morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-05
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 28.9
Weather: overcast clouds

From Mary: Our biggest day (distance-wise) yet. We started early this morning in an effort to beat the heat of the day. We were hiking by 5:45 a.m. and had to use headlamps until the sun came up. It was a long, hot day but the breeze that we caught while we hiked up on various ridges improved our mood greatly. After dropping down off our final ridge we crossed a long bridge over the Susquehanna. The trek into Duncannon included about a mile and a half road walk, which is pretty hard on your feet after so many miles. We were able to make a few phone calls while we walked and enjoyed catching up with Jay's sister and her family. Oh, and I forgot, we had our first run-in with a poisonous snake today. It was a small copperhead that was hiding behind a rock in the middle of the trail. Jay in the lead nearly stepped on it before pulling back. We threw a rock and it slithered its way under a nearby rock. To day the least we were a little unnerved and slowed our pace through the copperhead-matching leaves that covered the path for the next couple of miles. Our destination for the night was the infamous Doyle Hotel. We had some good food at the bar downstairs and made our way to our run down room. The hotel is more like a hostel, bathroom down the hall, but it is almost on the trail and a talked about experience any thru-hiker must have. So we slept with the window wide open, a ceiling fan, and another fan blowing on us and still barely a needed a sheet. At least the shower across the hall was hot.Quote of the day: "Hi, I'm trail angel Mary"
Date: 2008-09-06
From: Duncannon

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

From Jay: For our zero day, Mary and I moved ourselves to another motel in order to enjoy some comforts we wouldn't have otherwise (TV, AC, own bathroom & etc.) I spent the majority of the day watching football while Mary read her book. It may not sound like much, but it sure was nice to relax! We definitely caught a break today as the remnants of Hurricane Hanna stormed through the region all afternoon. It was great to watch the deluge from a dry and comfortable room. Quote of the day: "I have a friend named Skeeter" Duncannon townsperson
Date: 2008-09-07
From: Duncannon

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: clear sky

From Mary: The day began with a four mile roadkill walk. Since we didn't want to wait around for a shuttle from our motel we decided to start hoofn' it and hope for a hitch. Obviously the hitch didn't materialize, which made our 25-mile day a 29 mile day - ugh. After scarfing a box of doughnut holes our spirits were lifted and we headed out of town. We ran across many day hikers then found our friend Skeeter heading the wrong way on the trail. Actually, Skeeter had been just ahead of us on the trail, had heard us talking, and had come back to hang out. We had a great day of laughter and easy walking as we headed over 15 miles of flat fields and pastures. It was fun to have someone new to hike with, someone who hasn't heard all our stories before. In Boiling Springs we had pizza at the only restaurant open in town on Sunday night. After a quick re-supply we set up or tent for the night behind a local Bed & Breakfast (which has had hikers stay for many years.) Quote of the day: "May I top of your dew?" Server
Date: 2008-09-08
From: Boiling Springs

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

From Jay: A pretty eventful day as these things go. We cruised out of town bright and early enjoying another crystal clear Pennsylvania morning. Spoonful and I shared turns knocking down the morning's webs until he sped off under his light pack. We met back up with him and Skeeter for lunch and the "Half-Gallon Challenge." For those not familiar with the challenge: thru-hikers reaching the halfway point of their hike (approximately) are to attempt to eat a half-gallon of ice cream in one sitting. So we all stopped at the appropriate store and began (except for Skeeter, who chose not to participate due to a higher IQ level than the rest of us). Spoonful and I both backed out after about a 1/4 gallon, as we finally sensed the ridiculousness of it. Not Mary though, she powered through 1/2 gallon of Neapolitan ice cream in just under an hour. So she's got that going for her now. The next big event was the reaching of the "midpoint marker," where we took teh requisite pictures and stared dumbly at it for 15 or so minutes. Hard to believe and none of us were sure whether to be excited or depressed by it - glass half full? Tenting tonight in an apparently abandoned state park.Song of the day: "Livin' on a Prayer" Bon Jovi
Date: 2008-09-09
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: light rain

From Jay: Woke up to the sound of thunder this morning. Mother Nature decided we should spend the first full day on the southern half of the trail in a downpour. Skeeter hiked with Mary and I for the majority of the day as we made good time one the wet trails. We had dinner at a grocery deli not far from the trail, eating some monstrous (and cheap) subs that we, dubbed our favorites so far on the trail. The weather cleared up and it looks like a beautiful evening with a couple of cooler days ahead. Mary is craving anything with salt after yesterday's adventure.
Date: 2008-09-10
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: PA16/Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 12.3

From Jay:We did a shorter day today as we needed resupply, as well as showeres and laundry. I smelled like I imagine mustard gas smells. Anyway, we cruised the miles to town and were helped by a local gentleman who drove us from the grocery to the motel in town. If you are reading this Lighter, thanks for putting up with our stench. The major highlight of the day: Pizza Hut all-you-can-eat dinner buffet. I think the world's supply of tomatoes took a hit tonight. sad fact of the day: no soap at the laundromat.
Date: 2008-09-11
From: PA16/Waynesboro, PA

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: broken clouds

From Mary: We got a ride out of Waynesboro to the trailhead from the motel owner. The ride included an interesting discussion with our East Indian driver about "mountaineering." With the number of times he asked when we were coming back to town, I don't think he understood the concept of the thru-hiking (despite our numerous attempts at explaining). Early on the trail today we crossed the Mason-Dixon line and into Maryland. There wasn't much of a sign designating the state line, and the rocks of Pennsylvaia didn't really stop, which made our already long day just a little bit longer. We did make a short side detour to see a monument dedicated to George Washington, and enjoyed a coke from a vending machine. At the conclusion of our day we went by a tempting restaurant, too bad the 'entrees started at $20. So, after a Mountain House dinner we bedded down for the night. The Indian chants (Indian feather) coming from the only other backpacker at the compground did not only bother us, but the chanter's dog couldn't seem to stand it either. Food of the day: ice cold cherry coke.
Date: 2008-09-12
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

from Jay: Up dark and early this morning since we wanted to get to Harper's Ferry early in the afternoon. So we moved along with our headlamps for around a half-hour until the sky lit up. I was in full geek mode as we walked through the Civil War battlefield of South Mountain. I am pretty sure even the park ranger was less interested in the history. Anyway, that slowed us a bit, but we still reached Harper's Ferry before 2:00 p.m. Fun sidenote, we ran into a couple of Mormon missionaries as we came into town. We felt like we were back in Salt Lake City. I tried to talk with them about Utah but they seemed to lose interest, which might be the first time I've scared them off. Maybe we just need a shower. After the mandatory ice cream stop, we both got new shoes and new trekking pole tips(my original tips had been worn totally off). We went to the ATC Headquarters and signed in, being the 40th and 41st SOBO thru-hikers to come through. Since over 200 started before us, we're either moving fast or a lot of people quit (or both). We met up with our close family friend Karen who lives in nearby Leesburg and who is hosting us for a zero day tomorrow. We got cleaned up and are enjoying the great food, hospitality and company tonight! Shake flavor of the day: hot fudge
Date: 2008-09-13
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0

From Jay: Rest day with our friends, the Hassingers. Watched quite a bit of football (our Boilermakers are heart-breakers), but mostly did a lot of catching up. Thanks Karen for everything, and it was great seeing you again Kris!Beer of the Day - Dominion Lager
Date: 2008-09-14
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: VA Route 7
Miles today: 19.3

From Mary: From one home of generous hospitality to another. Karen dropped us off in Harper's Ferry and we coninued our journey southward. Today was a sweater. I would say scorcher, but in the long green tunnel that is the trail, sun isn't nearly the issue humidity is. Anyway, less than a mile into our day, I was dripping. It was such a humid and hot day, not unlike some we had earlier in Maine, that the grips of my trekking poles were slipping out of my hands. We had a long lunch at the Blackburn Center, and even got a couple of sodas from the caretakers before beginning the rollercoaster. The section is so named due to the narrow trail corridor and the many small, but annoying ups and downs. We only just began the ride when we popped out on VA 7 and called for extract. (I just love using Jay's military lingo.) Tonight's generous hosts were Mack and Sue Corwine. Mack works with Jay's father and invited us to stop by. Well after the heat of the day, we were sure glad to accept (who am I kidding when would a thru-hiker ever pass up an invite.) We had a wonderful evening at the Corwines. We had showers, laundry, drinks, an amazing dinner, desert, computer access, and a comfortable bed. Thanks again, Mack & Sue, we really enjoyed our visit. New State of the day: Virginia (Less than 999 miles to go, triple digits,Baby!)
Date: 2008-09-15
From: VA Route 7

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

From Jay: Mack dropped us off at the trail this morning after our wonderful, but too short stay with he and Sue. We picked up where we left off in the "Roller Coaster," but with the weather much cooler than yesterday. The coaster took up most of the day, which to be honest, was faily uneventful. The most interesting incident was our 2-mile detour to a restaurant that had been closed. That put me in a swell mood. Tonight we're camping near a very small shelter that is filled with a family of section-hikers who are covering about five miles/day. It is so fun to hike hard all day to get to a shelter, and when you get there its completely occupied by people who are out here for less than a week and are hiking less than three hours/day. A real joy! Well, tomorrow we're headed to Front Royal for resupply before going into Shenandoah National Park. Emotion of the day: Bitterness
Date: 2008-09-16
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: US 522/Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

From Jay: Easy day for us into Front Royal. We left Dick's Dome in the dark and cool of the morning, moving quickly. By lunchtime we had made the easy hitch into town and were dining on Papa John's pizza in total bliss. The fun surprise of the day was running into our old friend, E.T., who we had last seen in Hanover, NH. We found him at the local grocery store, and invited him to stay with us at our motel room. Had a great time catching up over some beers while watching Jeopardy and House. We'll head into the "Shannies" tomorrow, which I've really been looking foward to. Drink of the day: 7/11 Slurpees
Date: 2008-09-17
From: US 522/Front Royal, VA

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: scattered clouds

From Jay: We pushed hard today into Shenandoah National Park, but were well rewarded. The weather was gorgeous for hiking, in the 60's and partly cloudy. We had some incredible views of both the valley below and the string of mountains extending south. We saw our first bear(s) since Maine. Mary and I were eating at a "wayside," which are little grills/convenience stores that the Park has along the main road through, when a black bear came sauntering right across the grassy picnic area and into the woods. I was kinda annoyed that I had just hiked 20 miles in the woods, but the first bear I see is in a picnic area with a bunch of RV'ers crowded around. However, about 5 miles later, right before reaching the shelter, I look up and see a mama and a cub 40' up a tree, just looking down at us. It's amazing to see such a big animal moving so gracefully so high up. Anyway, looking forward to what tomorrow brings. Shake of the day: Blackberry P.S. We met another NOBO at the shelter tonight, seems like he has really been taking his time. There's always another Northbounder.
Date: 2008-09-18
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

From Mary: Deers, people food, and Bears, Oh My! We were pretty smoked from our long day yesterday, so even the shorter miles today were tough. We were again blessed with cool, good hiking weather, and many bear sightings. Most of the black bears we saw were in trees. We would hear a very big disturbance in the branches and then a bear would appear either running down or climbing down. Never did we feel unsafe around these animals, we gave them a wide perimeter and announcing our presence so not to startle them. The bears seemed to have a healthy respect for us too, which meant no good photo-ops, but a good experience regardless.We stopped for lunch at the Skyland Restaurant in the park. It was a sit-down meal which ended up making for a very long lunch break. We ended our day at the Big Meadows campground where we were "one" with the many deer in the park. They wandered in and out of our tent-site, just like National Park deer we've seen out-west, totally unafraid of people, roads, or cars. For dinner and our first in-park re-supply we walked the 0.9 miles to the wayside. We enjoyed our second meal of the day of people-food, opposed to hiker-food. It was a bit pricey for dinner and groceries, but we don't mind paying for convenience occasionally. After a $1 five minute shower, we went to bed refreshed and preparing for another big mile day. Number of bear sightings: 6Number of wild turkey sightings: 4 Number of deer sightings: 30+
Date: 2008-09-19
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 28.6
Weather: light rain

From Jay: Hiked our butts off today and are both smoked. The weather really cooperated for pushing big miles as the temps probably never cracked 65 all day, and was downright chilly for awhile. Not as many bear sightings as yesterday, but the deer were numerous. They'll stand on the trail and let you walk within 10' before they scoot over into the treeline. Tonight we have the shelter to ourselves as the fire we started is dwindling down outside. It's been cold at night lately and it seems tonight will be no different, so I'll be bundled up tight. Big day again (hopefully) tomorrow, so need to hit the hay.
Date: 2008-09-20
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: broken clouds

From Mary: Marathon day! Of course hiking the distance of a marathon is nothing like running one. For starters it took all day, and we took many snack breaks, as well as a sit-down breakfast during the day. We've taken to eating breakfast in our sleeping bags in the morning, due to the chilly temps. It was pretty difficult getting up and on our way today. We had the shelter to ourselves, it is taking longer for the sun to come up, and cool temps make for great sleeping weather. Highlights of the day: Jay trying to get football scores while hiking, including losing his signal, as Central Michigan went for a 2 point conversion. Mary climbing a tree to pose for a photo on top of a Shenandoah AT trail marker, stupid idea, (and my left knee has been bugging me ever since). Meeting three boys from Escanaba, MI. Let's say packing light was not their forte'. Through the park in 4 hiking days. Black rocks and many other beautiful views. Entertaining animal of the park: Squirrel carrying a Pabst Blue Ribbon can (not exactly tactical). Please excuse my lack of writing, I am trying to finish the book, Killer Angels and it has been occupying my free time.
Date: 2008-09-21
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

From Jay: Today was basically our "rest day" for this stretch of the trail. We got up in the dark and walked the 7 miles to the road to Waynesboro by 9:30 a.m. A local "trail angel" named Bill was nice enough to come pick us up and give us a lift into town, as well as a tour of Waynesboro's amenities. The city is a little spread out to be the ultimate "trail town," but the hospitality of the locals easily makes up for that. Nothing too exciting during the day, just the typical resupply and rest routine. We did polish off Pizza Hut's "Dinner for Three" for lunch. Tasty for sure, but I don't think their advertising department had thru-hikers in mind during that naming session. I watched my first NFL games of the year while constantly bugging my friend Darren for phone updates on other games not televised here. (Quality Inn really should invest in a Direct TV sports package). Now if only I had taken his betting tips, it would have financed this whole adventure.
Date: 2008-09-22
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

From Mary: The Quality Inn had a great free breakfast and trail angel, Bill Gallagher, kindly delivered us back to the trail. At the first shelter we came to we had our morning snack break. It is funny how we use food to break up the day, just to have a pattern just like any work day, coffeee break, lunch, etc. Preparing to leave the shelter we again ran into as we like to call them "The Three Amigos" (the guys from Escanaba). they were headed to the "next shelter," which happened to be our destination as well, so we left them with a "see you tonight." The sixteen miles from the Paul Wolfe shelter to Maupin Field shelter were a little tougher than we expected. We climbed Humpback Mountain and were slowed a bit by some rocky terrain. While hiking, I had a stick bug land on my head, much to my surprise. I also had some near misses with falling acorns. I could hear them falling through the trees and would cover my head, just in case, feeling foolish when tey missed me each time. We reached the shelter at about 4:30 p.m. and were hungry. Jay made the most of the puddle/spring behind the shelter and we purified up some water. We ate, read, built a fire, but no Amigos came. So we had the shelter to ourselves for the third time in 84 days on the trail. It is about 8:30 p.m....almost hiker midnight, time to catch some z's...
Date: 2008-09-23
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Fish Hatchery Road
Miles today: 18.2

From Jay: We may not have done a bunch of miles today, but we definitely surpassed our climbing quota of the day. I'd say we did the most elevation change we did the most elevation change since New Hampshire, including summiting "The Priest," a solid 3000' climb. Of course, we had another great day weather-wise, which has become the norm lately. I sense there must be a month of rain waiting to ambush us at the Tennessee border. Tonight we're staying at the Dutch Haus B&B, a fine establishment run by Earl and Lois Arnold. We've heard great things from mnay hikers on the trail about the excellect food and hospitality, and are eagerly looking foward to putting the grub to the test. Our random thing from theday: Bees. The trail was nearly covered with them, one of which decide to give Mary some nice stinger work on the ankle.
Date: 2008-09-24
From: Fish Hatchery Road

To: Punchbowl Mountain Crossing
Miles today: 27.6
Weather: clear sky

From Mary: ahhh sweet slackpacking...well sort of. We decided to enjoy the comforts of the Dutch Haus B&B another day by doing a slackpack. Earl dropped us off by the fish hatchery and we did the uphill mile to meet up with the AT, and I know I would have been grumbling if I was carrying a full pack. The weather could not have been any more beautiful as we visited some Virginia balds. Fall was in the air today with a cool breeze. We were moving so well in the morning Jay made a call back to the Dutch Haus and moved up our pick up time for the end of the day. He was a bit too optimistic on our speed, or as Jay defends his estimate of the afternoon's terrain was more accurate than the mornings. Regardless, it took a bit of running for us to make our pick up time. Even the identical bee stings we both got could not slow us down. 27.6 miles in 8 hours...a good day's work. We were back at the B&B and showered by 5:00 p.m. In the evening we enjoyed using the computer, kicking back, and Lois' home-cooked meal. Lois did us another favor while we hiked today and called a trail angel in Glasgow (our next town stop) for us. We have to go into town tomorrow to get a package and Kenny Wallace is going to help us out with a ride. It is WONDERFUL to have all this hospitality. Thank you all!!!Bee sting of the day: Through the left sock, (sneaky little buggers.)
Date: 2008-09-25
From: Punchbowl Mountain Crossing

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: overcast clouds

From Jay: I am writing the journal a day late as there was no way any writing was getting done last night, which was the most miserable so far on the trail. But I'll get to that...The day started off well - great breakfast at the B&B and shuttel to the trail where our previous day's slackpack dash had ended. We climbed over Bluff Mountain andmet up with Ken Wallace on the road to Glasgow. Ken Wallace is a "trail angel," who shuttles hikers back and forth to the notoriously unfriendly/inconvenient town. (Note From Susan... this is one of two post offices in Virginia that sent Jay and Mary's drop box back as they didn't want to hold it and it looked like it had been kicked several times - shame on them!!) Ken waits for you to do your grocery shopping, get your mail drop, and eat lunch at the ocal diner before driving you back to the trail. All this free of charge, out of the goodness of his heart. He estimates he puts 30,000 miles on his car each year ferrying hikers, and is happy to do it. Unfortunately our day went quickly south after he dropped us back off at the trail (no pun intended). The rain, which had been threatening all day started coming down cold and hard as we trudged ua a sold 2,500' climb. Between out late-ish start to the day and our two hours in Glasgow, our daylight swiftly waned away, leaving us in the pitch-black dark with three miles still to the shelter. The smart thing would have been to immediately set up camp. However, a smart person wouldn't be out here in the first place, so we kept moving. The cloud we were in was so dense we had to remove our headlamps and carry them like flashlights, otherwise it was like driving through fog with you high-beam headlights on, totally blinded. We reached the shelter a good hour after dark, totally drenched in temps in the 40's We set up the tent inside the empty shelter for warmth and crashed out immediately after shedding our soaked clothes. Not going to do that again.!