morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-06
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Loth Springs Camping (YMCA) Waynesboro
Miles today: 21.0

We got an early start this morning and were treated to another gorgeous day of sunny weather. The ups and downs weren't too bad but at some spots the rocks were horrible. Whoever got the job of describing VA made the wrong choice when choosing "flat". I'd say its quite rocky in some parts and that it has lots of ups and downs with occassional ridge walking in the middle! Anyway, we got into Rockfish Gap abour 5:30 p.m. and hitched a ride to Waynesboro from a very nice undercover policewoman (who even gave made us take $20 from her for dinner tonight!!)Since we arrived into town earlier than planned we decided to pitch the tent behind the YMCA for free. Let's just say I never felt so homeless! The grassy lots which resembles a public park is crowded with tents and has a shopping cart lying on the ground. Anyway, after dinner we'll head to the library and then to the grocery store for dessert...yum.Makoshika
Date: 2003-06-08
From: Loth Springs Camping (YMCA) Waynesboro

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

What an incredible town stop. Packed up in the rain Sat. and walked from the YMCA camping area to the Tree Streets Inn where we dropped off our packs and walked to Weasie's All You Can Eat Pancake Diner. Montana ate 5 (dinner plate size)cakes, THEAT ate 4 and Makoshika went with a reasonable order of French Toast. Got to the PO to pick up our box and checked in at the Inn. Tree Streets Inn is A#1. Nickie and Bill Aldridge are incredibly hospitable people and have a very beautiful inn (www.treestreetsinn.com) They offer an unbelievable rate for hikers and think of everything. We would recommend it to anyone ever visiting the Waynesboro, VA area.Bruce and Donna (Makoshika's Dad and Step-Mom) arrived by late morning to a freshly showered and excited Makoshika. What a perfect birthday gift for her to be treated to their visit. The 5 of us caught up and talked so long Nickie offered to put on coffee for us but soon they were off to their hotel in nearby Staunton for their special visit.Montana and I ran errands and then enjoyed dinner and a rousing game of Scrabble and great evening in our comfy room. Too bad I lost at Scrabble!What a breakfast... enjoyed the company of non-campers at the Inn. Thrilled to see Makoshika on Sunday who brought back treats including her Grammie's special Mac & Cheese casserole and a custom AT Hiker birthday cake. What a lucky kid!Went to the Outfitters... Montana is the proud owner of a much smaller backpack-probably shaved >6lbs of weight by the switch. We also bought an umbrella in case it starts raining (too late). We downsized to summer-weight sleeoping bags, too, so hopefully we'll be walking easier with less gear weight. Maybe it will compensate for the extra weight of constantly WET gear.This town visit has been a great respite. Got a chance to dry out, eat tons, catch up with family and plan for easier hiking.Tomorrow- another hearty breakfast, then off to the PO and back on the trail.Life is good.THEAT
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Rockfish Gap

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

Great start at the Inn- yummy breakfast, shuttled to the PO and then back to the trailhead by 10. Tougher start than hoped for- full packs and full sun (not complaining). Arrived to a shelter of 30 people! Absolutely not a space to be had so back up the trail to stealth camp on a woods road. Great night's sleep despite the tilt in the tent site. Bugs are out in full force. Summer has definitely arrived.THEAT
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Blackrock Hut

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

Up at 5:30 a.m. Slept great in our new lightweight (summer) sleeping bags. No more B&B breakfasts for awhile. Good thing we really like hot granola and oatmeal.Beautiful sunny to increasting cloudy day. Felt like it was close to 80 degrees. Better hiking pace today. I sense the Shenandoahs may be challenging in that there's not too much variety in the terrain and views. Loving the wildlife -- lots of deer and bunnies...hoping to see bear. They are all so free and tame.Got to the shelter before 5:30 p.m. and there was room this time. Feel we will stay in the shelter tonight as rain is likely on its way...we'll stay dry.THEAT
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke in the shelter to the sound of a chewing rodent. It seems as though I am the only hiker that this bothers anymore. I hate sharing sleeping space with critters! Began hiking by 7:10 am- a new record! Hepcat left about 6:15 followed by Mr. Magoo. Everybody seems to prefer to get the miles in early. Hazy, hot and humid. Saw beautiful deer and, yes, a bear! He looked at us and seemed pretty content to sit and look down on us. Hope our photo turns out. Hiked to the campground for a spot and dinner at the lodge. Great meal followed by a breathtaking sunset. It's raining- back in the tent tonight.-THEAT
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Reflecting back on last evening...what a treat! Pay showers, change of clothes, and to the lodge for a great meal. Mmmm. Slept awfully- too full of a belly. But the tent was cool and eventually sleep beat indigestion. Great sunrise and breakfast. Mama deer was huddled in the brush nearby tending to her fawn. How beautiful. Rocky, rocky, but no rain until about 1:30 and we were in a pavillion (how lucky!) to ride out the lightning storm. Very hot and humid afternoon. Montana saw another bear too. Got to the hut before the next rainstorm. A bit clammy, but better than soaked. -THEAT
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A very humid, buggy evening. Boy did it pour during the night- sounded as though the tent wouldn't survive, but Montana's seam-sealing held perfectly. Rain ended during the night and a big moon lit the sky. Dry, but cloudy, in the morning for Makoshika's birthday. We treated her to a gieant size Snickers bar at breakfast, and ice cream at the Elk Wallow Wayside followed by Fritos. A hiker's birthday treat dream- salt and sugar! This is getting really difficult. Very hot, humid and the bugs are insane; you look down, see blood, then feel the sting and see the swelling. You wear sunglasses to keep the bugs out. You sweat so much that your pants are soaked in an hour and it's so humid that they never dry out so you put on wet, sweaty pants in the morning. It gets a little old. I miss base camping and cool weather. The shelter crowd sang Happy Birthday to Makoshika and we were off for a very big mileage day. Major mental lift when I connected (by phone) with Clint Kreitner (former boss at Reading Rehab) who lives near Front Royal, VA. He offered to pick us up in Front Royal tomorrow and put us up for the night. It will be so great to see him and quite a treat to get out of the buggy, swampy trail. Major rain and thunder-storm around 3 pm. It started right after we were treated to Trail Magic by Journey's husband, Jack. Makoshika used her umbrella and her head and torso stayed pretty dry. We were so hot and smelly that we decided to forgo the raingear. Lightning got closer so we hunkered in a safe area for a half hour. We have never been that wet (despite backpack covers pulled over our heads)--we got soaked! The trail looked like the Shenendoah River, not a park! Makoshika and Montana sung lots of songs and stayed pretty cool. One storm after another and we saw the rain finally stop around 5 pm. Got to the hut about 7:30- Josh, Mr. Magoo, and two day hikers (Chuck and Tom) were there and made room and it all got better. Very nice group and we gave Makoshika her other gifts- new socks , another Snickers bar, and an IOU for horseback riding time as soon as we get to Helena,MT. Overall, we're tired. Did 106 miles in the Shenendoahs in 5 days- no wonder! Hoping we can keep with it after some time in Woodstock, VA at the Kreitners. -THEAT
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: broken clouds

In to town before 10; quick hitch to the PO and then to laundromat and off to the library. What a treat to check email and read some newspapers. Clint Kreitner, my former boss, mentor and wonderful friend, picked us up before 2 pm for an awesome visit at his home. WOW...he was so accomodating and our visit was a perfect respite from the soggy, buggy, muddy trail. Margie, Clint's wife, is the mother/grandmother figure that anyone could hope for. It's been so long since we had been in a real home- carpet, plush towels, A/C, home cooking and furniture inviting weary legs to stretch and relax. Makoshika go the entire basement to herself- lounging on a huge air-mattress on carpet in a room full of books, puzzles, games and a big screen TV. Montana and I sunk into our bed after a wonderful meal and great conversation with the Kreitners. What a wonderful gift- the gift of friendship. This visit has lifted my spirits. -THEAT
Date: 2003-06-15
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: moderate rain

Awoke after 6 am to enjoy a super delicious breakfast at the Kreitners, then off to Super Walmart for resupply. Clint later drove us to his daughter's home to see her horses. What a treat. We got to see a 6 week old nurse from its mother. The horses and area were beautiful. What a wonderful visit and retreat from the trail. Margie sent us off with home-made Snickerdoodles and Clint reminded us that a trip on his sailboat might be just what we need after the trail. We got back on to the trail around noon. Although it was drizzling, our spirits were lifted by our wonderful visit with the Kreitners. We noticed a couple of hikers approached Clint as we re-entered the trail. Wondering if he was going to be asked for a ride back to Front Royal. An incredibly muddy hike- up over our boots in many spots while we were surrounded by overgrown weeds. Kind of gross. Arrived at the shelter around 3. What a nice shelter! Decided to stay and relax and push on tomorrow. Shared conversations with a few families out with "DAD" for a Father's Day Hike. One dad brought his daughter and a mandolin. We were treated to some great music while we ate dinner. Dessert of Snickerdoodles then on to reading our latest paperbacks before bed. What a super weekend. -THEAT
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

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

Great nights sleep and up by 5:30 to an OK looking day. Unbelievably humid and buggy and muddy. Everything feels wet. Lots of discussion about the planned miles over the next two weeks to hit the 501 Shelter by the weekend to visit with my family. It seems like we have been going fast (maybe too fast) yet we all want to finish as soon as we can. With three of us, it seems we have days where we just can't agree on the miles. Then again, we think back to our tour of Clint Kreitner's motor home and wonder why we don't give this up- get in our car and base camp across the country. Some days that sounds pretty sweet. The hiking was pretty dismal today. Many points were weed covered, buggy paths of mud hovering near busy Highway 50. Not exactly the pristine walk in the woods that you read about. Spending lots of time talking about getting to Harpers Ferry then on to PA to see family. We're so anxious for that. Arrived to the shelter before 4:30. Glad for some time to change, maybe dry out, and relax. It never rained today and the temperature was pretty bearable. Tomorrow is the "Roller-Coaster" hiking day with many ups and downs. Then on to Harpers Ferry, hopefully by noon on Wednesday.-THEAT
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

It started to rain at 3 am and it's still raining. Incredible mud, mist and slippery sogginess. This is getting old. We hiked the "Roller Coaster" today, 7 peaks up and down over 13 miles of rocks...wet rocks. I fell once, Makoshika twice. WE didn't hurt ourselves, just got muddier. Lucked out and came to a large wooden sign with an overhang and that's where we ate lunch (lots of it!) always eating big on the day before town where we pick up our maildrop. It was a long day- only arrived at the shelter at 7:15 pm. Nice shelter and met Dirt who is from Helena, MT. People don't chat much on wet, rainy nights in a shelter after 7. We had hot cocoa and power bars as it took awhile to strip out of our wet gear and get warm, dry clothes on. It has gotten chilly- we're back in thermals. Tomorrow is 9.5 miles into Harpers Ferry- YIPPEE! It's a real milestone and we're anxious to get dry and get to the ATC Headquarters and check in as hikers. Already have seen a mouse. Hope he or she stays away because I'm beat and in no mood to compete with a rodent for a space in the shelter. So glad to be out of the rain. -THEAT
Date: 2003-06-18
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Brrr- cold night last night. I never thought that I'd be sleeping in thermals and my knit cap on the night of June 17th- crazy weather! So we hiked out into another damp morning as we began our short jaunt into Harpers Ferry this morning. However, upon reaching the bridge over the Shenendoah River, the sun came out. Yes folks, I AM talking about that bright orange ball in the sky! We arrived at the ATC Headquarters around 11:30 and got officially registered as thru-hikers #367, 368, and 369 and got our pictures taken out front. It was fun glancing through all of the photos of the other hikers who have come through and the dates that they were there. We were very lucky to get the last room at the Comfort Inn, otherwise we would have probably been forced to stay outside of town. Oh, before I forget, my mom pulled my THIRD tick off of me today- yuck! I guess I should just start calling myself a regular "tick-magnet"! We hitched into Charlestown for groceries and dinner at the Golden Corral- AYCE baby! It was great too because I didn't feel sick even once. We hitched back again (this time in a BMW, before in a Volvo) and then made some phone calls. It's 9:45 already- BED TIME!-Makoshika
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Comfort Inn Motel
Miles today: 0.0

Aaahgh...the gift of a zero day...no hiking! Slept in until 6:45 a.m. then enjoyed a great breakfast here of waffles, ceral, yogurt, bagels, donuts, etc. Actually we ate twice!Montana and I took a walk into town (Harpers Ferry) while Makoshika enjoyed watching television. Later Makoshika and I trekked to the library while Montana napped in the air conditioning.We hitch-hiked out to Wal-Mart to pick up prescriptions and some food re-supplies at Food Lion and to buy some dinner to enjoy in our motel room. Nice folks picked us up on both hitches. Two guys from Nebraska here to start their own backpacking experience.Looking forward to our stops in Pennsylvania with our families. It seemed so far away for so long, but now Pennsylvania is but a couple hiking days away. Cannot wait to walk "home" to PA. THEAT
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Comfort Inn Motel

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: moderate rain

Left Harpers Ferry in the rain this morning -- oh well -- we were dry when we started. It was fun to walk right through town and over the bridge that crosses the Potomac River. Harpers Ferry is located where the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers meet...both are running high after all the rain, and today's rain added more! Once over the bridge, we arrived in Maryland, our sixth state, and we hiked for 3 miles on the C&O canal towpath. Saw another beautiful box turtle along the trail.Steady rain and lots of deep mud, but at least no thunder and lightning to dodge today.Enjoyed lunch under a pavillion at Gathland State Park - nice to be able to have a dry lunchtime.Got to this campsite by 5:00 p.m., level platforms for tents, hot showers and running water. The stopped around 2:00 the sun was out briefly during our dinner (rice & beans with tuna). Rain started again just after dark.So glad to be in our tent -- Pennsylvania here we come!!
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Devil's Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 18.4

Another rainy day, but what's now? Anyway we cooked breakfast outside of the bathhouse this morning and were on the trail by 7:45 a.m. We waved to many motorists from the bridge that crosses I-70- lots of hinks- a fun experience.Speaking of interesting experiences, today was the trail's celebration of the first day of Summer with "Naked Hiker Day". We only saw one naked hiker, but surprisingly enough he was Chris Parker ("Spiff"), the son of one of my Dad's best friends from Shillington, PA- Chuck Parker. It was kind of odd talking with someone who you just met while they are standing there naked in front of you!! So we made sure to get a picture with him and then went on with the rest of our day. He was doing the 24/40 Challenge- hiking 40 miles over 24 hours to cover miles in VA, WV, MD & PA. Finally got to our shelter around 6:45 and were mega-bummed to see the shelter was stuffed with Boy Scouts so we were forced to set up our tent in a thunderstorm. I hate to sound like I'm entitled to anything, which I'm not, but there are signs posted that groups over 4 people need to camp outside the shelter regardless of weather. Sorry.... soapbox!Time for sleep MakoshikaEntry from THEAT:Interesting hiking today- Started from the only FREE state sponsored campground for backpackers with hot showers then walked over bridges, through private back yards, saw naked hikers, weathered more lightening storms, etc.Met two nice hikers- Chataqua from Lansdale and Huffer&Puffer from Falls Church, VA. Ran into "Playdoh" (GA->ME 2002) who offered support and bags of yummy trailmix. Saw our first naked hiker after lunch- Montana spotted him first and when I turned around I was greeted by a tall young man who exclaimed, "Rachel" and gave me a big hug. Turned out it was "Spiff" known to me since his birth as Chris Parker. Last time I saw him he was probably 12 years old and definitely was clothed! I introduced Makoshika (she was quite intriqued) and Montana and we posed for photos and caught up with his life. What a great guy. Turns out today was his last day on the trail. How great to see him. Makoshika was amused to see ALL of him!Another tough weekend evening of fighting for shelter- ate cold food in a damp tent. We definitely need a place & plan to dry out. THEAT
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Devil's Racecourse Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Another soggy mornong. Snacked in the tent then walked to PenMar Campground where we no longer had rain and felt a little breeze. Set up our tent to dry the 10 extra lbs. of water and hung gear everywhere to dry. Cooked breakfast and enjoyed the pavillion while we dried out. Attracted lots of questions from folks preparing for later picnics.Crossed into PA about 12 noon. Definitely getting a lower tolerance for dodging rain and chronically being damp and moldy. It adds an extra dimension of work to the hike- that's for sure.The weather cleared late afternoon and we cooked our dinner in a small park with picnic tables, trash and spigotted water. This made the day.Got to the shelter before 6 with full bellies. Enjoyed talking with Pippi, Baby Steps and Monk. Makoshika played chess with Monk. We enjoyed a clear evening in a great site in our tent.Lots of miles coming up. Looking forward to that half-way spot. THEAT
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

What a nice evening. Fell asleep listening to the hoot owls. Cool, dry air with a star-lit sky.A beautiful, sunny day with blue skies and a great breeze. A few rock scramble areas but otherwise great terrain.Got to Caledonia State Park by noon. WOW-- beautiful area with trees, pool, showers and concession stand. Ate our lunch then bought burger, coke and ice cream. Made the climb out of the park a "real gas". Met the park chaplain and his family who took our photo to email to Josh. They shared fresh fruit with us with was yummy.Passed some great shelters-Quarry Gap Shelter is super-and the shelter we're in was just completed in April.Trying to plot a strategy to get to the 501 Shelter and meet family on Sunday.Feet... don't fail me now. THEAT
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Whiskey Spring Road
Miles today: 23.4

Much warmer day- had to be at least 90 degrees- seemed like all we did was drink water. Still feeling pressure to get the miles in. The rain affects us because we need time to dry out which takes time.Got to Pine Grove Furnace Store by 11 a.m. and Montana became a member of the "Half Gallon Challenge Club". He ate an entire half gallon of ice cream (Moose Tracks, specifically) while Makoshika and I were ladies and together completed a half gallon of Cookies & Cream. Now to figure out how to hike on full bellies!Ole Smokey Lonesome took our photo at the half way point and hiked about 8 miles with us. He is such great company- we really enjoy sharing time with him. The heat was tough but the standing pools of water made the bugs ferocious.We're all getting "pressure rot"- a prickly heat blistery combo from sweating with pack pressure against our skin. Montana's boots are rotting away and he actually has a hole in the sole of one boot.Got to mile 23+ in the day last night after some big rock scrambles and decided we needed a break. Got a ride to Carlisle from Jared- a counselor with an outdoor program for adjudicated youth. got to the Sleep Inn around 8 p.m.- did laundry, showered, ate and licked our wounds.Back on the trail in the morning. Some times you need to re-group. THEAT
Date: 2003-06-25
From: Whiskey Spring Road

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

Woke up clean, cool & dry. The miracle of climate controlled hotels. After eating enough for 6 people, I covered Montana's latest toe blisters and he covered my back bones with telfa pads and duct tape. We're looking like walking patchwork quilts.Extremely difficult hitch back to the trail. Tons of vehicles and traffic- just not the type of spot people will slow down and go out of their way to pick up hitchhikers. We recognized the days of easy hitches\would soon end- definitely are back in the busy NE.Eventually got to the ATC Center in Boiling Springs where we phoned sister-in-law Verna in CA to wish her a Happy Birthday. Forgot about the time zone difference.... think we woke her up!Got an incredible box of goodies from siser-in-law Dale at the PO. It was addressed to Makoshika and included Tastycakes, b-day candles for the krimpets, a phone card, assorted foil packed meats. WOW.... We were pigs and finished the tastycakes before leaving the PO. Talk about trail magic.A very hot day- heard it hit 97 degrees. Much of today was open field walking through Cumberland Valley. It was pretty but really hot. Truly enjoyed the trail magic of cold sodas after lunch- heard it might have been courtesy of Fly-Bye. THANKS!!Crossed over the PA Turnpike near Exit 52 and over Rt 81. From cows to cars.Met up with Thor from Boyertown, PA who just got back on the trail after getting treated for Lyme Disease. We are really checking each other closely every night for ticks. A rather stinky but important task.Arrived at the shelter before 7 which was pretty good time considering we only began hiking after 12 noon. Enjoyed eating dinner with Neil who is from Scotland and shared his perspective of planning for & hiking the trail.Prety sticky evening. The bugs are so bad it sounds like rain is falling on the tent.Duncannon tomorrow then on to Clarks Ferry Shelter.Sweet Dreams. THEAT