morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Tye River 

To: Charlottesville, VA
Miles today: 12.1

Such lazy bums we are. The plan today was to wake up early to avoid the heat & humidity during our 3,000 foot climb over the Three Ridges. But, Java¢s foot has been hurting him & I didn¢t sleep well so we were in no hurry. So we climbed the monster in the heat of the day. Go figure.As I¢ve previously mentioned somewhere in this journal, the flowers have really begun to bloom, & on approaching the second ridge of the climb the trail was bordered with lush bunches of trillium. I pulled my camera out to capture the sight, but, unfortunately, my batteries decided to die. C¢est la vie. I ended up picking some & pressing them in my book instead.I can¢t believe I¢ve held back this long in the entry, but today was the start of my rest/zero day! Java¢s dad picked us up along the Blue Ridge Parkway & drove us into Charlottesville for a full day & a half off the trail. I have been looking forward to this for quite some time now.Staying in my own hotel room, which is luxurious. After dinner with Java¢s dad & a couple of Java¢s friends & a night out to meet more of Java¢s friends & relax with a beer (or two), I¢m really pooped though and ready for bed after a satisfying pint of Ben & Jerry¢s. And since I know Java¢s dad, Mr. Barrett, reads my journal, I¢d like to say ¢thank you¢ one last time for his generosity. I feel like a pampered little hiker.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Charlottesville, VA

To: Charlottesville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day equals errand day & that¢s exactly what we did while also squeezing in a tour of the University of Virginia¢s beautiful campus. Walking around all the campus activity really reminded me of what my life will be like upon returning from this adventure. How odd it will be to once again establish the identity of a full-time student.When the errands were through, we started out to meet Pop Tart at Starbucks & arrived to find a reunion of our crew! A-Train, Grunt, Squirts, Red, & Pop Tart were all there. How great it is to see them all again. Red decided to skip the section of trail she missed while in Miami for her grandfather¢s funeral in order to catch up with us & will finish it next year. A celebration of sorts ensued with some of Java¢s friends & brother & another late night has found me. Must¢¦get¢¦some¢¦sleep¢¦
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Charlottesville, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

On the trail completely by myself today as the crew started at Waynesboro & Java is taking another zero day with his family. Looks like I've hit a sort of pocket in the slew of thru-hikers, only running into one southbounder, Mama Lipton, & Flatlander.The weather was absolutely perfect after the morning sprinkle & coolness wore off but I walked like a zombie all day long after little sleep in Charlottesville. My motivation to reach Waynesboro is to meet Jeff at the bustop tomorrow morning at 7a. I made it in tonight a little after 7:30p after an afternoon start & received a free shuttle from John, a kind local who volunteers his time to help out thru-hikers. He drove me to the YMCA--where they provide free camping to hikers--& gave me a packet of info about the city. Waynesboro is super hiker friendly. I quickly set-up my tent as darkness fell & am now ready to catch up on some sleep.
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up bright & early this morning at 5:45a after camping with a few other fellow thru-hikers. I hit the YMCA shower making it three showers in a four days which is outrageously extravagant. Caught a short ride from "CR", a '95 thru-hiker turned trail angel, & made it just in time to see Jeff hop off the bus. How great it is to see him. We're spending eight days in the Shenandoahs. Before heading into the park, we stopped by Weasie's for the all you can eat pancake breakfast, then headed to the grocery store & outfitter for supplies. "CR" was kind enough to shuttle us & other hikers throughout Waynesboro. He even drove us to the trailhead for the start of our Shenandoah adventure.Now we're snug & cozy in our sleeping bags, & have been for quite some time since the temperature dropped a good 30 degrees since Saturday with returning rain. You just never know out here. Jeff was expecting warm weather & is getting quite the opposite. I'm sure warm weather is just around the corner. With food & drink in our bellies we'll be warm the night through.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Calf Mtn. Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I saw my first bear! About a mile from Blackrock Hut I turned my head just in time to see a black bear scrambling down a tree. Super exciting! Only his second day out & Jeff has already experience a good deal on the trail--cold & rainy weather; warm & sticky weather (today); trail magic; me slipping & falling on my arse; & a black bear sighting. If these first couple days are any indication of what we'll see for the remainder of his visit, it should be quite a trip. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that we also outwitted a flying squirrel that began gnawing on my food sack last night. My cunning mind thwarted his second attempt.It's a full shelter tonight which I hadn't expected based on last night's fairly empty shelter. Java has caught up along with Cannoli, whom I haven't seen in quite some time. Mama Lipton, Flatlander, Justin, & Jady round out the other thru-hikers & we're also joined by a few section hikers. The warm weather has returned & with it a lovely night.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The gnats & flies were out in force today. I'm talking from as early as 9a until hitting camp around 7p. A large swarm of them literally follow behind my head as I hike with one or two of them leaving the group every couple seconds to attack my face & ears. I seriously think they dare one another to do this. I have come up with a solution, however--to tie my bandana over my ears to minimize their annoyance. I even have a name for the set-up: "The Aunt Jemima Bug Repellant Do-Rag." It's totally a sweet look, trust me. Plus it's completely functional.Even with the attacking halo swarm Jeff & I pulled off a 20 plus mile day in the muggy climate. I'm very impressed with his endurance on only his third day out. We finished it in good time too. Now we're in a perfect position for showering & laundering at the Lewis Mtn. Campground tomorrow. That is if we survive the night here with the mice. The bold rodents were racing back & forth before we even climbed into our bags. Pesky little fellows they are.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The sky couldn't decide if it wanted to drop rain on us or not & so alternated between cloudy & clear with what now appears to be an ever present muggy climate. The promise of a shower & clean laundry pushed us on to Lewis Mtn. Campground. We arrived mid-afternoon, quickly tending to business while filling our bellies with overpriced food items. As always, I purchased a chocolate milk as my calcium intake is limited out on the trial, & found that Java had bought one for me before I even arrived. It's amazing how well us hikers get to know one another, not to mention how the kindess flows.After waiting a ridiculous amount of time for our laundry to be done, Jeff & I snagged a picnic table at the campground & set to eating a gourmet dinner of Chef Boyardee ravioli, nutella & graham crackers, & a bottle of wine that Jeff surprised me with in celebration of my reaching 900 miles on the trail. He somehow managed to sneak this by me while we waited for the laundry. It was a wonderful gift, one that I'm glad I was able to share with him.
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Bearfence Mtn. Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Hiking through the Shenandoahs is freakin' plush, let me tell you. Our mileage was cut short today not merely because of the thunderstorm that pounded us but because of the convenient concessions along the trail. Jeff & I stopped to re-supply & eat at the wayside & to get out of the rain. The we dropped by the taproom at Big Meadows Lodge for a local microbrew. All this plus our 11.5 mile hike brought us into camp a wee bit before 8:30p.Picking up the miles tomorrow to make a short hike into Front Royal on Monday. Can it be done with all the conveniences & the delicious blackberry shake tantalizing us? It's a tough call for the hungry hiker.
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 15.3

Apparently increasing our miles through SNP cannot be done because we were once again tantalized by the money sucking tourist stops, this time being the Skyland Restaurant. Honestly, we merely stopped to get out of the rain for lunch, I even carried in my lunch food, but once we sat down by the fire & started talking to a few other likeminded hikers, we broke down & treated ourselves to some fabulous eats. Mind you, by this time we hadn't even hiked 5 miles because we waited out a thunderstorm this morning, & after four hours of hanging out & laughing it up with Thin Mint, Beef Stick, Rock Hound, & Three Socks we finally dragged ourselves back to the trail for another eleven miles in the rain. We hiked with humorous recollections from our lunch with those guys, making the rain more enjoyable. A great group of hikers in their mid- to late twenties, several of whom are heading to grad school in the fall. And I thought I was the only mid-twenty-year-old out here! How refreshing.Tomorrow's forecast: Temps in the 80s with thunderstorms likely. Big surprise.
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Pass Mtn. Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Our last day of hiking through SNP. We managed to snag one more blackberry shake at the Elkwallow Wayside for lunch & finished the Shenandoah wine during our Stove Top stuffing dinner next to Compton Springs.The day has been bittersweet because Jeff's trip is nearly over, but we stretched out the hours of hiking by putting in what turned out to be a big mileage day, actually I think my longest yet. We had intended to stay at Compton Springs tonight under Jeff's tarp but Pawee's info on an existing campsite next to the spring was unfound by us so we decided to hike on to the next shelter, which is outside the park, & arrived a little before 10p. Fortunately there was room in the shelter. Thanks to the big miles today we only have 2.9 miles into Front Royal tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Up & out of the shelter early this morning after a night of little sleep due to the ferocious winds whipping through. We were also pretty anxious to get into Front Royal to figure out how Jeff is going to get to Dulles airport & to do some errands. We arrived in town early after a record breaking hitch time (one minute with the thumb out). It was Jeff's first time hitching & darnit I forgot to take a pic.We got our stuff done in town, including picking up my new summer sleeping bag that I had sent from the outfitter but most likely won't use for a bit becaue of the forthcoming cool forecast, & grabbed some scrumptious Mexican food. Now we're relaxing in the hotel room watching the mind numbing TV, but enjoying our last bit of time together before Jeff returns to Idaho.
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Jeff headed back to Boise today. In fact, he's still flying as I write this. He probably flew right over me while I was hiking since he came out of Dulles only 40 miles or so east of here. His visit went by in a flash. I had been anticipating his visit since I stepped foot on the trail and now he's already come and gone. Time certainly does fly. Speaking of which, the trail and surrounding area for much of today's hike was littered with wildflowers. I believe they are trillium, or that's what people said in the shelter register, and are absolutely beautiful.This area, from Manassas Gap to Snickers Gap, was the boundary line of a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War. As I hiked today I thought of how odd it must have been to be surrounded by such lush foliage while entrenched in such a gruesome event. I picture soldiers hiding in the fields of flowers with looks of longing on their faces. I'm such an historical sap.Extending this sappiness (I think I just created a word) I would like to say that I had a simply fabulous trip with Jeff through the Shenandoahs. I'm glad he was able to make it out, it meant a lot to me.
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Blackburn A.T. Center
Miles today: 26.8
Weather: clear sky

What a momentous day! I once again surpassed my mileage record, with half of the day's hike traversing "The Roller Coaster," a 14 mile section of consecutive steep ascents and descents. Experienced trail magic courtesy of the Harper's Ferry Hostel resulting in a much needed caffeine high from a Mountain Dew; saw a turtle on the trail (yes, a turtle); crossed into West Virginia leaving Virginia and all her 535 miles behind; and now I'm sitting on the porch of the Blackburn A.T. Center eating dinner with a distant view of the night lights of D.C. in front of me and the full moon lighting up the sky. This is one of those moments when I know this is exactly where I should be.It's on to Harper's Ferry tomorrow, the "psychological" halfway point of the trail and the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) headquarters. I can hardly believe I'm already this far. I have a feeling things are going to start moving very quickly from here on out.
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Blackburn A.T. Center

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 13.6

Wow...here I am in Harper's Ferry, 1,008 miles from Springer Mountain, 76 days on the trail. If my feet would have allowed, I would have ran into town, but they are a bit sore from yesterday. Got my picture taken and placed in the 2003 ATC hiker album as the 75th thru-hiker to pass through this year. Reading the register, I could sense the excitement of the northbounders upon reaching this milestone. I myself walked into the ATC office with a huge smile on my face and said to the first volunteer I encountered: "I'm halfway there!" Technically, the halfway point is 80 miles or so north in a Pennsylvania state park, but for all intents and purposes Harper's Ferry is deemed as that mark. So here I am.Staying at the Harper's Ferry Hostel that is really located in Maryland. I know what you're thinking--is anything here "actual"? My excitement is for sure. This hostel is pretty sweet and virtually guest free save for myself and four others, meaning lots of relaxation and phone time. I must say I miss my old crew. It would have been awesome to celebrate with them. I did run into Eggman and Java (separately) at the ATC office before they got back on the trail. Looks like I may catch up to them tomorrow.Onward to Katahdin!
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Did a bit of sightseeing on my way out of town; the trail runs right along a good number of historic sites. I wish I could have spent more time here checking things out. This whole area is beautiful and full of history making a return trip a definite.Hiked in the cold and rain today. Yuck. But I caught up to Java and Eggman. As Java says, being with a few people from the original group gives us some sense of "continuity."I forgot to yell out a 'Muchas gracias!' to Sugar Daddy in yesterday's entry for all the fabulous goodies he left at the ATC office for Pack 31. An extremely welcome treat and reminder of all the great people I've met along the way thus far.Ah yes, I'm already out of West Virginia, into Maryland, and very shortly will be entering Pennsylvania. Like I already said, things are moving very quickly.
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Raven Rock Hollow
Miles today: 19.2

It's funny to watch thru-hikers in the morning or when they have been sitting for a period of time and then stand. Our bodies freeze up and we literally have to re-teach ourselves to walk, allowing the joints to slowly warm up. It's thoroughly amazing that we can hike over twenty miles a day but can barely walk after sitting for ten minutes; or maybe it makes perfect sense.I have once again run into the dilemma of trail vs. off trail. Java's family is spreading its ever generous arms yet again by providing hotel rooms for Java, Eggman, and I in a neighboring city in Pennsylvania. Tomorrow is Java's mom's birthday so they have driven up to celebrate. I truly appreciate the kind gesture, and they are wonderful people, but I feel as though I am somewhat cheating the trail by being away from it. I have had many "luxuries" as of late such as the stay in Front Royal and Harper's Ferry, not to mention the cushy hike through the Shendandoahs, and spending two more nights in this hotel is distracting, despite the fact I'm hiking 19 miles both days.Ah, I often wish I weren't so anal about such matters, but I don't want to walk away with any regrets. It's tough making these calls when in good company. Friends are difficult to say no to.
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Raven Rock Hollow

To: Old Forge Road
Miles today: 14.0

Poison Ivy. I have it and boy is it a nuisance. I suspect I picked it up while walking the C&O Canal towpath coming out of Harper's Ferry. Had to take a potty break, ya know, and it must have rubbed against my leg. This is one of those times when being a girl is less desirable. Guys have it easy when it comes to peeing in the woods. So, it's the first time I've had poison ivy and I really, really hope it goes away quickly.Poison ivy and all, I crossed the Mason-Dixon line today, officially entering the North and the state of Pennsylvania. The halfway point is only a couple days away and with it the well-known 'Half Gallon Challenge' at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. It's a way of celebrating the the completion of the first half of the trail by engorging oneself on a half gallon of ice cream. Yea, I should give this one a good deal of thought before taking it on...
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Old Forge Road

To: Birch Run Shelters
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: few clouds

Ah-ha! The sun has finally returned. Despite a late morning start after leaving the hotel and saying good-bye to Java's parents, we were able to put in a twenty mile day. Dang, we're getting good. Twenty miles is no longer daunting, even when starting at 11a.Tomorrow is the halfway point; the offical halfway point in mileage. Unfortunately, Lucky and Sparrow informed me that the state park campstore is currently only open on weekends, meaning the 'Half Gallon Challenge' will elude us. We may be able to get around that by stopping at another campstore 6 miles north of the state park. Oh the lengths a thru-hiker will go to when food is involved.
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Birch Run Shelters

To: Tagg Run Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Yee-haw! I'm halfway to Katahdin! The actual halfway point is a bit less exciting than reaching Harper's Ferry. Perhaps that is because all there is to mark this accomplishment is a sign on the trail with the incorrect miles covered. Where are all the blinking lights, crowds of clapping people, hand shakes and pats on the back? Just kidding. It was and still is a great feeling to have reached (and already exceeded) this point. But Harper's Ferry does suck out a bit of that accomplished feeling, and rightfully so as it's where we check-in as thru-hikers at the ATC headquarters.We (Java, Eggman, Lucky, Sparrow, and I) celebrated with ice cream at the Mountain Creek Campground. The kind owner opened up the campstore for us after hours just so we could attempt the 'Half Gallon Challenge' and gave us a discount on the ice cream. Sparrow and Eggman accepted the challenge and were victorious while I satisfied myself with a lowly pint and a few handfuls of Lucky's chips. Nothing like celebrating by stuffing our faces. Congrats to all NOBOs!
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Tagg Run Shelter

To: Harrisburg Pike
Miles today: 20.2

Walked through Boiling Springs, PA, a very quaint, picturesque town with lots of porch swings. I love porch swings. And the Yellow Britches Creek flowing through the heart of it. Picked up some mail, ate a delicious pizza for lunch with Java, and arranged for a nights stay with friends of my great Aunt Rose Marie that live in nearby Harrisburg.Jan and Jere were wonderful hosts, supplying us with huge doses of trail magic. I'm incredibly glad I was able to meet them. Thank you for your hospitality Jan and Jere!
Date: 2003-05-22
From: Harrisburg Pike

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

I have been spoiled lately with all the trail magic and town stops. Java and I left Jan and Jere's place this morning and headed straight into Duncannon. Along the way we were treated to one of the best bear sightings--a mother bear standing guard while her four (yes, four!) cubs scrambled up a tree for safety. The cubs were so tiny and precious, sitting up in the tree watching our every move. I was able to snag a picture of them as Java was telling me to move on away from the momma bear's watchful eye, but it's rather difficult to pick out the fuzzy, black guys. It was such a neat experience and the cubs so darn cute that we literally had smiles plastered on our faces for the next ten minutes or so of our hike.Shortly thereafter we reached the street that led into Duncannon and came upon a cooler filled with juice left by a trail angel. Extremely refreshing. Following the white blazes through the somewhat run-down town, we hit the Doyle Hotel, a landmark on the AT. It's a character filled place built in the early 1900s by Anheuser-Busch that's definitely seen better days, but the owners are tremendously kind, the rooms clean and cheap ($15), and a bar with good food and well priced drinks. I have to say though, that my jaw dropped when I entered my room. It is sparsely furnished with two mismatched beds, a chair, sheets for curtains, and a bath organizer hanging on the closet door holding bath gel and calamine lotion. How can you beat that? You can't, even though the windows have duct tape over the cracks with a sign attached warning guests to open them at their own risk. A great stay with great company. Another must on an AT hike. I'm still sleeping in my sleeping bag on the bed tonight, however. I'm a bit leary of this bed...
Date: 2003-05-23
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peter's Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.4

Slept in 'til 9 this morning after a late night listening to live music and drinking good microbrews down in the Doyle bar. It was hard to pull myself out of bed and harder still to leave Duncannon, especially after more thru-hikers started to roll in. So, combining a late start with a steady late afternoon drizzle with plain ol' lack of motivation, Java and I hiked a whopping 11.4 miles. It didn't help that this is a sweet shelter, and knowing that the alternative was to hike into the dark and rain, we figured we'd rather make up the missed miles in the next couple days. I gotta make it to Delaware Water Gap this coming Friday to meet my Mom and Grandma who are making it out for a spur of the moment visit while my Dad and brother are on their annual fishing trip. I'm pretty darn excited since I wasn't expecting to see any of my family until late July-early August, probably at Katahdin. Groovin'!