morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Seely-Woodworth Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 3.4

Today was a short day on the trail. I had called earlier for a reservation at the Dutch Haus B&B in Montebello Virginia. Ayce (pronounced Ace) and Bernstein Bear decided to join me for the B&B. When you don't walk very many miles it's called a NERO day (nearly zero miles) As opposed to a zero day when you walk no miles at all on the trail. The first order of business at the B&B, as directed by the landlady, was to get out of our stinky clothes, take a shower and then have some breakfast. While our clothes were being washed we were issued robes and slippers she had knitted to wear around the house until our clothes were washed and dryed. We did not have to do our own clothes washing and we did not have to pay for it either. The rest of the afternoon we lounged around in the house while our clothes were being cleaned. Once they came out of the washer and dryer we sorted the clothes that belonged to each of us three. Dinner was served at 7 PM. The meal was very good and included pork tenderloin, scalloped potatoes and acorn squash. For dessert the choice with was either peanut pie peanut butter pie or lime pie. I had the peanut butter pie and it was delicious. Today was a restful day and one well needed after having been on the trail for about nine days.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Breakfast at the B and B was served at 7 AM. Breakfast included French toast, fruit and what my friend Dr. Greg calls mountain man breakfast (a mixture of eggs, cheese, and sausage cooked together). Juice and coffee was also served. Our ride to the trail dropped off where the day before we had been picked up. It was 1.1 miles to the trailhead and a very difficult 1.1 miles. The day started with an uphill climb and continued uphill to the top of Priest Mountain whose elevation is 4063 feet. For me it Was a very difficult climb. Ayce and Bernstein Bear were soon out of sight. I need to look at tightening my pack weight. Even more difficult then the Ascent was the 3000 foot descent that happened over a distance of about 4 miles. My knees and feet were really feeling the effect of the 3000 foot hike down the mountain. Soon after after Priest Mountain there was still one more 1000 foot climb and 300 foot descent to the next shelter called Harpers Creek Shelter.Already at the shelter was Butter(she) and Scotch(he). She was so called because she carried lots of butter to spice up her meals. They were a young couple doing a southbound section hike of 300 miles. Butter's socks were wet and she wanted to build a fire so she could dry her socks out. But because the weather for the last few days had been wet there wasn't any dry kindling to make a fire. We worked together and did get enough of a flame to warm the grill on which she laid her socks to get dry. Coming in later to the shelter were three hikers that basically just stopped to get a drink and a snack and then headed on to the next shelter. Another couple that decided to stay at the shelter went by the names Moose and Wide Load. About 10 o'clock the last hiker arrived. He was a young guy that went by the name of Larry Boy. That made a total of two couples and two singles in the shelter for the night.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Campsite at 844
Miles today: 13.0

I was the first one on the trail this morning at 7:15 am. Right away the trail started up the Three Ridges Mountain. The climb was 2,000 feet over a distance of 3 miles. This mountain was, so far, the most difficult to climb and deacend. The climb over and down the other side, 1,200 descent, took me 5 hours to travel 6.3 trail miles. Barely more than 1 MPH! Going up the hill resulted in my first blister, left heel. I was disappointed because I had already hiked a little over 100 miles with no feet problems. Since beginning the journey I had, first thing in the morning, consistently bandaged all "hot spots" on my feet. Three Ridges Mtn. was just too steep and rocky for my little bit of doctoring. Moose(he)and Wide Load(she) passed me near the top of the hill like I was standing still. Oh well, they were half my age and just as good looking! I am getting stronger but not fast enough to continue with the pack weight I am carrying. When I arrive in Waynesboro I will trim some weight and mail home dead weight before it does me in. Half way through the day, when I arrived at Maulpin Fields Shelter, I changed into a pair of dry socks and had a peanut butter, sausage and cracker lunch.The next eight miles were pretty level and smooth. Once again I met a hiking group of young teens that had just started their own hike. My destination objective for the day was a campsite with a view near the summit of Humpback Mountain. Around 6pm I was tuckered and at, what I thought, was my campsite. I was three miles short. Oh well...I pitched my tent, with a view, and hung my food bag to keep away from bears. For dinner I toasted some tortillas, the way Peggy taught me, and loaded them with cheddar cheese. on the side I had some good smoked German sausage from Fredericksburg. After dinner I climbed into my tent. I spent some time catching up on my journal and was asleep by 10pm.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Campsite at 844

To: Waynesboro Va
Miles today: 13.5

Today I was up at 5:15 am and on the trail one hour later. I soon realized I was about 3 miles short of yesterday's intended stopping place. As usual, I started the day with dressing my feet and especially tending to my new "Three Ridges Blister". The 600 foot climb to start the day let my know why a heel blister is not a good hiking companion. (Going downhill takes the pressure off the heels and puts it on the toes and front of feet). After this fairly short climb I began a 2,000 foot descent over a distance of 6 miles. (whoever said Virginia is flat, not anybody that has hiked in my section). Following this up and down was a level and smooth trail to Waynesboro. Eight miles from my day's start, I took a 40 minute break to rest and air dry my feet. (I figure I will take 1,871,476 steps on this journey). My annoying little friend was the only downside of an otherwise very pleasant hike into Waynesboro. Waynesboro was named after a Revolutionary War hero resident whose name was Wayne "Mad Anthony" Waynesboro. About four miles from Waynesboro I drank the last ounce of water out of my Camelbak. I soon came upon a spring where I filtered one liter of water for immediate consumption and then chemically treated my 50 ounce Camelback for later use. Chemical Treatment takes bout 30 minutes with Aqua Mira treatment drops. When I started this AT hike, I filtered and treated all my water. Now, I only filter stream and creek water and from springs I apply no treatment at all. Chemicals are used when I have already quenched my thirst I have thirty minutes until I need my next drink. When I arrive at a shelter, where most times water is near by, I filter one gallon of water for preparing dinner and breakfast, one liter to camel up before hiking the next day and the rest for brushing teeth and filling the Camelbak. There is an abundance of water sources on the trail to include: streams, creeks and springs. I like springs best. I got to the road that leads to Waynesboro and found a posting of numbers to call for a ride into town. I called and the ride with a trail angel was arranged but before the ride arrived I was offered a ride from a passer by. I called and canceled to angel ride. Accommodations included a campsite, hostel and several hotels. I elected to stay at the Quality Inn Hotel for some quality R&R. I soon showered and then made my way across the street to a CVS for blister bandaging material. The hotel attendant offered to drive me to Outback Steak House and then to return an hour and half later for return ride. She had to attend to a mare about to drop a colt so I was on her way both directions. I eagerly consumed a steak, bake potato, salad and ice cream desert. At the room I watched a couple episodes of Frasier and was asleep by 9:45 pm.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Waynesboro Va

To: Waynesboro Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at 9:00 am. Studied AT Guide for upcoming AT hike through Shenandoah National Park. Showered and then called trail angel for transportation around town to take care of errands. First stop was an outfitters where I picked up some supplies including a sleeping pad. The pad ways 16 ounces and is 10 ounces lighter than my current model. (Its not the kilometers that will kill you, its the kilograms!) Breakfast was the next order of business.  A Laundromat was across the street so I put my clothes in then walked across the street for breakfast at Weasie's. I had the hungry Boy Special. It was not a long walk from there to the hotel. I then got a ride to the post office where I mailed home an 18 pound package of stuff not needed and/or replaced. I arranged for a ride tomorrow with a trail angel to the trail head. Don't know about dinner. BBQ pork ribs or fried chicken sounds good. We'll see...BTW, thank all of you for taking time to sign my journal and offering words of encouragement. It means a lot to me on those days when the rain blows cold, the hike up is hot and seems never ending or its just a little too quiet on the trail.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Waynesboro Va

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

The bed felt good at the Quality Inn Hotel in Waynesboro and I really did not want to get up. But I had set my alarm for 7:15 AM. I had Studied my AT guide to see what today's hike had in store. Calf Mountain shelter was at 7 miles And at the beginning of the Shenandoah National Park. Terrain looked moderately easy. Anyway I hopped in the shower, my last to have for a week. The hotel served a free breakfast. My ride called and my pick-up was pushed back to 9:15 AM. I was delivered to the trail At 9:30 AM. I climbed a while and then gave Peggy a call to catch up on home life. Hiking is a solitaire activity accented by the occasional meeting of a southbound hiker or passed by a northbound through hicker headed for Maine. In a nine hour day I may spend as little as 15 minutes in conversation with other hikers. Today I met a total of 10 S. bounders all just day hiking. One couple called themselves Hawkeye and Freebird. Another couple was curious about my long-distance hiking, i.e. what were the people on the trail like. They gave me some Fresh fruit, a real treat on the trail. I arrived at Calf Mountain shelter at 2:50 PM which was empty. I was sure it would be another night alone with the Lions the tigers and bears. By bedtime the shelter was full. Guests were Stephen, his daughter Jenelle and her friend Leah, both students at liberty University. Chief and Punkin Pie also rolled in before dark. Chief, an EMT, carries a guitar which he played and sang for us for about 20 minutes. Steve, Jenelle, Leah and I played Euchre, a new game they taught me to play. Oh yeah, last night the hotel clerk and her husband drove me to a stable to see the colt just born. I had a hamburger instead of the fried chicken I desired.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Loft Mountain
Miles today: 22.0

Today's hike of 21 miles was the most hiked in a single day. Most of the thru hikers hike this many miles and more on consecutive days this. This day's hike for me is attributed, in part, to my improved stamina and more particularly to the trail conditions. The AT Trail in this Shenandoah National Park on this day was smooth, well-maintained and without any significant elevation changes. I was also motivated to do big miles by Chief and Punkin Pie whom left Calf Mountain Shelter when I did and were set on making it a 20 mile day. At days end Punkin Pie and I pitched our tents at a closed campground. Chief hiked on further and pitched his tent down the trail. He was trying to beat the closing of a Wayside restaurant. He did not make it. So far in this hike I have not fallen but have slipped and stumbled a couple of times. I hate to stumble. The stones I Stumble on have been gray and ones that are often in the shade of a tree. I figure the stone has been laying there for about 1000 years just waiting for me to come along at Stumble. That's its job, and once I have passed it it wouldn't surprise me If the stone turned to sand and just blew away. Tonight I had Ramen and chicken from a vacuumed packed package for dinner.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Loft Mountain

To: Hightop Shelter
Miles today: 15.7

Punkin pie and I Broke camp in a cold rain. The tents were packed up wet. The rain fell off and on all day and often with a cold blowing rain! Still, today was a good day. We had passed on breakfast when we Broke camp. We hiked 5 miles to Pinefield shelter where we took a brunch break since it was late in the morning. We hit the trail again about noon for another five hours until we reached Hightop shelter. For breakfast I had a single packet of instant oatmeal, coffee and a tortilla with cheese. Also had the rest of smoked sausage Peggy had mailed and a snickers dipped in peanut butter. I gathered water Three times today. At 2 pounds a liter I would rather gather water more often than gather less often and carry more. So far tonight the shelter is shared by a hiker from Ohio called Hair, two lady hikers from Florida whose occupations are firefighter, punkin pie and me. For dinner I had Chicken flavored Ramen mixed with a vacuum packed tuna packet, a tortilla with cheese and a crystal light orange drink. It is now 7:41 PM, hikers midnight, and all are asleep in this 6 man shelter. Most shelters sleep 6 to 8, some have two levels and sleep more. Good night. PS: I did take a sponge bath with a product called no rinse body wash.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Hightop Shelter

To: Lewis Campground and Cabins
Miles today: 14.0

Punkin pie and I were the first to stir and after breakfast we were on the trail for a long 14 mile day. It had rained all night as it did the day before and was still raining when we got on the trail at 7:15 AM. It rained all day and by the end of 14 miles I was soaked to the bone. My feet were squishy wet in my boots. Dry feet usually means less chance of blisters. I was concerned that the wetness was going to be a problem but it wasn't, As far as Bristers was concerned. The trail, in most places, was a running stream. It was impossible to stay out of the water. Oh well¢¦My full brim hat has worked well for shading from the sun and in shedding light rain. Not today. Water leaked around the headband into my eyes. With that and the blowing rain my glasses were so wet I could not see the trail well. My concern was Stepping wrong and turning my ankle. I did not. I was especially careful. The trail edges were very mushy, ankle deep mushy in some places. Fortunately the wind was not as strong or cold as it was a few days ago. It was just rainier. Punkin pie and I rented a cabin at Lewis campground. We needed to dry out. A shelter would not have worked. The cabin had two rooms, A shower and bathroom were shared between the two bedrooms. I had a hot shower, washed clothes, dried wet stuff and was asleep by 8 PM.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Lewis Campground and Cabins

To: Skyland Resort
Miles today: 17.0

We had an early start and were on the trail by 6:45 AM. My clothes were washed and boots dryed. I felt fresh as a daisy. Foggy morning but no rain. Punkin pie was on a mission to get to Front Royal as soon as possible to meet his wife and grandchildren whom were driving down to meet him from his home in Pennsylvania. I only saw him once briefly After we left the cabin, he was going for 23 miles, I was going for 17. I was done for by 4 p.m. I took a cabin at Skyland resort. The place is pricey but I had been dreaming about fried chicken And was hoping it was on the menu. It was and it was pricey like the cabin i stayed in. About a half mile before I reached the resort I stopped at the Skyland riding stable to avoid a thundershower, the first rain of the day. I met Matt who was the wrangler. We talked a spell until the rain shower past. It was a short distance to the resort. I showered, Changed out of the days hiking clothes for dinner and had some fried chicken! It was delicious!
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Skyland Resort

To: Pass Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Today I left Skyland resort at 11 AM. Before I left, I posted up my journal and had a nice breakfast At the Skyland diner. An employee drove by my cabin about the time I was leaving so I asked her to carry my pack down to the stable where the AT trailhead was. She agreed. I Walked to the stable without the pack for about a half-mile. Rain was threatening so I had my rain jacket on and the rain cover for the pack on. After about 15 minutes into the hike I took the rain jacket off because the sun started to come out and it was getting very warm. My Marmot rain jacket is like being wrapped in a plastic bag, it does not vent well at all. With or without rain I still get wet from condensation inside the Marmot. The trail today started from a altitude of 3837 feet and reached a low point of 2307 feet. Pass mountain hut a little further down the trail from the low point was at 2812 feet. Generally the trail is most rocky near the tops of the mountain. Today's hike had some pretty rocky portions and some significant downhill walks. Both of these trail conditions contributed to a soreness in my left knee that was quite severe by the time I reached Pass mountain hut. By the time I hobbled in at 5:15 pm there were already six other people at the hut. They were Mayo and Haspl, Jim and John and Sybil and Jennifer. Jim, John and I slept in the hut the others tented. Jim is 70 years old and John is 74. The others were 20 something besides for Sybil whom is 41. My dinner for this evening was macaroni and cheese And beef Ramen. Today it did not rain. That was a good thing. But nevertheless portion of the trails did have running water in it. One of the videos I have posted shows the water running in the trail. Screech owls were heard in the distance but there were not any mice that I am aware of. I was asleep by 10 PM.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Pass Mountain Shelter

To: Front Royal Va
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Jim started stirring about 5:30 AM and I was also ready to get started. I prepared an instant oatmeal breakfast and had some water before I hit the trail at 6:35 AM. Jim started at the same time. We hiked together for a while but soon I was falling behind as a result of the soreness in my knee. After I had hiked a while and it warmed up I was able to maintain a fairly good pace on what turned out to be a smooth trail for quite a while. However by the time I reached Elkwallow Wayside my knee would not allow me to hike additional 6 miles to the next shelter. I had a hamburger at the wayside and then hitched a ride after about 40 minutes with a nice couple By the names of Dwight and Cherise. The ride to Front Royal was about 23 miles. I had asked Wes and Gina to pray for assistance with my knee. This ride to Front Royal was an answer to that prayer. Dwight "AKA Larry" a retired Army man, and I had a great conversation about the history of Virginia, particularly it's contribution to the Civil War. They dropped me off at the Quality Inn about 1 PM. I was soon checked into the room, bathed and relaxing. After a few hours I went to a Thai restaurant in the hotel. The dish I had was very tasty. The only portion of the dinner I can pronounce is spring roll and beer. I tried to stay awake until 8 PM and fell asleep soon after. Tomorrow I will need to determine my plan for getting back on the trail to Harpers Ferry, my next big town destination. I may need to lay up here inFront Royal for several days. I think tomorrow I will buy a book and ride the trolley around town to see Front Royal.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Front Royal Va

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0

Today started with a great breakfast compliments of the hotel. I enjoyed waffles, bacon, hard boiled egg, bagel with cream cheese, orange juice, milk and coffee. I decided to quit eating when the breakfast area started filling up with other guests. Back at my room I enjoyed a hot shower and spent some time studying my trail guide for shelter locations and their distances from one another between here and Harpers Ferry. Peggy called and we finally got to have a lengthy conversation without concern of losing cell phone signal or running out of battery. A little later I walked a couple of blocks to the visitor center to get the lay of the land. FR does provide a trolley service that makes a circular route of town for $0.50. I did two circuits. At a grocery store the driver pulled over to get him some donuts. I had to get off the trolley and purchase some ibuprofen. The pain in my knee has partially subsided. The ibuprofen helps. On the last circuit I jumped off at a bookstore for a book to read while I am laid up with a sore knee. Back at the room I relaxed for a couple hours. Punkin Pie called and invited me to have dinner with him and his family at Joe's Steak House. I ordered a half rack of pork ribs with a fully dressed baked potato. Very tasty! By the time I got back to the room, I dressed for bed and was out for the night.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Front Royal

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0

Today was another zero day as I stayed in the hotel to let my knee rest. I did go to the hotel restaurant and enjoyed the complimentary breakfast. This morning punkin pie called and stated he was also going to take another zero day So I asked him to join me at the Quality Inn here in Front Royal for the evening so that he would be closer to the trailhead. He was going to leave tomorrow. His intention was to hook up with some friends at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter that he had hiked with when he started his hike in Georgia. After he arrived we walked across the street and had some Baskin-Robbins ice cream. We lounged around the hotel room until dinner time. We decided on an Italian restaurant called Vino 124. We each had lasagna and a libation. After dinner we Relaxed in the hotel room, watched some TV and hit the sack about 9 o'clock. I did not accept his kind offer of compensation for sharing the room. He set up his mattress and slept in his sleeping bag on the floor. My knee continues to improve and I am anxious to get back on the trail. I have decided however to take another Zero day and now plan to get back on the trail on Tuesday, 5/14.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Front Royal

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After a restful evening we were up in time to once again have the complimentary breakfast here in the hotel. Punkin pie was anxious to get on the trail so he packed up and left about 9:30am. He decided to hitchhike to the Trailhead and was soon picked up. His destination for today,and mine when I leave, is the Jim and Molly Denton shelter which is about 5.2 miles from the trailhead. I sorted through my pack content and made a list for the items I would need to have for the next several days when I begin my hike to Harpers Ferry which is 55 miles from front Royal. After I made up my list, I took a cab to the Wal Mart which I am advised is the second largest in the country. There I picked up some food and fuel and other necessary items and was back to the hotel By 2:30 pm. On the way back to the hotel I stopped by the post office and picked up a maildrop that my mom had sent me from Texas. It was complete with food items that were perfect for having on the trail. I packed all of my items into the backpack and can tell you that it is quite full and heavier than I would like. Fortunately as the days progress and I eat the food in it, it will get lighter day by day. Tonight I did not need to go out for dinner as I had a tuna kit and the food that mom had sent me. I gave Peggy a call to catch up on home life and to advise her of my plans for leaving Front Royal and hiking to Harpers Ferry. Mom called and I expressed my appreciation for the care package.