morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Blackrock Hut

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

In the Shenendoah National Park the shelters are called huts. They are not huts they are in fact three sided shelters just like the rest of the trail.All National Parks have to have a reason for being called a national park. IE the Smoky Mts. are known for bio diversity. Despite asking everyone I could the only reason that this area is called a national park seems to be because President Roosevelt had a compound near here and during the depression he used the construction of the park to employ the Civilian Conservation Corp. During the current recession federal money is being spent in the park to update some bridges and road crossings.Presently, the emphasis seems to be on "perserving the best of the 1930's". This is evident in the architecture of the buildings. I did not know there was anying about the 1930's worth perseving. It was a terrible time for most Americans.We decided to take advantage of the stores in the Park and eat all we could to stop our weight decline. We hiked a half mile out of our way to feast on ice cream and beef and cheese subs.While to uphills are not as great, the rocks however, are hard on the feet. Tonight the shelter has alot less hikers. This gives us more opportunity to rest. We are both fighting colds. This is my third cold in 3 months and Carol's first. We feel alright but cough at night.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfoot Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6

This morning in camp we saw a bear and a large white tail deer (buck).We are both very tired today. Probably due to our colds and the long hike today. At one point at Skyline Drive we debated hitching a ride to a local motel to rest. Instead we decided to hike our full hike and do a short day tomorrow. We planned on tenting at the Big Meadow Campground tomorrow which is only 8 miles further.We trudged along to the Lewis mountain campground and store and just made it before they closed. We drank gatorade and had ice cream and other treats. We finally hiked the 1 more mile to the shelter and settled in. There were only 3 of us at the shelter and 2 others tenting. Hopefully we will sleep better.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Bearfoot Mountain Hut

To: Big Meadow's
Miles today: 8.0

It rained all night and Carol did not want to get up. I suggested that instead of camping at Big Meadows we get a hotel room. She immediately opened her eyes and started getting up. As we packed up 2 deer a buck and a doe came into camp. They are really unafraid of humans and will come within 20 feet.The trail was as flat as we have had since we started the A.T. and we were soom at Big Meadows. The clerk insisted we could not get into the room until 3PM. We had been hiking for a few days and frankly stunk. We decided to just go into the large great room they had and sit and rest until 3PM. The room was filled with many blue haired ladies, who I imagined were spending their husbands life insurance. Soon they cleared out as more hikers joined us in the great room. They apparently went on a bus ride and short hike.When we finally got into the room it was indeed like the 1930's. No TV, no shower only a bath tub. the room was very small and paneled in wood with hardwood floors. They did have an old radio in the room. All this for 106 dollars. It seemed a bit pricey to me.I went down to do laundry in the campground and carol walked a mile to the camp store for beer. (We may need an intervention when we get back to Charlotte). We had a good meal in the hotel dining room and later went to the Tap room and had (guess what-- beer) and listened to the entertainment. The room was filled with hikers we knew and we really enjoyed ourselves.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Big Meadow's

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

This morning as we were hiking along we heard a loud squaking and looked to our left. A large wild turkey ran across the trail 20 feet away from us. As we looked into the woods we spotted a bear. I don't know if he was trying to get the turkey for lunch or the turkey was just alarmed.We stopped at Skyland (restaurant) for lunch and they placed us off to the side, probably because we stunk. We ate and quickly were on our way.The trail today was very rocky and hard on our feet with boulders and rocks everywhere.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Our feet are still sore from yesterdays rock walk. As we started out we saw a bear and cub. The mother bear made a move toward us (10 feet) but looked back and saw her cub was behind her and stopped. We hurried along the trail.Today we hiked to Elwallow Gap ( store and snackbar) and ate and rested for 3 hours. We socialized with the other hikers, rested our feet and answered questions from tourists. At one point a couple of motorcycle enthusiasts came to the wayside snackbar. They had a small dog with them all dressed in motorcycle garb. I took a picture of the dog. They told me not to pet him though as he bites.We finally hiked on and got to an area called rattlesnake point overlook. There were some motorists photographing the mountain rather than the overlook. When we looked up we saw a small bear cub frolicking in the underbrush. We did not see mom.Tonight the shelter has alot of our thru hiker friends so we all sat around and talked about the day.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Chester Gap - Front Royal VA
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Lots of rocks and boulders today which are hard on the feet. The last few miles were down hill and we finally made it to the gap When we arrived at Chester Gap and there was a message for us pinned to a post. Trail Angels Jack Daniels and Notech would pick us up and take us to the hotel. We called and they came right away. Thank you so much.We showered, called the kids and ate at a restaurant across from the hotel. We walked to the grocery store and re-supplied.We got up early and a taxi took us the 4 miles to the trail head.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Chester Gap - Front Royal VA

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Since our tip began we have seen 8 bears. All these have been seen in the Shenendoah National Park. The Park ended at Front Royal VA.Today is incredibly hot 94 degrees F and 100 % humidity. The trail started out fairly flat but soom became a boulder field. As we hiked we felt sick the weather was so hot. The trail eventually went under an interstate highway and we came upon a house built in 1824. As we hiked further today there was a sign that said from Manassas Gap to Snikers Gap (27 miles) was the confederate boundary of Mosby's confederacy 1863 to 1865.At Manassas Gap I laid down and had a short nap as the heat was exhausting. We finally go going again and hiked to a shelter called Dick's Dome. It only housed 4 hikers and was built in the form of a geodesic dome.Rabid, Safari and Timber (from Canada) were all tenting. In the shelter with us was an old hiker named Pokeyman. He has a huge pack and only hikes 5 miles per day. He is just hiking a small section of the trail.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The heat and humidity continues today. Breathing seems even difficult. We left and the trail started flat but that didn't last long. Soon we started with the slow ups and downs over stone and boulder fields. The trail took us into many stream beds and then straight up the hill on the other side. We have entered an area of the trail called "the roller coaster". It is famous for being one of the most disliked areas of the A.T. The trail goes over 12 to 15 500 foot steep uphills followed by the downhill. In addition to that it is extremely rocky. This goes on for about 13 miles. We drank more than 8 liters of water today and still felt dehydrated. When we got to the shelter it started to rain but not enough to knock down the heat or humidity. We normally have been hiking at 2 to 2.5 miles per hour but the weather has slowed us to 1.5 miles per hour. We are totally exhausted. Later in the day I fell over a stump on the trail and bumped my head on the trail. Carol took my pack off and helped me up. My wrist was sore but that went away and my glasses cut my eyebrow but not severely. We hiked on to the shelter and our clothes were so wet they could be rung out.Nothing every dries. You can change clothes and hang up your old clothes but they are just as wet or even wetter in the AM. You just put your wet clothes back on and warm them up with your body heat.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Blackburn AT center -hostel
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

This is the worse hiking day ever. We can't take more of the heat and humidity and the roller coaster is continuing. More of these 500 foot steep uphills and followed by a dark dank stream bed. We were trying to make it to the shelter but were too exhausted. We sat and ate peanut butter as it started to rain on us. What else can this trail throw at us. After consulting our trail guide we decided to head to a hostel owned by the Potomac ATC. (trail maintenace group). It was 3 miles short of our intended destination. We hiked on reinforced with our peanut butter and finally saw the sign for the hostel. Unfortunately it was .3 of a mile down hill. That meant it was .3 of a mile up hill in the morning.When we got to the hostel there was one other hiker there recovering from an infected blister. He explained there was a pasta meal and you paid what you could afford. WOW! It was going to be worth the .3 mile down and .3 mile up in the AM.We had the choice of the hostel or sleeping on the screen porch. We decided to sleep on two benches put together on the screen porch. Soon many of our "hiker family" joined us at the hostel. It made us feel good to hear people 30 years younger than us saying they couldn't go any further. It wasn't just the old folks who were affectd by the heat and humidty.After dinner we settled down to sleeping on the benches. We fell asleep holding hands and listening to the far right talk show hosts roast Obama. You would think he spilled the oil.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Blackburn AT center -hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

The weather was cooler but just as humid. Knowing we were on our way to town made us feel better. So did the pasta dinner last night and the cooler weather. The trail was much flatter, but rocky. We covered the first 10 miles by noon and then eased into Harpers Ferry. This is regarded as the psychological half way point because the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters is here. We went to the hotel and showered. Carol insisted that we do this before going to the ATC. We went to the ATC and had our picture taken and were told we were thru hikers 368 and 369 to pass thru the ATC.We got some post cards and will send them out to the girls. We also went to the Post Office and got our boxes. Thankyou for the smarties and card Penny and thank you Laura for the goodies and especially the fathers day card. It was very touching.It was now 4 PM and we had a bad lunch at the Anvil restaurant. The food was not good and the waitresses were not interested in us. The beer was good however. The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Harper's Ferry

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

We are still trying to get our chores done. I am at the library entering the journal. We still need to do laundry and resupply.Despite having the ATC here Harper's Ferry is the least hiker friendly town we have been in. People are not that helpful, food is expensive, rooms are expensive and there are no handy laundry facilities. Future thru hikers should just pass through after getting their picture taken.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

We started out climbing up out of Harpers Ferry. There was a slight delay of 15 minutes on the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge. The National park employees were repalacing the boards on the bridge. Another Recovery Act project. We joined the C and O canal foot path and entered Maryland. Most of the day hiking was geat, the trail was smooth with very few rocks and gentle inclines. We stopped for lunch at Gathland State Park for lunch and a rootbeer. At this park there was a monument to war correspondence. This park is the location for a Civil War battle. The south pushed north hoping the French and British would join them against the North and the North would be war weary and want peach. It did not happen. The North pushed the Southern Confederates out of the area.We are pleased with our progress. The first month we hiked 271 miles followed by 345 the next month and this month we did 396 miles. We hope to do about 400 miles per month from here to the White Mountains. We are hiking with anothe hiker named Magnet. We really like him as he has a great sense of humor that complements mine. He is lots of laughs.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

The weather has turned unbelieveably hot 90 degrees F and very humid. This is tough weather to hike in.During the first mile we saw a plaque to the Michigan soldiers during the civil war. They were school boys with one month of training before they engaged the souther confederates. The weather continued blistering hot so we hiked off the trail to a biker tavern called the Dog Patch. A biker babe served us and 4 other hikers including So Far soon came in also. The cool respite was worth it.The trail deteriorated after lunch and soon it reminded us of Virginia with boulders and rocks galore. There are many more day hikers and the area is more urbanized than we have experienced todate. Magnet and 2 rings are staying at the shelter tonight along with a family of 5.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Deerlick Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We have now entered Pennsylvania. Or as the hikers call is Rocksylvania. I understand, however, that the bad rocks don't start until after Port Clinton. We will be getting new boots at that location.We have now hiked through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennesse, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Seven states remain.The heat is unabating. It simply saps your enery and will to walk. We saw a park was on the trail and headed towards it with the idea of food and soda. We arrived at Penn-Mar Park and it was like an oasis. We ate like we were on death row. We stayed s few hours and the breeze in the park was wonderful (great view of the valley). It was Father's day and the park was filled with families. Several people approached us and as the usual questions. Where did you start? Where are you going? What do you eat? etc.While at the park we met a southbounder named Siren. He was hiking with his 5 pound iguana named Moe. He had hiked from Mass.Before the day was over we had to climb over several boulder fields ascending them and then decending. Why the trail designers feel the climbing of these boulders is necessary I do not know. There is no view.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Deerlick Shelter

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

The trail was pretty good. So far Pennsylvania's trail is no worse than any other state. The heat is again opressive.If it seems like the journal is filled with complaints you are right. Our life consists of sleeping (8 PM to 6 AM ) eating and hiking till the late afternoon. After that we complain. I mentioned this to another thru hiker and he said "Embrace it man, we are thru hikers and complaining is our thang". We complain about camp food, the weather, bugs, the trail and our fellow hikers higene etc.Today we were able again to stop at a eat lunch. It was again fantastic. After lunch we hiked 2 miles up hill to Quarry Gap Shelter. It was fantastic. The person taking care of the shelter takes great pride. His name is Jim Stauch. He has hanging plants, a park bench, landscaping, checkers, and backgammon games as well as non working coach lamps. There is a sign that says Jim Stauch Inkeeper. Thank you Jim.We are staying with Magnet and So Far tonight.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today the trail continued to be good. We passed the half way point and a family was at the sign and took our picture. Once we arrived at the state park we headed to the store. This is the location of the half gallon challenge. Thru hikers try to eat a half gallon of ice cream. I did not doubt for a minute I could do this. So Far was already there stuggling with the last few bites. He completed his half gallown in 45 minutes. Another hiker named Compass was not able to complete his half gallon. I purchased my half gallon of vanilla and chocolate and finished it in 25 minutes. All the time I was eating I was talking to the other hikers. When I completed this I ate a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, french fries and a 16 ounce rootbeer. Eating has never been a problem form me. Carol had a more modest amount of ice cream and the sandwich etc.We camped in the group campsite and Magnet and his friend Carolyn brought us beer. We (Carolyn, Magnet, 2 rings, So Far, Compass Carol and I) all sat and had a few beers before bed. Sleeping was difficult due to the heat and humidity.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs PA
Miles today: 20.2

We heard about a resort that lets hikers stay there for a really reduced rate. A shower, food and a cool beer is a lot of motivation out here on the trail. We set our mind on making it to Boiling Springs in the 92 degree weather.During the hike we saw in the guide book a country store located .2 of a mile from the trail. We diverted and went there for lunch. The clerk made us huge submarine sandwiches and we drank some powerade and went back to the trail. It is so hot that my clothes look as if I have been swimmming. Sweat is dripping from the bottom edge of my shorts and streaming down my legs making my shoes wet.The trail designers again took us up on some huge boulders and we risked life and limb getting through these. I increasing see these climbs through the boulders as stupid. But we follow the trail. Finally we came down from the ridge and walked 2 miles through famers fields (in the blazing heat) and into Boiling Spings. Today the town has earned its name.We trudged a half mile off the trail to the Allenbury Resort and booked a room. We met Rabid, Timber (from Manitoba Canada) and Stich. We enjoyed a nice dinner and a few beers. We talked about our hike and decided to try the hike all the way into Duncannon tomorrow. The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Boiling Springs PA

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I am 64 years old today. What a great way to spend a birthday.The weatherman is predicting 94 degrees today and the first 12 miles of the hike there is no water supply. We loaded up with 7 liters of water. This made our packs heavy but we wanted to be safe. We started out at 7 AM and hiked as quickly as possible across the relatively flat fields and woods. In some areas the mosquitos were thick and we had to stop to get some bug dope on us. All day long I then tasted this stuff as my sweat poured down my face.At the 12 mile mark our water was gone and we filled up with another 7 liters for the next half of the hike. We made it a point to drink at least a half liter of water each, after each hour of hiking. At one point I thought -- this weather is dangerous for the elderly. Then I realize that's us!At 1 PM the thunder we had been hearing turned to a storm. It was very welcome except it made our feet wetter. After the storm the humidity seemed even higher as we climbed up an 850 foot ridge. Near the top the trail designers had made a rock bench overlooking the valley. We had lunch. A cool breeze finally was blowing. The rest of the hike was difficult with up turned rocks. Finally the down hill started. What a down hill it was. Steep as could be. We crossed one area of rock slide that took time and we both were silent as we carefully pick our way through this hazard. We have noticed that our falls and other untoward incidents seem to occur when we are tired at the end of the day.Finally we entered Duncannon and made our way to the Doyle Hotel. All together we comsummed about 13 liters of water on our hike today. We are looking forward to Heather joining us tomorrow at the Doyle.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Duncannon PA

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We are taking 2 zero days in Duncannon. This will be the first time we have taken 2 days off the trail. We have earned it.We weighed ourselves and both Carol and I have lost 19 pounds. She is at 115 pounds and I am 145. We think that this is probably the lowest we will go (we hope). It proves George Carlin was right. He said he could write a diet book consisting of 4 words -- eat less - move more.We are doing chores to get ready for Heather.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Duncannon PA

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another zero day. Yea! We are going to watch the USA / Ghana world cup game.Heather is here and we have enjoyed catching up on news with her. We really have missed our family during the hike. All our chores are done and we will be relaxing today.I forgot to mention that when we entered Pennsylvania we crossed the Mason / Dixon line. For those of you (my Australian family) this was a line that zig zagged across the settled part of the USA during the Civil War. The line separated the North, or Union states, from the South, or Confederate states. We are officially in the North at this point.The Canadian Geese(Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)