morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Troutville

To: Bobblet Gap Shelter, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

We are so happy everyone made it home ok - we had a wonderful visit with all our girls. Saucey Dog and I got back on the trail in Troutville and hiked 17 miles to the shelter. Along the way we met Mike and Marie from Seattle, Wash. who were driving and had stopped at one of the overlooks. They took our picture and said they'll send us the photo. We are officially on the Blue Ridge Parkway - mile marker 95.3. It felt so good to be on the parkway and know what's ahead. We are staying at the shelter tonight because there is no tenting spot. There's a total of 7 here now. Mrs. Friday will be adding new photos so be sure to check them out and enjoy! We're heading to Front Royal...
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Bobblet Gap Shelter, VA

To: Cornelis Creek Shelter, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: moderate rain

We're 18.3 miles closer. It has been raining all day and most things are wet. We are in the tents with dry clothes trying to get warm - we will see since we sent all winter gear/clothes home. The climbs today were long but not too hard. They have switchbacks here. We walked past 3 shelters and one was 2 stories and pretty nice looking. This one is the standard, 3-sided shelter. All the flowers are out or just ready to bloom and the trail on both sides is lined with rhodudendrum. Tomorrow is another long day - maybe 17 miles.
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Cornelis Creek Shelter, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

We had a really cold, wet night. The rain continued and has not stopped. With the winter clothes sent home and everything wet, the Posse thought it smart to get help and dry out. We called Homer whom we had met prior to Troutville. He and his family thru-hiked last year and had given us trial magic. Homer drove 45 minutes and picked us up and transported us back to Daleville. He even invited us to stay at his home but since he already was hosting 5 other thru-hikers we decided to go to a nearby hotel. He even offered food, laundry facilities and free use of a car. What a Trail Angel! Homer will pick us up tomorrow morning and take us back to the trail so we will be on the same mileage plan before the bad weather hit. This is a good time to send some reply mail: Lauren, "Jr." - I am glad you are home safe, thanks for a great birthday, I love you. Steve - thanks for the email, how is retirement? I will save the snakes for you!Icky Doodles - Love ya, the cheese muffins were great!Tracy - thanks for the happy birthday note - yea 52 - I was younger when I started the trail.Ellie - thanks for the song tip; I miss you guys at NorthStar.Danny - Don't take it so hard; does Janice still have Turets?Mar-Babe - good talking with you and Keith; love ya; I saw a 7-11 but did not stop!Hermanator - what did you say at Kessler's party? How many "cokes" did you have? thanks for being such a great friend; Tell Redding not to dress like an "angel" when he comes with you to meet us!Tom and Barbara - it's great hearing from you; I will see you at breakfast in Sept.Beezer - how many people have you snared in your web since we left? GIS will be the first place Saucy Dog and I visit when we get back; thanks for the email; who is former 2D detective?Kristen - I have something special planned for you when I get home! You're a wonderful friend to all the Fridays! Thanks for watching Banana. Bob - how are things at SID? Buy anything lately? How do your floors look? Tell Sean "hi"Diedre - thanks for keeping in touch with us; we will get together in Sept.Barry - I'm sorry too that we missed your relatives; the adventure is going great; tell the shift "hi" for us.C-Hound - will you fix dinner for the Posse?Bob - good to hear from you, stay safe.Jan R - thanks for all of your encouragement; tell Mrs. Friday "hi" at work!Hey Juke Box - the song for climbing up the hills this week was "Get on Up!" and "Dance, Dance, Dance" - keep the suggestions coming.Drew - we would love to have you hike with us whenever you want; the change would be welcomed;Mrs. Friday - love you - 2.5 miles closer!
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Daleville, VA

To: Dutch Haus B&B Montebello, VA
Miles today: 18.3

We are 18.3 miles closer! Homer picked us up at 6:00 am and drove us 45 minutes back to the trail. He wouldn't even accept any payment - thanks again Homer. We started hiking and a runner, Kevin, came by. He told us Dave Horton had been looking for us and was running up from the James River. Prior to this, Dave had stopped by a shelter last night looking for us but we were in town because of the weather. We were too far away and sorry we missed Dave but he left us trail magic again (!) under the foot bridge once we crossed the James River. Dave - thank you so much brother. At 4:00 Earl Arnold from the B&B picked us up and returned us to his hostel. We met Pooch and Gucci here, we had a good reunion. They remembered our meeting on the trail last summer when Mrs. Friday and I hiked from Harper's Ferry to David Lester shelter in Va. They gave us some trail magic this year (remembering the trail magic we gave them last year!) and they will be leaving in the morning. Pooch and Gucci - keep in touch. We had pizza and salad for dinner tonight. This is a very nice large log home and I've taken pictures. There are 3 other people staying tonight and Saucy Dog and I are in a cabin which is under construction. Tomorrow we will hike 20 miles and return to the B&B around 6:00 pm - South Mountain, MD is not too far away!
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Dutch Haus B&B Montebello, VA

To: Buena Vista, VA / Dutch Haus
Miles today: 0.0

We are now 20 miles closer! We were on the trail at 9:00 am and finished our 20 miles at 5:15 pm -not too bad for the 'ol Posse. Pray for us - we may try 25 miles tomorrow.We are still fortunate that we can slack pack and be picked up and returned to the trail the next day. It is really helping us put in the miles. We saw a number of interesting things today and then Pooch and Gucci left 6 cans of trail magic that I shared. We are 55.6 miles from Waynesboro, VA which should take us 2 days after tomorrow. Lauren - I love youRichard - I think you have been spending too much time in the "vault" at the lab! thanks for the email and happy 70th!Randy - that's great that you are helping the hikers out in Atkins. What picture of the Posse did you see at Trail Days? Hope to talk to you soon.Ellen - Saucy Dog send his best and so do I. We hope to see you soon.Tim - thanks for the note, we love hearing from some of the old guys that you named. We love hearing from everyone - it really encourages us. Mrs. Friday - sometimes I think what I am doing is crazy - I KNOW you do! I miss you.
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Buena Vista, VA / Dutch Haus

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 16.3

The MAN found us again today - yep, Dave Horton - what a GREAT guy! Everyone who meets Dave loves him. Not only did he spend time with us, he also helped out a couple that were section hiking and needed a ride back to their car. He included drinks for them. Time flies for us when Dave joins us. Sorry to say this may be the last time we see him for a while - but Dave said, "you never know!" We hiked 16.3 miles today and decided not to do the 25 as planned. Tomorrow will be 19.9 miles which gets us closer to Waynesboro and the Shenandoah's. The food at the B&B is really good and the owners are really nice. We will be here tonight and tomorrow night then we may end our slack packing - we'll see - it depends on the cold weather. It rained most of the day and the forecast says rain through the weekend. It's a good thing I can swim - all of the streams and creeks are running very high and it makes it tricky when we cross. The B&B does our laundry every night so after the long hikes we turn in our dirties and they are ready the next day. There are 3 other hikers staying here tonight and one of them is sick - Saucy and I are keeping our distance. That's all the news today - getting closer!
Date: 2003-05-22
From: Dutch Haus

To: Tye River, VA
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We continued our slack packing today. It has been great having a break from our heavy packs - just carrying water and some food. Then we get a hot shower and a great meal at the end of the day. Saucy Dog, Tom of Maine and I are meeting several other hikers every day. Many are trying to stay indoors at night because of the rain. Today we had 2 long climbs, Priest Mt. and Three Ridges. The weather was cloudy and raining but we are in good shape for tomorrow. Earl will advance shuttle our gear to a hotel in Waynesboro and we will slack pack for the last day to get there.
Date: 2003-05-23
From: Tye River, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We're in a hotel - what's new right?! Saucy Dog got the trail flu and was driven by Earl Arnold from the B&B into Waynesboro to heal and rest. Tom of Maine and I continued on the trail today and who's at the top of a climb???---YES, THE MAN!!! It is so great to see David Horton each time - it really pumps us up. He was with a young buddy, Greg Flanagan, a member of the Sounds of Liberty. They were waiting for us on the Blue Ridge Parkway. What a great reunion - Pepsi, cookies, etc. everywhere! Greg is a Sr. next year at Liberty (like my daughter, Lauren)and he is a Bible Studies Major. He's into the long distance running too. We really appreciate the support and encouragement. It's unbelievable but we've hiked OVER 850 MILES (!) and we'll be in the Shenandoahs tomorrow. We'll register at the entrance of the park for Skyline Drive. After putting in 19.4 miles today we are closer and closer to South Mt., Maryland. Saucy Dog is feeling a little better so we'll check out early in the morning and begin full packing again. We could really use some dry weather!
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Shenandoah Park, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Memorial Weekend. We left Waynesboro at approx 10 am and hiked 15 miles. We are tenting tonight in the woods. The gnats are terrible and in our faces all day. Deet doesn't even help stop them. I bought a cap and warmer shirt at the outfitters this morning before we left because the weather has been so cold. Today's hike was great though. There were no monster climbs or down hills. Once we were on top there were long straight-aways with a few rocks to deal with. In reply to some recent emails:Greg - thanks so much for the message - that was fast! I guess you got that speed from hanging around David Horton. Please keep in touch.Lauren - it's "Major" Wedgie - and, no, I haven't experienced one yet!Kevin & Mary - good to hear from you, today we had sunny, warmer temps; quite a change and we are enjoying it; I'll talk to you from Md soon.Cougar - if you start hiking in July, you will probably catch up with us! Good to hear from you.Steve - congrats on the new job - How is NorthStar and the greeting going?Deirdre - once we finish, Saucy Dog and I will visit the academy and see you!Condor - well, well... Sorry I missed your party; As usual - you were right about Herb; Congrats on the up-coming events.Dave - thank you for the kind words; they encouraged me and I hope to speak with you soon; you better check with Mrs. Friday re: the child thing :-) Have you considered if you have a boy - naming him Donald??Dan Boy - if I am starting to look like the Hermanator then I have been in the woods toooooo long!Autumn Dawn - Miss Footloose - LOVE YOU, GOOD LUCK XOXO
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Shenandoah Park, VA

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

I walked into the hut and Mrs. Friday and Lauren were the talk of the day's trail! What a wonderful Memorial Day surprise - trail magic from the fam! On the spur of the moment they decided to drive to Skyline and bring lunch. We never expected it. We were coming down the hill below Loft Mt. and there stood Mrs. Friday and Lauren on the trail, waving and jumping up and down. Tom of Maine spotted them first and I think Saucy Dog and I were in shock. We had a nice afternoon break - Double Stuff Oreos express. We hiked 18.3 miles today and after the tailgate party with Saucy Dog, Tom of Maine, Buddah, Siesta, Notes and others, the last 1.6 flew by. The group picture is a great keeper. We're in our tents now and MD is closer.
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Pinefield Hut

To: S.River Picnic/Pocosin Cabin,VA
Miles today: 0.0

By the end of tomorrow's hike we will have covered over 900 miles. We hiked between 15/16 miles today. We are approx. 56 miles from Front Royal, VA and our plan is to get into town on Friday. "Notes'" father arrived and is hiking with him to Harper's Ferry. We visited with them today at a picnic area. --- still glowing from the Memorial Day surprise-- the story will be handed down from generation to generation. South Moutain is closer!
Date: 2003-05-27
From: S.River Picnic/Pocosin Cabin,VA

To: Skyland, VA
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked 20 miles today IN THE RAIN...All day, downpour, downpour. We planned to stop at Skyland for dinner and then tent for the night but the rain drove us off the trail and to a room. We have to dry out and get warm. We are 37 miles from Front Royal and will move closer in the morning. We stopped briefly at one of the small camp stores today but mostly we just kept on hiking.
Date: 2003-05-28
From: Skyland, VA

To: SkylineDr. Mile 21.9
Miles today: 19.0

The deer are everywhere today. We are tenting around the 21.9 mile marker and as soon as our tents were up we had 4 deer as guests. Saucy Dog got pictures. The deer come really close, sniff around the hung bear bags but then run off if you step toward them. A few days ago we saw a guy who we called "Tennessee." He started the trail the same day we did and he almost didn't recognize me. We are now one day in front of Betsy's husband, John, who she dropped off at Rock Fish Gap. After today's hike we are about 18 miles outside of Front Royal - this could be just a day's hike. Lauren - thanks for your hard work - be careful driving to Lynchburg; I love you.Roseanne - thanks for checking on usRich - I am glad the knee operation went well, I may need the name of your Dr. when I'm through!Jack - try this 4-week diet: eat anything and everything you want; all that you want; and still lose tons of weight and gain tons of muscle - Start in Ga. on the A.T. and walk through NC, Tenn with a back pack on and that's all you have to doMar-babe - thanks for taking care of the Peary website; love yaErin - we have not seen a bear but there are signs everywhere; and don't worry - I can outrun Tom of Maine.Ellen - thanks for the stats - very interestingBetsy - John is about one day behind us; some other hikers have walked with himKaren - thanks for checking on us; tell Skip "hi"Mrs. Friday - see you soon! love you
Date: 2003-05-29
From: SkylineDr. Mile 21.9

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Lions and tigers (NO), BEARS AND PHEASANTS - YES!!!!! Saucy Dog FINALLY saw a bear today!! He spotted one on the trail today and tried to get a picture but it ran off. Saucy will continue his search. So after that excitement I was quietly strolling along when a crazy grouse tried to attack me. It must have been protecting some eggs along the side of trail and thought I was a threat. The wierd thing ran towards me and I had to hold up my sticks to keep him back. The day continued with more excitement. We had a fantastic visitor - THE HERMANTOR! He set up an awesome picnic for us and others all afternoon - food and drinks galore. It was absolutely great to see him too. Thanks friend - we really miss you. Can't wait to spend more time with you. Our day ended with another thrill. Our great friend, Chief Ronnie Ricucci (Front Royal PD) picked us up from the trail and took us all over town. It was great to see him and spend time together. Thanks so much Ron for the encouraging words - thanks to Mrs. Chief too! Chief Ricucci is making sure we are taken around town and even providing us a safe return to the trail in the morning - police escort! We're staying over in town tonight so we can pick up drop boxes tomorrow. We're making great time and should be in Harpers Ferry by Monday.
Date: 2003-05-30
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Dicks Dome Shelter, VA
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

Chief Ricucci arranged for Officer Richard to pick us up this morning and return us to the trail. He was a really nice guy and took me to the post office too. Thanks again Chief and Officer Richard - you really treated us great. We put in 15.1 miles today - closer to home for a break! The highlight of today's hike was snakes and ticks - they're everywhere - I guess the hot weather is bringing them all out. Heading towards Harper's Ferry...Bob - we should be at South Mtn on Tuesday, June 4;Mike - keep checking on us;Lenny - more like slipping order - thanks;Rod - we are still smiling most of the time :-); tell the gang at GIS "hello";Lauren - I love you;Tom and Vicky - Mrs. Friday will contact you soon, thanks for everything;Tom - I told Saucy Dog you said "hi", stay safe Big Guy;Patty - thanks for thinking of us; it is beautiful out here;Dean - you are a blast from the past; thanks for the email;Joyce - how are you? Keep in touch; I'm sorry you are still working;Darryl - good to hear from you; are you still working out at the Academy? Keep praying for us and thanks;Larry, my man - I bet you miss Kessler; thanks for the encouraging words and you are right!Cheryl & Gary - thnaks for the trail magic; I'll let you know when we get near PA/NJ;Kevin - thanks for the email; are you still at SID? stay safe;Ellie - your generosity was overwhelming!! thank you very much; I will put everything to good use, love yaMom Friday - thank you for the card and gift; love yaMrs. Friday - I will see you soon!
Date: 2003-05-31
From: Dicks Dome Shelter, VA

To: Sam Moore Shelter, VA
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We are officially 30 miles into Northern Virginia. We left the Shenandoah's 2 days ago and today we've started what is called The Roller Coaster. It's a number of ups and downs over the top of the mountains. We are about 6 miles into it. Trail magic was everywhere today. First, when we arrived at the Rob Hollow Shelter for lunch an ex-thru hiker had left cokes stacked inside the shelter. Then about 3 miles later Huff-Puffer, 1998 thru-hiker, was waiting at a cross road with more trail magice which we really enjoyed. The last 3 miles got us to the shelter before a major thunder storm. We are all safe and dry, thank you Lord. Tomorrow we are off to David Lesser Shelter where I will set up camp on the same spot that Mrs. Friday and I camped last July. Once past Harper's Ferry on Monday we will head to the Ed Garvey Shelter. Visitors welcome!Hermanator - great job on the trail magic. I spoke with some other hikers that came through later and they loved it, thanks again buddy.Earl - I questioned Saucy about your theory and he denies it, but I am not convinced. Thanks for the heads up; tell Lois "hi" from us.Don - yes, I will contact you once I am in Maine. Thank you and see you later.Jan - they are something; I saw two heads jumping up and down on the side trail, I was in shock, what a surprise, I am a lucky guy.Randy - I thought you retired? Thanks for the note.Lauren - I love you, be careful driving.Diane - Cougar is section hiking, thanks for the email.Bo - this is quite an adventure,try it when you retire. Mrs. Friday is working hard on the lawn, thank you. Stay safe.Erin - that O.K., Saucy wanted to see a bear; I am glad he did. Talk with you soon, tell Stephen "hi"Greg - Mt Rogers - you sure do drive a long way to be tortured; was that Horton's idea? Thanks for keeping in touch.
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Sam Moore Shelter, VA

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

I am here at the same spot as last year with Mrs. Friday. We hiked 14.8 miles today and have to be close to 1,000 MILES! Sometimes it seems quick and sometimes it seems forever. Tomorrow we'll pass through Harper's Ferry (Ed Garvey shelter) then South Mountain on Tuesday. We finished the roller coaster and the trail was pretty flat to this point. It feels like a cold night - it's June 1 - what's up with that? Tom of Maine is hiking with me into Maryland. Ken - thanks for the email - tell the gang on Shift 8 "hi" for us; See you guys in Sept., stay safeHuffer-Puffer - thanks for the trail magic; we beat the storm and got to the shelter before the skies opened up; keep in touch.Tom - we hope to be in Maine around Sept.; save some moose for us.Condor - thanks for the encouragement; tell the retired guys "hi"; I'll talk to you soon.
Date: 2003-06-02
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Ed Garvey Shelter, MD
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

What a day! It was cold and really windy last night. This morning the sun came out and warmed things up a bit. We hiked into Harper's Ferry and went to the AT Headquarters. We signed in and had our photos officially placed in the AT book. Saucy Dog is hiker #190; Tom of Main is #189 and I am #188. We had some huge surprises today. My great buddy Kevin showed up with Lauren and they took us to lunch in Harper's Ferry. It was so great to see them - hugs all around! Later, we were about to leave Harper's Ferry and who shows up??? YEP - THE MAN!!! David Horton!! What a day! We are tenting tonight at Ed Garvey shelter and have an 11 mile hike tomorrow to Boonesboro which will fly by. We've hiked over 1,020 miles and we're in Maryland!
Date: 2003-06-03
From: Ed Garvey Shelter, MD

To: Boonesboro, MD
Miles today: 11.1

I will see my family in hours...I can't wait! Tom of Maine and I hiked 11.1 miles to South Mountain, Boonesboro, MD. We arrived at 1:45 in the pouring rain. We called the Hermanator and he picked us up in front of the chapel across from South Mountain Inn and drove us HOME. Hermanator saved the day again. We were pretty soaked and cold. But on a positive note, Tom of Maine loves the civil war era and he's been getting his fill as we walked through Maryland. We will take a few zero days, resupply and head north to complete this dream in Maine. To Scott...we are getting ready for the 2nd half of this adventure - tell Danny C. congratulations on his retirement and thanks for the email.To everyone who sends such great, encouraging messages, mail and prayers - THANKS! Stay tuned for Part II and I hope you enjoy the new photos. Icky Doodles - Ms. Footloose and Sundae Grille - I love talking to you too, can't wait to see you, I love youSuperfeet - thanks for the email, and the encouragement, stay tuned for the 2nd halfBuzz - I bet you miss Larry; thanks for the emailNiepsey - sorry, won't be in O.C., thanks for the emailTom - looking forward to the Duncannon package! Tell Vicky "hi"! and thanks!
Date: 2003-06-08
From: Boonesboro, MD

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter, MD
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was so great to be home for a few days. It's Sunday morning, and Tom of Maine and I are back on the trail. Kevin dropped us off in Boonesboro where Hermantor picked us up last Tuesday. They are such great friends. We hiked 13.6 miles our first day of Part II on the trail. Once we got to the shelter we met Dr. Thunder, his wife, Banana, and her sister, M. We had met earlier in Va. The caretaker of the shelter arrived and his trail name is Huck Finn. He drove Banana to the store and she returned with cokes, ice cream and chips! While we were eating an ex-thru hiker, Red Neck, appears with a 12 pack of beer and was passing it out to everyone. Maryland has trail magic too! Today's hike was a little rocky but flat and we arrived around 2:30 and decided to just hang out. A great first day back and the weather was perfect too. Kevin - thanks for being such a great friend. Donna - New York is closer!Scudrunner - sorry to hear about your buddy's equipment getting stolen; thanks for the email. Mike - what are you doing now?-Rockville station? Icky Doodles - I love you .