morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Seeley Woodworth Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B&B Montebello, VA
Miles today: 2.3

The mouse won last night! I woke about 12 midnight to a mouse trying to make a nest in my beard. In about 5 minutes I had my tent set up and all my stuff in it. When I left the shelter the only other hiker woke to a mouse nesting in his hair. Short day today into this B&B which is a very nice log home, very comfortable with lots of hikers here. I went to the store for supplies and the son of the owners of the B&B when and got me some other items I needed. A group of us went to the fire house for a beef brisket dinner, delicous! I'm eating cake and drinking lemonade while I'm writing this. All packed and I will go out tomorrow. I have just installed my 3rd water filter replacement cartridge, the old one was very dirty. Remember the Dutch Haus B&B in Montebello. VERY NICE!!!
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Dutch Haus B&B Montebello, VA

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I started the day today with an awesome breakfast and then a ride up near the trail. I had a 1 mile dirt road walk back up to the trail. I saw lots of day hikers in the Priest Mt. area. One guy gave me a package of cookies, a whole package of candy bars and some summer sausage. When I got to the Tye River I ate some of the stuff and gave the rest to some SOBO's. I saw a big black snake on the trail again today. Did I already say I don't like snakes? I pulled into this shelter just as it started to rain so I'm stuck in here I guess. There are 3 others as well. Doesn't look like any tent spaces either. I was think about Rusty's but I'm not sure if it is open. I don't want to walk 3.5 miles for nothing.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Quality Inn - Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

It rained hard last night but the sun came out this morning. The first 5 miles of the day was wet slippery rocks with no views because of the fog. The fog eventually burned off and the sun was shining bright. Today wraps up Central VA, I'm now headed into the Shenandoahs. I pushed it in to here at about 5:30 pm and was lucky to catch a ride with one of the local trail angels from the town trail angel network. Pam gave Mongroul and me a ride to town. I got to this place around 6 pm, showered then went and had a bacon cheese burger, large or should I say VERY LARGE order of fries and a salad. Tomorrow will be an actual Hero day, lots to do.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Quality Inn - Waynesboro, VA

To: Quality Inn - Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was nice to be in a bed last night but the continental breakfast was bad. Had to get the hair buzzed but still letting the beard go. Luckily there was a barber across the street. I was able to get a lift to the outfitters to get my bladder replaced and new pants. I walked back to the hotel then Post Office, Library and market. Pizza from Ciro's was awesome, get the special which was mushrooms, sausage, pepperoni, onions and peppers. I got a large and managed to eat it over the course of the night. Called a guy and got a ride set up for tomorrow, said goodnight to my darlin so it's time to sleep.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Quality Inn - Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.0

You might know rain as always whenever I go back in the woods. I got my ride at 7:30 AM sharp. It is a strange feeling to deliberatly go out to hike in the rain, which gradually got worse as the morning went on. I found a secret tunnel under the Skyline Drive so I went in and got out of the rain for a minute. I made it to here around lunch time and I decided to stay. The temp has dropped and it is very chilly mostly because I was soaked. I am in the sleeping bag at noon so it must be chilly. There is always tomorrow to hike.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Calf Mt. Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: moderate rain

Never fails to amaze me how your night can change in an instant. At about 8:30 four yahoo's came to the shelter and squeezed in making a very tight and unpleasant night. It was still raining at dawn so I was going to get wet. I headed out and did one of my tunnel vision hikes and made it here without stopping too much. After getting here and eating a bunch of food I realized it was too late to move on so I decided to stay and dry out. So it took me 2 days to cover what I was planning on covering in 1. I have also noticed my air matress is leaking. I had to blow it up in the middle of the night last night. Sure hope it dries out soon. So far I haven't been able to see much scenery in the Shenandoah's but the terrain is mild.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It cleared up by this morning, sun came out and it turned out to be a pretty nice day. I got a pretty decent start this morning. I stopped at the Loft Mt. Camp store today then at the Loft Mt. Wayside for a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a blackberry shake, then back on the trail. I stopped at Pinefield Hut for dinner, then headed here. I had my first bear sighting today it was a young one so I didn't stick around long. I got into camp late and set up the tent. I left my food and an empty Pepsi bottle on the side of my tent while I went to get water and when I returned there was a very large bear pawing at my food. We yelled at it and it took my Pepsi bottle and ran. I hope it doesn't return. I hung everything it could ever want on the bear pole. Maybe I'll sleep with one eye open tonight.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bear Fence Hut
Miles today: 12.4

It turns out that last night the bear came back at about 3:30 AM. I heard the hiker that was staying in the shelter yell "BEAR!" I came out with my light on but he had scared it away already. I also found my Pepsi bottle the bear stole. It was chewed up a bit. I stopped at a picnic area today and dried out everything and cooked a meal. I also stopped at the campground store at Lewis Mt. Campground. I got here fairly early seeing it was a short day. I was sitting on the side of the shelter at about 4:30 when a bear tried to sneak up behind me. I feel like a bear magnet. Anyway, I scared it away. Three bear sightings in 24 hours. I'm in the shelter tonight. The register is loaded with stories of bears walking on and poking their heads into tents.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Bear Fence Hut

To: Little Stoney Mt. Area
Miles today: 17.6

No bears came last night. I was still glad to be in the shelter. Very mild terrain this morning, I made it to Big Meadows Wayside. I had to restock for a couple of days worth of food. I also ate breakfast then lunch back to back. When I left there I came upon a doe that just gave birth to a fawn. The baby was still wet when I got there. I took a bunch of pictures. I also made a stop for dinner at Skyland Lodge. I'm presently tenting off of the trail with Deep Sea and Pacer. The bear bags are hung. Today I was also stopped by a ranger who wanted to see my back country permit.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Little Stoney Mt. Area

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept a little uneasy last night after I heard something large walking around outside the tent in the middle of the night. It is very hot today and humid. Hazy, Hot, Humid!! But better than rain! For some reason today I noticed some of my senses seem to be stronger such as smell being in this fresh air with all the plants and trees. Also my hearing is stronger, I pick up noises way in the woods and sounds of animals such as birds, there are so many birds all day, it is really cool. Walk all day with awesome smells and birds singing, it is really cool. I stopped at the Elkwallow Wayside and got the cheese steak sub with a extra order of fries and a blackberry sundae. Soon I will be out of the Shenandoah's.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Terripin Station Hostel
Miles today: 9.6

I woke up very early this morning to a racoon who took over my food bag which was hanging from a bear pole. It ate my poptarts and got into one of my dinners. I just stayed up after that and packed up early and left. I saw two more bears on the way to here. I got a picture of one of them. I got here late morning, took a shower, did laundry and got a ride into town for supplies and a stop a the P.O. I like this hostel it is in the basement of a house, the guy has thru-hiked so he has it set up right. I played a long game of trivial persuit.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Terripin Station Hostel

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I got to bed late last night after a marathon game of trivial persuit. I realized I know nothing when it comes to trivia. I had a late start this morning, very humid today as well. My pack is once again heavy or should I say heavier than it was for the last week with so many places to eat. I walked past a very large fenced in area, some sort of zooalogical place where they rehabilitate exotic animals. I didn't see anything in there. As I got to this shelter it was late afternoon and soon after I got here it started pouring down rain so I decided to call it a short day. It isn't raining now, but I'm glad to be relaxing. This shelter is very cool, it has really cool showers (cold), I didn't shower since I just came from the hostel. There is also a cooking pavilion with a fire place near it. It sure is nice to have a new air matress, I hope this one lasts longer than the other one. I'm still missing my darling as I'm closing in on 1000 miles or 3 months. Oh yeah, bats flying around in the shelter as I'm writing this.
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was tough sleeping last night, very hot and lots of mosquitos so you couldn't come out of your bag. I got an early start to a wet and slimy day. It didn't rain but everything was wet from last nights rain. Not to long into the days hike was an overgrown field, very wet so my shoes got soaked. I stopped for lunch at Dick's Dome Shelter and washed off my legs to check for ticks even though I had some Deet on. I also saw lots of poison ivy on the trail today, I think I got some on my legs so when I got here I washed and put some juit weed sap on it. I also found my first deer tick on my ankle when I got here. I pulled it out and put alcohol on the bite. So now I have been violated by a mouse, bear, racoon and a tick along with poison ivy, sounds fun doesn't it. I'm in my tent so I can sleep. The shelter is fairly full and there are lots of bugs. I really am still having fun, it is a huge mental challenge because physiccally I'm in really good shape at this point. I also noticed the tip of one of my hiking stafts is broken so I need to deal with that when I get to a phone or town. I wouldn't call this one of my best days, but I'm dealing with it.
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Rod hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn A.T. Center
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke this morning to find another tick on my foot. Why would one insect want to stick it's face under somebody's skin and suck blood? Can't figure it out. As far as hiking goes, right off the bat today was what is called the roller coaster which is a series of pointless, viewless climbs. In the middle of the roller coater I stopped at the Bear's Den Hostel where I put back a pint of Chunky Monkey and 2 Mt. Dews. Today turned out to be the most slimy sweaty day yet, the sweat was just running down my legs, so I was soaked head to toe. I ended up at this place and pitched my tent and took a solar shower. The care taker cooked us hikers an awsome spaghetti dinner for free! I also called my friend Bob (Bear's Brother) and he will be picking me up at Harper's Ferry tomorrow at 1 p.m.
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Blackburn A.T. Center

To: Harper's Ferry/Bob's House
Miles today: 12.6

Very early start this morning, I had to make it to Harper's Ferry by 1 p.m. Bob was going to be there to pick me up for the night. I made it to town by 11:30 am, went to the ATC Center and had my picture taken for reaching the 1000 mile point. After that I went with Jersey Fresh down to a Trail Angels house for taco's. I got back up to the ATC Office to find Bob waiting for me. I'm presently at Bob's house. Let me tell you Bob and his family are awesome, they make me feel right at home and what a dinner they cooked. I think it was the best meal I have had on the trail. A BIG THANK YOU to Bob and his family. This is one of those special days of this trip that will never be forgotten. Like I said before my hike, character continues to grow with times like this.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Harper's Ferry/Bob's House

To: Harper's Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 1.6

I had a very comfortable stay at Bob's house last night. I woke to the smell of coffee and Krispy Creme Donuts. Bob gave me a ride back to Harper's Ferry and gave me the rest of the donuts. I got dropped off at the P.O. so I could do my postal duties. After the P.O. I walked up to the ATC offices where by the way yesterday I was the #258 hiker through Harper's Ferry. When I got to the ATC I soon had some friends who helped me eat the rest of the donuts. Today I called Merrell who will be sending me a new pair of shoes and I also called MSR who will be sending me parts to repair my broken hiking staff. I visited the outfitter and headed out to this hostel which is a little out of town. I never realized how much stuff there is in this town that has to do with the Civil War, lots of museums, so I will have to come back down when I have more time to spend here. Just as I got to this hostel the sky opened up and poured buckets of rain. The hostel doesn't open until 6 P.M. but they let me in early to keep from getting wet. Once again I can't express how appreciative I am to Bob and his family for letting me into their home. It will never be forgotten.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Harper's Ferry Hostel

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I started the day off with the breakfast the hostel serves which was O.K. It was supposed to hit close to 100 degrees today. It was close to that I say. I stopped at Garthland State Park in the afternoon and had a couple of sodas. I met a deaf couple and exchanged notes with one of them which was kind of cool. I also came upon an aggressive black snake today and took some photos of it. I'm at the campsite which has hot showers, flush toilets and tables. It is a very nice place to camp and it's free. So far it is just me and a mother and daughter team. The only problem is it is kinda close to a road, so it's a little noisy. Closing rapidly on the 1/2 way point. Does everybody have a designated fly that follows them all day, everyday? So far Maryland seems flat and very mild. Looks like early to bed, very tired probably because of the heat today.
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Pineknob Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was my 3 month anniversary and my first official wasted day. I decided to take a walk to Greenbrier State Park and check out their camp store. On the way back to the trail I came across the Dog Patch Tavern, a hiker/biker tavern. I stopped in for lunch and a cold one, then another sandwich and another cold one. Some other hikers showed up and we started playing pool and darts and before I knew it, it was getting late so I hiked to this place, which is only about 1/2 mile up in. I wasted a day but had some laughs and stayed out of the heat.
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Pineknob Shelter

To: Old Forge Picnic Ground
Miles today: 25.1

I had a good sleep last night and a decent start today. I woke to rain very early this morning and was glad to be in the shelter. Today was a push day to make up the lost day yesterday so that's what I did, push on. I stopped at Pen-mar Park and ordered a bacon and mushroom pizza. Pushed to the next shelter which was invaded by loud kids and kept moving to here where I am in my tent. Now I'm into PA! It is a good feeling to be in a new state. It has been threatening rain but it hasn't yet. Very tired after a long day. Miss my Girlfriend very much.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Old Forge Picnic Ground

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: scattered clouds

It was nice waking up next to a Park with running water. That is where I ate my breakfast. I headed out to tackle the first 10 miles and at that point I headed to an italian Restaurant just off of the trail and got a Barbacue Chicken, Cheese Steak sub and an Italian Sub to go which was my dinner and supper. Then I stopped at another Park to get my water. I got here at a reasonable hour and ate the sub. One of the guys tenting here started an awesome fire. I haven't had one in a while, I'm always too tired to start one. I know it seems like it's all about the food, it sure helps.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Little Dogwood Run - Campsite
Miles today: 25.3

Today I was again living up to my name. I was the last one to roll out of camp to what I thought was going to be a 10 mile day. I made it down to Pine Grove Furnace to fine about 1/2 dozen or so hikers sitting around trying to digest the 1/2 gallon of ice cream they just consumed (this is where the 1/2 gallon challenge is. If you can eat 1/2 gallon you are added to a list and given a wooden spoon.) When I got there it was my turn. I picked banana split (Hersey's Ice Cream.) I managed to down it in 22 minutes 13 seconds to the amazement of my onlookers. I washed it down with a cheeseburg and fries. I was planning on staying at the hostel that is there but it didn't open until 6 PM and it was only 2. I decided to hike on past the Park where the other hikers were going to chill. One thing let to another and I ended up here after a quick stop at a trailside deli for a turkey sub. I hiked for about 1/2 hour with my headlamp. It seems to me the shelter is about .1 away but this tentsite looks good so I'm in the condo.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Little Dogwood Run - Campsite

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke to the sound of a nice stream, very nice! I hiked into Boiling Springs, PA in the morning and stopped in at the ATC Office there. I ate Italian today while I was in town. Mostly field walking today. 10 miles out of town I stopped for water. At the Scott Farm Trail Center I heard the ice cream truck so I got a chocolate shake soda, and a soft pretzel. I'm in my tent because the shelter is not yet complete. There is a very slow spring here also. My feet are very sore due to my shoes being worn out. I will get my new ones tomorrow. I tried the new socks today that I bought in town, but the shoes are too far gone. I'm very tired.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

I woke at 5:30 am to the sound of a large crackling fire that some kid started so I took advantage and started to pack up early and got a 6:30 AM or so start. I pulled into town at about 11 AM and made my first stop the Doyle Hotel to check in. Good thing I got there early, the hotel was almost sold out of rooms. The Doyle is a very interesting place, lots of character in this old building, makes me wonder what it was like back in the day here. I think much of this place is still the same as it was in the old days. I got all my mail and restocking done and had a burger and fries a couple of times along with a cheese steak sub to quench the appetite. It sure is nice to be more than 1/2 way. Lots of hikers here, lots of laughs!
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Duncannon, PA - Doyle Hotel

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Late start out of town this morning. I had to overcome the gravitational pull of a town which makes it hard to leave. I only saw one naked hiker today, seeing it was National Hike Naked Day. Something I wish I didn't see because it was guy. I opted for the short day today, just feeling kind of slow, so easy is good. Every once in a while you have a slow day. I'm in my tent, although there is a nice shelter, the water source is way down a steep hill (800 ft.) You meet all kinds out here, ask me sometime about the guy with the crossbow that is staying here. Short day short writing.
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Swatara Creek - Campsite
Miles today: 23.6

When it rains or starts to rain at 6 AM you start to move fast to get picked up before everything gets wet. Good thing it only rained for several minutes. This made me have an early start. I checked out one of the original shelters that is still standing, very small, must have been small because there must not have been many hikers back then. I stopped at Rausch Gap Shelter and ate dinner, I decided to come to here after I ate. I'm tenting with 5 or 6 others on the side of I-81, very noisy but you got to go with whatever tentsite you have sometimes. It sure is nice to have new shoes, my 3rd pair. We will see how long this pair lasts. I got about 600 miles out of each of the others. Thanks also to Julie I have a pair of scree gaitors which seem to be working out well so far. So far so good!! This is my 100th day out!
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Swatara Creek - Campsite

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Froze the buns off last night, ended up with all my clothes on inside my fleece bag. If it stays this cold, I might have to get my down bag back. PA sure does have it's share of rocks, the last 70 miles was supposed to be the toughest part, but I'm seeing lots of rocks now. I made it to here, been hearing rumors of a chicken party here. I decided to wait until 6 PM to see if it was going to happen. At about 10 to 6 Tinkerbell and his friend Mark showed up. Mark works for Tyson Chicken, he brought twenty 1/2 chickens (fresh) and all the fixins. We all stood around in amazement as Mark barbecued all the chicken. Turned out to be another classic night on the A.T. to never be forgotten. The shelter here is fully enclosed with a giant skylight and a caretaker who lives next to it.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA - Pavillion
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: few clouds

It turned out to be a late night last night with lots of laughs around the fire. I had a decent start to a long day. Lots of rocks today slowed things down for me. I got to this town (which really isn't much of a town) at abut 8 PM or so. I went right to the hotel bar to order something before the kitchen closed. I headed over to the Pavillion and ended up pitching my condo because the mosquitos were terrible. Lots of hikers here but no real hiker services, not even a pay phone. Very long day!
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Port Clinton, PA - Pavillion

To: Winsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

Very noisy night last night with a large highway next to where I was sleeping. I went to breakfast with Beantown and headed over to the P.O. and did all my postal duties. I called Cabellas and arranged a ride to their very large store. I bought a new water filter cartridge for my filter not thinking for about $15.00 more I could have had a whole new filter. I'm in my tent after battling with the filter for about an hour. I might have problems. I think the filter has pooped the bed. Not sure what to do yet, I do have bleach for back up. The mosquitos are starting to get real bad so tenting seems to be the way to go. Before heading up to here I went to the Port Clinton Hotel for lunch. Very hot today, short one it is! I'm very disappointed with MSR, they sent me used tips for my hiking poles, so watch out before you buy MSR hiking poles, they are hard to deal with.