morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-16
From: AT Mile Marker 974

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Joann dropped me off this morning before she headed home. This was my first day hiking with a full pack in nearly two weeks, but it felt good. I've sent my cook kit, including alcohol stove, fuel, pot, and windscreen home, saving another pound or so in my pack. I'll get it back again when the weather cools.I hoped to make it to the Bears Den Hostel for the night, but I was prepared to stop short if I felt like it. The first several miles of the trail were nice; fairly flat and rock and root free. It was foggy for the first couple of hours, but I hoped it would burn off eventually, which it did. It turned into a perfect day for a hike. I saw no one for the first several hours today.After crossing Routes 50, I entered the part of the trail known as the Roller Coaster, a series of steep, fairly short climbs and descents which gave me a good workout. This afternoon, the wind picked up and the skies darkened. I heard the rumble of thunder in the distance and it gradually grew louder. I hurried to the Sam Moore Shelter, three miles short of the Bears Den Hostel, to see what would happen. Finally, the skies cleared again and I headed back out. I made it to the Bears Den, checked in, grabbed a bunk, did laundry, and cooked a frozen pizza for dinner. I finished the evening off with a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. I was actually full!
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Stealth Camp AT MM 1010
Miles today: 16.3

I only had about 20 miles into Harpers Ferry, but I didn't want to do another big mileage day so I decided to hike until I felt like stopping. Tour Guide made me a breakfast of pancakes this morning and I washed them down with a couple of cups of coffee. Then, I hung around the hostel until I was the only hiker there. Although I was still in the area known as the Roller Coaster, the walking was much easier today than yesterday. Also, it was cooler and there was a nice breeze all day. Another great day for a hike!I found a nice bench on a ridge and stopped there for lunch. My next break was at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter where I found sisters Web Walker and Just Blue Skies hanging out. They were trying to decide whether to spend the night there or push on. By the looks of it, I'm guessing they're still there. Before leaving, I got us all water from the spring located 1/4 mile down a steep hill. I kept walking until about 7:30pm when I found a suitable tentsite, made camp, fixed supper, and climbed into my tent. I'm about 3 miles from Harpers Ferry now. And, oh, by the way, I passed over the 1000 mile mark today. I also finished 535 miles in Virginia and entered West Virginia, my fifth state. Hooray!Leaving West Virginia
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Stealth Camp AT MM 1010

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: few clouds

There was a nice breeze through my campsite last night and I slept well. Three hikers walked by after I turned in for the night; two southbounders and one northbounder. I got up at about 7am, packed up, had breakfast and got going at 8am. I got to the National Headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy by 9:30am. I registered as the 388th hiker to pass through Harpers Ferry this year. Not all of the registered hikers are thru hikers. I'd be curious what number thru hiker I am to have checked in. I think the final statistics later this year or early next year will reflect it. I intended to spend the night in town, but every place I called was booked for the weekend, even two hostels. Perfect! I decided to just head back out on the trail and forget the shower, laundry, and good meal in town. I needed to resupply, though, if I was going to go back into the woods. Fortunately, I ran into Noodles and Gouda at the ATC, and Noodles offered to drive me to the grocery in nearby Charles Town, WV. Thanks, Noodles! While I was shopping, Joann called to let me know that D. C. friends, Craig and Louise, were driving to their weekend home in nearby Shepardstown, WV, and had offered me a bed, shower, and hot tub. I ACCEPTED! Louise picked up me up in Charles Town and drove me to their beautiful home right on the Potomac River. I showered and changed clothes, and then we headed over to their friend, Marty's, historic 18th century home for a candlelight dinner on her front yard. What a change for me from the last several days!So, the day. started out poorly but ended better than I could have imagined. My thanks to Marty for a unique dining experience, and to Craig & Louise for their hospitality.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Ed Garvey shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up this morning in a bed! What a wonderful feeling. After a couple cups of coffee, Louise made breakfast of bacon and eggs, and a terrific fresh fruit salad. I'll have to pick some of that up next time I'm in town. Tasty!CookieKrawler, another friend from North Carolina, was visiting friends and family in the D.C. area and agreed to come up to Shepardstown to meet me for lunch. It was nice to see her again. After lunch, she ran me around town on some of my errands and then dropped me off at Harpers Ferry so I could walk back into the woods. It was already about 4:30pm, but I only planned to go six miles to the first shelter outside town. I walked the bridge across the Potomac River onto the C&O Canal towpath, a route I've done many times on our multi-day group bike rides. I've probably ridden the entire 184 mile canal towpath 15 times. I got to the shelter, made camp and had dinner after stopping off to see the view of the Potomac River from Weaver Cliffs. It's a hot one tonight. I haven't even got my sleeping bag out tonight, but I suspect it will cool off later. A big thanks to Craig & Louise for putting me up when I was in a bind. And thanks to CookieKrawler for driving out to see me.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Ed Garvey shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks campsite
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Even though I was wide awake by 6:30a.m., I stayed in my sleeping bag, or on it, I should say, until 7a.m. Just relaxing. It never really cooled off last night and there was little breeze. It was the warmest night since I started my little walk. Following breakfast, I headed out at a brisk pace. I had heard from a Scout leader that Annapolis Rocks was a nice place to tent. It was just over 18 miles distant. I made good time getting to the War Correspondents Memorial in Gathland State Park. Built after the Civil War by Alfred Townsend, a Civil War correspondent himself, it memorializes correspondents killed during the Civil War. I almost managed to lose my cell phone when I set it down on a rock wall and walked away. I just walked about 50 yards away to get a soda, but didn't realize I had forgotten to take it with me. Yikes! I really need the thing. Another park visitor found it and figured it belonged to me. Wow, that was close - thanks!About ten miles further I arrived at Dahlgren Backpacker Park - with hot and cold water showers. I indulged in a nice long shower while my hiking clothes dried out in the sun. Much better! I also had lunch there. Then it was on to Washington Monument Park. Built and dedicated to George Washington on July 4, 1827, by the residents of Boonsboro, MD. There was a nice breeze at the top and I managed to dry out my shirt which was sweat soaked. It's really been hot and I've been consuming a lot of water, but I've also found myself out of water for long stretches. I've also noticed that the streams and springs are not running as strong as they were earlier. Water sources along the trail are now something I review before I set out every day. War Correspondents MemorialI made my way to Annapolis Rocks campsite for the night. Unfortunately, when I arrived I found a wonderful overlook, but campsites in thick trees with no breeze whatsoever. It was going to be another stifling night.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Annapolis Rocks campsite

To: Deer Lick shelters
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

Long day. I hadn't intended on hiking 21 miles today. I made good time in the morning and stopped at Pogo Memorial Campsite for water. Unfortunately, the water source was hard to get to and the privy was directly uphill from it. I really needed the water, so I gave it a double dose of my Aqua Mira.My next stop was for lunch at Little Anietam Creek, a nice little site. I spent about an hour there, and refilled my water bottles. On the Loose stopped there for lunch, too. I had not met her before. She had taken 9 days off the trail when she got to Harpers Ferry to spend with friends on the Mississippi River. Then, I hiked on and took the side trail to High Rock, an overlook. There were some people there celebrating the first day of summer. They were offering watermelon to everyone, so I had two juicy slices. They also had water, and I refilled my waterbottles again. It really was hot and humid today, so, thanks, guys, for the watermelon and the water! I also learned from them that the Days Inn in Waynesboro, PA, where I had hoped to get a room for the night, was closed. Hmmm. Well, at least I could hitch into town for a good meal and food resupply.As I was leaving High Rock, On the Loose was arriving. I told her about the watermelon trail magic, and she reminded me that the first day of summer was also "hike naked day." Why had no one mentioned that to me earlier? Was it just an oversight, or was it intentional? I think I know....My next goof-off spot was at Pen-Mar County Park. A beautiful park, it was an amusement park built and owned by the railroad in the 1870's. I had a soda and talked with On the Loose and Able. I Hung around there for an hour, or so. Then, reality set in. There were two road crossings on the trail that led to Waynesboro. Turns out that neither was suited for hitchhiking. So, no go. I hiked on to Deer Lick Shelter, arriving just before dark. Again, a long, hot day.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Deer Lick shelters

To: US 30
Miles today: 13.2

I was determined to get room for the night tonight, a shower, and to launder my smelly, sweat-soaked clothes. The trail today was a mix of nice smooth treadway and rocky outcrops. The rocky sections really slow me down because I have to concentrate on foot placement. Also, I've developed a blister, my first since I started this hike, on my right heel. Odd that it would occur after hiking about 200 miles in this pair of shoes. I treated it with an antibiotic cream and taped it with duct tape and gauze. I hope it doesn't get any worse. My destination today was a motel in Fayetteville, PA. I stopped for lunch at the side trail to Rocky Mountain Shelter after a mix of great trail and rock-scrambling trail. Sometimes the trail seems more like a miniature golf course than a hiking trail. The trail designers sometimes seem to want to take you over every rock outcrop they can find. Silly. I keep looking for the windmill we'll have to walk through! Anyway, i decided to have lunch at the shelter trailhead instead of walking the .3 miles down and back to the shelter. I got to the US 30 road crossing in the early afternoon, called the motel, and they came out and picked me up. Once I checked in, I took a long hot shower. Then I gathered my smelly clothes and headed out to the laundromat, which the motel owner said was 1/4 mile down the highway. Check that! It was more like 1 1/4 miles away. There I was, walking down the shoulder of the highway, humping my bag of really dirty clothes and wearing a long pair of pants and my rain jacket in 90 degree heat. By the time I got there, I needed another shower. While my clothes were in the washing machine, I walked across the street and resupplied on food at Rite Aid. Nice......My My home for the nightI rested a little back at my room before heading across the street for supper. When I got back from supper, I watched TV for awhile before turning in. I was clean and full for the first time in several days.
Date: 2010-06-23
From: US 30

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

I walked across the highway this morning for breakfast of blueberry pancakes, sausage and lots of coffee. Then I returned to my motel room, took another shower, and packed up. At 9am, I was shuttled back to the trail. Eric the Red was just crossing the highway as I got dropped off, so I stopped and spoke to him briefly. We walked to the nearby Caledonia State Park where Eric wanted to use the pool. I left him there and climbed back into the mountains. After 2.5 miles, I arrived at the nicest shelter I've seen on the trail, the Quarry Gap Shelter. It even had potted plants! Very nice. After a long break at the shelter, I moved on to the Birch Run Shelter, where I met thru hikers Stix and Boomer for the first time. We had quite a discussion about the trail. Very funny stuff. It, too, was a nice shelter with a cooling breeze, so I took another long break and had lunch there. The site was so nice and there was a breeze blowing through that I considered staying there for the night. But, since the last two shelters were so nice, I decided to move on to the next one and hope for the best. It didn't seem as hot today and water sources were more plentiful. Plus, the walking was easy. Unfortunately, the Toms Run Shelter was down in a depression and there was no breeze. Stix and Boomer were setting up their tents but I decided to move on another 4 miles to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, site of the famous Half Gallon Challenge. Along the way, I crossed the halfway point between Springer Mountain, GA, and Mount Katahdin, ME. Do I celebrate? No, I consider that after walking in the woods for over three months, I'm only half way to Maine? At least I'm still having fun. Shelter,the nicest one I've seen on the ATI chugged along and arrived at Pine Grove Furnace State Park at 7:04pm, four minutes after the camp store closed. One of the trail traditions is to attempt to consume a half gallon of ice cream to celebrate having walked half way to Maine. Well, I'd have to wait until 9am tomorrow morning for my attempt, but On the Loose was there downing her half gallon of Moose Tracks. Nice job, On the Loose! She finished it all, although she didn't look well and nearly puked. But, she was proud of finishing. Who wouldn't be, even if you did have to vomit? Tomorrow morning, I will have my chance at fame.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alex Kennedy shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today, I failed and I succeeded. At 9am I was waiting for the camp store to open so I could meet the Half Gallon Challenge head on. I chose Mint Chocolate Chip for my road to victory, About 30 minutes later, I was humbled, I had consumed only about 2/3 of the carton. I could not finish. I failed miserably. And, I had an audience of six other thru hikers. At least Eric the Red was also unable to finish his chocolate/vanilla mix. My remaining serving was consumed by Scat Tracker and Unicroc. Thank you.After letting my stomach settle, I set out on an easy walk out of the park and a moderate climb back into the mountains. I had 15+ miles to do to my final destination today, setting me up for a morning arrival in Boiling Springs, PA, early tomorrow. It seemed to take forever and, sorry about this, but I had to make two emergency landings to settle my stomach. After that, my stomach felt better but I still wasn't very motivated to hike.So, for the rest of the day, I goofed off. I got to a trail junction where On the Loose and Eric the Red were stopped enjoying some trail magic of cookies and frozen lemonade. The lemonade really hit the spot! Then we were off again, and I next encountered them, along with Avatar and Boomer, at a creek eating lunch. So - I joined them. As we were finishing lunch, we heard the rumble of thunder getting louder and louder. We checked our guide and discovered there was a country store about 2 miles away, so we hot footed in that direction. About 20 minutes before we made it, the skies opened up on us. Not knowing how long the storm would last, we continued towards the store. Just as we arrived, the rain tapered off and finally stopped. We were soaked to the bone, so we goofed off at the store, bought sodas and sandwiches, and dried out our gear and clothes. After about an hour there, I headed back out.And the agony of defeatIt was getting late, and I still had several miles ahead of me. For some reason, the miles went by slowly but I finally arrived at the Alex Kennedy Shelter. It was not a particularly nice shelter and the bugs were out in force, so I decided to tent. Unfortunately, there were no level tent sites so I settled for an uneven site, set up my tent, and crawled in.The good news is, I'm only 4 miles from Boiling Springs, where Joann will meet me, perhaps for the last time in quite awhile. And, I'll be taking my first true zero day since I took 5 in Waynesboro, VA, earlier this month.Also, I goofed off most of today and still knocked out 15 miles. And, I liked it. I think I've got the hang of it, too. There may be more goofing off in the future. I think I've got the hang of this thing - goofing off.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Boiling Springs

To: Scott Farm Trail Work Center
Miles today: 10.3

After a light breakfast at Caffe 101 in Boiling Springs, Rambo joined me on my hike today. The trail was nice and flat, just the way I like it. It was really hot and humid, but we were carrying plenty of water. We caught up on old news and made some tentative plans for cycling once I finish this walk, both for the end of summer and next summer, too. There may be a long distance cycling adventure in our future next summer.After a lunch of Subway sandwiches, we arrived at the Scott Farm Trail Work Center where Joann and Janna were doing trail magic. Zen Dog was there finishing up some crackers and juice.When we returned to our hotel, Rambo showered before he and Janna departed back to D.C. Thanks for coming up - it was good to see you! Tomorrow, Joann will drop me off on the trail again before heading back home.Rambo negotiates a stile
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept very little last night at the Doyle Hotel. My room was hot and I didn't want to use the pillows or get under the top sheet. I just lay on the bed, sweating. Finally, morning came and I could get up. I walked across the street and sat down with Beans for breakfast at Goodies. Goodies was good, especially my blueberry pancakes. I returned to my room, packed my pack, and headed out. It seems like it took me forever to walk the first 4.5 miles to Clarks Ferry Shelter. Probably because it did. I had lunch and filled my water bottles at the spring. I made better time to the next shelter, and my final destination, Peters Mountain Shelter. I got here early, but will stay because the next shelter is 18 miles away. Reading in the shelter register, it seems many thru hikers moved another 7 miles to Clarks Creek. I don't see any reference to camping there in my trail guide, but there must be since so many hikers are heading there. Tomorrow I'll do the 18 miles to Rausch Gap Shelter.
Date: 2010-07-01
From: PA 443

To: Hertlein Campsite
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Another long day today. Last night I had no trouble falling to sleep last night despite the 4 section hikers that stayed up late on their last night out. They shared their beer with me, too. Thanks! It hit the spot. Not only a long day, but hard hiking, too. Lots of rocks; rock scrambling; hopping from rock to rock. Many of them are sharp and turned up on end. A good way to twist an ankle. I'm surprised I didn't break my poles a couple of times. They really slow you down. Plus, early in the day I hiked through one of the most poorly maintained sections of the trail since I started this hike. There had clearly been no maintenance this year. The trail was overgrown and there was lots of poison ivy covering the trail. The section lasted about a mile, and then improved dramatically. Once I passed the bad section, I wiped down my exposed skin with baby wipes and hand.sanitizer. I hope that does the trick. When I finally arrived at the 501 shelter, I ordered a calzone from a local pizza joint that delivers to the nearby road. It was huge, and I split it with another thru hiker who was at the shelter. I finally got going again and made it to this campsite for the night. I thought I'd be alone, but another section hiking couple just showed up. Company!Not sure whether I'll take it easy tomorrow and spend another night in the woods, or do another long day and sleep in a bed. I'll see what my feet and legs say tomorrow.
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Hertlein Campsite

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 18.8

I woke up this morning at my usual 6:30am. I usually lay in my tent until 7am, but today I lay there until 7:30am. It felt good to just relax. I finally got moving and headed out after breakfast of an oatmeal bar and a trail bar at about 8:15am. Before I left my campsite, I filled up with about three liters of water from the nearby spring. It's a good thing I did, too, because all the subsequent water sources, springs and streams alike, were dry. There were several day hikers out this morning and I chatted briefly with all of them. About half way through the day, I took a .2 mile side trail to Sand Spring. There was also a sign at the trailhead advertising trail magic. I walked down to the spring to discover that it was dry and the trail magic was exhausted. After cussing my bad luck, I decided to sit there and have my lunch. As I was fixing a tuna salad on tortilla, a day hiker walked in from a side trail. We exchanged greetings and he asked whether I was a thru hiker. He introduced himself as Fiddle (ME-GA 09), and the source of the trail magic. He said he hikes in once weekly to replenish the soft drinks, and offered one to me. Of course I accepted - twice! Now, how's that for timing? Thanks, Fiddle!! I made good time the second half of the day and made it to Port Clinton, where I hoped to catch the Cabelas shuttle from Port Clinton to the Cabelas in Hamburg, PA. Unfortunately, the shuttle was in for repairs and not running today. A local family noticed me making calls for a shuttle and offered to run me down to Hamburg. Second time today! It's all timing!They dropped me off at the Microtel, I got a room, and did laundry. Then I walked over to Cracker Barrel for a late dinner. Back at the hotel, I went over my trail guide, planning my mileage for the next several days.
Date: 2010-07-03
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Eckville shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Despite the fact that I took two Benadryl¢s last night so I could sleep late today, I woke up in my hotel room at about 6am. I lay there until 7am, when I went down to the lobby for breakfast. Shortly thereafter, Mountain Man, who has been in my "hiking bubble" since Georgia, came down and told me that he has decided to leave the trail. He's concerned about employment. I'm sure it was a difficult decision, Mountain Man, but don't look back. You made the decision in your best interests. You will be missed, my friend. He arranged for a friend to pick him up in Hamburg this morning and offered me a ride back to the trail. I started the climb out of the gap at about 11am, and it was a steep one, as usual. So much for clean clothes, huh? Ha!Then I got another taste of Pennsylvania's finest rocks. Not a problem. I figure I'll be done with both in a matter of days. So there!!This afternoon I made good time to Eckville Shelter, which features running water, a flush toilet, and a solar shower. Life is good! I also ran into SuperMax and the Canadian Geese, whom I don't think I've seen since Damascus, VA. It's nice to catch up with hikers you haven't been in weeks.