morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-08
From: 501 James River

To: Rice Mountain 
Miles today: 13.1

I had Hardees delived to me In bed this morning. We washed my sleeping bag and clothes. I slack packed about 11 miles. I met Stumble and Puffy. Then my dad cooked us hotdogs.         No rain today but thick clouds made for wet hiking. My father dropped me off at the Blue Ridge Parkway trail head and then went home.         I went A few miles In then I tenting alone. I've been seeing lots of deer lately. About seven different times today I saw them. I even saw a buck with some nubs growing.          I am about as close to home as I am going to get. Its always nice to visit with family.ScubamanGA--->ME 2003
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Rice Mtn

To: Rte 60 Buena Vista
Miles today: 8.0

There was thunderstorms all last night. I was alone and wet. My tent leaked again last night. My sleeping bag Is wet yet again.            At Irish Creek I hit some trail magic. Renegade and Tom Boy put out a nice breakfast. There was eggs. bacon, sausage, and o.j.            I saw 4 snakes today also. And I think one was a baby rattler.             There was lots of mud today. And Pedlar Dam was cool. I took a long lunch and ate the lasagna from a day ago. It was great! I kept It frozen at the motel.            At around 5:00pm I crossed rte 60. Walk About was trying for a ride for about and hour and 30 minutes. About 5 minutes after I arrived we hitched back Into Beuna Vista. I dried my gear, Ate at Subway, And arranged a 8:30am shuttle from William to the Trailhead.ScubamanGA--->ME 2003
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Buena Vista

To: Spy Rock
Miles today: 17.2

Burger King for breakfast. William arrived on time and off I went. Steep climb to start the day. I took lunch at Cold Mtn. Later I ran into Face and Blaze. Blaze's dad returned home and they were putting in some bigger miles now.I ate dinner at the shelter with Gazelle, Rambler, Monster, Fire Angel. Then I pressed on to spy rock. Its an incredible 360 degree view. It makes for a great sunset. I talked to my brother on the cell phone. I started carrying it when I saw my dad last weekend. I thought I was alone again but blaze and face camped near me as I Came down from Spy Rock.
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Spy Rock

To: Hapers creek shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Early start. I called Dutch house B&B to get a ride to their free lunch. No one was avalable. I met Gazelle at the spring. We hitched into Montebello together from the Tye river. After loading up on Junk food we got a ride back with Spunky's boyfriend. About 6 of us swam at the suspension bridge I used to camp at as a kid. I only went on to the next shelter. It was uphgill and bad weather set in. I had a dry spot in the shelter so I was happy.
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Hapers creek shelter

To: Mile 9.6 BRPW
Miles today: 12.8

I was packed and on the way by 7am. 23 mils was the plan. I called home early in the morning and learned my mother was coming for a visit. She met me at 3 ridges overlook. After a quick lunch seabee and I slacked to dripping rock parking. I went to town after that and never did make the 23 miles. I ate in staunton and shopped at wal-mart.
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Mile 9.6 BRPW

To: Mccormic Gap
Miles today: 18.2

After breakfast we dropped Monster and RAmbler to the outfitter. I slacked a few miles. I got lost trying to find a side trail down an old logging road. 1 mile out of the way. I ate lunch at Long John Silvers. I was meeting my cousin Dave at Rockfish Gap so my mother dropped me off and went on home. 7pm I met dave and we hiked from Rockfish gap. It took a while to find level ground to camp. About a mile before Mccormic Gap. Dave carried charcoal and 2 fat steaks. They tasted great and we crashed at 11pm.
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Mccormic Gap

To: Rip Rap Trail
Miles today: 12.8

Dave hiked with me until early afternoon. We picked a bunch of wild strawberries. I enjoyed his visit. Next on the list of visitors was my Uncle Sam and his family. I told them I would hit loft Mtn Campground by 11:00 on sunday. After a long lunch and a nap I fell 3 miles short of the shelter. I tented alone at Rip Rap trail. I heard large animals making noise outside my tnet. It was deer. At 3am the same noise.   I decided not to look and hope for the best. I should have hung my food bag. 1st day in Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2003-06-15
From: Rip Rap Trail

To: Loft mtn Campground
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Early start on Fathers day. I wanted to hit Loft mtn. by 11am. I was 3 miles father then planned though. A small camp area was my first water stop. A family there gave me cantalope and a dehydrated snack. I turned down the wrong trail to the campground and had to walk half a mile down the road. My uncle Sam showed up soaking wet on his motorcycle. Aunt Janice and their 3 kids came later in her new Durango. We found a dry spot and ate a great picnic. It was late so I decided to camp at the campground. Nice visit.
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Loft mtn Campground

To: Simmons gap
Miles today: 7.9

Another rainy day. I was talking with other hikers. We think our dry stretch is 3 days max. I called my mother before I left and learned she was on the way to camp at Big meadows with 4 of my cousins. They grabbed me at 3:00 from the Ranger Station. I had to erect this huge 8 person wal-mart tent they brought. The rain leaked in a lot. I put out the nice fire and we headed for a cabin.
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Simmons Gap

To: Lewis Mtn Campground
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: moderate rain

On my way to the trail today I saw a skunk. And for some reason I got out of a dry car and Into the pouring rain. So I left my rain gear on purpose. I get wet wearing it anyway.            It got cold today though. I hiked 18 miles with only 20 minutes of break. It was too wet and cold to sit around. There was a Turkey, Deer and a Mole or Shrew for wildlife today. I arrived 3 hours early and I had to wait wet and cold for my ride. I saw Lite Walker for the first time In weeks. Blaze and Face showed up there too. I had dinner at Big Meadows. I am staying with Journey here tomorrow night. Granite should also arrive. The rain Is here for days to come. A few hikers say 3 days Is our dryest stretch. I think It could have been...ScubamanGA--->ME 2003
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Lewis Mtn Campground

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: moderate rain

We made breakfast and packed up all the camping gear. Then we packed up the cabin. Olivia, Albert, Christian, and Johnny Lynn played for a while In the only sunshine that we've had for 2 days. We hiked to an overlook and saw a fawn near a rock. My Mother dropped me off to hike up to Big Meadows. Then Granite showed up. I shared a room with Journey. Then I saw a bear cub about 1 mile before Big Meadows. I only saw It briefly 3 times but did not have a camera. I had dinner at Big Meadows with Granite.ScubamanGA--->ME 2003
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Big Meadows

To: Past Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

I ate breakfast at the lodge with Journey and Granite. 8:30 start. The rain held off most of the day. We ate lunch at Skyland. The waitress dropped our lunch so it was a long wait. The view was nice from Mary's Rocks.The last restaurant was closed so we cooked at the shelter. It was a long day. I hiked with Granite and Journey within talking distance all day. Talking helps the miles pass.
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Past Mountain Shelter

To: Elkwallow
Miles today: 7.4

The day started with pouring rain. Granite, Journey, and I hiked through to Elkwallow. Its a wayside with blackberry milkshakes and a short order menu. Alpha and Trench and Seabee had a shuttle on the way. We arranged for him to return for us. It was pretty cold and still rainy. We got a ride to Front Royal, VA. We stayed at the Super 8. I did laundry and bought a day pack at K-mart. Mine came with a free FM radio. AYCE (all you can eat) shrimp and crab legs for dinner at the Village Idiot Restaurant.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Elkwallow

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

Today was the first day of summer, also known as Naked Hiker day. Bobbie shuttled us back to the trail. We left our packs at the hotel and slacked back. The weather was cool and wet but at least not a heavy rain. Journey saw a bear.   Granite and I missed it. We met Lisa and Warren who are zoo keepers. They gave us a ride into town. We ate a chinese buffet for dinner.Its nice to dry out gear and get warm with all this rainy/wet weather.
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Front Royal

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

My parents arrived late last night as a surprise. They slacked us the first 8 miles today. The weather was great. We had a huge lunch at the parking area. Blaze, Face, Journey, Granite, and I. We carried up hot dogs and marshmellows to the shelter. I met a man who saw 2 naked hikers yesterday. He was a southbound weekend hiker who had no idea about the tradition.
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Blue sky sunny day! Bagels and beefstick for lunch on a rare park bench in the middle of the woods. Journey pressed on but Granite and I hitched into Doc's BB-Q. We had dollar beers and lots of good food. The owner took us back and we rolled into the shelter at 8pm
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

The trail was sloppy to start. We did the first half of a section called the roller coaster. We ate lunch at Horshoe Curve Pub. Its always great to have dogs inside a restaurant begging at your table....(owners dogs)A federal fireman asked if I saw 2 men and a dog. One deaf man phoned in his friend was hurt. They traingulated the cell phone near us. I let the fireman use my cell phone. They located the hikers several miles north of us.We had Ben and Jerry's and pizza for dinner. We spent the night at Bear's Den Hostel. Its a neat old stone building. I phoned Uncle Gary to see if I could arrange a visit. I will call him tomorrow to figure it all out.
Date: 2003-06-25
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: WV 9 plus 1.5miles more
Miles today: 15.6

***Karen we camped 1.5 miles past WV9, use that to figure daily milage)***Amazingly the sun shined again. I hiked with Journey and Granite again also. We took a break at the PATC Blackburn Center.   We had sodas and oranges. I had an interview with a Blue Ridge Magazine write via phone about the "roller coaster". He was dissapointed to hear I thought it was easy. We had dinner at WV9. Keno and subs. Double dare, Journey, Granite and I hiked 1.5 miles more in from the road and camped.
Date: 2003-06-26
From: WV 9 plus 1.5miles more

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: clear sky

I was up early and on the way to Harpers Ferry. Gazelle passed by early before we were packed. As we hiked into town we took some photos and enjoyed the views. The first stop was the ATC Headquarters. Jack of the Mountain bought us a round of sodas. I got my photo taken and was #455 through hiker passing through for the year. We checked into the Comfort Inn. Post office and outfitter next then Dominos for dinner.
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

ZeroContinental breakfast with waffles. I rested some then took a cab to get a haircut. Just a trim. Lunch and resupply took a while. Then Granite and I took a bus to Charles Town WV. I lost 60 bucks at the slots. Granite and I ate dinner at a neat pub called the Appalachian Tavern. Early to bed.
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Dahlgron Campground
Miles today: 17.3

We left the Comfort Inn and started with a view from Jefferson Rocks. When the trail hit the Potomac Bridge we got juice and coffee at the lil caboose restaurant. We crossed into Maryland and never knew it. The trail followed the C & O towpath for 2+ miles.We took a break at the state park and had sodas. The only free camground on the AT with hot showers is where we camped.   We walked to the restaurant and got soda and beer to go. I met my first Ridge runner. Bookworm who I had met from Browns gap trail magic but I did not know she was going to be a trail runner this year. Jack and Mr. Spencer and a new hiker I met Crash camped there also. I was with Granite and Journey again.
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Dahlgron Campground

To: Ensign Shelter
Miles today: 13.9

Our first stop was another state park. It had a soda machine and restrooms. A huge group doing a Ham Radio convention was there also. This park was for the original Washington Monument. I had no idea there was 2. Journey doesnt like to hitch. So Granite and I "walked" sigh, to Dawgpatch. A biker bar. I honostly thought it was for cyc lists when I read it in my book. It was a great lunch with cheap prices. Ready to explode I took a break at Annapolis Rocks and watched some rock climbers. Then I took a nap at Pogo campround. Nothing there but a privy.Granite was at the next road crossing and we hitched into Rocky Pizza. It was 9pm before we got a ride back. It was almost dark and we thought we were stuck. Journey moved onto the next shelter.
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Ensign Shelter

To: Tumbling Run
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 5:30 and walking by 6. Our first stop was 10 miles later at yet another state park. This section has tons of roads/parks. Soda break and then on to PA 16. We saw hopeful there and hitched into the Golden Coral. This guy with the van said he was going the other way but wanted to tell us his hiking stories for an hour.. I figured if I have to listen to him a ride was in order. So I asked instead of "yogi'n" twice more and finally got us a ride. Whats with the rides lately!I miss Georgia for that reason, rides were easy.Sprout met Hopeful at lunch. He is going to DC to see the sights. She got off in Troutville with hurt feet. Hippie Chick had trail magic at one shelter and we got hotdogs and sodas to eat at the last one.
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Tumbling Run

To: Caladonia State Park
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another warm and sunny day.We hiked into the state park at lunch time. We got a tent site (Granite journey and I) then made our way to the pool house for a shower. 2 bucks to swim in a great pool. Too bad they dont have nice public pools back home. I ate lunch at the snackbar then had pizza delivered to our tentsite for dinner.
Date: 2003-07-02
From: Caladonia State Park

To: Toms Run
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I did not hit the trail until 10:30. I eventually caught up with Granite and Journey. We had light rain in the day and a short shower at night. Its amazing we finally had a dry spell. To be able to take a break or sit down with out pouring rain is underestimated. I picked handfullys of ripe blueberries for the first time. Lots of chipmunks around. Very few deer now though. Most of the shelters lately have 2 at each site. Tonight was the same.. Halfway point is tomorrow.
Date: 2003-07-03
From: Toms Run

To: Hunters Run Rd
Miles today: 11.4

Sunny skies again. I saw a hummingbird at the shelter. 1/3 walked in with us to the 1/2 way point. Harpers Ferry was 5 days from the real 1/2 way spot. What a drag. Tradition has it to eat 1/2 a gallons of Ice cream at the state park here. I was able to down Cherry Jubile in about 40 minutes. I joined the 1/2 gallon cluba nd got a wooden spoon as a reward....What better to do then swim at the lake after such a feast. C.C. filmed us a few times for his AT documentary. We ended up at a campground for the night. Officially half way
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Hunters Run Rd

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Crappy Campground but the owner was nice. He took us to the ATM so we could eat at his restaurant. Our group got spread out today. I passed the camp spot and walked into town. There was a public poool just as you entered town. I swam and waited for Journey and Granite to come by. They came for a swim and I found a Bed and Breakfast with a room.Journey had her tent set up outside of town and did not want to pack it all up. Granite and I ate pizza for dinner. Boiling Springs is a small old town with nice homes.
Date: 2003-07-05
From: Boiling Springs

To: Route 11
Miles today: 8.0

Granite and I hite the post office at 8am. The regional ATC center was across the street. The lady there brought doughnuts, grapes and melon. Back to the B&B for breakfast. French toast. The owners act hiker friendly but have a lot of stories and rules not so friendly towards hikers. Several miles of fields in the hot sun to start the day. We walked very close to a shooting range. It sounded dangerous. Just before RT11 we "Red Blazed" to Jesters trail magic. He put up red duct tape to the cooler. WE headed to the Super 8 to meet Journey. Her son, 2 dogs and husband arrived shortly after. Her son Jeff went home with the dogs to take advantage of a house to himself. Jake took us all out to Outback for dinner. I love coconut shrimp.
Date: 2003-07-06
From: Route 11

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

Granite and I ate breakfast at the diner across the street. Journey waited in the lobby for us by mistake. I stayed around until 10:30. Everone else left at 9am. Fishing shows were on tv!I never did catch up with Granite and Journey. I raced to the shelters as thunder and lighting flashed. Granite and Journey had gone in to the next town. It was rainy and dark so I stayed at the shelter. Check Leggs and Bodacious are names I remember staying with me.
Date: 2003-07-07
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: PA 225
Miles today: 12.5

I headed into town early. The doyle is an old hotel. 15$ per room. Its dumpy but very friendly atmosphere. Journey had left but I found Granite and had breakfast with him. I got a picture of a bear. We walked 2 miles thorugh town then up a big climb to the ridge. A little rocky but nothing like I sxpected PA to be.We saw puffy and Stumble at a shelter. All of us raced to the advertised trail magic. They said until 4pm...We arrived at 3:30 and found out they left at 2:30. Its as bad as opening the last 4 or 5 coolers to find only open cans. Tons of towns lately so not a big deal. We hitched back to the doyle motel in Duncannon. I got to stay there and we ate wings and pizza with alpha and Trench. Ice cream too.
Date: 2003-07-08
From: PA 225

To: Yellow Spring Village
Miles today: 15.8

We started the day needing a ride. Breakfast is more important though. When we returned from eating a man, gred, was looking for us. Granite called him last night and left a message. 10am we hit the trail. Very hot again today. We took lots of breaks. Water ahs been slim for days.I filled up with yellow water but dumped it when I found an unmakred spring and got clear. Lots of Rocks but not too bad. WE camped at a clearing for the night.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Yellow Spring Village

To: PA 443
Miles today: 9.2

It was drizzling this morning. We packed up and got hiking by 9am. The terrain is slightly rocky but nothing like I expected still. Springs are scarce though. We hitched to town for cold drinks and resupply. It started raining so we called it a day at the Days Inn. It was funny to see Journey at the same hotel. We resupplied and ate dinner together. Ben and Jerrys at the Hot tub.
Date: 2003-07-10
From: PA 443

To: Hertlein Campsite
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a ride back to the trail with the maintenance man. It was a cooler rainy misty day. PA is getting ricky finally. Granite spotted a rattle snake and waited to warn journey and I. There was 2 at the same spot though. We have less then 1k miles remaining. We rolled into a campsite at dark.
Date: 2003-07-11
From: Hertlein Campsite

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

My old boots are soaked. 1200+ miles on them. Another long day. We rushed to get our mail from the P.O. A very steep downhill into a Historic Rail Yard. Port Clinton Hotel was full so we ended up 7 miles out of town at Fort Motel. My parents arrived and stayed with me at 2 am.
Date: 2003-07-12
From: Port Clinton

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

My dad shuttled people around all morning. I spent time at the outfitter and relaxed at our new hotel near Allentown. I picked up a new pair of boots. We ate at Damon's sports bar. For dinner we joined Journey's brother John at the campground. Lots of hikers are in town for the "Billville" hiker feed. Puffy, Stumble, Martha Ghram, Moo, 42, Baltimore Jack, 1/3, Jester, Bag of Trips, Trace, Wild flowers and many more
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

My family and I had breakfast with Granite at a diner. Then we slacked into Ekville. My parents fed us and waited to feed lots of late arrivers. I know they left much later then planned. But they had a blast. My mother makes out its only my dad who enjoys feeding the hikers but she is smiling the whole time too.I camped at the shelter.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Eckville Shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Granite and Journey hiked out first. I took off with Puffy and Stumble. It was a nice day to hike with old friends for a change. We took our time and made an easy day out of it. The sun was out but cool temps in the 70s. We tented at a campsite .3 downhill from the trail. At least water was closer.Ealier in the day I hiked a long way off the trail to water. We are passing lots of dry springs....sigh.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: Ashfield Gap Road
Miles today: 6.5

We had a fire in the morning to keep bugs away while we ate and packed up. I hiked to the next shelter where water was .5 each way down hill. The first 3 springs were dry. I took a nap there and woke up when Blink Blink and Sheepstuff came by. Its been about 2 months since I have seen Sheepstuff. I caught up to them and decided to hit town. I shared a room with Blink blink in Palmerton. 2 dozen clams and prime rib for dinner. I bought juice and cereal for breakfast.
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Ashfield Gap Road

To: Smith Gap Road
Miles today: 17.6

Sheepstuff gave us a ride to the trail at 6:45 am. She offered to let me slack with her and "BB". The climb out of Port Clinton was fun. Its a large exposed rockface 1000' tall. I had to use my hands to climb up. On top was a wasteland from Zinc smelting. Its like a scene from Star-Trek.BB and I decided to get a room in Wind Gap. We had chinese delivered for dinner. I did laundry and brought back frozen custard.
Date: 2003-07-17
From: Smith Gap Road

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: clear sky

BB went to Dunkin Donuts to bring back milk and donuts. She forgot mymilk but I did not have the heart to tell her so. We took off at 7 am with Sheepstuff to the trail. We got in one more day of slacking. BB and I decided to make the 24+ miles into Delaware Water Gap to end PA. Her father flew in from GA to meet her. Mr sheepstuff met us twice in the day to give water and sodas. Later BB asked if I always drunk so much soda.... I said I like milk , juice and gatorade also. She remembered that she forgot milk this morning and felt bad...hehe.Her dad met us up the trail and gave us a ride to the Ramada Inn. I am sharing a room with Granite. After pizza BB, Granite, and I hit the jazz bar at the Deer Head Inn. It was my 1st piano bar with live music. Less then 1k miles to go now. And down with my 7th state.
Date: 2003-07-19
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: scattered clouds

After a continental breakfast BB's dad drove us 24+miles north. We walked all day mostly together. We saw about 2 dayws worth of hikers because we were going the wrong way. Lots of people have been seeing beers. I looked hard for them but no luck in Jersey. We had lunch at the mohican center. The first day of Jersey was a long one. The rocks are in some areas and not others...duh hehe.We had dinner with the 4 of us, BB granite, BB's dad,at the mini sink bar and grill.