morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-22
From: front royal, VA

To: Jim and Mollie Denton Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

After waking up at six oclock this morning on the floor in the hotel room I could not go back to sleep so I gathered up my dirty clothes and went nextdoor to the laundromat. It was nice to be up early. I got the laundry done and went and ate breakfast at Royal Dairy which was really good. I talked to my mom and she said that she would be in Harpers Ferry on Sat. so I told her that I would try to make it there then. As I was heading back to the room it started to rain, and by the time I got there it was pouring. Everyone else was still asleep but they woke up and started stirring when I got in. They all got their laundry together and headed off to get it done. Since mine was already done I went to the library and did everything I needed to do there. Then I walked to the other side of town which had to be at least a mile and a half to the Grocery and Outfitter. We had all planned to meet up around CVS after we did all the running around we needed to do. I was the first one there and about an hour and a half or so later Piker, Mileage and Warlock showed up. We got everything we needed at Food Lion and waited for Moose and Squid to show up. Finally they showed about an hour and a half after everyone else. Then they did their shopping and we were finally able to leave. I ended up spending almost 4 hours in the shopping center. We headed to the road to hitch back to the trailhead and the first car that passed stopped and fit us all in. Being back on the trail is always nice after being in town, but the pack weighs so much. We only did 5 miles or so to the first shelter which ended up being really nice, which is always a good surprise, most of the time you have no clue what to expect. Our crew was the only ones there for a long while then a few more started to roll in. Piker, Mileage, Moose, and I all pooled ingredients from our food bags and made some really good burittos. The dried refried beans that we picked up at the natural food store in town made them teriffic. I laid down and tried to read a little bit on my book before going to bed.
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Jim and Mollie Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

So then plan was to leave fairly early, but as usual that never happened. I think we go out of there around 10 after a short morning hack. When we left we planned on stopping a few miles before the third shelter. It was a fairly mellow day full of long breaks and hot sun. We all stopped at a shelter for lunch, but moose never showed up, so we decided he just wanted to move on. After a 45 min break, we were back on the trail and still never saw moose. We stopped at Dicks Dome shelter for another lunch/snack break. We sat around for a while watching the mice run around the shelter. There is no way you could pay me to stay at this shelter, and I can only think of one more I would say this about. The location was nice with a stream running right in front of it, but the shelter itself was tiny, and infested with mice. While we were here there was still no sign of moose, but we figured we would see him eventually, and we did find him sitting on a bench at the top of the hill. While we all took yet another break at the bench, everyone was finding ticks all over them. Warlock had one on his leg, moose had one between his fingers, and Mileage had one on her belly. It was like a tick pulling party. From there we planned on finding a good camping spot around a stream, but we had no luck, plenty of streams but no camping. We ended up having to go a few miles further than planned to the shelter. We all set up our tents and found Game 7 of the NBA finals on the radio. We huddled around it until half time when we all faded fast and decided to catch the score in the morning.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Center
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Squid and I decided last night to move on to the Blackburn center today, while the rest of the crew was just going to do 10 miles over "THE ROLLERCOASTER". We had heard about this section and knew it was just a series of ups and downs and knew it would be tough, but I wanted to get closer to Harpers Ferry because my Mom would be there tomorrow. So we left the shelter before everyone else and headed off. The climbs started almost as soon as we left the shelter. We had a goot rythem going and would stop at the top of every second climb for a short break. The system worked well for us even though it was tough. We stopped at a shelter for lunch and cooled off since it was well into the 90's and humid. We left with only 2 more climbs before another break at Bears Den Hostel. The last two were not that bad but the heat was getting worse and the hostel came at the perfect time. We got there and talked to several people for a while. Then I went in and made a few phone calls and checked my email. We talked to Drifter who had started hiking the trail this year but had to get off. Now he is just following some hikers up the trail helping them out. He helped us out with a Diet Coke and a banana. This place was magnificent. It is an old mansion built in the 30's and turned into a hostel in 1986. It was one of the nicer places I have seen along the trail. I would have loved to have stayed but I needed to move on. So we left there about 3 in the afternoon hoping to make it to Blackburn by dinner time. We were so worn out from the climbs and heat that we really slowed down during the last section. We crossed the West Virginia border for the first time (it follows the VA WV border for several miles) around Devils Racecourse. The climbs seemed as if they would never end, but eventually it flattened out and we made it to Blackburn. There we hung out with Stilts, Apple Pie, and the Garland 5. We had made it in time for dinner, in fact we made it too early. We were starved and they were doing a late dinner to cater to a few boy scouts that were helping then do some work. So we spent the time hanging out on the screened in porch. Finally the dinner bell rang and it sounded like music to my ears. The food was great and I ate until I almost popped which had to be at least 5 plates of spaghetti, salad, green beans, garlic toast, and even dessert. I thought I was going to explode so shortly after dinner I was headed to the bunkhouse for a nights sleep after what had been one of the tougher days on the trail.
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Blackburn Center

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: haze

Bill, the guy who oversees Blackburn, had made an offer to all thru hikers here last night that is anyone would work for a couple hours this morning that he would feed them pancakes and slack pack them into Harpers Ferry. WE had decided to sleep instead of working at 7. When I woke up and made my way to the porch, everyone was sitting down to eat pancakes. They had already put in a couple hours of work and I was just rolling out of bed. So I ate my breakfast bar and packed my bags. I walked back down and they gave us what they had left, which was much appreciated. He offerd to slack us in as well if we could stick around for a while and help pick rocks up off the road while they were grating it. We decided we had time since we were in no hurray to get to Harpers since mom would be there around 6. So we did a couple hours of easy work and he took our backpacks into Harpers. We took a small daypack and just put in snacks and water and took off. The day was flat for the most part but very rocky. We left a note in the register for the rest of the crew telling them where we would be and how to get ahold of us. We got into Harpers around 5:30 and made our way to the meeting spot. The Garland 5 had our packs in their room so I talked to them for a minute and called mom who was about 10 minutes away with one of her friends who did not want her driving so far alone. We got all our stuff and all our people to the hostel and got showered. Brian, one of my friends from Ky, who now sold out and moved north to this area, and his wife stopped by and we all went out to eat at Ruby Tuesdays. We had a good time laughing and telling stories. Having mom and friends from Ky there was strange since I am so far from home. We did not hear from Moose, Piker or Mileage, so I guess they did not make it into town like they said they would, that or they did not get the message we left saying our plans had changed. But We are going into DC tomorrow morning after breakfast so maybe they will call then.
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I went into DC with Mom, Squid, and a family friend, terry, from home. We had a good time walking around the mall and seeing some of the monuments. We saw the new WWII memorial which was really nice. This afternoon after our picnic in town we went to the Holocaust musem. It was very well done, but very depressing. It did spark my interest on the topic and I know that I will be looking forward to learning more. I got a call from Moose and they made it into Harpers Ferry. we met up with them when we got back to the Hostel.
Date: 2005-06-30
To: Harpers ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We woke up this morning late since we had stayed out late at the bar last night. By the time we got up and out it was 1:30. I felt fine once I started walking but I could not help but thinking more than usual about why I am out here. I kept thinking about how much more I would benifit by being back in school this next semester rather than in January. I was thinking about how it would be really nice to be home when my sister has her baby. I was thinking about how it is so nice to be at home in the AC where I can take showers, eat good food, see family and friends, and live a normal life. These among other things made me stop and wait on Moose to tell him how I was feeling. WE had a good talk and he said he was having the same feelings. the more we talked the better going home sounded. I realized that I was not enjoying the hiking anymore and was not really looking forward to the trail ahead of me. The only parts I looked forward to were the towns when I could shower and eat and sleep in a bed. He said that he felt the same way and that it would be hard for him to continue if I got off. He said it would be much easier for him to get a job in the summer, etc. We decided to get off at the next road and make a few phone calls and think about it. the next few miles to the road we spent throwing around ideas and rationalizing everything. We got a rie from a few hikers into smithsburg where we ate at this Italian Place and talked with Warlock and squid. We both made some phone calls and decided to take a break. We Called the Hostel in Harpers ferry and they came and got us. they took squid and warlock back to the trail and took us back to harpers. From there we decided to go into DC and stay with Moose's cousin, see some things we missed, and think about it and see if we really wanted to get off.
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

so were got up at 4:30 this morning to catch the train into DC. we hiked from the hostel to the train station which was about 2 miles by trail. After the hour and a half train ride we got to Union Station where we had breakfas at Mcdonalds. Then we got a metro pass and headed to Moose's cousins dorm. WE got there just after she woke up. She introduced us to her roommates and had to go to work. When she left for work we went took the metro to the shopping area and tried to find some good deals on REAL clothes to wear in town. This ended up taking most of the day so we met up with her after she got off work. We came back to her place and hung out until we went out to the bar for her friends birthday. The bar was crowded and expensive, and I was tired so I did not have much fun. Still no decisions on the fate of our trip or at least mine.
Date: 2005-07-02
From: DC

To: DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So today we went to the IMAX movie Into the Deep with Miia and Kathy. It was really good, it actually felt like I was under the water which is a feeling I miss. Then we went to china town to eat at Chipotles. After that we went to the Zoo where we got to see the giant Pandas which were not giant enough for Kathy. None of the big cats were out and neither were the apes but I guess since it was free to get in I can't complain. Moose talked to piker, mileage and the rest of the group. We are still not sure what our plans are.It looks like we are going to stay in DC a couple more days. It will be nice to be here for the 4th of July and see some things. I am really having alot of fun here and don't miss the trail as much as I felt I would. I do in fact miss the people on the trail. I want to give a big shout to Piker, Mileage, Squid J, Warlock, and everyone else. I will see you all soon I know, but I am not sure if I am getting back on. This is a really hard decision to make and I know either way I decide that I will benifit. It just seems that I am tired of the trail life and look forward to being back in school to finish asap. in time for 07 if things are still on. But the decision is not made at all and I will elt everyone know when It is for sure.
Date: 2005-07-04
From: DC

To: DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

So I am still in DC. We have been taking in the whole town if it can be done. We celebrated the 4h by hanging out in the Mall area in front of the Capital all day throwing frizbees and playing games. There was live music all day and the fireworks were awesome over the Washington Monument. It looks like I will be flying home on thurs. with Moose. WE may come back out in a few weeks around NYC and get back on there, but no promises. I have to find out for myself. I really miss the people, but still not the trail. When I just walk outside and break a sweat, I have no desire to put on my backpack and walk 15 miles. When I get home and relax I may be ready to be back so that is my plan as of now. So I will be off for a couple weeks probably at least. Loud Shout outs to my people on the trail if you can hear me from here.
Date: 2005-07-07
From: DC

To: DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So Moose and I will be flying out in the morning from DC to KY where I wil be hanging out with my friends and family for a while. I am strongly considering heading back to the trail in a few weeks. If I do this I will be skipping the section that I have missed and just meet up with Piker, Mileage, squid, Warlock, and the rest of the crew. I really don't miss the trail that much, but that may be because I have been so busy with everything here in DC. We have seen every monument at least twice, we went to see the Nationals play the Mets tonight, and have been hanging out with a cool group of people we met here. I look forward to being home for a while, and will see about getting back on sometime in the near future. I hope that everyone is doing ok ack on the trail, and it sounds like they are, I just talked to everyone. I am sorry that I did not get to meet Pikers parents but I am sure that I will soon.
Date: 2005-07-25
From: DC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I type this entry from the basement of my dads house in Kentucky. It is the entry that confirms end of my thru-hike. I have put off this entry but it has to be done. I will not be returning to the trail this year. It is a really hard thing for me to do for many reasons. First and most important is the friends I left on the trail. Piker, Mileage, squid, Warlock, domino, and everyone else, I miss you guys. I will be an uncle any day and I am glad to be here for my nephews birth. the trail gave me a new perspective, and even though I am glad to be home, it does not seem like the same place. The people here are nothing like the people on the trail that I got to know so well. I have tried not to think about it but I can't help but notice. I have every intention of finishing the trail, but it will be in sections. there is not much more to say, the trail life was great, It is something I will not soon forget. I do regret comming home, but I think it was the right thing. after this entry I will move my status to "off the trail". It will officially put an end to the journey, but not to the friendships and experiences that I gained.
Date: 2004-12-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   There seem to be three types of people out there. When one learns about thru hiking on the AT the first type says, "That's crazy (stupid, pointless, etc.)"; the second type says, "That's a very interesting thing for SOMEONE ELSE to do."; and the third one says, "That's something I'm gonna have to do." For better or worse, it seems that I fall in the third group. For Better - because now I have this great goal to accomplish and amazing adventure to take. For Worse - because the idea never seems to leave you (look at all of the people who have been planning this for years) and it seems to become quite addictive. How many of you checked to see if your favorite journals have been updated and read all of the new posts in the forums before you stopped here? Honestly? How did we ever hike before the internet? Almost exactly a year ago I learned about thru hiking. I am ashamed to admit that I didn't really know about the AT before that, despite even having driven under it several times. (Yes, under it - the I-70 overpass) I also wasn't a hiker, not even a little. I'm more of a car trip girl. This would help explain the really odd looks everyone gave me when I told them I was going. I still think some of them are thinking I'll move on to something new before March rolls around. Hah! What do they know, it;s almost already January. So after the 'furiously reading all information possible' stage I set out to get real hiking experience. Good news! I still like hiking after doing it for real. Thank God those hundreds of dollars in gear were not a total waste! My family really loves this too. Or at least I keep telling them they do. They all know WAY too much about tents, sleeping bags, and titanium. And my mom's new favorite question is "Yeah, but how much does it WEIGH?" One was even able to point out Katahdin to fellow car mates when on a trip to Canada. They've been dragged to Grayson Highlands and Annapolis Rocks - more day hikes than they want to remember. I even convinced my non-hiking sister to go to Trail Days. (As she puts it "It's just not really my thing, at all.") Okay, I really didn't know about the water fight thing. I, way too innocently, thought it was just a parade. If she goes next year I'm sure this time she will come well armed. Even though she won't hike with me, she will be the lucky one who gets to do my journal. She's in college; there's a mandatory amount of time spent playing on the computer anyways. ALWAYS take full advantage of a free LAN Line when you have it.
Date: 2004-12-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

!WARNING! for an English Major I suck with no spell check. Let me apologize in advance for every future entry. I'm actually a very literate person, I just have no spelling ability.Okay, obligatory WHY entry...1. Once I found out about it I had to2. Not in college anymore but no 'real' job yet3. Living at home for the moment so no lease to worry about4. No kids, husband/boyfriend to make me feel guilty about going5. If I don't go now when will I get the chance to go again?I know you have read these same reasons many times (maybe by the time March rolls around I'll have some great elaborate and unselfish story but for now this is it) so here's the fun part!What I will miss...1. Cotton - ironically I've spent most of my life trying really hard to make sure that my clothes were NOT made of synthetic fibers. Now the c-word in a label is a sure way to make sure I'm not buying it. Sadly it seems that my jeans and great cotton sweaters will have to stay home.2. Sex and the City (and not the wussy TBS version)- Soon the last part will be purchased and my collection will be complete. Now guys, I know you probably will not get this, so free feel to skip to #3. I have developed this theory that for almost any situation there is a coresponding Sex and the City episode. And most likely a lesson to be learned. Need something to amuse you?Got some time to kill but not the 2 hrs it takes to watch a movie? Hey, a Sex and the City episode is only half an hour! The boys are cute (well, except for Harry but he's so the best guy for Charlottet you don't care), the shoes are great, and the clothes ... okay sometimes they're weird but they are also sometimes absolutly fantastic. Best of all it makes me laugh. Nice to know someone else screws up their love life occasionally.3. Lost- I must admit, I'm hooked on this great new show. But all of the new episodes should be over by March right? And yes, my family could tape it for me, but then they would be required to produce the correct tape unharmed 6 months later. The chances of that are pretty much none to none. Sorry mom, you know we would never find that tape.4. Diet Coke- Most people go for caffiene in the morning, mine just happens to be carbonated and sugar free. And yes I know I will be able to get sodas every once in a while. But I also know that when I start hiking I won't want sugar free anything. Maybe I should cut myself off now...get the withdrawl over with. (Just kidding, it's not that bad. I can quit any time I want to, really.)
Date: 2004-12-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

For the magic third entry that propels me into the public eye I'm going to do the WHEN and WHO question portion.Sometime in March - whenever my family can drop me off on the way to Florida. (Am I crazy? schleping 35 lbs in cold mountains over a week in Cocoa Beach? This is why they will be laughing as they drive away.)Am I going alone?- No. I'll be traveling with the entire Class of 05 Nobos. Like that answer? Wish I would have thought of it months ago. Then I could have avoided having this conversation many times: You are really going alone?Me: Yes, but there will be other people around sometimes, maybe they will even be nice enough to talk to me online before I go. Hey some people even get married. Are you taking a dog?Me: You want me to try to take care of both myself and someone else who can not speak? Well, are you at least going to take a gun?Me: Do you know how heavy those are? What if you are attacked or something happens to you?Me: If I wanted to moved to New York City alone would that be weird? No. I think there is probably more crime there than on the AT. And others hikers are usually more than happy to help you out if you need it. Can you say the same for the people you normally run into?