morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Lamberts Meadow Campsite

To: Daleville/Troutville, VA
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Cicada mania today. The hatch started yesterday, and today the trees and bushes are covered. Further, the ground is full of holes where they emerged from. My hiking poles keep getting stuck. The sound reminds me of fighter jet engines on a flight line.Usually at least once a day something memorable occurs to make it unique. Poor Puff went for a nature call. Two steps off the trail, she spooked a turkey hen off her nest of 13 eggs. A tornado of feathers was all I saw. She moved away and tried a new spot. Unfortunately, the sapling she grabbed was dead, and snapped off as she leaned her weight against it. Double sadness as she landed hard on her shoulder in a bramble bush. Hiking can be dangerous.Finally made it to Daleville. Many town chores to get done - banking, mail drop,   groceries, laundry, UPS cold weather clothes home, new shoes for Puff at the outfitter. Phew. BBQ dinner at Three Little Pigs. A REAL liquor store! Life is good!
Date: 2012-05-08
From: Daleville/Troutville, VA

To: Daleville/Troutville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I begged Puff for a zero day. We ran ourselves crazy with town chores yesterday and I felt I needed a little more time to recover before getting on the Trail again. Puff got a tip on a new, lighter sleeping bag since hers is more for cold weather. Saves her over a pound of weight, too.Got my mending done, and three hot, healthy meals. And now my journal is up to date! See you back on the Trail!
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Daleville/Troutville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

PaceWell, today we reached the completion of 1/3 of the AT. In reflection, we are physically well. Mentally, we're convinced we can make it. "Hike your own hike" has so many meanings.I hike slower than probably 90% or more of the people on the trail. Puff is very indulgent about my speed. We try to get going early and don't break much. So the miles accumulate. I think my competitive ego has gotten over the lack of speed.Today we passed three southbound hikers from Ohio. Their average age I would put at 75 years. They have been section hiking and have about 300 miles of the trail left to complete. This has taken them 20 years.I am feeling very blessed to be doing this for the past 2 months.Today's terrain was what I expected when people said Virginia was easier. Rolling climbs and drops with only patches of rocks to deal with. Whew!We stopped early today due to a constant rain. During the afternoon there were 9 of us in a 6 person shelter waiting for it to stop. As it did, more hikers came and went, leaving us with 5 in the shelter and another 7 tenting. 4 of those are a family visiting their son who is thru hiking. Makes me realize how strange our thru hiker customs are to "normal people." Looking forward to sunny skies tomorrow. G'nite!
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek Campground
Miles today: 17.0

First ones out this morning at 7:20 am. I don't think I've mentioned how delightful the butterflies have been the past week. They entertain us daily both in the variety of species and in their flights. Often they are dancing in pairs circling dashing about the bushes. Other times they fly close as if to land on us, only to dart away. The colors of their wings are magnificent. I need a book to figure them all out.With the nice terrain we pushed it to 17 miles today, but neither Puff nor Huff had happy knees. A great dinner of freeze-dried Pad Thai and a campfire have us ready to snooze. G'nite.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Jennings Creek Campground

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

A second beautiful day with temps in the 60s has us ready for a hike. Last night Puff found her new lighter sleeping bag wasn't enough for temps in the low 40s. New strategy for tonight.Three big climbs over three different mts. made for a long day. Tired feet again tonight. Pasta Parmagana for din-din and a hot water bottle inside Puff's bag for tonight. Lows in the 30s predicted. Yikes!!
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, Puff couldn't find where she hung the food bags last night when she tried to make coffee this morning. Tired hikers! Finally found the tree they were hiding in.A long downhill hike of over 3000 ft. to the James River. Then across the Foot Bridge, longest foot traffic-only bridge on the AT. This put us next to a highway 6 miles from town at 4pm on a Saturday afternoon. The nice park ranger suggested he would look the other way if we chose to attempt hitch hiking. He even pointed to an area he thought would best suit the cars picking us up to stop. We wandered over to a parking lot for people fishing, and basically stood in front of the next car(pickup truck)to leave. Then we politely inquired if he was heading towards Glasgow. (heh,heh.)We jumped into the bed of the truck and nestled into the rods, bait box and life jackets scattered about. Then braced ourselves for the 6 miles of curving mountain road. While sloshing about, I noticed my shorts getting wet.....and smelling of beer. There goes the tip. We were let off at a gas station and pointed in the direction of the Dollar General. Puff went in for resupply while I minded our packs. When she returned we had the info on the town's restaurant (no item over $7) and town hiker shelter. On to the shelter-recently dedicated by the ATC. Three sided with tarps for walls, there was a concrete slab for a sleeping platform, a water spigot, a fire pit stocked with dry wood under tarps, an outdoor shower with propane water heater complete with towels, a picnic table, clothes lines, garbage cans and a restaurant 150 yards away! What more could a thru hiker ask for?!After getting settled, we headed for the restaurant, only to find at 6:42 that the kitchen was closed for the night Hit the grocery store for dinner food and beer, then back for a camp fire and supper. Does life get any better? Sweet Dreams!
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a shuttle ride back to the trail from Ken Wallace. Very nice retired gentleman who told us many stories about hikers in need of rides for various reasons. He takes donations only. We were happy someone was willing to give us a ride on a Sunday - Mother's Day to boot. Not much traffic at 8am.Several steep ups again today, but good weather helped. We hit a shelter early and decided to stay due to very full(heavy) food bags and a poor weather prediction of 100% chance of rain this evening. Shelter filled up with other hikers plus four tents tonight. And boy, is it raining! Good to be dry! G'nite!
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Brown Mt. Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: moderate rain

First day where we hiked the entire day in the rain. Doc Holiday dressed his dog Wyatt in a discarded rain suit to cover his pack. It worked for a little while. Terrain wasn't bad, thank goodness. Glad to have this day over. Stayed in the shelter with Danu and Wall Street, who offered up ear plugs to us since he said he snores. Nice guy. Hope the rain stops.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Brown Mt. Creek Shelter

To: Seely-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

The rain has let up. Had to go upstream to find a place to ford a feeder creek. A bit scary with the rushing water. Trail magic appeared in the form of the Easter Bunny - actually a guy with plastic grocery bags on his feet walking towards the shelter to give away left over Walmart Easter candy.We heard later that the rangers had staked out the pickup truck parked near the shelter trail because of reports of a naked man running around. Coincidence?Long climbs today with soggy packs. When we got to the shelter we spread EVERYTHING out on a clothes line to try and dry out. Met Moonwatcher, Paul with Bunions and we're joined again by Doc Holiday and Wyatt. I think Wyatt will be helping to keep me warm tonight.
Date: 2012-05-16
From: Seely-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today we climbed mts. named "Three Pinnicles" and "The Priest". Beautiful views earned with lots of sweat. By the time we crossed the Tye River, I was ready to call it quits and go home. I'm just not built for really long downhills. They crush my knees and my spirit. Thankfully, Puff ignores my whining and gets us thru the day. The creek between the trail and the shelter here was too high to ford and keep dry, so we're camped on the opposite bank. A fire tonight to try and stay warm. Hoping tomorrow is a better day.
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Humpback Mountain
Miles today: 17.7

Got a good start this morning to get closer to Waynesboro. Towns are big motivators - showers, laundry and town food. We're even more motivated since we have the chance to visit Magpie and her parents who live nearby.Got up on Humpback Mt by the afternoon assisted by trail magic in the form of homemade chocolate chip cookies and pop at Dripping Springs. Good timing! Dreams of those cookies for dessert kept me hiking past the summit and almost lasted until we found a campsite near Humpback Rocks. Another LONG day for us. Town tomorrow!
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Humpback Mountain

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the deer here are large and noisy. Heard snapping twigs around 2am and finally crawled out of the tent to see what was up. Glad it wasn't a bear, as I'm not sure what we would have done next. Lots of reports of bear sightings and rattlesnakes on the Trail from fellow hikers.Headed down the mt and were passed by Frenchy. Glad to see him back on the Trail, as he was one of several hikers struck down with Giardia after a heavy rain and a walk thru a flooded cow pasture.Magpie picked us up at Rockfish Gap and took us to her home in Charlottesville after a stop at the PO to pick up a mail drop and to the Outfitter for new boots. Mine were shot. The sales guy advised me cut down my mileage for a few days to break them in. Ha.A tour of Magpie's house and zoo followed along with everything else a thru hiker could possibly want, but more on that tomorrow. G'night!
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Many, many thanks to Magpie and her parents, Don and Mary Beth. What a fabulous experience, not to mention a wonderful zero day. Here's how to spoil a thru-hiker:-Pick them up in an air-conditioned car from wherever they ask-Take them to an isolated, beautiful home far from the trail-Give them cotton clothes to change into while laundry is done-Be polite and say nothing about the stink of their clothes-Feed them well, say, goat's milk, yogurt, ice cream - YUM!-Entertain them with goats, chickens, peacocks, dogs, cats,.....-Have fun conversations without expecting them to say ANYTHING intellegent about topics outside of the trail experience-Go to the grocery store, GOODWILL, Post Office, or wherever....-After they are stuffed, clean, rested, take back to trail and wave bye-bye.........after replacing a broken spork! HEAVEN!!!!! Thank you so VERY much - a memorable visit!
Date: 2012-05-26
To: Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: few clouds

A long day to get out of the Park. Hard rocks right after the border of the Park. Summary of our time in Shenandoah National Park:-Sighted 2 bears-2 blackberry shakes each-Too many very friendly deer to count.-a new experience - finding ticks on our bodies. Five and counting.-I hate the sound of Harley Davidson Motorcycles in the morning-So glad to see Magpie back on the trail at Gravel Springs Hut!-Memorial Weekend is not a good time for solitude at a national park-Everyone should have a meal at the Skyline Dining Room-The Trail is way too close to Skyline DriveWe are ready to move on and finish Virginia!
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

A long, hot day. Started off with Rocky and Sunshine - Rocky's new shoes have her flying! Met 3 men at the first shelter (no longer huts) burning their garbage in the firepit. Where do they get the idea this is okay? Then when I went down to the water source, someone had used it to wash their dishes - baked beans in the water. For crying out loud! The one guy wishes me a "Blessed day" as they leave. Please.At the second shelter, there was a nude woman struggling to get her clothes on after bathing at that water source. Glad I didn't need water! Her companions were sitting on the trail and only slightly moved as we struggled to pass them. I'm beginning to really hate ignorant hikers......Another long end of the day downhill hike to the third shelter. Time to rest up for the Rollercoaster tomorrow!
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

We hit the Rollercoaster this morning. Or should I say it hit us?!?!?! Ten mountains without any real switchbacks up and down with rocks and steep terrain. Trail builders had no real estate to make it easier due to tight land restrictions. So, away we went. So glad we kept today's milage lower. The 95 degree heat was a killer. Congrats to Rocky and Sunshine who made it all the way to Harpers Ferry today. Not on these old knees!We made our way to The Bear's Den Hostel, which is run by the PAC and owned by the ATC. Hisorically, it was built as a summer home for a physician many years ago. The stonework is wonderful, lending to a cool interior even in the face of this oppressive, humid day. Entry to the Hiker's Lounge id gained by working out the milage between certain trail points and entering the code. Puff nd I quickly paid our contributions to drink five sodas almost as fast as we could down them. Then the shower was put into use along with the provided cotton clothes. (YES!) Amy, the assistant manager came by and introduced herself and briefed us on the layout. We were joined by Nitrous Oxide and the Myyaka Mules in enjoying a pizza and a pint of Ben and Jerry's Ice cream as a paart of our stay. Justin checked us in and helped expidite the laundry process. The bunks were cozy, the company wonderful, and the night topped off by watching "Ice Age" dvd as sleep came upon us. Heaven again!!!
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Finished the Rollercoaster this morning and hit this sign going up the final hill. 1000 miles! Who wodda thought?!? Feeling very awesome in face of this accomplishment. Tried to ignore the rumbling thunder this afternoon, but it became continuous as time passed. This shelter is amazing. Firstly, its obvious the caretakers are heavily involved keeping it so nice. There was a supply of kindling and split wood for a fire in a CLEAN fire ring. The privy, though stinky, was spotless. There was a lovely loveseat on the extended porch, and a swing for two under the eating pavillion. Next, the arriving hikers consisted of all women (ok, there was an 11 year old also involved). A few more hikers arrived as the thunderstorm hit - got their tents set up after the rain had passed. What fun discussing almost three months on the trail with ladies out for a taste of the experience. As the evening passed, two gentlemen who got flooded out of their tent joined us on the porch - no more rain for the night. Tomorrow - HARPERS FERRY!!!!!
Date: 2012-05-30
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry/ATC Visitor's Center
Miles today: 14.89
Weather: clear sky

Today's milage isn't quite right, but wanted to get the total miles right. A delightful evening last night with 7 women in the shelter was accented by another enjoyable morning. Walkie Talkie, the 11 year old, shimmied up the bear pole this morning to retrieve her food bag. Ah, to be that young with healthy knees again. Who am I kidding - I never could have done that!!A quick trot into Harpers Ferry to the ATC for picture taking and checking in. Puff and I are hikers number 285 and 286 of the 2012 season heading NoBo. Will be interesting to see how many of us make it all the way to Katadin. Have decided at this point that there is no longer any option of quitting - will find a way to finish! Yes!We walked into town for a quick lunch at "Secret Six Tavern" a delicious recommendation by the volunteer at the ATC. When we returned, there were many hikers, including several from last night's shelter arriving. How fun! How chaotic. Into the middle of this all arrives my sister-in-law and cherished savior, Laura. She gamely allowed the malstrum to swirl around her as we hugged and greeted and basically wanted to fall at her feet in gratitude. ZERO!Off to DC for rest, resupply and relaxation.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Harpers Ferry/ATC Visitor's Center

To: Harpers Ferry/ATC Visitor's Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Clean, laundered, fresh clothes, an extra tick pulled off yesterday in the shower (arg), time to get journal updated, visiting with Laura and my brother Kurt, lunch at a Belgian restaurant (including the beer), a stroll in downtown DC on a beautiful day, Wii tournaments, equipment repair, mail drop with new maps - can life get any better? May take two zeros, as tomorrow's weather looks iffy.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Harpers Ferry/ATC Visitor's Center

To: Harpers Ferry/ATC Visitor's Center
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

Tried to sleep in, but body time keeps waking me at 5am to check for the birds singing. Having trouble using a pillow since I'm not used to the plush feeling. We went to the mall for new trail shirts more accommidating to 90 degree weather, boxed up and sent home more than 8 lbs of stuff out of our packs, ordered supplies that will be needed down the trail. I was having trouble feeling like two zeros were a little decadent-then the lighting, thunder and tornado warnings came. VERY glad to be in a home tonight. Looking ahead to the trail to come and we're both ready to GO tomorrow. Bring on the next thousand!!Milage adjustment.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Harpers Ferry/ATC Visitor's Center

To: Rocky Run Shelter (Old)
Miles today: 16.1

Back in the SaddleWe got back on the trail at Harpers Ferry this morning. Many thanks, Laura and Kurt, for the fantastic hospitality and pampering during our visit. A girl couldn't ask for a better brother and sister-in-law. Walked thru the historic old town/national park area of Harpers Ferry- how can so much history be in one little town!?  Crossed the Potomac River into Maryland-sixth state on the East Coast tour. Woo hoo! Rocky. Boo hoo. And the best is yet to come!Passed over sixty people on the trail today- a lot for not being in any park. Guess the Marylanders love their outdoors. Great day for a hike, but an ankle - buster trail. The area volunteer fire and rescue companies were holding practice drills on the river. We had to keep getting off the tow path to let their tricks go by. Tonight we're alone so far in the shelter, but surrounded by campers- most with very young children or dogs. (the water source is not for doing your dishes or letting your dogs pee in).As we set up camp, all of our stuff is clean and fresh smelling-at least for one night!  A quick return to hiker funk is in the offing. Some evidence on the trail of yesterday's heavy storms, but no word yet from hikers out in it. Will let you know!
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Rocky Run Shelter (Old)

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Babies crying thru the night.......I admire parents willing to take their kids camping- but these tots were YOUNG! I mean they may have still been in diapers. We snuck out before 7am past the left-over dinner left by their firepit. No critters visited, thank goodness.Another busy trail day. I think all of Maryland likes to hike on the weekend!Today we saw many more effects from Friday night's storms. Trees down, mud holes instead of trail. Flotsam and jetsam carried by torrents of rainwater. Thank goodness for trail maintainers. Already they had been out digging drainage ditches and clearing brush. No reports of hikers in trouble so far.We had trail magic times three today-once from a group of kids in a hiking club (homemade brownies), then from Mark (new trail name "Happy Feet"?) who is out for 4 days and felt 2 salamis were too many to carry and finally a Coke from Whiffleball who was slackpacking and supporting a few friends who were doing the "Maryland Challange" which involves hiking the entire state (44 miles) in one day. Whew! Full tummies tonight!"SG" and her dog Diesel blew thru at 6:30 with 11 more miles to finish. Started at 6am. You won't be seeing Huff or Puff pulling that off!Shared the shelter with Mark, Dame Quixote and All Smiles. Stats kept going, and most likely got thoroughly soaked, as it's raining cats and dogs tonight. More Maryland tomorrow!
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got a quick start this morning. Usually when staying in a shelter, you tip toe around until everyone is awake. Today we all woke up together. "All Smiles" looked down from the upper bunk- what a sight! Did not have a camera ready Last day in Maryland - what a difference from spending a month in Virginia! The trail here is wider- less worry about ticks. Not many signs. (Got spoiled in SNP). The weather has been much cooler-a much welcomed change. No bears. No snakes. No ticks. Happy girls!Met the ridge runner for this section in Pen-Mar park (Yep - sits on the border). Asked about his favorite shelter, his answer was "Tumbling Run". I can see why. There are two shelters sitting together with a picnic pavilion. They are labeled "Snoring" and "Non-Snoring", but we made them Male and Female. Magazine racks. Doorbell on the privy. Sits along a beautiful creek. Clothesline in back with clothes pins. Had a great campfire and joined Madam Quixote, Stats, SG and Diesel for a quiet night. Hello PA!
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Why do we hate rocks?-messes with your pace-messes with your cadence-hurts your toes-hurts your ankles-hurts your knees-hurts your hips-can have snakes and other critters-keeps you awake at night from hurtsPennsylvania has lots of rocks in all kinds of sizes. Nuff said.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: Ironmaster Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Today we hit the official midpoint of this year's trail. There is a signpost in the middle of nowhere to mark it, along with a register to sign. Someone thoughtfully also provided a post to set a camera on if a hiker is trying to take a self-portrait to commemorate the moment. Puff took mine!We hiked through miles of mountain laurel bushes in full bloom today. Almost like snowballs. Tonight we are in a hostel inside an old mansion built when this area was used for a charcoal-fed iron ore furnace. Became obsolete when blast furnaces were invented. Now it's a State Park, and the mine pit is a swimming lake. There's 8 of us here tonight-I went to bed early when the discussions turned political and voices were raised.Joke: Definition of politics: poli- meaning many, Tics- meaning blood-sucking beasts. G'nite.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Ironmaster Mansion Hostel

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

After an adventurous evening in the hostel, we left this morning via a hike thru Pine Grove Furnace State Park. This is the site of the "Half-Gallon Challenge". After completing half the distance of the AT, one is supposed to celebrate by eating a half gallon of ice cream as fast as possible. Puff and I split a pint of chocolate swirl instead. Lightweights......The adventure was provided by a sharp knocking on the Hostel door late into the evening. Appears Whiffle Ball and All Smiles found a lost gal wandering around the State Park. After trying to raise the Ranger,they finally called 911 and all was resolved. See- us stinky hikers can get things done!This evening, after chasing for two states and six days, Magpie caught up! Yea! Onward!