morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter

To: Seeley Woodworth
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack - It rained off and on most of last night and was pretty damp this morning. We dressed for rain and did get a shower shortly after leaving. We had to climb 3000' in 4 miles, so we knew the first part of the day was going to be hard. Being cool and overcast worked to our advantage - much better than the hot sun! Around 10:30 or 11:00 we finally hit the ridge and it got so cool that Ma had to dig out her gloves. The temp dropped 15 degrees in a very short time. After coming down off that ridge to a gap it warmed up again. We crossed a road and found some "Granny Smith" apples left for thru-hikers. We took one and split it - good! Shortly after that we started up a rise and came out on some pastureland. We still are amazed that they used these high pastures. It went on for a mile, at least. We met several people going south on short hikes and the sun actually came out for a while. It literally "brightened" up our day. We ridge walked most of the afternoon, with only a few ups and reached the shelter fairly early. Ma saw some bones from an animal beside the trail (fairly large). We also saw parts of what we think was an airplane that must have crashed at some time. It's getting cold again so me and Beave are crawling into Ma and Pa's sleeping bags. Tomorrow we're heading for a B&B that picks up hikers and takes them to their B&B for a free lunch. Neat! Hope I can have a hamburger!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Seeley Woodworth

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 2.5

From the Top of the Pack - Just a short hike to B&B where you get a free lunch, whether you stay or not. We planned to stay overnight and it was great. Lois and Earl Arnold run the Dutch Haus B&B and are great hosts. It was rainy when we came in and they offered coffee and had a gas fireplace going which we all gathered around. We had the free lunch and will be having homemade pizza for supper. Breakfast comes with the room so we'll be well nourished for a long hike tomorrow. I'm laying in front of the fireplace studying the next few days (yawn) of hiking (yawn).......
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack - After a great stay at the B&B we headed out at about 8:30. It was an overcast day to start and nice hiking. Since we had some big ups today we were hoping it wouldn't be rainy or hot. The climbs went well and the sun only came out a while, so it was good. The only bad thing were the black flies and other fly type bugs that kept hitting our heads and faces. Me and Beave kept trying to bite them. Hee Hee! Ma and Pa had to put their scarfs on most of the afternoon.We saw Tinker and his Dad hiking back to the B&B where they were planning a surprise party for Tinker. He started the AT last fall, hiked until winter set in and flip-flopped this spring to Springer Mtn, GA and finished his thru hike at the gap where the B&B is. We gave him a hug (he even hugged Pa hee hee!) and wished him the best. We hope our finish is as nice as his was. It will be emotional no doubt - not me and Beave, of course! Guy from Israel came here to the USA to drive cross country and couldn't because of a problem with his license so he decided to hike a section of the AT. He spoke English fairly well and we had a great time talking to him at the B&B. He said it's so peaceful out here and he's enjoying meeting people. His pack weighs 60-70 pounds! He's carrying his clothes he brought to travel in the bag plus all his gear. Really nice young man.Oh, sorry about the short journal yesterday, I fell asleep in front of the fire!!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Today's trail was covered with a variety of flowers, in all colors, sizes and shapes. There were some pink flowers with yellow on the bottom which were very delicate and we saw them only in rock crevasses. The black flies are out and you can't stop for long breaks or they drive you crazy! I have to keep flapping my ears. Geez! I saw my first rabbit today - neat! As we neared Waynesboro we had many views of the outskirts of the town. Today we finished the Blue Ridge Parkway and we will start the Shenandoah's after a couple days off. We also passed the 800 mile milestone. WOW! Ma needs some new boots as hers are splitting on the sides so we're going to the local outfitters to see if she can get a pair like Pa's. We also have to resupply, do laundry and all the other running around you do when you make a town stop. That will take most of Thursday (you have to walk everywhere and of course nothing is close). Friday will be a rest day (doing nothing!).The couple we've been hiking with for a week or two (M & M) told me what the M & M stands for: Mauka - towards the mountainsMakai - towards the sea(Hawaiian). They are going to give me the Hawaiian word for Nose! Me and Beave are stuffed from the buffet we had at a local steakhouse. Time to watch some tv. Oh, they are having tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for Northern Virginia tonight! Glad we're in town!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

From the Top of the Pack -Hard today after taking a few days off in Waynesboro. We have got to get back into the swing again! Trail was good and wind kept bugs at bay most of the day. Hope the wind stays enough to get us through the Shenandoah's (right)! Saw a deer this afternoon and a couple of hikers going South. We're the only ones here right now - maybe someone will come in later. Oh, there's a tree we've seen a couple of times that has limbs that form a basket. We took a picture - very unusual. It should be fun stopping in at concessions along the Park and having meals. Yum Yum! Hope we catch up with M&M. They are probably a day and a half ahead of us. Maybe by Harper's Ferry.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Better day today, after a night in the shelter and a second day on the trail. There were more ups today so it was harder, but still did well for the distance. Lots of lookouts today but the wind was strong and too cool for sitting. It did keep the bugs away (yes)! Me and Beave are tired of black flies getting in our noses, mouths and ears. Yuck! Saw lots of deer today. They are pretty tame. This is a nice shelter as have been all the shelters in the Park, so far. Met two guys doing the Park who are from Ohio. They did some of the Long Trail last year so we talked about what they did. Tomorrow we'll get to stop at two campground stores for a break (soda-yum)!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Today was tough to start but got better in the afternoon. We stopped at a campground store for some soda and snacks. This was a good break. Not many views today until we got here. There is a great view from Blackrock viewpoint. Some firsts today. We saw our first (and Ma hopes our LAST!) bear. It was running through the woods so he must have heard us. That was enough excitement for the day! We saw our first lady slipper (yellow)! There were 3 of them and no others in sight. Last, we passed the 900 mile milestone today!Staying at the campground tonight. We'll get a shower and food. Still hoping to catch M&M soon.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Skyland Campground
Miles today: 8.1

From the Top of the Pack - After three 20 mile days Ma and Pa Poolerbear are feeling tired, so we're doing a short day. Me and Beave could go on but we need to let the OLD folks get their rest (8.1 - how embarassing)! Don't tell them I said that! Hee Hee! We had some Black Raspberry ice cream for lunch so that was great!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Skyland Campground

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: moderate rain

From the Top of the Pack - Got started early and at least it wasn't raining although it was foggy. Not much for views, although there would have been if not for the fog. Saw both yellow and pink lady slippers and two rabbits. Of course there were a lot of deer, squirrels and chipmunks. I wanted to chase the rabbits but Pa didn't want to wait for me. Gees! Caught up with M&M (good to see them again)! Met a guy from Texas "Old Corpus" who started at Rockfish gap. Tomorrow we head into Front Royal for a food pickup, then onto Harper's Ferry.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Front Royal VA
Miles today: 13.4

From the Top of the Pack - Out of the Shenandoahs today! It rained or drizzled most of the day. The terrain was rocky and slippery in places, but we made it without too many problems. No views today and only saw a group of 3 day hikers. Got a ride to town with a former thru-hiker (The Pretender - '85). He said to look him up in the '85 photo books when we get to Harper's Ferry. Nice guy, although he said he almost didn't pick us up. He said we didn't look like thru-hikers: what does a thru-hiker look like? Of course me and Beave don't fit, but Ma and Pa should fit. Of course being a LITTLE older may have something to do with it. Hee Hee! (Just kidding, just kidding). Time to jump into bed.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Front Royal VA

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Beautiful day - sunshine - YES! It's been a hard few days for us. We hit that "Virginia Blues" wall. This is when you get down psychologically. It can be the trail itself, weather, sore feet or any of a number of reasons or even a combination of all the above. We've been talking through our feelings and concerns and that has helped a lot. Knowing we're so close to Harper's Ferry also helps. We know we don't want to come off (no question) but we're trying to get our enthusiasm back. We are working on it and feel we can get through it. You don't realize until you're out here, how doing a long trip (6 months) is going to affect you. Today's trail was easy - very few ups and not too rocky. We did a shorter day because of the 18+ tomorrow. We saw several southbound section hikers today and four (so far) AT northbound hikers. Most are doing longer mileage today (9 miles more), the pull of Harper's Ferry I'm sure! Two section hikers are here tonight with us (unless others come in). This shelter is dome shaped as the name indicates so it is really unusual.We saw a sign today saying this area is part of the northern boundry of Mosely Range from 1863 to 1865. We're starting to walk through a historical part of the trail. It's hard to imagine the battles that we've fought and lives lost. We may actually tour some of the battlefields while we're in this area. It might be a good break - just what we need. Time for supper so....Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: moderate rain

From the Top of the Pack - Rain, rain, rain. It started last night and rained most of the day. The trail was pretty muddy and the streams were up. One stream we had to ford and it went over the boots. Needless to say the boots are soaked. At least it was only a couple of miles to the hostel."Round up"Today we were hiking along and what is standing in the trail but a cow. Right behind that cow were a dozen more, so we herded them back into the pasture. I kept barking and Pa kept moving them along."Roller Coaster"For about 13 miles there is a section known as the rollercoaster (lots of ups and downs). It wasn't as bad as people made it out to be although there were a couple of good ups at the beginning and end.We saw a deer, a mole and a brown and yellow checker board turtle today. We also met "Timber" a nurse who works at a hospital in the town next to us. Neat! Her husband is in the Navy. He has already hiked the AT, so now she is doing it. We should see her a lot over the next few weeks. We're staying at a hostel run by the AT which is an old stone house with bunk rooms, laundry, showers and kitchen privileges. Really nice. They ask hikers to help with chores, which Ma & Pa did. Me and Beave just hung out. Hee Hee! In to Harper's Ferry tomorrow.Nose signing off.......Oh, Pa left his reading glasses at the last shelter (he thinks), so we need to get a new pair in town. It's the age thing (don't tell him I said that - after all, its his pack I ride on!!)
Date: 2003-05-22
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: mist

From the Top of the Pack - We're halfway (almost). The actual halfway is not for another 4 days approximately. Because the ATC office is here and its where you have your official picture taken, its considered the psychological halfway point. We are certainly feeling much better now that we're out of Virginia. Over the next 40 miles we go from VA to WVA to Maryland and then into PA, where the Mason-Dixon line is. We're getting closer all the time! We're focusing on getting through PA as our short term goal. That helps keep things in perspective. We hiked with "Timber" all day today and the mileage went by fast. Her husband is planning to hike the 100 mile wilderness in Maine to finish with her. Ma and her talked most of the way and me, Beave and Pa just listened! We saw a few southbound section hikers but not much else. No views because of the foggy, overcast day, but no major rain either. The best part of the day was crossing into WVA, passing the 1000 mile milestone and me, Ma and Pa having our picture taken. Ma & Pa are numbers 103 and 104 going north. I think it should be 104 1/2! Hee Hee! Next stop Maryland, knocking off another state!Nose signing off.......PS How could I forget the best thing of all - GOODIES in the mail! Me and Beave dove into the snack mixes and needhams that Paula and Kathleen sent. Yum Yum! Ma and Pa think there was only two Needhams (don't tell them we ate the other ones). We only took some of the two snack mixes so they wouldn't notice. My tummy aches - ooohhhh....PSS A former thru-hiker named "Bluemoon" gave us a ride to the next town where we got an "AYCE" buffet - Trail Angel
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Pine Knob
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: light rain

From the Top of the Pack - Woke up to rain so waited until 7:30 then ate breakfast. Got out at 8:45 but it had stopped raining. Trail took us through Harper's Ferry and all day we were walking through history. The weather turned sunny and the many historical stops were great. Tomorrow we should be through Maryland and into Pennsylvania. Three thru-hikers here tonight. Hashbrown (girl) and a couple. Glad to be here after a long day (7:15pm). We ate at the Washington Monument State Park - not to be confused with Washington DC. Got to ref the cribbage game so...Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Pine Knob

To: Deers Lick Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

From the Top of the Pack - It rained most of the night but stopped this morning before we left. It stayed cloudy and a little foggy in the a.m. and sunny this afternoon. The trail had more ups and downs today so a little harder (also a lot of rocky areas) but we got in around 5pm. The best part of the day was when we came to PEN-MAR State Park. We'd read that they had food and a soda machine so we figured we could get something for supper before getting to this shelter. Some guys coming south told us the soda machine was working but the concession stand wasn't open. We decided to at least cook there and there was supposed to be a band on Sunday night. We heard the music as we were coming up to the Park. I asked Beave to dance and Beave thought I was kidding! There were lots of people dancing at the pavillion where the band was playing. Well not only was there a band and many people but the concession stand was open!! Yes!! Me and Beave enjoyed a hot dog and fries and a soda. Yum! Also had a raspberry ice cream to top it off! What a great boost, just before doing the last 5 miles. Those were tough, but went by much easier with food in our stomach. We also brought sodas back to the shelters, as a special treat. Tomorrow just before we get to the shelter is another State Park and hopefully a concession stand. We can eat our way through Pennsylvania. Hee Hee! Me and Beave are gaining weight instead of losing it!! Hope Ma and Pa don't decide its too much weight to carry! Yikes!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Deers Lick Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Rained again all night but stopped in morning - trail is really, really wet and muddy. This makes for slow hiking. You really need your gaiters on. The trail had a few climbs, the biggest early morning and just after lunch at Caledonna State Park. We hit another concession stand and had ice cream after. Me and Beave could make this a habit!! Tomorrow we head for the Iron Masters Mansion Hostel which is next to a store. At the store you are challenged to eat 1/2 gallon of ice cream - a celebration of the REAL 1/2 way point. You become a member of the 1/2 gallon club! Ma and Pa said they weren't crazy enough to try but me and Beave want to let the challenge begin!This shelter is really nice. It has two separate sleeping areas and a picnic table in between. There is a walkway that runs the length and a tarp that rolls down behind the picnic table if its rainy or windy. There is also a clothes line out back. Great place - took a picture.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-27
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Iron Masters Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

From the Top of the Pack - Got an early start heading for the hostel and store (with grill). Hiked with Cliffdweller, Hashbrown and a guy out for a week. Right behind us were two guys doing Pennsylvania and Chaos (met before). Got in around 1pm - great miles today! Sad news - Hashbrown went home today. She lost her partner earlier and tried doing the trail by herself. She missed having someone to hike with and talk to. She was happy to be going home. We'll miss her, even though we only hiked with her for 3 or 4 days. It's surprising how quickly you get to know someone. We wished her the best.This hostel was once the home of the owners of an iron works. It is now a Youth Hostel which is also open to AT hikers. It offers bunks, kitchen privileges, a living room, showers and a laundry. There is a store next door with a grill (saves cooking). Cliffdweller and Chaos both ate the 1/2 gallon of ice cream. We stuck with a pint - Beave and I just can't handle all the ice cream after eating fries, onion rings, hamburgers and cheeseburgers. (My tummy hurts!) I think its time to lay down for a while.Nose signing off.......(moan)
Date: 2003-05-28
From: Iron Masters Mansion Hostel

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: light rain

From the Top of the Pack - Wow! Within 1 mile from starting we hit the official 1/2 way mark! We took pictures (of course) and did a group hug! We are feeling much better mentally - now that we are closer to home than to Georgia. It did rain hard for about an hours or so this morning but finally cleared around 1 pm. We made good time and got here around 2 pm. There were a couple of views today after climbing a rocky area. The last couple of miles took us through farm fields (right down a swarth in the middle). Pa took a couple of pictures. We saw the "boiling spring" coming out of the ground into a pool of water. Speaking of water - if it doesn't stop raining soon, me and Beave are going to have mushrooms growing between our toes!! Rain is predicted again tomorrow. Ma and Pa are tired of walking through the muck, and having everything damp!! Oh, well, such is nature - you can't do anything about it - you just have to live with it.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-29
From: Boiling Springs

To: Rt 11
Miles today: 8.0

From the Top of the Pack - We decided to do a short day and enjoy the scenery. We literally walked through farm land the whole day. It was still pretty muddy but it was a sunny day which made up for it. We got in early and made a list of things we were bouncing ahead and what we wanted to get at the outfitters. We plan to take a zero day in Duncannon to go to the outfitters. We are considering a tarp vs. a tent. It will not only save weight (as much as 3 lbs.) but will be less volume. They have a tarp that is specially made like a tent rain fly. We also need to get a new cook pot (titanium is lighter). We are trying to be smarter on both weight and volume.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-30
From: Rt 11

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

From the Top of the Pack - We continued through farm land for another 5 to 6 miles before climbing to the ridge. Not long after reaching the ridge we came upon a rock bench with a view of the farm land we had been crossing for over a day. Beautiful! We continued on the ridge the rest of the day with a couple more views towards the end of the day. We crossed a rock slide just before coming into town. Although the trail was more rocky today, it wasn't as bad as we were expecting. Just as we reached the road we found a cooler full of soda. Nice! Me and Beave guzzled down a soda each. We ended up getting a rental car to get to Harrisburg where the outfitter is. The problem is that we can't return the car until Monday at 7am. This means two zero days! It's nice to have the time to do chores, shopping and laundry and a real day off, but we didn't want to take more than one zero day at a time. Oh well, we've been making good time recently so it isn't too bad. We'll just have to plan better next time. Me and Beave plan to do some eating (real food). Ma and Pa are going to catch up on Postcards and reading.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-06-02
From: Duncannon

To: Yellow Springs Village
Miles today: 24.3

From the Top of the Pack - Left Harrisburg after two zero days. Went to a movie and visited a Civil War Museum. The Museum was built in 2000 with a great view of the Capitol (Harrisburg) of Pennsylvania. It was a nice break, but we were glad to be back on the trail today. Once we followed the trail through Duncannon, we climbed to the ridge. Many nice views of both the town and the farms all morning. Around noon we came to the Peter's Mtn Shelter which was really nice (new). If it wasn't so early we'd have been tempted to stay, but it would have been too short a day. We ended up here, tenting, getting in around 5:45pm. It was a longer day than we planned but a good place to camp. We assume it was once a real village. They even put a mail box out by the trail with the name of the village on it. We saw an old cart about a mile or so back, but no other signs of a village. Tomorrow we go by another old village site that is supposed to have some ruins. Hopefully tomorrow will be a shorter day and we can get to the "501 shelter", which we think is a house that has been converted into a shelter. The weather is supposed to be good till Wednesday from what we've heard. Hope it holds out until Port Clinton.Nose signing off.......PS Met 3 guys going south and once guy (Scorpio) going north.