morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Reeds Gap, BRP 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.1

Earl shuttled Anne, Tom, Jim and I back to Reeds Gap with full packs to head for Waynesboro. Our plan was to hike past the Paul Wolfe shelter a few miles to give us an early time into Waynesboro the next day. We had a slow start to our day because of extreme rocky trail. We all took a break on Cedar cliffs then lunch on top of Humpback rocks. It was hot but manageable.The day wore on and we finally reached the shelter and called it a day.This shelter is very nice and has a big creek in front. We put the tent up again without the fly and went to bed early.
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Paul Wolfe shelter

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: few clouds

We were all up early ready to get to town. The trail was great, and we sailed.As we approached Rockfish Gap, a man was coming south and asked Jim if we needed a ride into town. Wow....I asked him if he was a trail angel, and he said "I've been accused of that!" We told him we had a couple of friends behind us, and we were going to wait for them because we were traveling together. He said it was not a problem, and we sat on the guard rail and ate clementines that someone had left as trail magic.When Tom and Anne came, Walt took us to the post office to pick up our mail drop, then a tour of the town and to the outfitters. We had planned to stay at the Quality Inn and he said he would take us there. In the meantime, we asked Walt if we could take him to lunch for his kindness, and he agreed. He called his wife to join us, and we all went to Cracker barrel. While there, Walt and Pat invited us to spend the night at their home. We were all overwhelmed and overjoyed at such magic. We got here, and they made us feel so welcome. We are doing laundry, showered and feel like royalty. Their home is off of the Blue Ridge parkway and absolutely amazing. There are flower gardens, a nice deck, and the home is gorgeous.Walt and Pat are avid hikers and have hiked portions of the PCT three years in a row with Walt completing a thru-hike in 2003. Their miles of hiking have given them such knowledge and wisdom of how to bring magic to other hikers.So today has been amazing and one that was total serendipity. I pray for Parker to be happy, miss family and friends, and pray to stay on my feet! Thank you all.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Riprack parking area, SNP

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Pat and Walt fixed a wonderful breakfast of various cereals, breads, fresh fruit, and coffee. We had our packs ready to go, but then they offered us more trail magic! They offered to slack pack us today and have us back to their home again tonight. Unbelievable.The trail was wonderful for the first 10-12 miles, and we made great time even in the heat. The trail got more difficult at the end of the day, and we were really heating up. As we got closer to being done for the day, we saw Walt coming up the trail to meet us. We got back to their lovely home, drank a cold beer, and had a wonderful dinner of baked spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, iced tea, and banana pudding.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Riprap parking area

To: Pinefield hut
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Sadly we said goodbye to Walt and Pat at the trail head. We had been the recipients of their love and generosity and we knew we had received something very special. Last night after dinner Walt and Pat showed us a video of their hike in England. We enjoyed hearing about their adventures and know that they will have many more.So Tom, Anne, Jim and I headed north with full packs. We stopped at Blackrock hut for a break and at Loft mountain campgroud for snacks and lunch.We headed out towards Pinefield hut, and Jim had a rattle snake encounter. It brushed his boot, and we all heard the rattle. He poked it with his hiking pole to nudge it off the trail. I wasted no time getting past, but Jim, Tom, and Anne tried getting photos.Jim and I stayed in the shelter with Andrew and Blue eyes, but Tom and Anne put up their hammocks.
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Pinefield hut

To: Lewis mountain campground
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We got an early start hoping we could get all the way to Lewis mountain campground for showers. We had nice trail mostly and stopped at Hightop hut for lunch and water. We had a few big climbs and stopped at South river picnic area for a big snack. We continued on to the campgroud and were able to get a coin operated shower and dry with paper towels. It was great!We had a big supper, and we all welcomed Blue eyes to camp as he came in at dark. He had ended up walking down the Skyline drive for a couple of miles because he lost his head light.We are moving through this park as fast as we can with Harper's Ferry in our sight!
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Lewis mountain campground

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We were all happy knowing we didn't have to get up with the birds at the crack of dawn because we were going to wait until the campstore opened to get coffee and food. Jim and I bought a package of buns and a package of bologna, chips and donuts. Jim ate three sandwiched, and I had two. We are always hungry after high mileage days.The four of us headed out happy knowing we had a short day and a room at the end of the day. We had a nice day and a couple of short breaks. We stopped at the wayside for lunch then to the lodge. Anne and I went to do laundry while Jim and Tom went to get supplies. We have eaten dinner and are in the lounge knowing we have a big day tomorrow.Thank all of you for your support and messages. It means so much to us.
Date: 2010-07-01
From: Big Meadows

To: Byrds Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

We all went to breakfast and ate well, then hit the trail. The trail was much more rocky then I had remembered, but the weather was great. We met a ranger on the trail but not many animals other than squirrels and deer.We stopped at Skyland for lunch and saw Blue eyes. I had turkey pot pie and a huge blackberry cobbler.We met some southbounders on our way out and we headed towards the shelter. We all took a break at the Pinnacles picnic area and enjoyed a spigot so we didn't have to treat our water. The shelter was one of the nicest so far. It was stone, very clean, and had a nice fireplace in which Blue eyes built a nice cozy fire for all of to enjoy.Tom and Anne put up their hammocks, but we stayed in the shelter.
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Byrds Nest #3 Hut

To: Gravel Springs hut
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

We left the shelter and were soon passing Mary's rock which is a gigantic rock with great views. We had an early start knowing we had to hike down to Thorton's gap. We stopped at the bathrooms which were nice, but had a sign up not to trust the water. So we filtered spigot water.We got to Elkwallow Wayside tired and hungry. Blue eyes had already ordered his second sandwich. We placed our order then Jim went to ice down his foot.Tom, Anne, Jim, Blue eyes, and I hung out there for quite some time trying to get the will to push up the next mountain.We finally got to Gravel springs hut, and the ridgerunner was there due to bad bear reports. A young man from New York was also there.
Date: 2010-07-03
From: Gravel Springs hut

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

We got out of the shelter early heading for town. The trail had very nice stretches and some miserable rocky ones. We stopped for lunch at Compton gap then finally exited the SNP. We still had miles to go before reaching the road to Front Royal, but not long after getting to the road, a trail angel asked if we needed a ride to town.The four of us are tired and have not taken a zero in 18 days, so tomorrow we do. We have had dinner and are ready to rest. We are planning the trek to Harpers Ferry which is only about 50 miles!!!Thanks to all for your support. Pray for Parker to be happy and no more falling.
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Front Royal zero day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Our decision to zero today has helped rest and restore our tired bodies. We all had breakfast then to the Food Lion, Dollar General, CVS pharmacy, bank and Dunkin donuts. Anne and I did the laundry while the guys organized the food bags. It is extremely hot today and predicted in the high 90's all week. We have Harpers Ferry targeted for 3 days away, and this heat index requires extra planning especially since there are reports of scarce water. It is the traditional "half-way" point of the AT, but not really the official mile point which is near Pine Grove Furnace.I think it is a common feeling among hikers to evaluate their progress and compress their thoughts into a summation of their journey at this point. The long hours of hiking each day allows one's mind to scroll through many subjects such as favorite things and not so favorite things. All of our years of section hiking helped prepare us for hardships and logistics. It also helped us understand that the reward of a hard day of hiking outweighed any misery. It has been our dream to do a thru-hike for 10 years and finding ourselves halfway done is both sad and happy. The hardest issue I have faced on the trail is missing Parker, family, and friends. The trail is more than just a blazed path from Springer Mtn, Georgia to Maine. It has its own personality. Somedays it is easy to get along with, and other days, it takes a rigid stance and resists passage. For me, it is not the climbs that present a problem. In fact, I like to climb and recognize the work has paid off by not being whipped anymore. It is the rocky treadways that slow my stride and cause fear and caution. The AT pathway is the common link among the hiker community which develops small family-like bonds along the way. From the first night out on this journey we started learning new faces, accepting and giving help, and looking forward to being with our new friends each day.Thinking about my favorite things about the journey is a past-time, and I think I can list them as follows.1)Meeting new people and realizing how special they are2)Knowing I am heading to town at the end of the day3)Having a leaf or pine laden treadway free of rocks4)Being able to climb for hours without tiring5)Listening to the birds demand you wake up in the morning6)Trail magic and trail angels7)Changes and sites along the way (not just trees, roots, rocks)8)Doing my journal and reading my guest messages9)Being grateful for the opportunity to see the trail, shelters, views10)Understanding that I can push myself farther and harder than I ever thought possibleMy least favorite trail aspects1)Falling on the rocks2)Worrying about home3)Missing Parker,family, and friends4)Being cold or soaked5)Blisters and painful knees6)Noseums7)Losing contact with hiker family for various reasons8)No pillow9)Stubbing toes and jarring knees as a result of stubbing toes10)Worrying that something could end the hike and all the miles wouldn't apply to a thru-hikePlease know that the messages all of you have left us are very special and mean so much. Thank you!!!!!
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Ashby Gap US 50/17

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We found a shuttler to take us to Ashby gap so we could hike the 20 miles back to Front Royal and have a room and a shower. We slackpacked of course.The trail started out gentle and welcoming, even providing succulent red raspberries in abundance near Sky Meadows State park area. For the most part, the miles were good. We heard a lot of rustling in the bushes, and I thought I might get to see a bear, but mostly squirrels. We had been warned about the dense copperhead population near Manassas Gap shelter so when we stopped there for lunch, we were careful. We did see a snake today, but not a copperhead.We took a couple of short breaks, then a long break at the Jim and Molly Denton shelter and talked to Vegan and Metric. The last 5 miles seemed long, but we finally got back to the road to Front Royal and got a hitch from a trail angel.The four of us agreed we were too tired to walk anywhere for supper so we ordered a pizza.Tomorrow we keep pushing towards Harpers Ferry. Good night to all and thanks.
Date: 2010-07-06
From: Ashby Gap

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

After the 20 mile day, the night seemed too short before wake up and start all over. But we were fortunate to have a shower and a bed, and we got up and got ready. It was predicted to be 103 today so I started hydrating as soon as I woke up.The four of us ate breakfast then piled into the shuttler's car to head back to Ashby gap to head north this time. The trail on this side of the gap has a different attitude than what we faced yesterday. It was rocks, rocks, rocks and the rollercoaster. There is even a sign welcoming you to the roller coaster which is a series of steep ups and downs compressed into 13 miles. Oh well, we are at this great hostel,showered and ate a whole pint of Ben and Jerry's each plus a pizza. The hostel is an old summer home that years ago some rich folks owned. It is really neat with a lot of character.Time to go rest. Thanks to all.
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn Trail center
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: broken clouds

Bears den hostel was so comfy. I snagged a great bunk, and they even provided us a fan. We ate some donuts and carnation instant breakfast laced with instant coffee per Walt's recipe. It wasn't enough though, because we got hungry again an hour after climbing, and the heat forced us to stop for an early break anyhow. It is stifling hot, and we are going through liter after liter of fluids.The trail started with rocks and steep climbs and descents, but gradually got somewhat more gentle. We passed the 1000 mile mark then took the side trail gown to the Blackburn center. It has a screened in porch, and the proprieter, Brian, told us we could stay on it tonight.We took a solar shower and cooked mac and cheese. We hit Harpers Ferry tomorrow.
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Blackburn Trail center

To: Harpers Ferry WVA
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: haze

The Blackburn center fixed spaghetti, homemade bread, and brownies for all of the hikers last night, and it was yummy. Then we took our spots on the porch.I took a beach like lounger and realized later that I had made a poor choice due to the raised area at the fold in the center. It reminded me of the night we slept in the car.Morning came, and we got going early to book it to Harpers Ferry which meant rock scrambling for 12 miles. It was a wonderful feeling to know we have gotten halfway, and I am praying to have the good fortune to know the trail is completed!Anne decided to leave the trail, but Tom is going to continue hiking so Tom, Jim, Metric, Vegan, and I rented a cottage for the night. Peter Pan, a former thru hiker times two recommended this place, and drove me to it to check it out. We had trouble locating the owner or manager, but finally did. She is very hiker friendly and told me to just go in and make myself at home. She told me the keys would be on the table, and she would stop by later for the money. She didn't even know my real name. As the evening passed, and she didn't show up, I started worrying that it was like Goldilocks and the four bears. We expected the cops to come, and Vegan said "whatever you do, don't tell them Peter Pan told you it was OK!"Metric is from New Zealand , and figured he would get deported while the rest of us went to jail. Tom' sister had taken us to Walmart when she came to pick up Anne, and we got tons of food and made dinner of tossed salad, corn on the cob, fruit smoothies, chicken, and fruits. It was yummy.We are going to try to knock off Maryland in 2.5 days then soon make a trip home to see Parker and all. Thanks to all.
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Harpers Ferry WVA

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Tom, Jim, and I ate breakfast then started towards the trail. Jim needed to stop at the ATM machine before we left. We crossed the train bridge and started down the trail which was on the C &O canal for a few miles. It was nice to walk on a smoothe flat treadway for a change. We then climbed up Weverton cliffs, and we even took the blue blaze at the top to get to the cliffs because we rembered how awesome the view.We stopped at the Ed Garvey shelter for a break then on to Gathland state park for lunch where we caught up to Tom who had pulled away from us earlier. Tom started out again, but Jim and I layed on the picnic benches for awhile before mustering the will to get going. It seemed like a long day, but eventually we we reached Dahlgren where Tom was sitting reserving a tent sit for us. The campground was packed. Jim got the idea that if we couldn't yogi a plate at the campers we should walk down the road to the South Mountain Inn for dinner. After we realized that the campers were having hot dogs and cases of little hugs, and had no inclination to recognize three pitiful hikers anyhow, we started walking. The Dahlgren campgroun has hot showers, and we all had taken a shower and dug out our best and only other set of clothing to wear. We walked in with big smiles, and soon realized things weren't going to go well. The hostess looked us over, quickly said she had to go talk to someone. She came back to tell us the chef would make us something to go, but she couldn't seat us because we were not dressed appropriately. She did allow us to sit in the bar in the corner while we waited on our food. Jim and Tom ordered a beer, and I ordered a Cabernet. I guess she must have felt guilty because she brought me a BIG glass. The problem was I was probably slightly dehydrated and very hungry. The result was I was looped. Tom carried our yengling box full of food and Jim guided me back to our campsite where the three of us ate our salads with our camp spoons and cut our meat with a Swiss at knife. We asked for plastic cutlery, but the hostess gave us an education that an establishment of that caliber does not have plastic cutlery!We had barely crawled into the tent when the storm hit. It rained all night hard and the other campers partied through the rain. Consequently, we did not sleep.
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: I-70 Footnridge, US 40
Miles today: 5.1

Everything was soaked and muddy this morning, but we packed up and hot ready. Jim's boots are duck taped together, and we needed to get to town to replace them. Tom was planning a long day and moving fast, so sadly we told him goodbye. We have enjoyed our time with Tom and Anne so much and will miss them.We were almost to the Washington Monument state park when I got stung by a yellow jacket. It really hurt and burned so when we got to the park, we got some ice from a group of boyscouts.We got to the I-70 footbridge and were hiking with monkey back, and we all decided to try to get somewhere for lunch which we did. Jim and I got a hitch into Hagerstown from a great young man ned Sam. We found a shoe store, put up the tent to dry, and have all of our gear hung all over the room to dry. We hope to do a really long day tomorrow to make up for the short day today.Thanks to all.
Date: 2010-07-11
From: I-70 Footnridge, US 40

To: Pen Mar County Park
Miles today: 18.4

We got shuttled back to the I-70 trail head and headed towards Annapolis Rocks. It was nice trail and the birds were singing and lots of butterflies. We passed several day hikers and stopped for a break near Pogo Memorial Campsite.We stopped at the Ensign Cowall shelter for lunch and met some section hikers who wandered how to lighten their packs. We told them it is a mystery, and ours are still too heavy, but one thing is to get rid of most of your clothing. The woman raised one eyebrow, and I suspect she doesn't care to do that. We took a very long lunch break knowing the rocks that lie ahead near Pen Mar. We got to the old Devil's racecourse shelter and saw Metric lounging at the blue blaze trail to it. He was waiting for Vegan who had stopped at the hostel for a package. Some hikers came southbound in a little while and told us a party was going on at the PenMar park with music and food. We had 5 miles to go with several of them ugly mean rocks, but we stepped on the gas to get there. We figured even if the party was over, we might make the concession stand.Metric passed us, and we saw his pack laying on a bank when we got there. We headed directly to the concession stand which was CLOSED.... However, a really great guy who was there from Baltimore with his family had a huge curiosity of the AT! He brought over homemade M&M cookies and a whole jar of pickles. Then Jurassic, a hiker from Australia, told us we could also order food, and they would deliver to the park. Always, there is magic if you believe and watch it happen!!!We would have liked to stay there in our tents for the night, but one of the rangers told us they were very strict about no camping, and they made rounds routinely. So we ate, brushed our teeth, and loaded up on spigot water. We headed out of the park looking for the first suitable tent site. We crossed a railroad and immediately had to go down a bank that had loose dirt, rocks, and a piece of rebar sticking out. My pack was very heavy at that point because we were carrying extra water for camping. I slipped and really twisted my left ankle which had already been bothering me a lot for the past 10 days. We did find a campsite right after that, and I tried to get my foot elevated.
Date: 2010-07-12
From: Pen Mar County Park

To: PA 16
Miles today: 2.8

Surprisingly, I was able to sleep fairly well even with trying to elevate my ankle as often as I could in the tent. The train went by and sounded like it was coming through the tent but was cool in a way.When I tried to get out of the tent in the morning, I knew it wasn't good. My ankle was very painful and weak. I laced my boot tight and hoped it would ease up after a couple of miles and Ibuprofen. We were planning to get to Carlisle, about 62 miles further, before coming home to see Parker and all, but decided to go a few days early to rest my ankle and be sensible at this point. Besides, Jim's back was also hurting, and it seemed like a good time to break away for a few days.So we got to PA 16, and immediately got a hitch from June, a hiker, who took us to Waynesboro, PA. She dropped us off at a gas station to search for a rental car. There aren't any rental cars in that town, but a gentleman, Chuck, who heard us talking, offered to take us to the Hagerstown airport to get one.We were on our way home with little effort.It didn't take nearly as long to come home this time because of course, we were almost 350 miles closer than the last trip home. I cried when I saw Parker, and she was so happy.
Date: 2010-07-13
From: PA 16

To: short trip home
Miles today: 0.0

I dug out an aircast that I had used years ago on this ankle after spraining it running. So hopefully, I can get it in shape before the weekend, and we can get back to the trail by Monday.We are doing the logistics, and know we have to jump ahead to get the northern part done while the weather is suitable. We are considering starting at the New York-New Jersey border and heading north to Maine,then go southbound starting at the New Jersey border to pick up New Jersey and Pa on the way back to get all of the miles. At this point, we have no gaps, and we have already done Pa as section hikers, but know we have to also repeat it to finish our thru-hike.Thanks to all for your support and good wishes. We still have a long way to go, but it helps to have you with us.