morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Damascas, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

During his stay in Damascus, Spock picked up his mail-drop at the post office, saw a doctor about his toe, and bought new hiking shoes. He stayed at "The Place" the entire time. Bought warmer weather sleeping bag and mailed cold-weather one back home. Saw many friends, including Paul, John, Janet and Yonder. Trying to catch up with Bruce, who dropped off the trail for a few days for a graduation. Spock wants to know where you are?
Date: 2007-05-19
From: The Place, Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter, VA
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Damascus after a big "send-off" breakfast. Had two mountains to attack, Cuckoo Knob and Straight Mountain. Noticing that terrain is alot less ups and downs, which makes for easier days. Shared shelter with Boy Scouts, but they were very well behaved. Stayed with Gray-turtle. Shoes feel good, inflamed callus not a problem.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Lost Mountain Shelter, VA

To: Wise Shelter, VA
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

Big climb today was Buzzard Rock, at 5,080 feet. After that, a day of walking along the mountain ridge. Stopped at Wise Shelter. Thought of continuing on, as it was only 5 pm, but decided to stay put and not push it.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Wise Shelter, VA

To: Trimpe Shelter, VA
Miles today: 20.0

Good day of fairly level terrain. Spent day with '06 thru-hiker, Handlebar, who is section hiking this year. Good to have the experience of former thru-hikers, as well as the encouragement. Spock passed the 500 mile mark today. Has a motel day in the plans for tomorrow. Still pretty cold at night, so wearing long johns in his Not-so-warm sleeping bag. Hoping weather warms up for good soon.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Trimpe Shelter, VA

To: Atkins, VA (route I-81, 683, 11)
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: clear sky

Spock phoned from a motel in Atkins VA after back-to-back twenty mile days. He says Virginia is treating him well. Got in around 5 pm. His wildlife report this day included three bears, two deer, a tortoise, and a wild turkey. He startled one bear, who bound into the woods. Then a movement in a nearby tree revealed a bear cub trying to climb higher. Rather than stop to take pictures, Spock got moving and away from there. He needs some food supplies as his Damascus drop is running low.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter, VA
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

Spock called around 5:00 from VA route 623, some four miles from his destination of Jenkins shelter. He's having a hamburger thanks to some local hikers who are treating. Crossed over two mountains today, Lynn Camp and the long and arduous Chestnut Ridge. All downhill now to the shelter. He's planning to pick up some food early tomorrow morning. Only a week now before I meet up with him. Due to work constraints, my three weeks have been reduced to two, but that should be plenty to get a good taste of trail life. Spock says his feet are doing well.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Jenkins Shelter, VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

Another record mileage day. No major mountains to impede progress. Caught up with Flying Turtle. Thanks again to ET and friends for the burgers on Thursday, it saved having to make dinner. Saw a wild turkey flying back and forth across the trail, trying to distact Spock from a chick. Took quick picture of the baby and moved on. Crossed I-77 today. A note on Spock's toe. He treats it by putting a little wedge between the toes so they don't rub. Using Neosporine and bandages to keep it from getting re-infected.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter, VA
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

Highlight today was hiking a half-mile off the trail to a small market with a bunch of other hikers, where they stuffed themselves on soda, pizza, and ice-cream. That was on route 606. Back on the trail, Spock stopped at Dismal Creek Falls and took a swim. Weather getting warm and humid.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Wapiti Shelter, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA (US 460)
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Spock called today from the Holiday Lodge in Pearisburg, VA. Was delighted to be able to restock at the local Food Lion. It's important because there will be nothing but shelters for the next few nights. Has been hiking with Flying Turtle, Ranger Jan and Artiste, all staying at the hotel. Artiste is a nineteen year old who hikes in camp shoes, which are like dock slippers. I don't know how a person's feet can stand hiking on rocks in such footwear, but then again, there are people out there hiking the trail barefoot. During the day, trail magic included a couple six packs and some Little Debbies near a suspension bridge.
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Pearisburg, VA (US 460)

To: Symms Gap Meadow, VA
Miles today: 11.6

This Memorial Day, Spock left early from Pearisburg and ascended Peters Mountain. After a relatively short day, he set up camp with his hiking friends on the top of a hill with a great view. On my end, I'm getting packed and can't wait to get out there. My five day food supply seems ridiculously heavy. I have no mail drop planned and will rely on Spock to find us food sources. Weather gettting hotter and more humid every day, more summerlike than spring.                                    --Bones
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Had very brief phone conversation before being cut off, but it was long enough to make arrangements for meeting Spock tomorrow. He was hiking past the shelter and would make camp a mile or two beyond. His plan on Friday was to hike out to route 311 and go a mile down the road into the tiny town of Catawba. Bones and Marty will meet him there around mid-afternoon.
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba, Virginia
Miles today: 7.0

On friday, Bones and Marty met Spock and Flying Turtle on Virginia Route 311.They had a good day hiking and were headed for Catawba when we picked them up on the road.Although they smelled like they had been on the trail for a number of days, they were in good spirits and looking forward to spending the night in the Motel and doing laundry and going to an outfitter to pick up some different clothing. They enjoyed the visit to the outfitter and probably even more they enjoyed the meal and the visit to the kroger to restock for the next couple of days.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Catawba, Virginia

To: Trail Campsite
Miles today: 13.0

Saturday was a good day although the weather was threatening from Tropical storm Barry. Made 13 miles and camped for the night. Although Spock has lost some weight he looks good, Bones was a little nervous but in good spirits. The view from MaAfee Knob was great. Passed Brickeys Gap, Tinker Cliffs. Camped on the trail and awoke about 4:30 to the rain from Barry
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Trail Campsite

To: Troutville
Miles today: 7.0

Hiked in the rain to Troutville to get into a motel and out of the rain, until you have been there you can not really appreciate how bad it is walking in the rain. Got to the motel to dry out things and get ready to go the next day.Mom they look good and are really doing well.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Troutville

To: Bobblets Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had a great long day hiking, made it to Bobblets Gap Shelter. Flying Turtle decided to hike in the rain yesterday and is now ahead of us. Spock is doing great and Bones is a little peaked but doing ok for the length of the walk. Saw Flaxseed at the Econo Lodge but he is going back 50 miles to pick up with his thru hike.Mom the boys are doing well.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Bobblets Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: broken clouds

Tuesday was a great day, weather was fine for hiking. Spock and Bones were headed for the Bryant Ridge Shelter. Passed Sharp Top overlook, Mills Gap Overlook and Cove Mountain. Lunched at Jennings Creek a really nice trout stream. There were more hills than anticipated and they did not quite make it to the shelter got within two miles and decided to camp for the night because of the afore mentioned hills.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring
Miles today: 14.3

Woke to a shower over night, but it was not a soaker like the other day. Lunched at Thunder hill, Had a good lunch, Bones is eating well and getting into the hiking better than he thought. Spock is having intermittent problems with his toe and it seems to be worse when they are hiking on rocks. Weather is great, looking forward to another day of good weather tomorrow. The trail crosses back and forth over the Blue Ridge Park Way. Passed Pettis Gap on the way into the Marble Spring.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Glasgow, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.0

Spock here at the beautiful new Glasgow Public Library, but sorry to say at the moment I am the only patron.I am traveling with my brother Dave and tomorrow will be the end of the first of his two weeks out here. We hope to be well into Shanandoah National Park and have taken a bite out of Virginia's over 500 miles of AT trail by the time he heads back home, which will have me taking aim at Harper's Ferry and the 1,000 mile milestone. Better say no more about that as it's counting my chickens isn't it. Bones (Dave) and I hiked to the trail intersection with US 501 and caught a ride on a delivery truck to Glasgow just before noon today (Thurs Jun 7th). We are staying at the "Tired Feet" Motel, and had a great Burger and Fries Lunch at the Resturant of the same name. We are here to clean up, resupply our food, and rest up for the next stage of our sojourn North.Bones and I are working on our our Spock/Dr McCoy banter out here for the benefit of our fellow hikers...Spock: Shall we get started Dr. Bones: I'm a Doctor man, not a      y Billy GoatSpock: For once Doctor your logic is flawless...etcThanx to Carrie and Alex for logging in with your news and encouragement. It's great to know you are out there checking up on my progress from time to time. Alex...are you teaching now, or is it summer break, and if so do you have a plan? If anyone else is out there please log in and let me know. It might help to keep me going someday when the tank is near empty.Thanx also to brother Dave's good friend Marty for updating this journal while Bones is out here on the trail, and for taking us to do laundry and shopping last week when he dropped Bones off at the trail.Have fallen about a full day behind my companion of the last couple of weeks Flying Turtle who pressed on into a rainstorm while Bones and I thought it very fortuitous to come upon a town with a nice Econo Lodge on a rainy day.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Glasgow, Va.

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Caught a ride from Glasgow in a pickup truck from guy named Ken back to the James River foot bridge. Starting at 680 feet of elevation there was aseries of long hard mountains in the 20.2 mile hike today. Big Rocky Row 2,992 feet, Bluff Mountain 3,372 and Punch Bowl MTn 2,850 feet.Views were wonderful and toward the end all down hill into the Brown Mountain Shelter. Tents were erected after the exhausting walk.No Ma the bears did not eat us just lack of a signal from the cell phone.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Did not quite make it to the shelter so we setup tents and spent a good night , there were thunder storms around, but no rain.The trail meanders back and forth over the Blue Ridge Parkway. There was trail magic today a group of old through hikers had a wonderful spread set up, there were cold drinks and wonderful sandwiches. One of those magic moments that make the trip worthwhile.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Made it to Harpers Creek Shelter and set tents. There was agroup of Boy Scouts there but they were good companions not loud and noisy as you might have expected. Spock as always built a fire and lo and behold out of the pack came some marshmallows to finish off the evening. There were some great views from along the trail getting here.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Humpback Mountain
Miles today: 15.5

Really not a lot of Shelters so we decided to stop along Humpback MOuntain. Spocks toes still bother him on the downward portions of the hill and his left knee is a little bothersome but not bad. Bones is holding up , but I can tell from the tone of his voice there are some really weary days and secretly he is looking forward to tomorrow when they hit Rockfish Gap and a motel and a great nights sleep.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Humpback Mountain

To: Waynesboro, VA Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Well Spock here in Waynesboro VA, and as luck would have it, the rain has caught up with us, when we are cool and dry in a motel on Tuesday my usual motel day (even though the Veronica Mars Season Finale was two weeks ago). Bones and I are going to resupply here and then enter Shenandoah National Park tomorrow morning...a milestone for both of us. Spock saw two bears on the way into town, and Bones saw the second one as it scampered away too quick to get any pictures. Talked to Brother Bill who lives out in Michigan from last nights campsite atop Humpback Mountain (with a beautiful overview adjacent to the campsite I should add). Bill says he is following our progress and posts daily updates to his office door for some of his coworkers. Hope to talk Bill into accompanying me for a few days at some point. He has been keeping the door ajar on the subject so far.Had an adult rated dream involving Jennifer Love Hewitt the other night which Bones thinks is linked to the marshmallows we roasted over the campfire that night. I'll have to repeat the experiment to verify the results and his hypothesis.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Waynesboro, VA Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Got a ride back to the trail with Buffalo Bob we got into.We registerat the Park Kiosk. We had a long hike that day 20 miles crossing back and forth over the Skyline Drive and wound up at the Blackrock Hut. Thankfully we were in the hut because it rained all night.With us were John, Jim and Buffalo Bob.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Thursday was a wet foggy misty day. We hiked in the rain all day and were wet and not too happy. We stopped at the Loft Mtn campground, got a hot drink and a hot shower and were able to put our wet things in a dryer and got back into a happy mode and made our way to the Hut.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: light rain

Have made slight correction in the mileage this day to get total mileage exact with the Thru-Hikers' Companion Guidebook. But Spock and I did travel 21 miles this day, a personal best for me in our two-week sojourn. This day saw me pass the 200 mile mark for my hike, and Spock go over the 900 mile mark for his thru-hike. Mountains not at all bad this day. In Shenandoah, they tend to be much more gradual inclines. Even after such a long day, we still got to the hut around 5, so had plenty of time at the Bearfence Hut to socialize with Traveler and Bob. Like us, these two prefer tenting to a shelter, and so set up tents on the designated areas. They were really nicely landscaped. I found the huts in Shenandoah rather dreary affairs, but they served us well in keeping us out of the rain the previous two nights. This day was cool, and it finally cleared up some in the afternoon. After crossing route 33, Spock and I came upon a bear right near the trail. She scampered away, but then stopped to watch us. The reason was because there was a tiny cub with her. Spock wanted to stand there and take a picture, but I urged him on and we left. My motto is, don't mess with Mama Bears. The day before we saw a bear scamper down a tree and run off. They seen to hang out pretty close to the road. The deer in Shenandoah are incredibly tame. It's fun to watch them in the morning as they graze near our tents. Thursday and Friday we had zero views, a big disappointment in such a beautiful national park. Tomorrow is the last day of my hike with Spock.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Little Stony Mountain

To: Stealth Camp site
Miles today: 28.0

Spock awoke to the deer grazing outside his tent. Had hard, rocky climb down Marys rock, but not bad after that. At Elkwallow Wayside, saw Traveler and others. Enjoyed ice cream and other goodies for lunch. Went over various peaks of Hog Back and will spend night at Gravel Spring Hut. Twenty mile days in Shenandoah are the norm. He thought about trying for a marathon day (26 miles) but probably won't due to his knee. Will be out of Shenandoah tomorrow and then it's on to Front Royal for a well deserved zero day. By the way, you may think that a day in town is all showers and rest, but it's not. When we reached a town, we had to get our laundry done and do our resupply shopping, then repack everything. But there was still plenty of time for TV watching that night.{On a side note, I want to thank Marty so much for keeping this journal updated while I was away. He's a true trail angel to drive me down to Roanoke. I also want to thank John for picking me up. I love you guys!}
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Front Royal

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well I changed my mind and decided to take a zero day after all. Several reasons:...Predicted 95 degrees with 100% humidity...Predicted severe afternoon thunderstorms...Weighed myself at 158 lbs which is lower than i'd like at this point...A day of rest for my knee after 31 consecutive days on the trail So I'm lounging, and eating, and going to see the 3rd Pirates Movie later this afternoon.Bones: I got new lips for my hydration bladder at the outfitters, so belay ordering me a new one. I also got a new hat as the flies were starting to like the old one more than me.Thanx
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Rod Hollow Shelter, VA

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter, VA
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The highlight today was a stop at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant on Route 7. He had a Roast Beef Sandwich and reported that the background music was really enjoyable. Had no problem crossing the imfamous "Rollercoater," a series of ten ascents and descents in 13.5 miles. In less than a mile he will reach the 1,000 mile mark. May celebrate by spending tomorrow in Harper's Ferry. Congratulations on this impressive milestone, Spock!
Date: 2007-06-22
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter, VA

To: Harper's Ferry, VA
Miles today: 8.5

Only 8 miles into town which means today is a nero, but total mileage is now over 1,000 miles, so no matter what happens in the next 1,000, I can be proud of this accomplishment. As for most accomplishments on the trail, there were no witnesses, so you accept that, pat yourself on the back, and move on. In that spirit, I put a message on the trail made of twigs to mark mile 1001, in other words thats behind us, lets get on with the next leg. On the walk in two things happened. First, something about the woods, perhaps the smell after the rain last night, reminded me of being out in the woods as a kid. It was kind of a very good feeling. Doesn't sound like much, but before getting out on the trail, you may have expectations of communing with nature, or having some sort of profound thoughts, but the reality is more like my feelings this morning. The thing is, little things like that just don't happen at the office, so it is kind of profound.The second thing was I got really annoyed after a couple hours walking on rocks and repeatedly stubbing my sore toe despite trying to concentrate on walking. I called the mountain some really bad names, basically finding no redeaming feature in that part of the trail, but I finally realized that the value is that it connects the trail behind with what lies ahead... or in life, the past with the future. When out on the trail, no matter how tired or sore or discouraged you are, you can't stay where you are, and you can't turn back, so you may as well resolve yourself to keep plugging forward (Of course you could turn off the trail, but then the premise is changed)Anyway will be stopping to visit brother bones for a couple days in Maryland to take care of mail drops thru NJ, and switch to my heavy duty boots for the Pensylvania rocks.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Harper's Ferry, WVA

To: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground, MD
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hope you enjoy some of the pictures from my two weeks with Spock. This first one was taken in Daleville on the morning I started hiking. From left to right, that's Flying Turtle, Bones, and Spock. I'm smiling because I have no idea what's in store for me. Actually, I'm delighted to be away from work for a couple weeks. Anyway, today Spock hiked 18 miles, crossing the Potamac river out of Harper's Ferry and entering Maryland. He passed Weverton Cliffs and a really pretty park at Gathland State Park. This area is also quite historic, as there were some skirmishes on South Mountain during the Civil War. He stopped at the Dahlgren tenting site, which is really nice, as it has showers. He's seen Bloody Nose, Ranger Jan, and Stealth, among others. I'll be picking him up tomorrow morning at route 70 and bringing him to Reisterstown for some rest and also to organize the stuff he has here.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground, MD

To: Bones' Bunkhouse
Miles today: 5.1

Today with 5 miles is a nero, to add to the zero I'm going to take tomorrow.   Having just caught up with Ranger Jan and some others, I probably won't see them till they take some time off the trail. Saw the original Washington Monument atop South Mtn and was impressed by the stonework, and the 360 degree view (it was a crystal clear morning out there today), and crossed the sort of famous I-70 footbridge which brings me to where I did my practice hike last year, so things seem to be falling into place.Forgot to mention that leaving Front Royal, there were two hikers waiting to be shuttled back to the trail with me. The girl was Tigger and she got in the front of the pickup with the driver from the motel, Joe. The other hiker and I jumped in the back with our packs, and he introduced himself:"Hi I'm Chuck Norris" he said. I took another closer look at him and said "Yes you are". I'd heard that there was a hiker ahead of me with that name who was a dead ringer for the TV star, and now I can confirm it's absolutely true (He even has the voice and the sceptical stare down). CN and Tigger had just returned to the trail after visiting some of the sights in DC, and were particularly impressed by the new Museum of Native American Heritage (if I got the name right). Anyway, that's it till I get back out there Tuesday morning.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Bones' Bunkhouse

To: Two miles over the Mason Dixon
Miles today: 20.6

Dropped Spock off at the trail about 8:15. Hiking up mountain to Devil's Racecourse Shelter, he passed about ten girls heading down to camp out. At Pen Mar Park, which is at the MD/PA line, he was disappointed to find out the park had the water shut off. He ate dinner, then hiked two miles further, across the Mason Dixon line and made camp. Trail magic this day was some soda in a cooler, always a welcome treat, especially on hot humid days like this one was.