morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Calf Mtn. Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

I saw my first snake today. Everyone else seems to have seen dozens. Not me, and I wouldn't have seen this one if I had not backtracked. It was about 5 miles into the day and Gypsy, Touk, Clearwater, and LiveStrong were sitting at Turk Gap taking a break. A couple came off the trail and said there was a rattler about 100 yards back on the trail. We got up and headed off. Now, I know some of you are thinking, "Going to see a rattlesnake instead of getting away from one! You guys HAVE been in the woods to long!" And you are probably right, but what the heck. It was a timber rattler. Almost 3 feet long. It was stretched out and even with all of us watching, it didn't seem to mind. Pictures were taken and back we went. That wasn't the only wildlife for the day. I also saw 4 deer. The deer here are not afraid of humans and you can get pretty close. 13 mile days in the Shenandoahs make for a lot of rest time otherwise we would get to the goal at two in the afternoon. So, we do what all good GLGE'ers do. We find a spot to nap and read. Today's spot was the Riprap area. The five of us were there and Stilts and Apple Pie came in shortly thereafter. Apple Pie is another hiker from '04 whom I should have run into on the trail last year based on start times, but never did. We ate lunch, broke out books, talked about movies, and napped. After a hour or so people started heading back down the trail, in ones or twos. We had only 5.5 miles to go so most of us got to the shelter between four and five. The usual shelter stuff took place and at 8:00 the second part of the reading took place. Doing this reading is a lot of fun and people are really getting into it. The two section hikers, Mouse and Chip, that were with us last night were there tonight also. They were going to hike on but they wanted to wait till after the reading, which I thought was pretty cool. In all, we have had 15 people listening each night. Tomorrow is another 13 miler and then we are going to do a 21 miler skipping oneshelter because it is only 8 miles away.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Blackrock Hut

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

Yesterday was a snake, today was a bear. I left the shelter area around seven. Much to my surprise Gypsy, Clearwater, and Ian had already left. I must be sick...didn't even hear them getting ready! About 3.5 miles into the hike I heard something snap in a tree near me. I looked up and thought to myself that a bear might be hanging around up there. I walked around and looked for a better vantage point and then I saw it. The bear was sitting in the tree, looking down at me. It didn't move but I didn't want to make it move by staring at it too long so I moved back slowly. It amazes me that an animal that large can climb such small trees without having all the branches break off! I got to the Loft Mtn. Campground around ten and went to the wayside. One of the specialties here is the blackberry shake and I wanted to get one, which I did. As I walked out with my shake a girl walked past me. We nodded at each other and shortly after she passed me I heard her say, "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" I stopped and turned and she acted like she had recognized me.She, "What's your trail name?"Me, knowing that you can tell a hiker a mile off so that didn't surprise me, "Cuppa Joe."She, "I'm Melanie. Are you still hiking with Break a Leg? I've been reading your journals." Now, I was surprised. I guess she recognized me from a picture. In ever know how to respond to someone I meet, who out of the blue, says they know me through my journal. It happened yesterday also! I told her what was going on and we chatted some more. She is doing a very long section. The state of Virginia to be exact and heading southbound. She said she didn't have any time frame so I laughed and told she should turn around and hike to Maine with us! I told her about some of the stuff that was coming up for her and then we parted. Good Hiking Melanie!! ..Told you I would put this in! By now, the whole crew was here and we hung out till around three and then we headed out to finish the last six miles. Nothing exciting except I saw another snake, this time it was a black snake. We all made it to camp and once more read from The Hobbit. The listening group grew tonight. We had 20 people at the shelter listening to the story. If someone had to do a camp task they did it quietly and there was no loud talking. It was neat to witness this. A couple of mentions that have to made; Thanks Bill, for the soda trail magic on Sunday. Thanks Virginia, tried to email you but it bounced back. Tomorrow is a big day, 21 miles so most of us plan on getting an early start.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Pinefield Hut

To:  Bearfence Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Humans have an instinct. It is known as fight or flight. When confronted with a potentially dangerous situation the mind quickly evaluates the survival factor and one of the two takes over. Today, this age old instinct came into play and I guarantee you, in my case, the latter took over! It was early afternoon, a very hot, muggy, afternoon. Heat advisories were out and the temps were in the 90's down in the valley. Up here they were in the 80's. I was about 3 miles from Lewis Mtn. Campground, dripping with sweat and drinking water like it was going out of style. As I rounded a small turn I came upon small clearing and then I say them. Yes, them! Two small bear cubs, up and to the left of me and not more than 10 feet away. Probably closer! Now stick with me here because everything that happens next happened in a very short period of time. Split seconds, especially for the thought processes! Thought number one, "Bear cubs, how cool is that, and damn close." Thought number two, "Where's Mama?!", with growing concern. Enter adrenaline rush number one. Thought number three, "Gotta get out of here. Slowly though, don't run or freak out the cubs or mama." (Who I was sure was coming up behind me real fast!) I start walking quickly, watching the cubs out of the corner of my eye. What do they do? They follow me! Still off to the side but running alongside me! Panic starts to set in, especially when one of them lets out a snarl when his sibling smacks him one. After the snarl, enter major arenaline rush number two! Thought number 4, "Go away! Where's Mama! I am gonna get "et" by Mama! Gotta get out of here" By now my feet were moving as fast as they could without running. I knew, I mean, I just knew that Mama was coming up behind me but I was to terrified to look around! Every hair on my neck and arms were standing at attention and my heart was beating out of my chest! It seemed like ages but I finally rounded another bend which went around some rocks and there I slowed down. I looked behind me, no Mama. I let out a very deep sigh and stood there while I got my you know what together. It seems funny now but I was very afraid during the situation. You do not, and I emphasize, not, mess around with cubs. Mama is usually close by and she can and will put a major hurt on you! The rest of the day seemed pretty anti-climactic after that! I got to the campground area were I grabbed a soda and a quick shower. Ian, now Sketch, was there already. Clearwater and Livestrong came in after awhile. The 20 mile day was almost over so we just relaxed for awhile. Around 5:00 we went the next mile to the shelter and soon the rest of the crew came in. While we were eating Sunshine rolled in! I was surprised to see her. I knew she was close but not that close. She had done about 48 miles in the last two days to catch up with! Thank goodness those miles were in the Shenandoahs. A lot easier walking here. We read The Hobbit but we cut it short tonight because everybody was pretty tired. Tomorrow is only and 11.5 mile day so we plan on a longer read then.
Date: 2005-06-15
From:  Bearfence Mtn. Hut

To:  Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained a little last night. Not a lot but enough to get the tent nice and wet. It's suppose to get hot again today but not as bad as yesterday. Even though I only had 11 miles to do today I still got out early. Getting up early is a way of life for me so once I get up I might as well walk. The first goal was Big Meadows, the largest tourist area in the Shenandoahs. The plan was to hang out there for the better part of the day and then walk the remaining 3 miles or so to the shelter. Clearwater got out early also but the rest of the crew was still asleep. I walked along, listening to the birds, and watching the sun's rays lighting up the forest. Then I saw another one. Another bear! This one was on the trail ahead of me and walking north like I was. He did not notice me so I stood and watched him as he lumbered along. It was a pretty good sized bear and I was impressed with the grace in which it carried it's large frame. Eventually he headed off into the woods and I started north again. The bears are out in abundance this year. Almost everyone has sighted at least one and Clearwater spotted 4 in one day. This morning after I left one actually wandered through the campsite. Foto got sme great pictures. They say spring came late this year so that may be the reason why so many are out and about. I went to the Wayside, where there is a little store and grill, to wait for the rest of the group. It's always funny when we all meet up because of how many we are. 11 to 15 packs strewn about and just as many people laying or sitting on the grass by the Wayside. It is a carefree atmosphere and we do get some looks! We hung around at the Wayside till 3:00 or so and then I took off, wanting to get that last 3.5 miles done. The rest of the group followed soon thereafter and everone straggled into the shelter area. Once again camp chores were completed and then it was time for the reading. Only two more days till we are done with the Shenandoahs and The Hobbit. The reading has been great. Another thing that happened today was that we crossed the 900 mile mark.
Date: 2005-06-16
From:  Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 15.3

Privies. Privies are a wonderful thing out here. It saves you from having to dig a hole and from having to make sure there is no poison ivy around (which would really ruin your day if it hit certain areas!). There are all types of privys out here. Regular old outhouse types, The ones with only one wall, the solar powered ones, and the handicapped accessible ones. Yes, there is even one of those. God only knows how the wheelchair is going to get to the shelter in order to use it but it is available if needed. There are also clean privies and ones that you would rather dig a hole instead of using them. Unfortunately, the privies in the Shenandoahs are of the latter variety. As heavily as this area is traveled you would think the privies would be maintained a little better. Why bring up privies? There was a situation that occured a long while back that I forgot to mention. Now is as good a time as any to retell the tale. It was on the day after Break, Scholar, Linux, Pacman, and I had left Standing Bear Farm, just outside of the Smokies. It was the nasty, cold, rainy, day where we stopped at the yet unfinished Roaring Fork Shelter. When we got to the shelter we were soaked and we were cold. The rain was still coming down pretty hard and the five of us were huddled underneath a tree trying to keep out of the direct rain. Definitely no happy campers that day! Pacman wandered off in the direction of the privy. The shelter wasn't finished but the privy was almost done. It, at least, had a roof over it. A roof! It dawned on us, one by one, what Pacman was doing so we headed after him. Sure enough, there he was, shielded from the rain. Pacman said something to the affect that it was occupied but that did not deter us. We squeezed in around him. We were so excited! No rain hitting us! We were still soaked and cold but we were no longer getting rained on. Five people, standing in a privy with the toilet as the center piece! We were laughing at the sight that we must have created. I guess we were lucky that the shelter wasn't done yet. I couldn't imagine cramming 5 people into a privy tht was in use! The hike today was easy. I hit several spots where I would stop to read for awhile. One of those plces was Thornton Gap. There used to be a restaurant here but it is closed now. As I was reading a truck pulled up and the man driving it asked if I wanted a soda. I accepted and we talked for a bit. Thanks Mike, for the soda! After tonight there is only one more night left in the Shenandoahs. Then it is on to Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I left at 6:00 AM, picked up the section I missed due to the bear(who was no longer there) and moved on down the trail. Lately my pace has been about three miles an hour but I need to slow that down some. There is no reason to move that quickly and if I do it for long I know something will happen. I really enjoy walking in the early morning hours. Everything just seems so alive at those times. I enjoy watching the sun break the ridgelines and light the different parts of the forest up with its rays. The birds are out in full force and the forest is a cacophony of different sounds, and on this morning I saw a doe and her fawn feeding in a clearing. I kept moving and shortly before the end of the Shenandoah National Park I ran into a buck. For you easterners it was an eight point which translates to a four point for the westerners. The antlers were still in velvet and he kept moving up the trail with me so I got to watch him for awhile. First buck I have seen out here. I left the park and continued toward my destination. When I reached the road that led into Front Royal I saw Troll, Anchor, Oblivious, Silent Bob, and Padre. They were just getting back on the trail. I had to laugh at the timing. A few minutes earlier and I would have missed them. We caught up on who was where and I took off. I made it to the shelter around 1:00. 18 miles by 1:00. I definitely have to slow down! I set up my tent, had lunch and read my book. My food bag is actually getting low! This will be one the first time that I will get to a town with an almost empty food bag. Of course, that will change the minute I pick up my maildrop in Harpers Ferry! Actually, I am almost past the point where I am sending myself food drops. I have one more after Harpers Ferry and then I will resupply in the stores as I go along. Speaking of maildrops, I am going to update my maildrop page when I get to Harpers Ferry. I'll be putting in the places I will stopping for mail in the second half of the trip.After awhile Turbo Joe and Vapors came in. They looked at the shelter and decided to stay. (This shelter is one of the nicer ones out here). Around five Free and Serenity rolled in. It was good to see them again! They had quite the experience canoeing the Shenandoahs! They said Scholar would meet up somewhere tomorrow and Poet would rejoin the group on Monday. I also noticed, in the register here, that Break's foot is causing her trouble. Hope it isn't too bad. I am going to send out an email from the Bears Den and hope she gets it. Break, don't you go and get yourself knocked off the trail! I'll have to have words with you if you do
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Bears Den

To: Bears Den
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

After my long day yesterday and since I planned on being here today I decided to stay. Free, Serenity, Poet, and Scholar would be coming in today and they were planning to stay here today. While I was waiting for them to get in I sent off an email to Break asking for details. I hoped she would get it sooner than later because I really wanted to know what was up. After sending the email I was sitting on the porch when the Trolls, Silent Bob, Padre, Brownie and Souleman came in. They were just stopping by and then going on. They still couldn't believe that I had gone on yesterday and I told them that neither could I! Eventually the rest of the group made it in and we spent the day relaxing. What was the most surprising was that Weatherman came in! He and I have been trying to coordinate a meeting place and he said he tried to do the math and thought we might be here. So, here we are agan, with 3 of the original GLGE crew. One of these days the 4 of us will be together. I did get an email from Break and it looks like she is out for a bit. She says she is going stir crazy but knows that she can't go on yet. At least she is catching up on her journal in her down time! Other than that not a whole lot happened today. As night fell we went down to the rocks where we caught an awesome sunset. Once again, being in the right place at the right time! Tomorrow is a short day. Seven miles or so to the Blackburn Center and then into Harpers on Wednesday. I plan on taking a few days in Harpers for several reasons. One, to see if Break gets back on soon. Two, to wait for Gypsy, Touk, and Sunshine and three, just because I can.
Date: 2005-06-22
From: ATC Blackburn Center

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: mist

Scholar, Free, and I got on the trail shortly after 7:00. We were pretty excited about hitting Harpers Ferry today so we were in "walk" mode. Here am trying to get Free to slow me down and she decides to kick it into high gear today. What's a guy gonna do! After about an hour it started to rain. No matter, it is warm out so the rain feels good. I had pulled ahead of Free and Scholar when they stopped for a break. I reached the bridge that crossed over the Shenandoah River, about a mile from Harpers Ferry and waited for the girls. It was around 11:00 so I had a bite to eat and read my book. They got there around 11:30 and we headed into town. The rain stopped as we crossed the bridge. That made it even better! At noon we walked into the ATC headquarters. We congratulated each other on our accomplishment and then had our pictures taken to add to the hiker book for 2005. I am number thru-hiker number 381 to sign in. I was told by one of the staff members that 1380 people had registered in Georgia this year. A low number compared to previous years. Based on that and the numbers we are the three of us speculated there are no more than 600 hikers left out there and I don't think there are 200 people behind us. Poet, Weatherman, and Serenity came in around 1:00. We all headed to the post office where Free was playing the game of "Where did I send my maildrop to". We had fun playing that game for awhile and then she finally located it at the outfitters. I was going to stay at the hostel outside of town and the rest were going to get a motel room. They are also planning on heading out tomorrow but I am staying a couple of days. We said our see "see you up the trails" in case I did not run into them before they left and I headed to the hostel. I stopped at the little grocery store close to the hostel and got a drink. A true "mom and pop" type store. I chatted with the owner while a had my drink. She told me about her family and showed me pictures. It was kinda fun, in a different sort of way. I shouldn't have a problem running into Free, Serenity, Poet, and Scholar again since most are getting off for the 4th of July for family obligations. I will probably catch up with them around Palmerton or the Delaware Water Gap area. Break's foot is starting to feel better but she still doesn't know when she will be back. She told me not to wait and she is still convinced that we will see each other again. I am not so sure, but since I really want to see her again I will go with her thinking on this! 1010 miles done. I am only 10 days or so from where I had to get off last year. Keeping my fingers crossed I will continue on. Scholar was asking me if I was getting any phantom pains yet. I laughed and said no, but I was getting sympathy pains due to Break's foot. What hit closer to home today was I got a message from Butterfly Moon saying she had to get off because of a stress fracture. You just never know when they will hit! Tomorrow I am going to explore the town, take care of a few errands and all that good stuff. I also plan on updating my maildrop page.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

I met Gypsy, Touk, Sunshine, and Clearwater at the tran station. We chatted until the train came and then I headed to the ATC center. Of course, nothing was open that early so I sat on the bench and read. Around 8:00, Socks, Mayfly, and Sleeveless walked in. I had not seen Socks since Pearisburg and the last time I saw Mayfly was shortly after Atkins. We went and had coffee and by the time we finished the ATC was open so we headed back over there. The center is a great place to hang out. Virtually everyone who hikes into Harpers Ferry stops here so you are bound to see people you know. Peanut came back by. She is waiting for a package which may or may not get here. We, along with Aaron, decided to meet for lunch again. We also spread the word to a bunch of others. We gathered at 2:00. Myself, Aaron, Peanut, Sleeveless, Socks, Mayfly, Phoenix Rising, Bassline (who had come in a little earlier), and a hiker who will remain unnamed because of a story. June 21 is commonly known as hike naked day. This individual participated in the celebration but he did cover certain areas. He chose to use a leaf covering, which he pulled from a nearby tree. Everything was fine till a little while later. Unknowingly, he had pulled down some poison oak to use as his shield! Needless to say he was not a happy camper! We were busting up over the story but he still has a nasty "poisoned" area around his lower belly. I talked to Bassline for awhile and then decided I was going to do a fewmiles today so I left round 4:00. I decided to stop at the little grocery store one more time before I left which I did and I am going to relate that story tomorrow. I made it to the first shelter out of Harpers Ferry, set up camp, ate, and was quickly asleep. Supposed to be a hot one tomorrow but I am in a new state. Once I left Harpers Ferry I crossed into Maryland. Five states down and 164 miles to go before I hit the spot where I got off last year. I am more excited about that than I am in hitting the halfway point.