morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Salt Log Gap

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Start - Finish Time: 5:45 ¢ 5:45Low/High Temp: 55/71Up and down all day. We were told by the trail angel that it was all down hill. Just turn around and it¢s down hill. At 10 am we came to Fish Hatchery Road where it leads to the Dutch Haus B&B. AT 11 am and 1 pm they do a shuttle from the trail to the B&B for a free lunch. With our call to town we passed it up. All day we passed hikers slack packing, a service offered by the B&B. We stopped at the Priest Shelter for water before summiting the Priest Mtn. Then it was down, down to Harpers Creek Shelter.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 5:45 ¢ 7:50 Low/High Temp: 62/77 OH my gosh it was a difficult day. In fact it has been a difficult week. The trail was all rock, big and small. It is very hard on the feet. We had lots and lots of up hill some of it very steep. We crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway again this time at mile mark 13. We came to a rock climb on Humpback Mtn that stopped us in our tracks and made us ask if this was a joke. The white blaze was painted on several rocks that went straight up a jagged steep climb. I then noticed a blue blazed trail that went around this monstrosity. Now you know we are not stupid and took the blue blaze meeting back up to a white blaze a few hundred yards to the other side. As the day progressed we toggled between doing 17 to 20 miles for the day, not really wanting to so the 22 miles to the shelter. At 16 miles we decided we¢d go to the next water source and then start looking for an area to camp, which we did. At 6:00 we decided to keep going till 7:00. We passed up at least two possible sites but it wasn¢t 7:00 yet so we kept going. At 7:00 there was nothing and it didn¢t look very promising since it was rocky and we were walking on a ledge. So we decided we¢d just keep walking hoping for something before we reached the shelter at 22 miles. Finally I spotted an area that looked good and as we approached it it turned out to be the shelter. We had done 22 miles after all. We were so tired. Our feet were extremely sore. I was too tired to eat. We slept in the shelter along with Clamity Jane, Stretch, and a couple of others, I can¢t remember their names. We had done it, five miles to Rock Fish Gap and Waynesboro.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: Rock Fish Gap - Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Start - Finish Time: 6:25 ¢ 8:45 We came out onto the road at 8:45. A little confused by the directions in the book, it read go left and really it should read go right. The information center at the gap has a list of trail angels who will get you into town 4.5 miles away. As we were making our way to the information center a man dropping off a female hiker asks if we need a ride. So in no time we were standing in front of the Waynesboro PO. By 9:30 we were checked into the Quality Inn. Laundry done we walk to Burger King for a fill up and then decide to find the library. We stop a county sheriff for directions and he ends up taking us there. We then walk back to the motel and I wait for Jim to arrive at 3:30.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Rock Fish Gap - Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Jim takes us to Wal Mart, to the outfitter and back to the library. I get my BA seedhouse SL tent seam sealed and will send back the tarp tent with Jim. Good to have the BA back. Sarah and I spray our packs, boots and cloths with permanone which will last us at least two weeks. Chico and Gandulf are here, we sat and enjoyed our Quality Inn breakfast together this morning. It is wonderful to have Jim here.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Rest is good, although I am very stiff from lack of movement. The new boots Jim brought me felt too small even though they are the same size as the old ones. So I¢m going up half a size. I sure hope it¢s enough. It¢s amazing how much our feet swell. I was concerned about my feet and knees but it is common with most all the hikers. Will we ever be normal again? I have been eating since we came into town. It¢s now 7 pm and I still have ice cream, pizza, chips, and cinnamon rolls to eat. I hope to get some pictures up loaded yet this evening. Well back on the trail tomorrow. Even though I have days where I ask myself ¢why am I doing this¢ I look forward to getting back on my feet with a heavy pack on my back and walk the challenge that each day presents.
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Start - Finish Time: 7:50 - 7:50Low/High Temp: 65 / 85I said goodbye to Jim once again as he dropped us off back at Rockfish Gap, the entrance to the Shenandoah's.We have been told all along that the Shenandoah's is an easy walk. We could easily get in 20 plus miles a day so that is what we planned to do, exiting the park after only 5 days.Well we were hit with a very rocky climb although it did get much better as we progressed through the day. Around 2:30 we saw a bear. We stood and watched it move slowly away from us.When we reached the Hut we were quite tired, sore and hot.
Date: 2007-05-29
From: Blackrock Hut

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

Start - Finish Time: 6:00 - 7:15Low/High Temp: 61 / 79Up early for another long day.I saw a mother bear with her two small cubs standing just 30 feet from me right on the trail.Thunderstorms threatened all day but we were never rained on.Boy did we drag in today. I hurt and hurt. Oh my feet. I told Sarah I could not go on like this and she agreed. Another 20 plus mile day would end our trip for sure. We were not having any fun.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Start - Finish Time: 7:15 - 5:30Low/High Temp: 66/775-30-07Yes, yesterday we were about to throw in the towel. So we have decided to cut back on our mileage each day, relax and enjoy.One reason we had decided on the bigger miles is our mail drop. We needed to arrive in Linden Sat morning. But now we will get there Monday morning. Still just one day off our ETA.Still we dragged into South River picnic area for lunch. Feeling better we went another 5 miles to Lewis Mtn Campground where we were able to take a shower and have some snacks from the campstore. Boy we're feeling good now.One more mile to the shelter where we are camping with Chico, Driftwood, Green Hornet, Ga-Me On and others.
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Start - Finish Time: 7:30 - 4:30Low/High Temp: 66 / 77We slept in again this morning. Both of us feeling much better and more relaxed. I had been thinking if I didn't feel better by Harpers Ferry I'd have to consider leaving the trail.Around mid day we stopped at Big Meadows for lunch then walked on through the campground to wash clothes and take another shower. There were at least 10 thru hikers at the campstore/restaurant.I saw another bear today.These shorter days are really working to boost our moral.
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Start - Finish Time: 5:30 - 4:30Low/High Temp: 62 / 80We ate breakfast at the Skyland lodge restaurant. It was very good.Saw another mother bear and one cub.Stopped at picnic area for lunch, water and toilet. We climbed to the highest point in the park at the Pinnacle 3730 feet.Very nice group at the Shelter tonight.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:30 - 2:30Low/High Temp: 66 / 77Nice relaxed start this morning. The terrain was nice too.7 plus miles to Elkwallow Wayside for egg and sausage muffin, chocolate milk shake, chocolate milk and a Pepsi. I was sick to my stomach for the next several miles I was so full.Arrived at shelter early enough to air out sleeping bag, eat and relax.The pack never seems to feel lighter nor do we ever feel a lot stronger.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Dolly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Start - Finish Time: 6:00 - 3:50Low/High Temp: 62 / 66The rain started early and continued all day, heavy at times. I didn't mind, it was much cooler and made the walking easier.Sarah on the other hand couldn't stand it. She hates to get wet. I said to her "Suck It UP" our motto for when we find something particularly tough.When we arrived at the shelter there were 3 women doing a section hike and then came in GiGi and Rhododendron, GiGi being the only male.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Jim and Dolly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Start - Finish Time: 7:45 - 9:00Low/High Temp: No temperature report. My digital readout got wet from the rain the other day.We got a late start because at first we were only doing 10 miles for the day.We had a mail drop in Linden 1 mile off the trail. When we got into town we decided to walk another 1.5 miles to the Apple House Restaurant. So there's 5 miles off trail.It was then when we stopped for a break at Manassas Gap Shelter that we decided we wanted to stay at the Bears Den the next night. We kept walking and walking, arriving after dark at the shelter, 24 miles for the day.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Start - Finish Time: 7:30 - 2:30Low/High Temp: The Bears Den, what a wonderful place run by a wonderful woman named Queen Diva. A must stop for every hiker.Sarah and I slept in the womens dorm away from the snoring men hikers. I made my bed on the top bunk right under the ceiling fan.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:00 - 4:00Low/High Temp: The terrain made for a fairly easy day into Harpers Ferry and the ATC office before it closed at 5:00. We got our picture taken as the 201 thru hiker for the 2007 year.We settled in at the Hill Top House a very old hotel over looking the Potomic River. Our room was very comfortable at $45 a night. We decided to stay two nights.Stubbles accompanied us to dinner at the Anvil Restaurant. I was very disapointed with my expensive meal.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Start - Finish Time: Low/High Temp: At 9:00 am we hoped onto a bus to the near by town to shop at Wal-Mart.At 10:30 I was at the outfitters trying on shoes and packpacks. I left with a Granite Gear Meridian Vapor Ki pack and a Lafuma warm and light 30 degree sleeping bag.Jim had sent me new Keen boots which I decided was my best bet.A trip to the 7/11 for ice cream mid day and then to the Pub for dinner. I got a hamburger and fries so much better than the meal the night before.Back to the hotel to pack up ready to hit the trail once again.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:00 - 5:00Low/High Temp: 69 / 90As you see my digital temp gauge dried out and is working again.My new shoes are feeling a bit stiff but no blisters. The new pack is very uncomfortable. Can't get enough lift off my shoulders and onto my hips. I think it is to short. Geez.We took our time leaving town to see and read about all the history.We walked along the C&O Canel for 3 miles.The terrain was pretty easy although a lot of rocks, arriving at the campground pretty tired. It was such a hot day.The Dahlgren campground is free and has hot showers.A big storm came through around 7:30 with lots of rain, thunder and lightening. I stayed dry in my tent.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground

To: The Free State Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 13.7

Start - Finish Time: 6:00 - 3:00Low/High Temp: 68 / 75Very rocky trail most all day.We stopped at the Washington Monument. The trail passes through so much history.We were going to stay at Ensigh Cowell Shelter but decided to stop .2 miles short and walk .4 miles on the road to the new hostel. I recognized the owner but could not place him until I saw some news paper articles about his 2006 AT thru hike. Then realized I had read his online journal.This hostel is based out of the couples home. It is very nice but does cost $30 for a bunk with clean linens, shower, laundry, long distance phone calls and internet.Well I'm caught back up on my entries. I don't get to a computer very often and my phone won't pick up the web service very often either. And then sometimes I'm just too tired.We have learned when we feel like we just can't take it any longer to slow it down and pamper ourselves a bit.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: The Free State Hiker Hostel

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:45 - 5:00Low/High Temp: 63 / 75They talk about the rocks in PA. Maryland sure had an abuntant amount of rocks as well.This past week we have been walking through areas that are heavily infested with the gyspy moth catipillar. They strip the trees of their leaves, dropping their poop, partially eaten leaves and themselves on us as we walk.I didnt sleep well last night. Maybe it was the 14 inch pizza and 4 sodas I had too soon before bed time.We stopped at Pen-Mar park. Being Sunday the park was busy with picnics, music and dancing. A woman came to us and invited us to join in their family reunion feast. It was some time before we finally moved on crossing over into PA. We arrived at the shelter to find two alike. We proclained them non coed and took claim to one of them.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:00 - 3:50Low/High Temp: 62 / 85Chico and Green Hornet came in late last night. They sure know how to shake things up.Up early. I no longer have an alarm go off at five, I just wake up. Sarah and I are both on the same wave length. We wake the same time every morning.At US 30 we walked the .9 miles to a small grocery and bought sub sandwiches and chips. And of course cold drinks. Then walked back to the trail and through Calidonia park. 2.5 miles further we came to the very lovely Quarry Gap shelter complete with hanging flower baskets and other nice touches.My feet are really hurting adjusting to new boots. My new pack is not treating me we either.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Start - Finish Time: 5:45 - 2:45 Low/High Temp: 67 / 82I met the ice cream challenge and am now a member of the half gallon club.Due to unfortunate circumstances 5 of us slept on the covered porch of the Iron Masters hostel. At least we were out of the rain.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Start - Finish Time: 5:30 - 3:20Low/High Temp: 61 / 80Twice today we walked off the trail a short distance to get a cold drink and a sub sandwich.We made it to the shelter before an afternoon shower came through.I set up my tent in the shelter to keep the catipillers from crawling on me during the night.Pooch, Tom Dooley and their wondeful dog Roxy stayed in the shelter as well.Got a good phone signal from here.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

Start - Finish Time: 8:45 - 3:30Low/High Temp: 65/78We ate breakfast at Goodies before leaving town. That's one less meal and weight to carry.It was a rocky walk and flat terrain. Not all that bad. You just have to watch your every step to avoid twisting an ankle.We stopped at Clarks shelter for water and lunch. The shelter was covered in catipillers. The privy was straight out of a horror movie. I opened the door and was faced with a mass of catipillers hanging from the ceiling and walls. Some had fallen onto the toilet cover and splattered. It was so disgusting.I felt good today although I was tired when we reached the shelter and took a nap.We've been seeing Mike, G G, Rodo, Pooch, Tom Dooley and their dog Roxy, Taripin Flyer and Granite and to our surprise Chico showed up again.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 5:55 - 4:00Low/High Temp: 65 /80Happy Fathers Day.We passed by an old coal mining community and the trail was covered in coal for miles.Weve also been walking through poisen oak a lot. Ive never been affected by it and hope it doesn't bother me now.Rattlesnakes are also previlent among the rocks we walk and climb over although we have not seen any we have seen plenty of pictures of them.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Rausch Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:00 - 4:30Low/High Temp: 66 / 85Boy was it hot and humid. There was a moment today I didnt think I was going to make it. I was in need of water and the spring I hoped to refill was dry. The next opportunity was William Penn shelter 7 miles away. The Thru Hikers Handbook had us doing an 800 foot climb in one mile before getting to this shelter.We walked and walked waiting for the climb almost getting disperate because we were out of water. The terrain continued flat mile after mile. Then all of a sudden we were there. And there never was a hill. An error in the book. Our map would have shown us this.We arrive at 501 shelter with pizza delivery on our minds and stomachs only to find out they are closed on Mondays. There are 13 of us here all very disappointed.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Start - Finish Time: 6:05 - 2:45Low/High Temp: 66 / 85Yesterday Sarah said she was over it and was getting on a bus home. Last night she got a cool shower and ready to keep going today.Yesterday we reached mile 1,174. From now on we are counting down the miles with fewer than 1,000 to go.Earlier in the trip we met two very nice young amish men on a section hike. Their names John and Slider. We kept running into them then they eventually moved way ahead of us. In a shelter register Slider had left us his cell phone number and told us to call when we got to PA. So we did.Today Slider met us at a road crossing with chocolate milk, sub sandwiches, candy bars and more drinks. When we met these boys we thought they were amish because of their accsent and hair cuts but weren't sure because they had a cell phone and a digital camera.Slider arrived by way of a driver. He was dressed all amish from his straw hat to his denim shirt and black pants with suspenders.Its going to storm tonight.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:30 - 10:45Low/High Temp: 62 / 72Boy did it storm last night. Glad for these shelters. It was a wet start mainly water dripping from the trees. The hike was easy although there were the infamous PA rocks in areas.Since we are taking a 0 day tomorrow we will be saying good bye to at least 5 other hikers we've been seeing every day for at least 10 days now. I will miss them with hopes of meeting up again.We have checked into the Port Clinton Hotel wishing we didn't. The people are not welcoming or friendly. Sarah and I will have to share a double bed in a small stuffy room with the bathroom down the hall for $54.50.The mattress is the worst we will be sleeping on so far during this trip. I think all motel/hotel owners should have to sleep at least one night on these mattersses.Tomorrow we will be moving to the free hostel for our last night in town.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We checked out of the hotel at 8 this morning and then walked up to the 3 Cs restaurant for breakfast. Scott from the Ye Olde Hiker Hostel was there at 9:30 to take us the 6.5 miles to the hostel which is connected to his outfitter store.There is space for 8 on 4 bunks in a smallish room. It has a fridge and electricity for charging. Did I memtion it's free including the shuttle from the trail and back? The shuttle to another town with lanudry and store is $10 a trip. Pack 10 hikers into the van and its a buck a piece.While here my Leki poles will get serviced. The Granite Gear rep was here today and I had him look at the fit of my pack. He said it fit me well I just needed to pack it tall and narrow. So that's what I will try this next week. I have a Gregory pack coming to the next resupply. I'll give a try if this one still does not work.Back on the trail tomorrow. We have some tuff areas to cover in the next week with tuffer stuff yet to come.Thank you all for your support.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckvill Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 7:15 - 3:15Low/High Temp: 66 / 79Beautiful day, partly cloudy, cool, low humidity, breezy. So far we have been very fortunate.First part of the day was moderate climbing up and over rocks, then it was smooth sailing the rest of the way in.At some point today we met Dealer Dan and his brother Sheep Head. Both now retired and both very nice. It is interesting how the flow of hikers change, hiking with a young group to now hiking with an older group. These guys hike more like us slow and sort of stagering along.The shelter is in an old garage next to a house owned by the park sevice. Theres a seperate building containing the flush toilet and a solar shower. A water spigot is at the house.A group of us are tenting while Sarah is the only one in the shelter.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Eckvill Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Start - Finish Time: 5:55 - 6:00Low/High Temp: 54 / 72The trail is covered in ankle twisting rocks as we make our way to Blue Mtn. Summit restaurant for lunch.Its about 100 feet off the trail. Any hiker would be a fool to pass it up.O boy the trail is rocks, rocks, rocks and scary climbing the jagged knife edged boulders.At one point I found myself at a dead end. It was to far down to the next ledge for me to reach trying to bend over with my pack on. I had to take my pack off lower it down to the rocks below and then lower myself down. I was so relieved that I had accomplished this.The fact that we had to carry extra water making our packs even heavier made this task much harder.Today we actually walked 4 miles further than our planned stop for the day.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 7.7

Start - Finish Time: 6:05 - 10:30Low/High Temp: 54 / 80There was a little bit of boulder hopping today but mostly we walked through blueberry thickets, picking blueberries as we went.Once were down to the road we walk the RXR tracks the 2 miles into town.This town is very friendly and accomodating. The Jailhouse Hostel is free along with a hot shower. We just have to check in at the jail first.Theres now 8 of us taking up resident here for the night. We have arranged a ride back to the trail in the morning. I am trying to psych myself up for the 1,000 foot climb over more boulders in less than a mile first thing in the morning.