morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Hidden Ledge Camp

To: Past Wilson Creek
Miles today: 20.0

The sunrise. Oh the redness and profound Orangeness. The back lit clouds hung impossibly, glowing with the morning light. The sun shrugged its massive shoulders and began its slow march across the heavens, growing brighter as the morning progressed. We stayed until 7:30. I don't have photo evidence because my camera was hung up in a tree. Oops. It took a while to leave the ledge, but that is OK! It was the best camp I have had on the AT.After the last couple days, we are trying to reach a balance between lazy, work, swimming... We will save the manic mileage for the four state challenge (Virginia to Pennsylvania in a day, 44 miles.) For now, low to mid 20s seem comfortable, and will still get us to the end in August. This gives plenty of time for swims, early camps, and views. I kinda wish I could have hiked the CDT with more people...We made it to town just before 11:00 and went to the outfitter and the big grocery store. There were many hikers there, perusing the aisles. We didn't leave until after 3:00. I left with five pounds of fruit in my backpack. They will make an excellent snack a few days out.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Past Wilson Creek

To: Black Rock
Miles today: 25.4

Everything feels good. Knees, ankles, legs... I am reasonably adjusted to the heat and humidity, though I can't say I exactly enjoy 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity...Soon after we left, we were greeted by the Blueridge Parkway, a scenic road along the higher ridges of Virginia. We crossed it several times today. After 15 fairly uneventful miles we reach Jennings Creek, and one of the better swimming holes. At this point I think we have gone from thru-hiknig to thru-swimming... That works for me! Jennings Creek is a river by California standards, similar to the American or Yuba. There were about 10 other hikers there. We lounged in the cool water and on the warm slabby rocks, pleased not to be walking in the hotter part of the day.After our extended break, Ladybird and I crashed over our first 1000 foot hill and pushed up the 2000 feet to our planned camp, grabbing water along the way. We have been camping high, bringing extra water with us. The bugs are fewer and the temperature usually lower up high. As summer sets in, cool campsite will be harder to find I fear...
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Black Rock

To: James River Overlook
Miles today: 24.1

We slept out, as usual. Some time in the night the wind picked up, blowing through the trees. At 5:30 we were awake and determined to do some miles after numerous 20s. We were hoping for near 30, but 24 and a swim will do. There is no big rush to get to town. With pending rain, we found a very nice campsite early, complete with view, fire ring, and a sheltered grove for a tarp.We were chatting about various long trips we wanted to do when we met two Australians, Tripper and The Wizard from Oz. They do one big trek every year. I am curious how they can keep that up. How does one, or two, spend most of their time in the woods or mountains while maintaining what society considers a normal life. I am not so interested in a normal career. I would like to just do this! I have a few months to figure that part out.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: James River Overlook

To: Past Wolf Rocks
Miles today: 28.0

Even with a swimming break, a nap, story time from an old-timer, and a late start, we can still kick out some mileage. So 17 miles into the day we arrived at Long Mountain Wayside, listed in the book as having groceries available. We should have known better when a weekender scoffed at our dreams of ice cream. So can we make it to Waynesboro on fumes? Why not? I have a small amount of peanut butter and crackers, a couple small dinners, and a couple bars. That is enough for 60 more miles, right? So you can't imagine our joy when I found a fun size snickers bar on a rock on the trail. We split it.The climb from US 60 is fairly mellow, but long. I started with a liter of water and was dry by the time we reached a trickling sprig one mile from where we camped.At camp, sunset was beautiful. There were yellows fading to orange, and purples and pinks. The small number of clouds added just enough texture without being threatening. We have slept out six nights in a row, staying out of the shelter. It is very nice not having to listen to snoring and mice! We shall see how long the streak will go!
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Past Wolf Rocks

To: Past Maupin Shelter
Miles today: 24.6

A couple of days ago I talked about allotting points to hiking days. Well here we go for today. Spy Rock, one point, 360 degree view, fun scamper up a rock. Three snakes, all in the Priest Wilderness, hmm... One point. There was also a fox and some sort of cat-like thing. Swimming at Tye River, cool refreshing, shady overhang, one point. Found a granola bar on trail, and Black Cap berries, one two points. Being hungry do to a slight lack of food, negative one point. Got food from a trail crew and weekenders, one point. A very nice campsite and pleasant sunset, two points. I think that is six points. That is a good day! We hoped for a few more miles, but the climb up Three ridges was hot and pretty tough. The swim break was longer than expected, but that is quite alright! We will still be getting into town on Saturday, tomorrow.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Past Maupin Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: few clouds

At 5:00 am Ladybird and I looked at each other. "not yet..." That not yet didn't last long. We were on trail before 6:30 and cruising quickly before the day's heat set in. We didn't stop until Bear Spring. There were a couple fantastic sights to be seen. Dripping Rock, I believe, was very neat. The trail splits, left is blazed in light blue (please make it darker!) Right is blazed in white and goes straight up a rock scramble, hands recommended.After Bear Spring we stopped at Paul C Wolf Shelter for a quick break, then onward. As the afternoon progressed the temperature rose. I was sweating profusely. It was apparently above 90 in Waynesboro today. I can't imagine it was much cooler where we were. But by 2:00, dripping wet, we reached the road, and were offered a ride very quickly.Waynesboro is a bit spread out but very nice. It is hiker friendly. We went to the fruit market in front of the big grocer and were given two slightly over ripe cantaloupes and four tomatoes. The owners asked our trail names. As we left the fruit stand, the sky opened up and it started raining hard. We waited out the storm under the overhang at Kroger.Now we are at the Hostel. A church here has the basement opened up for hikers. There is a minimal kitchen and lounge area. The hostel is very secure and comfortable.Last night we had dinner at Chick Peas, a Mediterranean restaurant with, surprise, Alpine! She showed up in town a day before us. "The endurance trio" as Warren called us, is still vaguely in the same area!Tomorrow I will be heading to Charlottesville to see my cousin.
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Waynesborro

To: Charlottesville
Miles today: 0.0

The speed of a car is alarming after weeks eithout riding in one. I was picke dup in Waynesboro and sped off to the east away from the mountains. With a second shower in two days, I feel almost human. Sitting at a computer with a 24 inch monitor inside a air conditioned house, I feel normal...ish. I am certainly comfortable. And Also rather dazed. I am hobbling und the house, not from injuries, but from general use. "How do I go 25 miles in a day?" I often ask myself on a relaxing zero day. For now, I am snacking and relaxing. I should be back on trail tomorrow afternoon. Thanks to Bill, and my cousin Amanda! I am rested and not hungry! This is great! I ate three giant baked potatoes which seemed to impress them. Sorry I didn't warn you about hiker hunger!
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Waynesboro

To: Calf Mountain
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

I can't say I know exactly what it is like to be segregated, but I do at least now have an idea. The Hostess at Ming's Garden Chinese Buffet greeted me, requesting that I leave my backpack outside. I would rather have it with me, but OK, I can handle that... "This way" she said, leading me past the buffet trays into a dark windowless room. "Could I by any chance sit by a window?" I asked politely. "No..." She said. "We don't let them sit out there, we keep them all here... cuz there's like bugs and stuff" she lilted in a southern twang.They quarantine hikers in a small banquet room like the diseased hobos that we are! OOOO! Beware of my ticks and cysts! I'll get ya. Stay back! We hikers can kill with a handshake!So after lunch, Ladybird and I did a few last minute errands and were dropped off back at the trail. After two hours of lounging int he 93 degree humid heat we set out for our goal, a short seven mile jaunt through the trees. Most of the two hours, Ladybird spent, making modifications to her new little tiny backpack, smaller than mine!I want to once again thank Bill, and my cousin Amanda for their generosity, and being amused that I could eat three giant baked potatoes in one sitting!
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Calf Mountain

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Can I make it through The Smokeys and The Shenandoah without a view? I have had fog and rain everyday in the national parks. This is an odd paralell.20 miles in was the camp store at Loft Mountain. Unfortunately, I completely forgot about my resupply strategy. I could have easily bought food here. Oh well, I'm carrying four or five days of food. It makes me strong. At the store, I bought Old DOminion Root Beer, a fairly good beverage with honey and notes of berries and herbs. They also had 65 cent beers, a dangerous temptation for most hikers. A small croud sat under the overhang, totally sloshed... kinda fun to watch, but we went onward. Pinefield was bustling with hikers, some of whom had been at the camp store. They had hitched the six miles on the road, too inebriated to walk the mileage.At this point, I prefer camping off the beaten path and away from shelters. But in the Shenandoah, the park requests hikers to stay at huts or designated campsites. We will do their bidding.
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 20.6

We sa under the overhang of a locked cabin, gazing a rolling thunderclouds. They seemed to sit in place, not moving, just roiling. We had picked up one other hiker a couple miles earlier, Ghetto Sheep. The three of us decided to go for it. 1.9 miles on a ridge to the next camp store. So away we flew. The storm seemed to have moved on slightly. just a few hundred yards down the trail, rain was falling hard and puddling quickly. Puddles became lakes and rivers as we walked. I gave up trying to keep my feet dry and joyfully puddle stomped as thunder drummed and arced ovehead. We yelled and war-hooped ridiculously at the torrent before it mellowed near the camp store at Lewis Mountain.It may be a slightly short day, but we are planning a 40 tomorrow. This is just like tapering before a race, so I hear.As for the early part of the day, it was dominated by drizzling and fog. No views yet in The Shenandoah...
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 39.9
Weather: few clouds

How does it feel to fall one tenth short of a 40? Not bad, considering the start and finish huts were a total of .3 off trail.So after 40+ miles, I feel good. We hiked it in daylight, arriving at about 9:00, and we even took a fw good breaks! I am ready for the four state challenge, four states in one day, 44+ miles, VA, WV, MD, PA.And we had a completely beautiful day! It was sunny and cool with a pleasant breeze. One could actually see the ridges to the west across the valley. We paused at many overlooks and cool springs. With the cool breeze, I did not ever get close to overheating. Despite the cool weather, I found the strength to wash off in a faucet at a campground, a rather cold water faucet. It had been a while since my last on trail shower/bath.Our Strategy today was spot on. A 50 mile day only requires more time, food and water. I think we could do 50 in less than 18 hours without running or pushing too hard. today was 15 hours with some breaks.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Manassas Shelter
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: clear sky

There were not many aches or pains after our 40. I felt good. I was generally sore, but nothing in particular gave me any trouble. Now to taper back to 20+ before the next big day. We need recovery time.Today was recovery and Resupply. I We both had boxes in Linden. Naturally, we also bought cold drinks and ice cream. They had birch beer! It is similar to root beer, with some different nuances.Then it was back up 1000 feeto to Manassas Gap Shelter where we stayed with Bigfoot and Jaybird. This is my first shelter since Sarver Hollow, 300+ miles away. The streak will begin anew.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Manassas Shelter

To: Spout Run
Miles today: 21.0

We are going to sleep to the sounds of Civil War artillary. Cannon fire can be hear miles away. A whole civilization of moths seem to be circling my head lamp as I write, and another bunch of them are feasting on socks, hanging from a nearby tree. Today was another recovery day from our 40 mile day. We even found a foot deep creek in which to soak aching feet and knees, and wash the salt out of our clothes.A personal highlight was Dick's Dome. The trail going up is extraordinarily lush and even had raspberries, along with the black caps we have seen often. On the other side of the peak was open fields with giant wide hardwoods. The trees can really spread out when given room!Today we entered "The Roller Coaster" a section of trail famous for ups and downs. It may be slightly blown out of proportion, but the ten climbs of less than 500 feet are cumulatively brutal.We are camped in a deep ravine before Bear's Den. I'll pass on the 30 dollar hostel with pizza and ice cream. Maybe I'll get that in Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Spout Run

To: Loudon Trail
Miles today: 19.8

Let me preface this by saying that our actual mileage was 22.1 he 2.3 miles from Loudon Trail to Harper's Ferry will not count until we rehike it when doing the four state challenge. (VA/WV/MD/PA in a day, near 50 miles)Last night after midnight I hear rain and woke up, alerting Ladybird. We had slep out with clear skies, but an unexpected cell had blown in. We quickly flew my tarp and were protected from the elements. I think up to four people could fit under a 7x9 tarp set up as an A-frame. I am very happy with how this 4.5 ounce home made piece of gear is working.So today we slept in. We are becoming the most relaxed ultralighters on trail. Even with leaving after 9:00, we can still make 22 miles before evening. Sunlight did not reach our camp in the ravine until nearly 8:00 so it felt much later than it was. After a lazy first five miles with a couple breaks, we picked up and flew to town, pizza, root beer, and ice cream on our minds. Harper's Ferry is ridiculously historical. Colonial architecture is everywhere. Buildings are often brick or stone. There must be a building code for new homes... No Spanish haciendas here! I could not aptly describe the town without several pages of text... so I'll leave that to Wikipedia or a Harper's Ferry tourist info page. Look it up.Tomorrow is either a zero or a long near-0. We may climb the hill in the evening for the four state on tuesday.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A real zero? Not one spent doing post office runs and groceries and resupply stuff? That is what it was. We made a mockery of the complimentary breakfast before napping, then on for a exceedingly slow stroll into the town of Harper's Ferry. The outfitter is small, but well stocked, Cannonball Deli, or restaurant or whatever it was called gives a slight discount to hikers... And has ice cream. And the river is wide with many flat rocks on which to sun.I saw many familiar faces today, hikers whom I have encountered in the last few hundred miles. And today, we visited the ATC. Appalachian Trail Conservancy. This is a hangout and resource for hikers and prospective hikers. There are photos, registers, books, maps... Everyone hiking through signs in and has their photo taken. I am number 427! If that means anything... We seem to be slightly behind the main herd now. Hopefully they aren't still clumped up.As for the town of Harper's Ferry... As I said, look it up. Too much to describe.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Loudon Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Actual miles, 2.3 but they don't count until tomorrow. We are camped in Virginia. Tomorrow at 3:30 am, we will wake and leave for Pennsylvania, hopefully arriving before midnight. Food is ready, beverage mixes as well. It will be hot... but we can do it!Today we spent more time in Harper's Ferry, sleeping, eating, visiting the ATC, library, post office... It's been a great town visit, but onward we must go!A question was asked about my journals. I write on paper and transcribe in town. Frankly, it isn't fun! I should have a Peek or iPod Touch, a smart phone... This transcribing stuff takes forever!
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Loudon Trail

To: Old Forge Pump House
Miles today: 50.5

At 4:45, Ladybird and I left our perch on the ridge south of Harper's Ferry. It had been a hot restless night with temperatures i the 80s and biting flies attacking exposed skin with relentless vigor.We broke spiderwebs all the way through Haper's Ferry, the first ones, no doubt, on trail. After a short while we were in MD, our third state! This is easy, just one more to go! However, PA was still 40 miles away. We were falling asleep on the flat bike path, leading away from Haper's Ferry. So when a 1000 foot climb greeted us, we agreed to its terms and bounde dup onto the ridge. The temperature was already pushing 90, but there was a breeze up high. By 10:00 we had 15 miles, 21 by noon... Moving well, we took short breaks and stayed hydrated. With the heat and humidity, I dripped sweat like a leaky faucet. The afternoon slowed us a bit, at the 30 mile mark, we lagged fairly severely, taking a nearly hour long break at mile 34. We would be hiking into the night, what's an extra hour?With evening quickly approaching, we hustled the nine miles to Pen-Mar Park, and the Mason Dixon line, the border on MD/PA. It was 9:45 and we still had seven miles to go if we wanted the 50 miler under our belts as well. After a break, we donned headlights and paced into the night, making the Anteitem Shelter and Old Forge Well at 12:50, 50.5 miles into the day.With cloud cover and a forecast for possible rain, we pitched a tarp.It is funny how 20 hours of continued activity can make one so awake. I am defintely tired, physically, but my brain and nervous system is buzzing like fridge, to quote a song. With my breain awake, and legs thorughly dead, I found time to write. Sleeping in will be welcome. HOpefully it will cool down.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Old Forge Pump House

To: Sizzleberry Knoll
Miles today: 15.6

Sorry, will talk in short words. I'm kinda fritzed.We left at 10:00 it was hot already. We signed a register at Tom's Run I think, letting the world know of our 50 mile day. Then we walked more. We got to the road and wen't to Henkle's Grocery. I bought a sandwich. It was big, couldn't finish it. I was good. Birch beer is good too. Buy some. Took a nap. Then went for a saok in a river. Hiked up a hill, camped at a powerline cut. Blueberries everywhere. I will eat them tomorrow.---And! At 10:00 neon green streaked across the northern sky illuminating the surrounding trees and bushes. Orange sparks followed. It awoke me from my fritzed fatigue. What a sight. It looked like a firework, but I think it was a meteor!
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Sizzleberry Knoll

To: Stream Past PA94
Miles today: 26.1

Ahhh, to sleep in a giant blueberry patch! I didn't plan on it. I awoke this morning just before 6:00 and picked a hat full of berries to eat while snoozing. We didn't leave til almost 9:00, fully loaded with berries.Several miles in, we met some weekenders who confirmed our sighting last night. The green streak with orange sparks was indeed a meteor, the most spectacular one I have ever seen!Next came the half way mark. This trail is half done. I could say my three long treks are now 5/6 done. It makes me sommber in a way, knowing I have only 1100 miles to complete. We celebrated the half way mark appropriately at Iron Master's Mansion, camp store with the Half Gallong Challenge. However, dear readers, I failed to eat it... by myself. By Ladybird was happy to split it with me. Together we demolished a half gallow on chocolate peanut butter ice cream and waddled up the ridge. I didn't feel as bad as I expected, just a hair slower.But by the time late evening rolled around, we found it in ourselves to cruise the final 3.9 miles in just over an hour, making our planned campsite before 9:00. We are in a young forest near a stream. However, it is cool and bug free. Weird!
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Stream Past PA94

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

I wanted to see some history along the way, so when I learned that Ladybird's Dad had a place to stay in Gettysburg, I took the opportunity. We spent a few hours driving around the various battlefieds, clumps of rocks, memorials. It was very sobering to know how many people were involved in that conflict, July 1-3 1863. But it was very interesting. I now have a much better picture in my head as far as how the battle progressed.So for now we are comfey and cool in a hotel, meanwhile it is still above 80, at night outside. I'm definitely looking forward to some cooler weather.This morning, the trail bumped up a couple times over some piles of rock, including some fun scrambles, then it dropped down into the Cumberland Valley, a valley that rivals Napa, but rich with corn, wheat, and soy. Boiling Springs lies within the valley and is a charming little town with a nice park and neat old buildings. I'll be back there tomorrow night.
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Boiling Springs

To: Cove Mtn.
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After a late start, relaxing in the lounge, drinking tea and eating cherries. Then we left, going across the Cumberland Valley. We made good time with views of corn, wheat and oat fields. The wheat is almost ready now. I ate a few wheat berries, peeling the husk off first. Finally, in the late afternoon, we climbed up a couple ridges back into the forest and rocky terrain en route to Cove Mountain Shelter, soon accompanied by Paul Bunyan, City Squirrel, and Homebrew, hikers with whom we traveled off and on today.Tonight, it is actually cool. The forecast is for cool temperatures in the next few days. It will be a nice rest from the 80 degree nights we have had.
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Cove Mtn.

To: Table Rock
Miles today: 14.4

Towns are vortexes.We planned a short visit, but managed to leave camp late and lag in our pace. We went to the big grocery store outside of Duncannon, then to the famous, or infamous Doyle Hotel for drinks. There were several hikers there. Some were already working on second and third beers, still before noon. Sticker bough us a couple, A root beer for myself. Thanks! Rooms are cheap, but we passed them up, fresh out of Boiling Springs.The weather was pleasant and cool. We woke to a cool morning, happy to wrapped up in our quilts. The day time high was in the 70s. As we both were going a bit slow, this helped get through the tough part of the day, leaving Duncannon. We crossed the Susquehanna River on a road bridge before climbing back up onto the ridge. We meandered slowly for the rest of the afternoon, making it to a very nice viewful rock, hopefully with a great sunrise view!