morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Caledonia State Park, Pa

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

We did something last night that we have never done before- No, Linda, it wasnt sex in the van (linda note...I am sure you have got that one covered already..LOL)...we spent the night in our van parked in a Walmart parking lot..along with 3 other people in motorhomes. We drove to Caledonia State Park, parked the van. Oh yea, forgot we left our car at Pine Grove Furnace State Park yesterday. We got started hiking at 10am beautiful day..about 50 degrees when we started. Got to the shelter at 11:30, so made really good time - for us that is.!!! Temp going up to about 75 today..so down shorts - Trail out of the park was a little rocky and steep but didnt last long..lots of walking thru impressive thickets of rhodedaran (sp??) not blooming yet but still pretty. Thanks Lady Di for suggestion of hiking south to north..so much easier this way..would have killed my knees..n-s-! Thanks, Thanks. See what I mean, Linda, we hikers watch out for each other..(from sis, Linda...yea but the bears arent hikers)..thanks also to PATC..what a beautiful shelter..room for 4 people or one end room for 4 people on other end..covered picnic tables in middle, nice privy,platforms for those tenting..nice little babbling brook in front of shelter with nice cement bench beside it..that is where I am sitting..in the sun writing, listening to brook, slight breeze..chipmunks running around..wow..life doesnt get any better than this.. Met one nice young man hiking south..he is from Phila. Saw 2 squirrels, and small black snake. Trail was very very well maintained so that was how we made such good time. Thought about going on to next shelter but decided another 7.4 miles might be a little much on knees first day out..so we are just sitting here enjoying God's handiwork..as well as the PATC, nice shelter. see ya later. p.s. this shelter was orginially built by the CCC in 1934- refurbished in 1993 by the PATC namedd for a quarry close by. Caledonia was named for the iron furnace built here in 1837.operated by Thaddas Stevens, who would later led impeachment proceeding against Pres. Andrew Johnson. In 1863 a confederate raid led by Gen. Jubal Early destroyed the furnace. this furnace produced firearms used in the revolutionary War.
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Shared shelter last night (Quarry) with "Windchime" from NJ, a very nice young man who will soon graduate medical school and start his residency, he is going to be a pediatrician. Left shelter at 8am, temp 50.slight breeze. Going up to 75 today, kinda warm hiking. The trees are still naked so it was pretty hot. Good Friday today. mixed up walked in sucky mud, small rocks, thru mountain laurel, thickets which will be absoutelybeautiful all over the hills come June. It would be a photographer's paradise..walked in pine forest..smelled so good plus the pine needles made for soft walking. Good job from the PATC..I think they should pakc up their gear and go to the SMokies and teach the rangers how to make and maintain a trail!! Met 3 nice young people section hiking. They were from Baltimore area. Also met a couple of day hikers from NH. Still havent seen any big animals..heck didnt even see a snail..does that mean I get my title back as to the slowest thing on the trail? Last night was beauiful..when my son left to go do his Guardian Angel job..he left his porch light on (the moon)..it was so bright..I think tonite is supposed to be full moon so should be another bright night. Got to shelter at 150pm..2 people (father/son) from W.Va stopped for dinner. they planned on moving on. They are the 2nd couple we have met that are doing as we are- hiking between cars. It is neat sitting here watching the wind..It comes from the left blowing the leaves right..then it turns and blows the leaves left..then both winds get together causing what we call a dust devil and the leaves swirl around and around..up in the air and then fall down. Reminds me of my grand daughter's ballet classes..they get up on their toes, flitter across the stage..right..left and stop in middle ..twirl around.. yep..I got it---Ballet of the Leaves. Chorographed by Mother Natures..music by Father Wind.(note from Linda...and requested by Raymond for your enjoyment)..clap..clap..Thank you Mother Nature nice show..
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Toms Run Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Cold, cold day..we left at 830am- 35 degrees. dont think it got above 45. Walked about 1 hour in rain. Trail great, kinda rocky in places but nothing we couldnt easily walk thru. Lots of little springs making trail wet but not mucky. Still no animals..so far..no people. Got to shelter at 12noon. Thought about going on but decided to just hang out there as we have a real steep down tomorrow. so thought knees could use rest. They are doing good. It is 3pm now and still no people. (note from Linda...at 45 degrees who the heck would want to be on the trail..helllooo..that is cold- and I am sitting on my lanai by the pool with that marquerita)..Saw a cute little bird on tree outside shelter. Could be an Eastern Towhee or a tufted Titmouse.
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Toms Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove AYH
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

At 730am..temp was 30 degree..decided not to crawl out of sleeping bag. Didnt get much warmer by 11, so had to get up. According to map trail..looked pretty steep but Thank you Lord..it was not..lots of water on trail..little springs popping up everywhere. Some rocky areas but nothinhg we couldnt do . Also some roadwalking so it turned out to be a great hike down to the hostel...which doesnt open til 5pm. It is now 215pm..we left shelter at 12 so either we are getting better at this or it is because of the great job the PATC has done with the trail. Had another Ballet of the Leaves at the shelter.except Ma Nature has added quite a few more dancers and added birds singing and tree limbs rubbing against each other for music. Met 7 people on trail today. Mo,Va,Oh, were represented. We are at the motel on the way to our next starting point..Must get a shower! Decided not to stay at hostel..too cold to wait til 5pm plus its pouring down rain.
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Pen Mar Co. State Park, MD

To: AntieTam Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy 18th birthday to grandson, Nick. Called and woke him up to see if he had made arrangements to tandum skydive. He said no one was flying because it was Easter. He will try again later as this is something he has always wanted to do. We parked car at the park and left at 9:30am , temp about 45- sun out- got to shelter 3:45pm Good trail with a couple of pretty steep downs, but took them real real slow. Knees did good. Passed 8 other hikers, 4 were locals, out for Easter stroll in the woods. One had a pretty yellow lab. The other 4 were very nice young people with a beautiful German Shepherd (GSD). They were from Reading, Pa area, just about to end their section hike. They asked if we had seen their car parked at the road crossing- of course you know Ray- he said ohhh.you mean the one with the flat tires and windows broken. They could tell by his expression he was kidding. We also saw our first deer. yea, about 12 of them hauling butt up the mountain side. We were going to stay at the 5 mile shelter but it was very muddy and lots of standing water all around it and since it was 75 yesterday we figured there would be lots of skeeters so we pushed on to this one. So glad we did..do you hear the rushing water from the wide creek in front. Good sleeping tonite. Saw a moth or butterfly..not sure which it was..its tiny and when it is flying it is an awsome blue..but when it stops it is white. Violets and may apples coming up along the trail. Some trees are starting to get leaves. This shelter was built by the CCC in 1936. Named for the creek nearby. It is thought to be Algonguian origin meaning "Swift River"   About 12 miles above its confluence with the Potomac River , the creek flows through the town of Sharpsburg. MD site of the bloodiest battles of the civil war. Known today as the Battle of Antietam. Southerns call it the Battle of Sharpsburg.
Date: 2003-04-21
From: AntieTam Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: moderate rain

Long dreary day. Part of the hike was in rain, just showers- nothing drastic. Very steep ups and downs..lots of rocks. Stopped at Tumbling Rock shelters to pee. Met "Wild Turkey" from Maine. He started in Ga in Feb so he is just about to his 1/2 way point. The privy had a fake door bell on it and the shelters were designated "Snorers" and "non-snorers". They were unofficially called "the Jim Thorpe Shelters" in honor of the famous native American athlete from nearby Carlesie (sp???) Pa. The blue blaze trail 0.2 to Rocky Mt was the pits..very rocky and steep. Rain, thunder and lightening during the night. Had shelter all to ourselves.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: Caledonia State park, MD
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well there is only word for this mornings 3.6 miles ROCKSTrail was good but to your right there was a massive wall of house size boulders piled up about 20 feet high. These go on for about 2.2 of the 3.6 miles. Someone in the PATC has a wierd sense of humor. You are walking along making time over small and medium size rocks and this person says "Lets see what these hikers have in them" and zip- the trail turns   yep..right up - over and thru that gosh darn wall of boulders!!!!! He does this about 3 times. They say good things come in little packages..well this little package with the short short legs called Grandma Willie just went up and over and thru those gosh darn boulders with no problems. SO THERE!!!! HA!!!!! We left the shelter at 8am temp about 45. Got to van at 1130am..stopped at Burger King for lunch. Stopped at Walmart and $ Store then drove south to Washington Monument state park in MD. started the afternoon hike. Helen Keller says "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing" Today certainly was....
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Washington Monument State Park, MD

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Parked car at Park. Left on hike at 2pm. Walked up to see monument. It was built by Whig Partisans to honor the 1st pres. It looks like a milk bottle like they use to leave on your door step- ooops..am I aging myself?? Beautiful view of the valley below . Temp about 55..breezy. Lots of may apples again. Some little white bell shaped blossoms on leaves that look like marijuana leaves. does marijuana bloom? They were only near road crossings not out in the deep woods...mmmm. pretty anyways. We also walked across a foot bridge that goes over I=-70. I only got 1 person to beep. Got to the shelter at 4:45pm. good trail. Brothers Ryan from W. Va and Justin from Baltimore area shared shelter with us. Ryan is a medical student. The hum of the 18 wheelers on I-70 put us to sleep.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 830am..temp 35..sun out..strong breeze all day. Views from Annapolis Rocks and Black Rock Cliffs..awesome. Saw 4 deer and a ruffled grouse. Lots of rocks..got to shelter at 330pm Did good considering the rocks. "Happy6 2-B" from Los Alamos, NM, "True North" from Portland , Or. and Tadpole and Twinkle Toes from Mo. shared shelter. Neat bunch of people "Twinkle Toes" is a little terrier..2 years old..she looks like Rufus on the TV commercial,..(note from Linda..must be a pappillon)..She loves hiking! "True North" is in the process of having a book published "AnasazI Vision" sounds very interesting. She has also hiked the P.E.T> "Happy 2-B" has hiked in Canada, Germany, Switzerland as well as other places. "Tadpole" did this trail in 1997. I dont understand those that repeat this trail. There might be places I would like to redo in a different season..but not the shole thing. Oh well whatever crumbles your cookie.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Ensign Cowall Memorial Shelter

To: Devils RaceCourse Shelter
Miles today: 4.5

Left shelter at 8am .. temp 35..sun out..went up to about 55. Good hike..good trail until we came to blue blaze for shelter. It was a 0.3 almost vertical down and rocky..the pits! It is due to be moved this summer ..hopefully to the top of the mountain. Oh well just think how boring it would be to just walk flat all the time...(note from Linda....sounds good to me)..I can do that at home on the West Orange Trail or around sister Linda's complex. Saw some tire tracks on the trail wonder if this was the place Patrick O'Leary was taking his vehicle when he wrote........ There's a place I travel when I want to roam and nobody knows it but me..The roads dont go thee and the signs stay home..and nobody knows it but me. It is far, far away and way way afar, its over the moon and the sea and wherever you are going thats where ever you are and nobody knows it but me. That is what I'd like to do find a place where nobody knows it but me! ahhhh..someday...saw no animals..other than "Twinkle Toes" and "Tadpole" They passed us slow folks. Passed under some power lines a couple of times. Tried to suck up some energy but it didnt work..
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Devils RaceCourse Shelter

To: Pen Mar Park
Miles today: 4.5

More rocks..Hey..I thought Pa was the rocky state...MD is doing a very close 2nd..Hiked up to High Rocks which is the highest elevation of the trail in MD - 1880' Great view. I took 4 pictures to get it all. I must get a panarama camera! We left shelter at 830am..about 45 got up to 65. nice day for a hike. Heard a woodpecker. He was either really big or the tree was hollow all the way down to the ground as it very loud. Me and You=Us from Mass. shared shelter with us. They both have knee problems also but he is a nurse..so no problem! The ranger that checks out the shelter left a note in the register to walk over to the pile of rock behind the privy. We did so and actually it was like a river of rocks and while you stood there you could hear water running under them. You could not see any water at all just hear it. Got to van at 100..got lunch and found a motel..got clean then went to Walmart..whatever would we do without Walmart?
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Harpers Ferry Historical Park

To: Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 7.0

Left Harpers Ferry at 830 after parking car and handing in permit for parking. Got to shelter at 130pm Beautiful day for hiking..met many day hikers going up to Weverton Cliffs. Awesome view from up there I bought a panaramic camera so got a great shot (note from Linda....when Willie and Ray get home..I will build a webshots page for them for the pics). Harpers Ferry would be a great little town to go back to just to tour and learn the history. Trail was good..the first 3 miles was flat on the C&O Canal Towpath. This path was where the mules towed barges between whats left of the canal on one side and the Potomac River on the other side. I almost didnt know how to to walk on it..there were NO big rocks!!! Wildflowers and trees are coming out all over the place. I saw some pink and white dogwood. Redbud and Barlett Pear trees blooming..also lots of butterflys..yellow, black and black and white striped.   Saw some jack in the pulpit..lots of mayapples. Along the towpath we saw lots of turtles sunning themselves..met a super nice couple out for day hike..Gaspae and I think it was Dirty Dog. They hike this area quite a bit. Also a couple touring here from England..stopped at the shelter..loved their accent (note from Linda..geeze..didnt they hear about Disney, and the Alamo..cant imagine coming from England and taking a hike on vacation)..Granddaughter Carol starting to get contractions..but not quite close enough yet..We are going to be great grandparents soon for the 3rd time..This will be her second child. This shelter looks like a chalet in Switzerland..double decker sleeps 12. 2nd floor is reach by steps on back side. Shelter was shared with Jim Makay aka "Blackhawk" and Al Vacamora aka "Keystone Kid" from our former hometown of West Chester,Pa..we had a great time talking about all the changes that have taken place since we left. Al is going into the Army on Tues..Good Luck, AL
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was a short quick day.. We left shelter at 8..got to this one 1130. Good,good trail..walking along massive wall of house size boulders again..only this time they didnt take us up and over and thru them. Gave some thought about going another 5 miles but after checking out map decided to wait til tomorrow to tackle the long up and down to next shelter..temp 55-75.Last night the stars were as bright as the city lights in the valley. Very pretty. Heard a hoot owl. First one..we have heard. This shelter is an old one..built by the CCC in 1942, or actually 1/2 was built by them but was finished in 1943 by the PATC.Hiked thru Gathland State Park, MD honoring war correspondents. The only such memorial arch of its kind. Saw Mousleum of George Alfred Townsend..must check this man's history..see if he is any relation to us.. Our MOM was a Townsend.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: moderate rain

left shelter at 730..temp about 50..good trail..some rocks ..ups were not as steep as it looked on map. Had about 2 miles in a rain shower..temp never got up much over 55. Had very steep down to shelter and before getting to shelter..turn off.. We were thiking about going another 4 miles to get car..but decided not to push the knees. hate to stop so early..12:30..but will take some advil, swing, yes..you read that right..this shelter has 2 decks out front , a rail fence to the privy, little flower gardens by decks and just below the deck in front of the shelter is a swing..overlooking the stream with little waterfalls. The shelter itself built 1940-41 could use some help..but hey.couldnt ask for a nicer setting. saw no animals yesterday or today only chipmunks.Never thought I'd be swingin' on the trail Got some dogwood blooming here also.first ones I 've seen in the woods. Also saw some more of those "marjuana looking" flowers I told you about before except these were out in the deepwoods..so guess they arent marjana after all..just look like it. Sorry friends and neghbors by the road crossing..didnt mean to imply anything. Shared shelter with "Papa Smurf Aye" from Canada..He is working out getting ready to run the Maryland marathon. They run, walk whatever the AT thru the whole state of MD..He is 63 years old...
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Washington Monument Park MD
Miles today: 4.3

very easy trail. Left at 730 got to car at 1130..no animals..temp about 55..up to 75. Someone left a Cathy cartoon in the shelter..It was "so" my sister Linda (thats me)..that I copied it. changed the name to represent she and I talking:   Willy: Come on LInda..go hiking and camping with me..It will be the best vacation ever.   Linda: Camping: as in a tent or camping as in plants on a hotel balcony overlooking the beach?   Willy: Aw come on get back to nature.   Linda: Back to nature? as in sitting in the woods or attendent in powder room handing me fresh organic bath soap?   Willy: We'll cook our dinner over an open fire.   Linda: open flame?? as in burning twigs or as in a chef bringing me cherries jubelee to my table?    Willy: Just think ..you and me out in the outdoors.   Linda: outdoors with bugs and snakes or outdoors as in doors you go thru to get to the mall.??? This is my little sis..I lover her for being so different..she keeps me happy.. Ok...now it is the "little sisters' turn...Different...me...different...I beg to differ..you are different..who the heck else has a sister that is out in the woods hiking with bad knees in the rain...and dirt??? I am the same as 99.9 percent of the rest of the US people...we take walk..maybe around the block..not from the south to the north of the east coast....Willy..get back home...lets go to the mall and have some spa treatments...   ok..back to Willy... We are off the trail getting showers, washing clothes and resupply..will start again on Friday...
Date: 2003-05-02
From: VA 522-outside of front Royal VA

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

We spent Wed.& Thurs. nites in a motel, doing laundry, getting food for next section and cleaning ourselves up. The owner of the motel is allowing us to leave our van there. He took us to the trail head this morning. We stayed at the Blue Ridge Motel in Front Royal.Part of our walk was along side the National Zoological Park. We didnt see any of the exotic animals that are supposed to be there. in fact we didnt see any non-exotic animals on the trail today. Lots of birds singing amd forest floor is really pushing up pretty wildflowers. It was about 60 when we were left off at the trailhead at 845am. It was very very humid until about 12pm then a breeze came in. We got to the shelter at 1245pm..Met one man with a British accent..going south. Met Blackhawk from Ohio going north..he went on pass this shelter..he is one of those 20 miler people. Must be nice. In this section we will have a couple of 8 & 9 mile hikes. So taking it really slow. this shelter is new (1988).Molly and Jim are members of the PATC. They started hiking & working on the AT in the 40's. It is a real pretty setting..lots of dogwood trees blooming and they have planted flowers all around. It has a huge deck out front. Covered picnic area. Lots of bumble bees flying around. Nice big wooden chaise on deck to sit in..in the sun. Supposed to get some rain today..went up to 78. 2 Southbounders from Va stopped uin for a rest..then went on..shared shelter with Snuffy from NC..Saw a deer walking by the shelter.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: broken clouds

left shelter at 8am...45 degrees..trail today was very thing rolled into one..clean flats, clean ups and downs, long steep ups and downs, some with rocks, a short road walk, and farm meadows..thought we saw bunny rabbits in the meadows but didnt.. temp got up to 65..so made it great for hiking. Didnt meet many hikers guess they are in towns getting mail , etc. Lot of day hikers out on trail Had to put my wool hat on this a.m. I got my hair cut when we were in town..so my poor little ears are cold. Still waiting to hear if great grandson has been born. Also thinking about sister Linda's hubby..wonder how he feels after attending his son's bachlor party.(note from Linda...that was in March..not now)...Wedding is today..(5-3)..Good luck Matt and Tanya.. 2 men stopped by they were looking for mushrooms. Then later a big group of day hikers stopped by. One was from Kennett Sq..Pa She gave me some of the mushrooms (called morels) She had found and told me how to fix them..so guess I 'll try them tonite..She said they are very very expensive to buy. Wish I had gotten her name. This shelter was built of chestnut logs by the ccc in 1939. Shared shelter with a Mama Bird that had built her nest on one of the rafters..she didnt like it much when I took her picture on the nest..but she did come back.