morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Bald Knob

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 13.5

Rain, rain, rain, go away. Finally it let up just long enough for us to pack our wet, muddy tents and gear. It was an easy hike down to the road where Dutch Haus would pick us up. Today is a somber day for Iron Maiden because it is her son Ryon's 26th birthday. He passed away in October from motorcycle accident. You could tell she was having it rough, holding back tears most of the day. She has some of his ashes with her to spread along the trail. The rain quieted down for most of the day. The trail was muddy and yucky all day. Slippery it was along with rivers flowing down the trail we hiked all the way to our waiting chariot. Earl, the proprietor of Dutch Haus picked us up. It was EXCITING to be in a vehicle heading for a shower and clean clothes. The Dutch Haus is a log cabin B&B located in Montebello. Lois, Earl and Hannah do a great job of hosting wet, soggy, dirty hikers. We opted "in" for the dinner which was Chicken Pasta, salad and spice cake for dessert. Delicious!It is a full house tonight with many hikers.Raining again, hopefully stopping by the AM.I have updated the journal from 6-7 and added photos.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Dutch Haus

To: Priest Mountain
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Our fellow hiking partner and friend Iron Maiden decided it was time for her to go back home. She had a couple of blisters and was homesick. She made a call to Amtrak, arranged and shuttle to Charlottesville and away she went. It was kind of quick and a shock but she had been miserable the last three days. She is safely at home now.Plans were to leave Dutch Haus and hike to the second shelter but we have to descend off Priest Mountain which is a huge downhill! We want to make it to Maulpin Shelter so Half Left can call Devils Backbone Brewery. They pick you up from the trail and take you to their brewery for a tour and tasting. Apparently they also serve good and let you "camp it off" behind the building.The hike was very steep both up and down the mountain. We first climbed up Spy Rock. Having to take off our packs we scaled the 50 foot rock. On top, 360 degree looks, amazing! But not much time to stay, lots of hiking today.The trail was easy after cresting the Priest Mountain. We had gotten a late start with Iron Maiden leaving and we ate the free lunch provided by Dutch Haus so we decided to camp on top of Priest. Half Left picked a nice spot and we pitched our tent, ate and relaxed.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Priest Mountain

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 15.0

Camping on top of the Priest was beautiful and peaceful. No other hikers to disturb our sleep. We awoke to the light of the morning and the birds tweeting. Half Left started coffee while I gathered myself to get up. I am a little slower than him. He jumps up like he can't wait to start hiking while I stir alittle and slowly stretch and get out of the tent.We ate breakfast and began our 5 mile descent, long, long descent! Beautiful waterfalls, streams, rocks and views.Coming out of the gap was the climb to Reeds gap, up, up and more ups. NOT my favorite.We arrived and caught a ride imeadiately. Half Left's smile brightened the whole valley. He was anticipating the bubbly brews awaiting. We took a seat outdoors on this beautiful day and ordered the sampler where he could test 4 beers at a time. He was in heaven. I was also because they had my favorite, chicken wings and caesar salad. Everything was delicous but pricey. The free beer for thru hikers didn't come to fruit but the free camping and hospitality was welcome.We set up camp behind the building and relaxed.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone seemed to wake up about the same time. Gus was up and quitely out early, Nooga (from Chattanooga) and his buddy Bandana got up and joined us for breakfast at the picnic table in the shelter. Our trail angels, Girl Hobo and Bruce were to meet us at Rockfish Gap at noon. After chatting a bit with the others, all of us packed up and were ready for the day. The hike was easy. We passed an old cemetery and cabin ruins with a chimney. We made it into the gap by 10:30, earlier than expected. A kettle corn booth was set up in an abandoned parking lot, my favorite! He was also frying up pork rinds. I have never seen anyone make them, interesting. I had to get a bag of each as well as a soda for both of us. We began to eat the warms treats while talking to a couple of other hikers hanging around. Girl Hobo informed me by text that our buddy Joe Mitchell from the Four Pines Hostel was going to stop and say hello about noon also. What a treat, he is very nice. Along with him was the infamous Baltimore Jack. They gave us a ride up to the visitor center where we waited for our trail angels to show. Right at noon they showed, bearing gifts of beer for Half Left. We all talked for about 30 minutes with Joe and Jack then said our see ya laters and headed to Waynesboro. On task, groceries, hardware, and of course a must do lunch at the Ming Chinese Restaurant all you can eat buffet. After our town chores, we headed for our campsite at Loft Mountain. On our way crossing in front of the van a mommy bear and her little baby cub. The little baby reminded us of our little black Chow back home, Shasta. She seemed to look both ways and scurry behind mommy.The ride to Loft was 25 miles up the Skyline drive. About 2 miles before, we saw a girl and her dog. Slowing down we could see it was Yetti and Jada. I was driving and pulled over to say hello. She was a little behind her friends, Kentucky, Crazy Top and Pesky. We told her where we were camping and invited her to come see us.We arrived at camp, a wonderful grassy area. We set up our tent next to theirs and the boys started a fire. We bought steaks at Kroger but were so full of the buffet weren't quite interested in eating too early.About dark, Yetti and the gang showed up and took the campsite 2 sites away. They joined us around the fire for trail talk. It was nice seeing them again.
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Front Royal

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 31.0
Weather: moderate rain

Our friends dropped us at Bears Den since we had already done the miles between Front Royal amd Bears Den. It was foggy and rainy, not but 200 feet of view in front of us. We arrived at the hostel early so we knew it would be a long day. Hikers staying dry were piled all over the couch and bunks watching movies on the TV. We choose our bunks and greeted everyone. The caretakers were cleaning but let us know we could use the facilities after 5. The kitchen would be great because we bought a pork loin at the store to cookout and hadn't yet.We spotted the 2010 poster that we had signed 2 years ago. It was fun looking for our names. It took a while because there were ao many. Finally, there they were and names of friends like Low Ley, Qtip, Skidmark, Buttons and many more.The hikers waiting out the rain decided to leave so we got reins on the TV. I picked out 50 first dates. Funny! We ended up watching 6 movies Dinner was sooooo good! The others ate Pizza while we ate Pork Loin, rice and salad.After dinner, more movies, this time AT movies.Off to sleep...
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn Center Hostel/Cabin
Miles today: 8.2

The stay at Bears Den was wonderful. Pancakes this morning made by Shaggy and complimentary. The hostel has lots of bunks and hikers to sleep in them. Our hike today was easy with a few ups and downs with only one overlook. A couple of streams with enough water for the hike. We spotted a couple of deer one was a little fawn with its spots, so cute! It was a short day, hot too.Now we are sitting on the porch of the Blackburn Center. It is a wonderful hostel owned and operated by the Patomic ATC. It's free and includes a spaghetti dinner. In to Harpers Ferry tomorrow!
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Blackburn Center Hostel/Cabin

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

The stay at Blackburn was terrific! The cabin had 4 bunks, but were wide enough for 2 people. Instead of hogging the place we let 2 women take the top bunks. They were nice. I figured they would be courteous, boy was I wrong! The one above us got up about 5 am and rattled and crunched her stuff forever. It sounded like she was taking everything out and putting it back in her pack over and over! I said (after 30 minutes) of torcher, "Goodness Gracious!". She said I'm almost done. No she wasn't! Redamndiculous!!! People have courtesy and class please!Anyway, we hiked out saying bye to Girl Hobo. She was only hiking to the next campsite while we were going into Harpers Ferry. The trail was was easy except for a bunch of rocks for about 3 miles. We hiked 6 miles and came to a road crossing at Keys Gap. .3 miles down the road is a little diner. We couldn't pass it up!Hamburgers and Chicken Wings! While we were finishing up, I got a text from Girl Hobo who was at the crossing. She decided to hike down and meet up with us. It was good seeing her again. But off to the races. Miles to do. Hiking on, we passed their tentsite, it was nice and perfect for them.The trail descended steeply down to the Shenandoah River where we walked over the river along side cars. The bridge is long and seemed longer because of the heat. After crossing, we could see our destination, the EconoLodge! Welcome us! We can shower, wash clothes and order pizza!
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Leaving the comfort of a hotel room is always hard. But today we would go to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and get our photo taken for the 2012 Hiker book. Also to the outfitter to look at new shoes for me. We packed up and off we went, up a road of course uphill. We greeted other hikers as we entered the building. It is so exciting being there. We smiled for our photo and ordered extra copies to send back home as well as purchasing me a new bandana. As we were there, Girl Hobo and friend Bruce showed up. We all went down to the historical area for a beer and to find me shoes.The beer was expensive so only one was purchased. I found some new shoes, Oboz. They should do well on the upcoming ROCKS.We all grabbed some lunch, some final photos then off to the trail we went. A short day because of a late start, 7.2 miles to Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter. To get there we hiked on the C & O Canal trail for 2.7 miles. It follows the Potomic River until we had to cross under US 340 and RR tracks. Then up a steep climb past the Weverton Cliffs to our destination Ed Garvey Shelter. At the shelter, a boy scout troup and a ladies group, but room in the shelter!The evening was short, left over pizza, then bedtime.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Turners Gap
Miles today: 9.9

What is it with rude loud hikers? Turbo... a hiker has captured the "Loudest Hiker Award". He got up at 5:00 am and proceeded to crinkle crap loud as he could. Rude!!! I put up with it until I had to say You have just been crowned rudest hiker. Ridiculous! After about and hour of rudeness he left. I will make sure not to be around him!Anyway, we were excited for this day we will meet up with HomeBrew our 2010 hiker friend. He started with us on March 27 and he finished. The day hiking was interesting with a stop at the Gathland State Park War Correspondents Memorial. Trail Magic from Star Craft with sodas was the highlight. On the trail we met up with Trekking Poles who hiked with us all the way to Dahlgren Campground. Showers and restrooms a welcome site! We have had record temperatures up here and showers help!Rain was in the distance so we quickly did our business and headed to meet HomeBrew.As we got close to the road, it started raining. We slipped into a restaurant and ordered a few drinks while waiting.He showed up not long after and we were on our way to Frederick, MD.HomeBrew took us downtown to a pub called Brewers Alley for some craft beer and food.It was delicious! And the town, so cute.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Turners Gap

To: Homebrews in Frederick, MD
Miles today: 0.0

We woke up to the comfort of sleeping on a real mattress at Homebrews. Ahhhhh! Instead of hiking this morning, Homebrew invited is to take a zero day. Sure!!! Groceries, steak dinner on grill, antiquing downtown, the Civil War history museum and more homebrewed beer, how could we pass it up? Homebrew lives in Frederick, Maryland near downtown, a beautiful row of shops, coffee houses, antique stores and restaurants. I was amazed at the amount of blooming, busy businesses. We went downtown and had a wonderful breakfast at Beans & Bagels a delicious meal. Afterwards the boys decided on the museum and I the antique stores. Wonderful again! We all needed a few things from the store so we went to Safeway and purchased some large New York Strips, corn and potato salad. We then went back to his house and watched "The Black Adder" episodes. Boy are they hilarious! Gonna have to buy the series. Time for steaks! And more Homebrew from HomeBrew! The steaks were awesome, the company fantastic! He then broke out "History of the World part 1". We had a great evening! And we get to sleep in a real bed again.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Homebrews in Frederick, MD

To: Pogo Memorial campsite
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Sadly we had to leave Homebrew and his wonderful trail magic. We went to breakfast at a unique diner where we had an incredible meal. We really enjoyed our stay! But the trail must go on. Homebrew took is to the Washington Monument where he hiked to the top with us. The views were clear and the monument nice. We said our goodbyes and invited him to come to Florida someday after we finish. The trail was relatively easy except for a few rocky uphills. We made it to Pogo Memorial campsite and decided to stay. Bright Flower and City Girl also camped. The evening was short but we made time to soak our tired feet in a coooooold stream. It was soooooo cold!A lovely evening and our first night in our Black Diamond tent.
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Pogo Memorial campsite

To: PenMar Park
Miles today: 14.5

Hiked a huge 14.5 to make it to PenMar! Check out the last few days entries! Will update this soon.We slept very well in our teepee tent by Black Diamond. Today is a big hike day, 14.5 miles into PenMar Park. The hiking today is somewhat smooth except for a climb after Ensign Cowell Shelter and another 600 foot climb up to Raven Rock. Along the trail we reached Ensign Cowell early. There were leftover people from a trail angel party the night before. Bright Flower and City Girl were there enjoying a beer and some burgers. We were offered some pizza dough and took it remembering the mozzarella chesse we had along with some pepperonis. We took some foil, spread out the soft dough, added the topping and walla! Pizza on the fire, real fire grilled ! The pizza was tasty as well as the 2 diet cokes Pops gave us. City Girl also gave us half her burger. Thanks!Onward we had miles to do. Every stream we cross we stop and pour cold water on our heads. We have had record heat here, 95-100 degrees. There is a new 2 story shelter called Raven Rock Shelter, it is beautiful , picnic tables, tent pads just gorgeous! Snacked and read the shelter journal them onward we go. Right before PenMar is a view called "High Rock". It is where crazy people hang glide. The view is spectacular! Kids were climbing all over the rock like monkeys. The wind was blowing hard so we didn't get near the edge but had our photo taken by one of the young ladies.We arrived a the park after a grueling descent down the mountain. It was hand over fist down and steep stepping. Thank God for our trekking poles "Leki"The park is nice and offers pizza delivery. Of course we ordered some. We met a hiker named "Goat" who needed to get into town to mail a package. We grouped with him and shared a much needed hotel room and laundry! Showers!
Date: 2012-06-26
From: PenMar Park

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

We left out of Waynesboro. PA for another big day, 15.3 miles. The trail was rocky and we had a few climbs. Along the trail we met several groups of teenagers both Boyscouts and Outward Bound groups. They all were nice as could be. We stopped at Tumbling Run shelter for lunch where Goat was also. We had leftover pizza and chicken wings. Always a treat to bring food from town. Much better than tuna sandwiches, a trail staple.Onward we go, one foot in front of the other up to Chimney Rocks with a nice view and an 1100 foot climb. Gladly at the 1073.1 mile mark we reached our destination for the evening "Rocky Mountain Shelters. We were the only ones staying for the night. The water was a steep .5 mile descent. Luckily I have a good man to get it. Thanks Half Left! It was a good evening.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: clear sky

GOLFING on the trail! And swimming pool. OH MY!Will update soon. See 6/22-6/24.Sign guestbook too!We arrived at Caledonia State Park early. Upon reaching the park office we discovered the park has a golf course. The ranger called the course and asked if they rent clubs. Why yes and only $4.00.The course is awesome! Gas carts, hills and great people! Some of the holes are up on a hill and you hit the ball way down. It was fun fun fun. Half Left shot a 91 and I a 92. We got a couple of nurgers and meandered back to the campground. When we got back, Bright Flower and City Girl were sitting by the pool enjoying some fries and soda. We asked them if they wanted to share a campsite. $5 each with showers! Yes! And a pool! We enjoyed our evening with a nice fire and good company!
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Wow, the trail is leveling off a bit but more rocks. Our jaunt today is 9.6 miles to Birch Run Shelter. Leaving out of the park is an 1100 foot climb. It is steady up but not a severe grade. We made it to Quarry Gap Shelters where we would do our routine of snacking and reading the shelter journal. Along the trail we meet lots of hikers and want to know how they are doing so we read along their entries to find out. Also if someone is behind you and you want to send them a message, you just write it in the book. Some people may lose something and will also say that in their entry. If found it always gets returned. We found a bandana on the trail took it and washed it. Then City Girl says did yall find a bandana? Well it was hers and it was safely and cleanly returned.As we were leaving, Bright Flower and City Girl arrived. We all discussed our destination for the evening. And said we will see you there.The shelter was nice but Half Left wanted to camp so he searched high and low and found a great tenting site by the stream. It was big enough for several tents so we invited all to tent along with us. Zach, another hiker said we should be weary of a thunderstorm tonight. Oh well we camped anyway. About 4:15am thunder and lightning woke us! We got up and made sure all was secure. About 5 minutes later the sky fell! Hail, about marble size came bouncing up under the tent. Half Left proceeded to eat it. The storm lasted about 30 minutes and seemed to pass is by and not hit directly. In the morning the skies were blue, not a sign of the storm we had experienced.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Furnace State Park
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Ater packing our wet tent and eatting breakfast, we started our day looking forward to arriving at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Another possible tenting spot and the AT museum. As well as the "half gallon ice cream challenge ". Half Left and I were also excited about passing the midpoint if the AT. At 1092.1 we would reach a milestone only "half left" hahaha.The trail was very easy! Down some old roads and hunting paths. We kind of hiked along with our new found friends from Denver, Brihht Flower and City Girl so we could take photos of each other and "cross" the point together. The midpoint changes each year depending on how many miles the trail ends up being. Trail crews fix problem areas each year. The laat couple of years, Bob Peeples has been working on a site going up Roan Mountain adding a couple of miles of switch backs. We hiked it without them and it was steep! The mileage this year is 2184.2. In 2010 it was 2179.We arrived at midpoint, took photos and carried on. The shelter Toms Run is nice, a great creek, two shelters and picnic tables. We snacked and met the trail ridgerunner "Calculator". He is in charge of overseeing about 35 miles. He makes sure people clean up and don't "live" in the shelters.We got to our destination early and promptly hit the store for burgers and ice cream. We got one of the few remaining sites and pitched our tents. Next campsite over were two couples from the area curious of our journey. They invited is for beer and conversation. They are teachers at a local school and track coaches. So they've been up and down these local trails. After the beers they continued their generosity with chicken, pasta sald, corn on the cob. Wow! Thanks!!! Then Mr. Zimmerman brings over 4 pieces of delicious cake made with white cake strawberries, pineapple, blueberries and whipped cream. Wow again! Yummy!It was getting dark so we gobbled down the goodies and got into our tents. It rained during the night and again soaked our tents. But luckily we took our wet clothes off the bear rope/clothes line.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Pine Furnace State Park

To: Mt. Holly Springs
Miles today: 10.8

We woke up early but our new found trail angels were already out possibly for a run. We didn't get it say by. We packed up and headed out. I wanted one more of the delicious burgers so we waited for them to open at 9. They were just as good as before! Along the trail Half Left spotted a deer only a few feet away. I snapped a quick photo of him with the deer in the background. We had a alight 600 foot gradual climb today, then pretty level. Pole Steeple trail is at the top. It is about .4 miles off the trail marked with a blue blaze. We follow white blazes the whole way to Maine. Blue means it is a side trail to either water, shelter or a view. We followed it out to a huge rock formation overlooking the campground and lakes. It was a welcome site. The viewa on the trail have been non-existant. Just trees, trees and more trees.Today would be 10.8 miles into a small town called Mt. Holly Springs. We had reserved a room along with Bright Flower whose husband was flying on from Denver for their anniversary. When we arrived at the trail crossing Cindy from the Inn picked us up. She had put us in the same room as Bright Flower who hasn't seen her husband in 3 months. Well that wont work! No more rooms available though. She searched high and low and decided to let ua use an apartment the Inn owns down the street, gladly we will!The apartment was air conditioned, lights and shower. What more could we want? A refrigerator too!After sitting at the crazy laundry mat while Half Left made a beer run, we met back at the apt. Nice!We sat on the porch enjoying some adult beverages. The neighbor Melton greeted us. He told us of pizza delivery. We ordered and struck up conversation. Very nice man. His wife works at the American Legion and invited us to breakfast in the morning. Stacy his wife arrived home and brought cold sodas. They were both as nice as could be. He even said he would slack pack us to the mext town, Boiling Springs.