morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Resevoir Hallow

To: Dick's Dome
Miles today: 13.5

I finally finished the last three humps of the roller coaster today. After that the trail was smooth sailing. I saw a lot of deer and rabbits. All as they were running away from me that is. Some of the area in Sky Meadows Park was very nice and well kept. I was in such a hurry to get to the shelter before the sun went down that I didn't really have the chance to appreciate it like I should have. Two things slowed me down today. First of all...I got lost. It's so funny. They mark the trail so well when it's completely obvious where to go but when there's a five way intersection there are no blazes in sight. It's like, "Hey, just pick a way. Oh, what? You like that path? Too bad. You chose poorly." So I was wandering around (what I found later to be a no trespassing area) for over an hour trying to find the right path. Not too much later I made a decision that cost me another two hours. At a road crossing someone posted a menu for a mom & pop place .8 miles down the road. I couldn't help myself so I headed down the highway. I got to talking with the locals and ordered more food and talked some more. Before I knew it it was 6:00. Thankfully one of the guys and his daughter having dinner offered me a ride back to the trail. That's what we call trail magic. When someone along the way does something unexpectedly and unnecessarily nice for a hiker. It reassures my confidence in the goodness of people.When I got out of the truck I realized that I had left my walking stick at the diner. How unfortunate. I was beginning to find real comfort in that little guy. I found a mediocre substitute and headed out. At this point I had 2 hours to do a little over 5 miles before dark. I practically ran some parts. I made it though, just before pitch blackness. The moon doesn't shine so brightly down here between peaks. Especially with all the trees and rain clouds overhead. When I arrived at this beautifully located, very small, octagonal dome shelter I noticed that I would not be alone for the night as I had hoped. Nope, someone was laying smack dab in the center with all his belongings sprawled out all over the floor. He awoke as I took off my pack and made space. I was, in fact, pleasantly surprised with the company. His name is Kung Fu and everything about him sat well with me. To the point that when he commented on his uncomfortable feelings about hiking alone at night all I could think was "So you are human after all..." Thankfully this was one of those rare occasions where I thought before I spoke so I kept from making a fool of myself. The longest day I've had yet the least bit of soreness. Guess I'm moving up. Expecting rain tonight.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Dick's Dome

To: Jim and Molly Denton
Miles today: 9.9

Holy cow the variety that can be found in a single day of hiking.I saw flat ground, seep-narrow-rocky paths, paved streets, railroad tracks, wood bridges, highway overpasses, slippery slidey slopes, large rolling fields of waist high grass, tree tunnels, boulder climbing cliffs, private dirt drives through locked gates, stairs over fences, crumbled stone walls...all in a days work. And I'm beat. Now out of the wetness and the cold I'm ready for bed. I met a nice couple in the shelter who also are heading south. I'm excited about that. They seem like friendly people.But for now I will sleep and await the arrival of my hiking buddy. Tomorrow on toward Front Royal to get clean clothes, food, sleep and Todd.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Pioneer Hotel (Front Royal)

To: Hogwallow Flat
Miles today: 9.9

It is much different hiking with someone else than it is hiking alone. We have very different paces. He likes to push hard uphill and take time on the descents. I practically run downhill and might as well be on all fours crawling on the inclines. The only similarity is that we both like to take breaks. It is good though because then we can push each other. He leads as we climb and I move ahead when we come down. One of us is always helping keep the other going. We are planning for a big day tomorrow so we set up camp and are heading to bed early. We got attacked by a swarm of flies at dinner and we broke a tree branch trying to hang my food. Todd's first day on the trail was a tough one. The heat and humidity are common for the area this time of year but the hikers haven't seen much of it yet. We've been climbing and just basically gaining elevation at this point. It was a tough day for going only 10 miles but we'll keep on keepin' on. Tomorrow is a new day.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Hogwallow Flat

To: near Thorton River Trail
Miles today: 11.0

Today was a good day. We got up early and found several other people had camped not far from us. Today was another hot humid one. That sure does a number on the strength and moral of the hikers. I could see it in the wet, energy drained faces as they passed and hear it in their voices when I asked how it was going.There were a number of great views on some of the peaks. At one point in the morning we were looking out over a valley and the surrounding mountains and a fellow hiker was mentioning one of the peaks, the tallest one in fact and both Todd and I thought that wouldn't be for a while. He figured that he would be gone by the time I got to the top. In fact, we would climb that mountain today and have lunch at a wonderful spot at the top. There were some great moments today. Blackberry shakes and cheeseburgers at a wayside couldn't have come at a better time.We camped again. I almost collapsed before reaching the top of the ridge, there were many bugs, and it's begun to drizzle but this was a good day and we will be asleep in our hammocks early tonight.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: near Thorton River Trail

To: Mary's Rock
Miles today: 8.7

Todays journal entry is brought to you by Todd Powell and readers like you...Last night we were tired so we camped in an area before Thorton River Trail. It took us a while, but we got our hammocks set up a little off the main trail. Slept great and woke up to two deer walking through our campsite. Although they're common I've never seen deer so close. We got up early, 5:15 am, and finally got going around 7:00. It drizzled before night and it's been hot and humid since I got here. 90s and sunshine. All the heat makes it critical to find water sources. It's actually a lot of fun. Like trying to find a hidden treasure every couple of hours. Mel's water filter works like a champ. At this morning's first spring we saw our first black bear walking through the woods. Of course we grabbed our cameras and followed it to get the best shot. Out of all the work we took 8 shots but none came out.After loading up with water weight we flew through the morning. Put up 7 miles in 3 1/2 hours, ran into some northbound hikers and after reading the guidebook we were ecstatic to find a restaurant was down a hill. Literally running with 40 lbs. on our backs we came across Panorama. Our excitement dwindled quickly when we saw the sign stating that it was closed for the season. I think that may be the one wonder of the week...what season will it open for? After lunch we climbed 1500 ft in an hour and a half. For those of you who aren't math majors, that's really steep really fast. We arrived at 2:00 pm at Mary's Rock which is absolutely beautiful. It's been said to be one of the best views of SNP. We hung out there for a few hours and decided to find a place to camp. So here we are 100 ft from that Rock to a flatter one where we'll be sleeping. It's more of a cliff where we can watch the sun set. We went down to get more water at a spring a mile away and again we saw a bear run around and look at us. Probably a great shot to take, close and safe, but yes, neither of us had our cameras. So the sun is taking a long time to set. It seems like it hasn't moved in hours. We've basked in the sun after a fast start to relax to a beautiful sunset.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Mary's Rock

To: Skyland Resort
Miles today: 7.6

Today we got started around 8:00. Luckily all the bugs were attacking Todd last night so I was fine. On the way to the spring we startled a couple of bears. One of which was the mother who turned and glared at us as we carefully walked through. These springs are at least 14 mile down hill which is great until we have to carry it back up. By the time we get to the top we¢ve already drunk half of it. It¢s high quality H2O though. I¢m satisfied. The most eventful part of the day was when Todd was 50 ft ahead of me and mistook a rock causing him to fall on his face. It wasn¢t funny at the time but now we can compare it to a cow being tipped over. All in all our main goal was to get to Skyland Resort, which is more like a village of cabins. We just wanted and needed some good food, and some good sleep. We ate before we showered causing the host to pull our table away from our eating neighbors and then open a window while she complained how hot it was. How funny, because the air conditioning was on. Todd continuously reminded me of how bad I smelled. Who knows, we¢ve been living in our own sweat for four days now. As I look around in our room, I¢ve just noticed that the same picture is hanging in 4 different places in the room. Anyway, we¢re burnt blistered, and bitten but enjoying the amazing views that constantly surround us.(Oh, and just for the record: if this entry seems particularly cruel to Todd that's because it was written by him in my voice.)
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Big Meadow Lodge

To: Pocasin
Miles today: 11.3

This was the only morning that I awoke before Todd and still he was ready before me. Today we walked and giggled and hiked and laughed. Smiles and sore feet were on the agenda today while we walked through the clouds that gathered below the trees.Ridiculously funny (at the time) and equally embarrassing quotes of the day¢¦Melanee¢I think I¢d probably rather shoot myself up than smoke a cigarette.¢        After a long conversation about needles and being asked why I don¢t smoke.Todd¢What? I don¢t have a lithp!¢        After being told he does.
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Pocasin

To: Summit of Hightop Mountain
Miles today: 9.1

Today I walked with Todd to Swift Run Gap where his ride came to pick him up. Has it really been a week already? Tomorrow will make it two weeks for me. It¢s amazing how time flies and yet stands still while I¢m out here. The days are so long. So much happens. So many memories are packed into a single 24 hour period. And yet it seems like I just got here on the trail. Todd came and went as I sat here on the mountain waiting for dark to come. He and I walked and laughed for an eternity just yesterday. These are the things that will last forever. For as long as I have my memories, so will I have that night on Mary¢s Rock watching the sun set, the early afternoon filled with roaring laughter in the fog of Hazeltop and Bearfence mountain and the loaf of whole wheat bread taken from the Skyland dining hall and eaten while listening to the stories of Doc Narly. It was sad to see Todd go. For now I will walk the next 400+ miles alone. For as much as I have always enjoyed solitude and sung the praises of independence I think I will be lonely. Tonight I realize that things worth enjoying are better done together with someone who can appreciate them along with me. I know I will enjoy this time by myself. But it will not be the same. Again I sit on a rocky cliff atop a mountain watching the sun go down. This time a strong south wind blows the grey clouds overhead and I am alone once more.
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Summit of Hightop Mountain

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

As I sit here and reflect it seems to have been a relatively uneventful day. I am unmotivated and unmoved. My melancholy mood makes everything around me seem dreary. Even the insects do not swarm about me. My indifference has materialized and even they want no part of it. No part of me. Better to be hot or cold than lukewarm. Apathy has no place in this world but at the moment I can not think what might excite me, neither to laughter nor to tears. Virtually emotionless I will recite the day¢s events (or lack thereof) and hope that enthusiasm will find me in the morning.On my way up to Hightop yesterday afternoon I was informed that the hut where I had intended to sleep had been overrun by boy scouts. My choices were to either continue past a few miles or to cut my trip 12 mile shorter than planned and stay on the peak of the mountain. I figured that if I could find a site with a view suitable for setting up camp I would do the latter. I found a great spot appropriate for a single tent just below a rock formation that overlooked the valley. I set up my hammock on the grass as a tent and say out on the rocks. Because of the rain clouds the sun was hardly ever visible and I went to bed before dark. In the morning I woke to the boy scouts checking out the views. I had lunch in Powell gap and took pictures there to fulfill a promise made to Todd. I listened to some music as I walked and encountered a little trail magic. Cold sodas. I had a minute maid pink lemonade and then headed up hill. Now here I am in the hut and two more hikers just arrived anticipating more on the way. I¢ve already eaten by 5:00 and think I¢ll head to bed early tonight just so I can keep to myself.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Pinefield Hut

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

So that enthusiasm I was lacking¢¦it found me. The first 5.8 miles went quick. I was anticipating lunch at the Loft Mountain wayside but they were serving only breakfast when I arrived. I had a large plate of eggs, potatoes, ham and toast, cleared it off after my Poptarts this morning and then got an ice cream to go. I met Cuppa Joe as I entered. He and Break a Leg have been hiking together and I have been following their journals. I had hoped to meet Break a Leg but it seems she¢s been hopping around and I must have missed her. I put on my head phones and was feeling so light hearted. I literally skipped and danced up the trail to the camp store/Laundromat. I danced! With my pack on! It was fun to be in such a great mood. And when I got there I met Cuppa Joe again and many other hikers who arrived later. I did some laundry, bought some groceries and took the quickest shower of my life. You see if you don¢t know me well, one thing about me is that I like to enjoy the small pleasures life has to offer. As a result I do things very very slowly. So the timed 5 minute shower thing was new for me. I felt great and hung around for a while longer with the other hikers. All in all I was there for about 5 hours then I headed out. I did a little more dancing and then I settled down. There was a great view about 12 mile before the shelter. The trail horseshoed the peak, which was essentially a large pile of rocks. It was awesome and it housed some of the largest, fattest, fastest spiders I¢ve ever come across. Tonight there¢s a great variety of people in the shelter but only one thru-hiker and his name is Papa Razzi because of a documentary he¢s doing on hit trip. And I finally decided on a name. List of suggested trail namesBladeSlice n¢ DicePok-a-hot-assButterflyCaliBeauty (to counter Todd¢s Beast)Big RedBugsTrippin¢StumbleMap Angeland finally the winner¢¦BumpsSo bumps it is and so I've been introducing myself
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Quality Inn
Miles today: 7.0

Got everything I said I wanted. A pool, food, and a cone. Add to that a long shower, a television, a queen size bed, air conditioning, and electrical outlets to recharge all my stuff and I may never want to leave this place. I miss feeling clean, full, comfortable and pretty. Man am I spoiled. I think I¢ll stay one more day and then take it from there.I want to give a shout out to Bill Gallagher (that¢s right Meg) the trail angel who drove me into town and gave me a tour of all the places of interest to a hiker. The post office, grocery store, thrift store, ATM, Library and Tastee Freeze. Not quite the same spots of interest as vacationers but he knows what we like. Bill gave me his card and offered to help in any other way possible while I¢m in town. He lives the way I want to. He picked this spot with his wife years ago while they were on vacation and said that¢s where he wanted to retire. And so he did. He built his own log cabin on a mouontain with a great view of humpback mountain and he helps out hikers as well as maintaining parts of the trail. What a great guy! Thanks Bill!
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Quality Inn

To: Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Okay! Okay! So I¢m lazy. Give me a break.This place was great though. We watched Braveheart and ate ice cream. For the first time I felt like I realy fit in with the hikers even as a sectioner. Met some great guys and BearCan(less) is from Sunnyvale, California. She had even more bug bites than me. Great people. Lots of fun! I¢m beginning to really like this hiking thing. Well¢¦the breaks from hiking anyhow.I met a walking advertisement for Rusty¢s hostel, the Hollow. I ran into this kid everywhere. When ever I turned around it seemed like Fireball was there. Although he didn¢t stay at the hostel he did watch the movie with the group. I¢m considering taking some time off to help him take care of Rusty¢s. Haw fun would that be? Cleaning up one of the oldest hostels around and help promote business. We¢ll see what happens.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Hostel

To: Paul C. Wolfee Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got an extremely late start today. There was always someone to talk to. A very busy day for accomplishing absolutely nothing. I ran into Fireball a few more times around town and met Tree Trunks. A big guy with the most massive calves you¢ve ever seen but he also has the softest demeanor and the gentlest heart. I love meeting so many awesome people out here. What fun! Heavy rain began about 15 minutes after I finally stepped onto thee trail late this afternoon. Soaking wet, yet walking the flattest terrain so far I made it to the shelter a few hours before dark and am now ready for bed.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Paul C. Wolfee Shelter

To: Humpback Mountain
Miles today: 8.0

I know, I know. I should have done more miles today. Twice as many in fact. I was going to try and make it to the next shelter which would have made it just over 16 miles. Darn me! That would have been my longest day yet. But I found a fantastic camp site just a few feet from an even more fantastic view. I can¢t help myself. I¢m weak when it comes to leisure and beauty. I am going to start my first fire ever started by me. What a great night!
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Humpback Mountain

To: Rusty's
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I was debating whether or not to stop by Rusty¢s or to push ahead. After all it is over 3 miles off the trail. Rusty is planning on selling the place because traffic has significantly reduced in the past few years. It really is a great place to just sit back and relax for a couple of days. The problem is that over the years people are more concerned with making good time rather than having fun and enjoying themselves on the trail. Obviously I was not dished out a helping of that considering my speed thus far.There are two other hikers here tonight. Pig Bear (who¢s been here for 3 days now and has been helping Rusty out around the farm) and Noonan (who keeps bees and plans on kayaking home after the hike). Noonan and I made dinner for everyone out of what we could find in the kitchen and it turned out surprisingly good. To top it off Rusty brought out some ice cream and a bit later we had Ovaltine goat¢s milk. Maybe tomorrow wee can mlk the goat. It tastes great. But Pirate, Rusty¢s friend doesn¢t like milk and said he¢d drink if we could milk the Crown Royal out of it. I just learned that tomorrow, June 21, is hike with out clothes day on the trail. I can¢t believe I¢ve never heard of that before. As I did the dishes Rusty and Pig Bear started a fire for the hot tub. Rusty made it years ago for less than $50. It s fed by spring water from a pipe. Just near there is also a tub filled with spring water that is not heated for dipping when you get over heated. We had hot tubbing in the moonlight. If not completely full the moon was close to it and the sky was clear. The three of us hikers talked for a good deal of time and then Rusty came out to join us. He shared with us what the place was like when it was hoppin¢ with hikers. I felt a bit hot and sat on thee edge to get some air. All I remember was the guys asking me if I was okay and I felt dizzy and nauseous so I remember answering no. The next thing I know I had, what seemed like a really long dream and I woke to all these faces staring down at me. ¢You passed out.¢I did? I¢ve never done that before. Not too much later Noonan and I headed to bed because the heat was tiring and it was about 3:30 at that time. Tough for hikers who are asleep at 9:00 when the sun goes down. No early hiking tomorrow. We all awoke with ¢hangovers¢. I wasn¢t surprised though because I felt sick like I had been drinking too much just before I passed out and figured it was due to dehydration which really is the reason for having a hangover. So I got all the negative effects of alcohol while sober. Will we hike a 8+ mile cycle tomorrow without packs? We¢ll see.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Rusty's

To: Rusty's
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Yes another zero for me. Actually I did walk just over 8 miles but then ended up back here at Rusty¢s. Pig Bear and I did a short circuit trip to a waterfall on the blue blazed Mau-Har trail. We went swimming and returned to Maupin Field shelter to find two new friends. Praying Mantis and Crazy Horse. We left Noonan there and took the other two back to Rusty¢s with us. When we got back we played a game of Frisbee golf and listened to Crazy Horse and Pig Bear play some live music on their guitars. That afternoon two more guys came walking down the soda can covered driveway and joined us for sloppyjoes and an amazing sauna experience. This sweat lodge is hand made like everything else around Rusty¢s and it is the most intense cleansing any of us had ever gone through. And, might I add, that having both feet massaged by two different people simultaneously in a room filled with steam while you¢re sweating profusely is the most relaxing experience ever. Tonight I was pampered like a queen and I will begin my hike again tomorrow. On to Tye River.