morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Cardinal Inn Luray VA

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Phil and Jellypants stopped by to pick us up at around 7:00. We carried very little which meant we moved fast from the start. Phil dropped us off at Thornton Gap at 7:45 and we were off. It was such a perfect day with temp around 50, little breeze and full sun. The mileage just melted away. Before we knew it we were at Elkwallow Wayside with 9 miles down at 10:15. We ordered breakfast sandwiches and a coffee. We relaxed for about an hour and continued on. The climb up the mountain seemed so easy without a pack that it made me realize there is something to be said for assisted hiking. We met Phil around 1:15 at Skyline Drive. He unfortunately returned our full packs to us. He also brought us some orange juice and ice pops. Thanks Phil for all your help and trail majic. We had to walk a whole mile with a full pack today. This is our last day in the park so we just relaxed and socialized the afternoon away. Another campfire, dinner and it was time for bed. A great day on the AT.
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim & Molly Denton shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

We were up early as usual only today, knowing we were doing an 18 mile day, left at 5:30. It was just getting light but already looked like a great day. It was cold enough for me to wear 3 layers. After the first climb the fleece came off and by the last morning climb around 9:00 I was down to shorts and t-shirt. We took advantage of the cool morning to knock off the miles early. By 10:00 we were at the Tom Floyd Wayside and out of the Shenandoahs with 10.5 miles . There are a few things that hikers nees to know about the Shenandoahs. One is that in the park there are no 'signs' telling you where the shelters or points of interest are. All info is included on a metal band that is affixed to the sides of concrete monuments at each road, trail or road crossing. Many people entering the park miss their turn or shelter because they are use to seeing regular painted wood signs. There is much info on these bands if you learn to use them. Second, the trail through the park is nice, but the best views are from Skyline Drive. It's a shame they can't relocate parts of the AT along Skyline Drive. People in cars get much better views than the hikers who work for them. Lastly, Tom Floyd Wayside is not in the Shenandoahs and is not a wayside with food and resupply as many believe. After leaving Tom Floyd we went mostly down hill for the next three miles to RT 522 passing through some of the best old growth forests I've seen. The next few miles climb over 1000' then come down a few hundred feet over the final couple of miles to the Jim & Molly Denton Shelter. I felt good at the end of the day other than the sun beat me up. I didn't realize the sun got me until I started feeling my face burn. Guess I have to make sure I wear a hat and sunscreen tomorrow. This is a great shelter with detached pavilion for cooking, large front porch and wooden bench.
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Jim & Molly Denton shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

It was a cool and clear morning with very little breeze. We were on the trail at first light. Out of the shelter we had a slight down for a mile which was a nice warm-up before any climbing. We started hitting rocks as we climbed the 500' bump before going down a real rocky 700' into Manassas Gap. We started a 1000' climb as the sun was just starting to hit the trees. It was a great morning with the sun shining, birds singing and the smells of many different flowers floating on the cool breezes. There were still the rocks but the great day helps make you concentrate on the beauty of the day. After this climb there was just minor ups and downs for the next 4 miles before dropping down 500' into the turnoff to Dick's Dome. We took a break on a large rock at turnoff rather than going down to the shelter. We were joined by a couple that was doing some sections and they gave us a banana and 2 oranges. What a great treat. We moved on and after a gentle climb over the next mile we entered the Sky Meadows State Park. It has many connecting well marked trails with mowed paths and beautiful open areas between monstrous old maple trees. It looks as if many years ago the area was cleared and grassed except for where these trees were allowed to grow 20-30 feet away from other trees. It makes for a beautiful parklike setting. We then went down for a few miles and over US-50 in Ashby Gap. There was a tiring climb of only a few hundred feet but then a rather level somewhat rocky final 3 miles to the Rod Hollow Shelter. We were there by 2:10 with 18+ miles. I had time to wash off in stream, rinse all clothes and get them dry by dark. Nice. Tomorrow we start the Roller Coaster. Should be interesting.
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up and waiting for first light so we could attack the Roller Coaster, which is a series of ups and downs of around 500' that go on forever. The sky was cloudy with a little dampness in the air. We started out climbing right away and then down the other side to a stream. This process continued over and over throughout the day. That's why it's called a roller coaster. I think I started counting the climbs right away thinking there was 8 of them to deal with today before reaching Bear's Den. The day turned out beautiful but started getting a little warm just as were getting a little more tired, around 10:00. Thought I had counted right and would sail into the hostel. Guess I don't count too good. The last climb kicked my butt. We finally pulled into Bear's Den around 10:30. This place is great. They have a thruhiker special of pizza, soda, ice cream, shower, stay, laundry, etc for $27.50. You can also resupply to get to Harper's Ferry or beyond. Redwing and Hopeful, past thruhikers run the hostel. Got my new shoes and none too soon. I think I felt every rock I walked on the last few days. However, I could never speak negatively about my New Balance Trailrunners 812's. They went 950 miles and could still go more if I enjoyed the pain of sharp objects. They did their job. I retired them for a new broken in pair of the same. I might grow to like rocks. Did all the normal town things. Take a shower, clean the clothes, eat and resupply. Off to bed.
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had breakfast and was ready to leave around 6:30. It looked like rain, felt like rain and pretty soon it was rain. There were still 4 climbs of the roller coaster left just as difficult as yesterday. After the last climb it leveled out but was still rocky all the way to the Lesser Shelter. Nothing much to look at since it has been a mostly rainy day. The shelter is nice and even has a swing. The water is way downhill. It would be a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon on a nice day. Tomorrow into Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2011-05-14
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: mist

Got up early and rolled into Harpers Ferry around 10:00 am. Went to the ATC and had the customary picture talent. I was # 98 thruhiker to pass through this year. We spent some time at the center and were met by Eric, a friend of Goose's, that invited us to his house for the night. Before leaving the center one of the volunteers brought in some pizza, oranges and bagels that were left over from the race earlier. After eating some we left with Eric and was at his house in about 20 minutes. Eric is going to hike Maryland with us so we spent some time talking and taking a tour of his nice house. He and his wife, Gloria, made us a great steak, squash and corn on the cob dinner. We enjoyed talking and sharing experiences. Before we knew it was bed time. I was tired and slept well. It was a great day. Thanks to Eric and Gloria.
Date: 2011-05-15
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

We got to sleep in a little bit not getting up until around 7:30. We relaxed and talked until about 10:30 when we took a trip to EMS, Wegman's, etc. We felt half normal going shopping on a Sunday afternoon. We got back to Eric's house around 2:00. It had been sunny and beautiful all day so we decided we would hike up to first shelter. Gloria dropped us off at about 3:25 to hike 3 miles to the Ed Garvey Shelter. The sky had clouded over quickly and as we began to hike it began to rain. By the time we were a few tenths up the hill it was pouring. It didn't take long until the trail was a river flowing downhill towards us. We were rock hopping while running as fast as we could uphill. It was a tough 3 miles that we covered in just over an hour. We saw the shelter turnoff and were so happy figuring that there would be no problem getting into a 16 person shelter on a Sunday night. Boy were we wrong. The shelter had what looked like a full house. We did finally manage to squeeze in upstairs as this first storm ceased. I took advantage of the break to run down the .4 to the spring for water. We cooked dinner and ate before the next wave of storms hit. The rest of the night continued to storm on and off again. We were all in bed early.
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

We were the first ones up and rolling this morning. We packed up, had breakfast and were on the trail by 6:00. The trail was rocky but level up to the Gathland State Park. Eric made arrangements to be picked up here as we left him. It was nice to hike with him although it was a short time. We climbed out of the park passing the turnoff for Crampton Gap Shelter. After that the trail climbed slowly over the next 3.5 miles to Lambs Knoll before dropping down to the Rocky Run turnoff. Again we did not go down to shelter but rolled on by. We went another few miles and we were at the Washington Monument where we took a lengthy lunch break. The weather was just perfect so we sat and watched the hawks fly by above the backdrop of the valley below. After lunch it was only 4 more miles and we were at the Pine Knob Shelter. Enroute we went over the bridge over I 70. We set up and relaxed with a campfire around dinner time. It wasn't too long after that the rain hit. We are really coming to expect rain daily. We just can't get away from it.
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Pen Mar Park - Waynesboro PA
Miles today: 17.8

Well surprise! It rained on and off last night but started raining heavier around 4:00 am. At one point it started to drip on my head as the roof leaked. It did slow up as we got up at 5:00 but continued as we left around 6:00. The climb out was a little steep but the climb up to Annapolis Rocks was just that, Rocky and wet to boot. Luckily the rain was fairly light with only occasional heavier periods. There was little wind so it was not terrible just hard on the feet. We rolled along well and hit the area of Cowall Shelter around 10:00. Although tempting, we had other things in mind. We were aimed at the new Ravens Rock Shelter for the night. However, as the rain and the rocks continued, we transitioned from a night in the woods to a night in the Burgandy B&B in Waynesboro, PA which we had originally planned for on Wednesday. So we just kept pushing on and were at the Pen Mar Park around 2:00 after a rough, rocky climb around Raven Rocks. My left heel was hurting from all the rocks but I think it's just a minor bruise. The trail maintainers have done a great job overall at keeping the trail clear of blowdowns and providing great new shelters at many locations. However, they need to spend more time on the rocks on the trail if they are to compete with Pennsy for king of the rocks. Many of the rocks in MD are flat and worndown. They only provide a slipping surface and occasionally you can walk between them. The maintainers have to learn that the pointed ends of the rocks have to face up in order to cause much more pain and suffering. They certainly have shown their know how and their expertese with rock scrambles at Devils Racecourse. Here the rocks truely look like someone threw them up and where they landed is where they ran the trail. Maybe Arnold can help them in some areas to "pick them up and put them down." Anyway we made it through and called the B&B where Dave was there in 20 minutes to pick us up and sweep us off to Waynesboro. We showered, resupplied at the Walmart and went to a local restaurant for dinner with another thruhiker, Diva. Good local fare at a great price. David has shuttled us around like royalty and is very hiker friendly with a keen sense of the history of the area. It was well worth the stay. They have a room with two single beds that make it easier for non-couple hikers to stay. This is not the case with most B&B's. He and wife Margaret also provide breakfast and a ride back to the trail in the morning. A great afternoon and evening after a hard day on the trail. It's good to be dry.
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Pen Mar Park - Waynesboro PA

To: Waynesboro PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Last night we had a tornado warning that lasted about an hour. I was happy to be in town. With the weather reports for today of flooding and the multiple flood warnings flashed across the tv, we decided to take a zero. It really took a lot to twist my arm to stay after all the rain lately. Anyway, it was a good choice. Some people have asked about what I use for updating and any electronics I carry. I have a Verizon Droid which I use for taking a pic or 2 to upload almost daily. It is important to keep the phone in airplane mode or it will keep searching for a signal and kill the battery quickly, especially in the south. The signal gets much better as you head north. I have a free app from Verizon called "Catch" which I use as an word program for my journal. I put my journal into Catch almost daily so I don't forget the facts. When I get into town I usually have a good 3g connection for internet so I copy from Catch and post to Trailjournals. The pictures take a little longer to upload but again it depends on strength of signal. I use town time also to charge the phone. I also carry a Sony camera that I use for additional pics. I take many pics with the camera because I can take multiples at a time and keep the best, deleting the rest. One thing people need to understand is that a journal takes time. It doesn't matter what equipment you carry. Some is easier than others but it still takes time. Many days more time than I care to spend. There are some days that it is the last thing on my mind. So catch-up is difficult. Also I make many mistakes in spelling due to the keyboard on the phone and the spelling it suggests. That is what I try to correct when I get to a computer. Hope this helps.
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Waynesboro PA

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

We had a great breakfast before David dropped us off at Pen Mar Park around 8:30. It was cloudy and headed on north out of the park. It was only about an hour before it started raining. We rolled on by Deer Lick shelters and then down to Antietam shelter in another couple of miles. The Antietam Creek was almost up to the bridge and was overflowing it's banks. The trail was a river up to Tumbling Run where we took a break. After a short climb up Chimney Rocks we had a fairly decent walk to the Rocky Run Shelter. There seems to ne no break in the weather until Saturday.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Toms Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained again last night. Got an early start and it paid off. We rolled along through Caledonia State Park and up the hill past Quarry Gap Shelter. The next 13 miles were a little rocky but nothing too difficult. It was the amount of water and mud that took its toll. We were at the shelter early and were met by one of Goose's friends that took us to a local cabin for some relaxation, shower, food and friends. We got to sleep in real beds for the night. Charlie, Dave, Eric and Bob took good care of us as they wines and dined us around a campfire until it was dashed with our daily rain.
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Toms Run Shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Dave, Eric and Bob joined us for a short hike to the halfway point where we took pictures. A short time later we were at the General Store, home of the half gallon challenge. I had no intention of trying but no objection to helping others in their quest. We visited the AT Museum and then was on our way. It had been beautiful all day but still managed to drizzle for 5 minutes on the way to the shelter. We got to the shelter late and had dinner immediately after getting water. It was a great day.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Carlisle Pa
Miles today: 11.8

We were up at 5:00 and on the trail by 5:40. It was a little rocky start but soon turned into an almost flat walk through a number of farm fields. All were high rye grass with much mud and water on the path. Unless you could fly your feet were wet. There was no way to avoid the swampy fields. It was a very picturesque area with plenty of green. The walk went by quickly and we sailed into Boiling Springs by about 7:15 on what started out as a very nice morning. We rolled through a number of other fields and crossed many roads on our way to the PA Turnpike crossing. Goose began having an allergic reaction to something in the air and his eyes began to swell as he continually sneezed. We decided to walk down US 11 in Carlisle where we checked into a Super 8 motel. Some allergy medicine and a good shower seemed to help some. So we just relaxed the rest of the day. It had begun to cloud over but never really rained. Hoping to knock out the remaining 17.7 tomorrow into Duncannon.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Carlisle Pa

To: Duncannon Pa
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

As usual we started early and walked through some more muddy fields enroute to the many road crossings. After about 6 miles of nice level ground we started a 500' climb to the top of the mountain near Darlington Shelter. By the way I forgot to mention that it started raining lightly and continuously after about 8:00. The trail came down the mountain and was somewhat level for another 4 miles. The trail was a combination of mud and rock with a minor climb. The trail became PA rocky for about 5+ miles before rolling into Duncannon. We got into the Doyle around 1:30 and had a cheeseburger and fries before anything else. We then got our room, classic 1940 style, and checked our resupply needs. There is a resupply shuttle to the market daily at 4:00. We got everything we need for next 6 days and returned after the thunderstorm dropped another dose of waters on the area. If cleared up and the view was just a great beautiful blue sky with a nice cool breeze over these older type buildings. It was a very relaxing evening just watching the sky as darkness fell and listening to the kids play ball down the street. There was an almost constant presence of the sound of the diesel engines from the train in the background, half a block behind the buildings. It brought back a lot of memories as a kid visiting many of the Pa coal towns. Local pubs, great food and beer and friendly happy people. Although a lot slower pace than I am use to I really enjoyed my stay here. This building alone is tribute to all the people who have visited, lived here and respected what it once was.
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Duncannon Pa

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

We planned on a short day up to the second shelter at 11.3 miles so we slept in until around 7:00. I took a shower and made sure everything was packed up before going across the street to Goodies for breakfast. We left town around 8:30 as we walked down the street for about a mile before going across the bridge over the Susquehanna River. All the rain has really swollen the river to the point of rising over many of the trees on the banks and depositing trash 10 feet up in the branches. After crossing the bridge the trail begins it's climb up the mountain. It was very humid and rocky on the way up. Sweat was dripping off of me in no time. The problem was not only the number and size of the rocks but the amount of poison ivy on and bordering the trail. I have never seen as much as this year and the rain has contributed to its lush growth. Today it was everywhere. On the trees, the trail and between the rocks. I will be surprised if I get through this area without getting some. Today was the first day in a while that there were a number of views along the trail. It makes the climbs and walk worth it. We were at the shelter at 1:30 for lunch and relaxation the rest of the day. Another short day tomorrow as we will meet my longtime hiking buddy at Rt 325.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Clarks Creek
Miles today: 7.0

We slept a little later this morning since we were only going 7 miles to camp down near Clarks Creek off PA 325 since my hiking buddy is meeting us there and hiking with us for five days. The trail was fairly rocky from the start but was really a rock scramble at the top. The trail then smoothed a little and went down for the final 1.5 miles to PA 325, next to Clarks Creek. We found a nice spot on the small island, had a nice fire and a relaxing evening. My buddy Dave arrived around 6:30 and brought us a hoagie and a drink. Nice. Also, today was the first 24 hour period in recent memory that it did not rain. It's a record. It must be the start of a draught. It was a real nice day at a really nice campsite.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Clarks Creek

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

We were all up and taking down our tents at 5:00. We had breakfast and were hiking by 6:00. The trail was up for about 2.5 miles but was fairly well graded. There were a few rocky sections but nothing was a killer. When we hit the finish line for the Horseshoe Trail we knew the climbing for the day was over. The trail was very smooth considering the number of rocks along the sides. There were naturally a few rocky sections but not at all like I envisioned PA. I know the rocks will be here soon so I am mentally preparing. We were at Rausch Gap Shelter early, so we had plenty of time to rest and eat. The flies and bugs are starting to pick up as the temperature did today. Guess it is that time of year. We had a good thunderstorm around 5:00 and multiple others that followed throughout the night.