'm fascinated by this.I also took a longer side trip, 0.4 miles round trip, to Annapolis Rocks, which overlooks a long, green valley.  At one end of the valley is Hagerstown, also the scene of a significant Civil War event. After the Confederates lost the battle in Gettysburg, General Lee's retreat passed through this town.Similar to yesterday, moments after I set up my tent and finished dinner, rain came down.  This eve, though, rolling and sharp crackling thunder accompanied the downpour.  Throughout the storm I reclined safe and snug and dry in my tent. I'm liking my new abode.  It's a Big Agnes FlyCreek HV (high volume), with more headroom and legroom than my previous tent, with fewer tears and rips, too.