morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Rocks Overview

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 10.5

May 16th: Hiked the short 10.5 miles to the trailhead at Rockfish Gap and got picked up by Adam "Stanimal" who started a new hostel in Waynesboro. Adam is a super guy who is listed on the trail angel register. A serious hiker in his own right, Adam shuttled us all over town including an all you can eat Chinese buffet. After eating my way into a food coma we headed back to the hostel for some needed downtime. And let me tell t you, this hostel is really nice. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, it is the most "homey" of all the hostels I have stayed at on the trail. When we arrived at the hostel, I received the bad news that Fixit, from Germany, was headed home after injuring his shoulder in an aquablazing accident on the Potomac River. Aquablazing is accepted by the ATC as part of a through hike, where hikers can navigate a "part of the trail" by canoe. Fixit, who was hiking the trail with his sister Foxey, fell out of the canoe and dislocated his shoulder on a tree as they were just getting started. They made their way back to Adam's hostel and when it became apparent that the injury was bad enough to require surgery, Fixit decided to head back to Germany. Freshground will be picking him up tomorrow to bring him to the airport in DC. Foxey has decided to continue without her little brother and I wish her and Fixit all the best. I will be hitting the trail tomorrow to begin the 104 mile trek through the Shenandoahs. Got some great news this morning. Jan will be flying down on Memorial Day weekend to meet me on the trail in Harpers Ferry. Life just doesn't get better.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro VA

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

May 17th: Hiked 20.5 miles from Rockfish Gap to Blackrock Hut. Total miles hiked: 878, 1307.9 to go. Today was an awesome day. Not only did I begin hiking through the Shenandoah National Park but I finally got my feet in working order. The blisters I have been dealing with have continued to improve but a far bigger concern was this ongoing pain I had been experiencing on the top of my left foot. It was getting so bad in fact that I was beginning to have serious doubts about my chances of finishing the hike. I tried everything from adding padding to the underside of the boot tongue to loosing the boot lacings to relieve the pressure. Nothing worked. I then mentioned it to Chickadee who told me she had experienced similar pain when running track in high school. She then showed me how to lace the boot bypassing the eyelets located above the pain. INSTANT RELIEF. Today for the first time in nearly 2 weeks I hiked without foot pain and happy feet=pleasant hiking. Feel like I have a new lease on the hike and today was totally enjoyable. Let me tell you, the collective knowledge out here is immense if you ask enough people. Got dropped off on the trailhead after 9:00 and Sherpa and I tore through the trail covering the 20 miles in under 9 hours (super fast for me). The day was pleasant for the most part and the Shenandoah's were as advertised; nicely maintained trails and reasonably flat. After lunch Sherpa took a nasty fall and hit his face on a large rock. Sustained a gash on his cheek just below the eye. Should probably have been seen by a physician but out here you work with what you have. Got it cleaned up with alcohol swabs, Bacitracin and covered it up with band aids. Will definitely have a battle scar and a story to tell but it looks like he will be ok. Tomorrow I will hit the 1st Wayside, a series of restaurants located on the Skyline Drive just off the trail, where I will be treating myself to a hamburger, a shake and most likely a cold beer. Oh yeah, life's simple pleasures.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: light rain

May 18th: Hiked 21.4 miles from Blackrock Hut to Hightop Hut. Total miles hiked: 899.4, 1286.5 to go. Today started out rainy, misty with a heavy fog and ended up rainy, misty with a heavy fog. Oh well, it is days like this which make the sunny ones all the better. Highlight of the day was a side trip to the Loft Mt Wayside Restaurant, located on the Skyline, with Sherpa. Cafeteria style restaurant but the food was cooked to order and really good. I ordered a chocolate shake, cheese burger and fries and it was so good that I ordered a second burger and shake. There are a few more Wayside Restaurants in the Shenandoah National Park and I plan on hitting all of them. The rest of the day was spent hiking in the rain. Feet were soaked but held up well.....no new blisters. Still spitting rain but weather is supposed to start improving, at least that is what I keep telling myself.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Birds Nest #3
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

May 20th: Hiked 14.4 miles from Big Meadow to Birds Nest #3. Total miles hiked: 934.2, 1251.7 to go. Had a great stay at the Big Meadow Lodge living large like a Kennedy. Since I had a late lunch, I went down to the Tap Room for a couple of pints and a flat bread chicken pizza. To top off the evening, I ordered a gin and tonic before retiring to the Great Room where I sat in a rocking chair just taking in the sights and reading the Wall Street Journal to complete the memory. Was able to get all of my gear dry, including my boots, which is about as good as it gets. Had a good night sleep and when I woke up saw that it had rained a lot during the night which made scoring a room at the lodge all the sweeter. Went downstairs for a breakfast that couldn't be beat, packed up and hit the trail around 10:00. They were talking rain for today and it did look iffy at first light but when I checked out it was all blue sky and chirping birds. Had another great day on the trail, stopping for lunch at another Skyline Restaurant (gotta love the Shenandoah National Park). For desert I got the highly decadent blackberry ice cream pie-highly recommended for stupid calories. Cut my hike short when thunder started rumbling in the distance. Have 2 days to hike the 31 miles to Front Royal so the short miles today were no big deal.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Birds Nest #3

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

May 21st: Hiked 17.5 miles from Birds Nest #3 Hut to Gravel Springs Hut. Total miles hiked: 951.7, 1234.3 to go. Today was hot and humid and buggy but still had a really good day which included my 1st bear sighting in the Shenandoahs and some really cool trail magic. Started my hike at first light. The morning air was cool and refreshing but quickly turned humid as I made my first climb. Had my sights on the 4th and final Wayside Cafe. These trail side restaurants have become habit forming and it is probably just as well that I will be leaving them all behind when I leave the park tomorrow. Got to the Wayside. Around noon as planned, ordered a big lunch and brought it outside to enjoy it in the picnic area with HuffelPuff and Sherpa. All three of us were feeling lazy and none of us were moving fast when an elderly gentleman walked up to the picnic table and asked us if were thru-hikers. He then asked us in his squeaky voice if we liked beer? "Yes" we all replied in unison. He then told us he had done the trail 9 years earlier when he was 65 and as he sat at this very spot, someone gave him a cold beer, the best beer he ever had in his life. With that, he produced a six pack of ice cold Sam Adams Larger (my favorite) and told us to enjoy. His name was Malcolm and he entertained us with some of his exploits which included walking the Great Wall and shooting and being shot by Koreans during the war but the most memorable and rewarding thing he ever did in his life was walk the trail. He cautioned us that Harpers Ferry, the unofficial half way point, is the town where a lot of hikers pack it in. Faced with the realization that the long days getting there is only half the battle can be overwhelming. "Fight the urge to quit" he told us, " it only gets better". Nice guy and with temps in the high 80s, AWESOME trail magic. Must say, the beers went down fast and when I resumed my hike after a 2 and 1/2 hour break I was feeling rather sluggish. Towards the end of my hike I spotted my first Shenandoah black bear feeding off to the side of the trail. This was a big adult bear. It didn't notice me at first but as I reached for my camera, it looked up, sniffed the air and was off and running before I could get off a shot. Made it to the camp site at a reasonable hour but the bugs were so bad that there wasn't much to do but set up my tent and jump inside. Tomorrow I have an easy 10 mile hike to a hostel just outside Front Royal and if I can get cell reception, I hope to get together with Anita and John Ford who live close by,
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 10.5

May 22nd: Hiked 10.5 miles from Gravel Springs Hut to the Terrapin Station Hostel. Total miles hiked: 961.3, 1224.6 to go. Today was a real easy slow paced day. Another hot one but I was able to cover the short 10 mile stretch by noon time. Kicking back at the Terrapin Station Hostel just outside of Front Royal. Heading into town shortly for dinner and resupply for the 57 mile hike to Harpers Ferry, the unofficial halfway point on the trail. Have a couple of milestones before I hit Harpers Ferry including reaching the 1000 mile mark (a mountain stream) and finally hitting the WV boarder after hiking over 500 miles in the state of Virginia. With the Memorial Day Weekend coming up the trails should be getting real busy but Sunday can't get here fast enough when I get to spend a couple of days with Jan.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

May 23rd: Hiked 19 miles from Terrapin Station Hostel to Dick's Dome Shelter. Total Miles hiked: 980.3, 1205.6 to go. Even though the weather wasn't great, I really enjoyed today's hike. Cloudy with off and on light showers throughout the day and rumbles of thunder in the late afternoon. The trail, however, was perhaps the easiest since I hit it back in March. With the exception of a steep climb in the late afternoon, the trail was relatively flat with gentle grades. Tomorrow I will be making the 18 mile hike to Bears Den Hostel, an AT institution and a must see destination on the trail. Owned by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the hostel is a converted stone mansion that is totally unique. The hike tomorrow also includes the "roller coaster", a series of rapid assents and descents spread out over a 13 mile stretch. Should be fun.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

May 24th: Hiked 18.3 from Dick's Dome to the Bears Den Hostel. Total miles hiked 998.6, 1187.3 to go. Last night it rained off and on throughout the night with intermittent thunder and lightning. Managed to stay reasonably dry but packed up a wet tent. Always a drag. Really enjoyed the hike today. The only downside was wet feet which seems to be an occupational hazard out here these days. Around noontime I hit the "roller coaster". There were a couple of steep climbs but for the most it was just another day with hills. Staying at the Bears Den Hostel. Really comfortable place and one of the more upscale hostels on the trail. For $30 the Thru-hiker special includes laundry, shower, bunk, pizza, a drink and a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream (do they know hikers or what?) tomorrow will be a short day before hitting Harpers Ferry on Sunday. Meeting Jan, can't wait.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

May 25th: Hiked 7.9 miles from Bears Den Hostel to Blackburn AT Center. Total miles hiked: 1006.5, 1179.4 to go. Today was a big milestone day and totally fun. Knew I would only be hiking 8 miles so I got a late start from Bears Den Hostel. Real late. Really, really nice place. Meadow Flap Jack, Gonezo and I left the hostel at 10:00 and by 10:30 we hit the 1000 mile mark at a stream crossing that was no more than a trickle. After a little back slapping and the obligatory picture taking, we moved on. Funny, I expected to experience more exuberance but my first thought was 1000 down, just 1200 more to go. Being a holiday weekend (and beautiful day) the trail was busy with day hikers and when we made it to the top of the ridge line, we met a bunch of day hikers who wanted to know all about our adventures. Had a great time talking to them and had a lot of laughs. It was over an hour before we moved on but no worries because the Blackburn AT Center was less than 6 miles away. The Blackburn AT Center is a free hiker hostel owned by the PATC, one of the many AT trail organizations that maintain the trail and provide educational programs. It is set in a beautiful location just off the trail surrounded by huge trees and beautiful vistas. When we arrived, we learned that a big maintenance crew was doing their annual Memorial Day cleanup work in and around the Center. We spent the afternoon sitting in the sun and drinking a steady supply of cold beer that the maintenance crew kept handing our way. The three of us, along with Grandpa got the 4 bunks in the hiker cabin and at night we were invited down to the main house for a huge spaghetti dinner with meatballs, sausages and all the fixings. Food coma city. Really had a good time, the most fun I have had on the trail since leaving Springer over 10 weeks ago. A lazy carefree day where miles were secondary and having fun was the primary goal. Can't wait to see Jan tomorrow in Harpers Ferry. I miss her terribly but she has been my biggest cheerleader on this journey and without her love and support I wouldn't have made it out of GA let alone WV, my 5th state. Only 9 more to go.
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry, AT Conservancy
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

May 26th: Hiked 11.9 miles from Blackburn ATCenter to Harpers Ferry and the AT Conservancy. Total miles hiked: 1018.4, 1167.5 to go. Made it to Harpers Ferry and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, where I registered in and got my photo taken for the 2013 thru-hiker book. Harpers Ferry is the unofficial halfway point much like Damascus, VA is the unofficial quarter point. Must admit I got a bit of a high when I reached the ATC and felt like a rock star when several groups of tourists stopped to ask me about my hike and marveled about the undertaking. One even asked to pose with me for a picture in front of the building. When I was sitting in the ATC hiker lounge, signing the register it began to register with me just how far I have hiked and some of the hardships endured to make it this far. Snow and ice with prolonged cold were just some of the challenges I have faced along the journey but through it all, there has been something about the trail that has compelled me to keep walking. Who will I meet today? what is around the next bend? what will the next trail town be like? are just a few of the questions that excite and motivate me each day and through it all, the challenges and unanswered questions, I'm left with the feeling "yeah I can do this". Will hit the actual halfway point 75 miles down the trail but for right now, I will revel in the unofficial mark and totally enjoy my time off the trail with Jan. Thanks again to all my family and friends whose encouragement and support continue to push me forward to Katahdin.
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Harpers Ferry, AT Conservancy

To: Harpers Ferry, AT Conservancy
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

May 27th: Zero Day Jan got into Harpers Ferry yesterday afternoon and we haven't looked back. Everything was booked solid in HF so we landed in Shepherdstown, WV, a quaint college town with an artsy vibe. Stopped for lunch at Domestic, a comfortable restaurant located in the town's idyllic center and strolled down the main drag doing the tourist hop from little shop to little shop. Had a really nice afternoon. Back downtown for dinner where we had a nice meal at Domestic, not because it was so good the first time (which it was) but because all the other chichi restaurants are closed on Sundays. Today we drove to Rockville, MD to REI for supplies and stopped for lunch before heading to Harpers Ferry to walk around the downtown and check out the sights. The place was packed to the rafters but we still had a good time. Headed back to the hotel in the late afternoon for some downtime before heading into town for a late dinner, pizza at Tony's, the only restaurant open in town. Always a downer when Jan has to leave but at least the 2nd half of my journey will bring me closer to home and familiar surroundings.
Date: 2013-05-28
From: Harpers Ferry, AT Conservancy

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: few clouds

May 28th: Hiked 23.5 miles from the ATC to Pine Knob Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1041.9, 1144 to go. Jan and I had an awesome time but all good things must come to an end. Jan dropped me off at the ATC so I could pick up where I left off but when we got there, we met up with Pumpkin Head, my son Michael's friend from Londonderry who started the trail a few weeks after me and has been nipping at my heels ever since. It was just dumb luck that we ran into each other. He and his trail buddies had just arrived at the ATC and were making arrangements to take a train into DC to see a ball game. I didn't get on the trail until 9:30 but was able to make up for lost time. The trail was flat and after hiking past some of the sights in Harpers Ferry, it was only a matter of minutes before I crossed the bridge into MD, my 6th state (just 8 more to go). Maryland, is perhaps the easiest state on the AT and many hikers can put up big daily miles. Made it to the shelter as the sun was going down, tired but no worse for ware. Tomorrow's trail looks relatively easy so I plan on another 20+ day.
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

May 29th: Hiked 22.7 miles from Pine Knob Shelter to Deer Lick Shelters. Total miles hiked: 1064.6, 1121.3 to go. Today was very hot and very sticky. Most of the day I felt like I was moving in slow motion. Had to take several breaks and drink lots of water but I still managed to get in the miles. MD lived up to expectations with easy hiking and lousy views. Another milestone today when I crossed the Mason Dixon Line into PA, my 7th state. Just 7 more to go! I have been anxiously waiting for "Rocksylvania" as it is called out here. PA is a foot jarring, ankle twisting rock strewn landscape that goes on and on for over 200 miles. I have been told to expect mile after mile of boulder fields and rocks of all shapes and sizes. In fact, the nicest thing I have heard about the state is that it is where hiking boots go to die. The only saving grace is that it is flatline level with not too many ups and downs. We shall see, we shall see.
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: broken clouds

May 30th: Hiked 23.2 miles from Deer Lick Shelters to Birch Run Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1087.8, 1098.1 to go. Had a good day. After hearing all the PA stories I was feeling a bit apprehensive but overall, the trail today was quite nice. There were rocky sections for sure but there were also several sections where the trail was wide open and flat. It has only been a day and a half but so far I am impressed with the AT in PA. The shelter areas are beautifully maintained and the trail itself has already run through 4 parks in the first 30 miles with all the amenities, including potable water and flush toilets! (always a treat). Big day tomorrow when I hit the actual halfway point 5 miles into my hike. Should really hit me then.
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

May 31st: Hiked 17.1 miles from Birch Creek Shelter to James Fry Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1104.9, 1081 to go.l Simply put, today was an awesome day. Hot but awesome. Hit the official halfway point this morning which now means I am closer to Mt Katahdin in Maine than Springer Mt in GA. Two days ago it was the Mason Dixon Line and now I feel like I am truly homeward bound. The trail was lengthened this year so the halfway point still isn't marked. The approximate point is at a gravel road but to get the full photo op picture, Grizz, Java Man and I took turns posing at the old marker a few miles down the trail. Regardless it felt great to cross the line and know that the miles hiked are greater than the miles remaining. Talk about motivation. After achieving this milestone the three of us hiked to Pine Grove Furnace State Park where we were joined by Beacon, Doc and Light Blue. Just outside the park is a general store where they have the traditional half gallon hiker challenge where you can celebrate the half way point by scoffing down a half gallon of ice cream. Given the hot temp, only Beacon was brave enough to accept the challenge. Child's play. He finished in under 10 minutes. Me, I was content with my cheese burger sub and a double scoop cone. After that we hit the AT museum and then the highlight of the day was a couple of lazy hours swimming at the Park's lake. Met some nice people who wanted to know about our hike including a 6 year old named Danny who has already section hiked over 150 miles of the trail and wants to do the whole thing "when he gets big". All good things must come to an end and by 2:30 I was back on the trail in the heat of the day. Ran out of water and spent the last hour on the trail thirsty and cursing myself for not watering up before I left the park. Tomorrow I will be making a short 12 mile hike into Boiling Springs, PA where I am getting picked up by Jan's cousin Jack and his wife Sheila for some down time at their home and dinner out at the country club. Life doesn't get better than that!
Date: 2013-06-01
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Boiling Springs PA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

June 1st: Hiked 12 miles from James Fry Shelter to Boiling Springs, PA. Total miles hiked: 1116.9, 1069 to go. Had a really fun and relaxing day. Was on the trail at first light with my eyes on Boiling Springs where Jan's cousin Jack was picking me up at 1:00 to spend the night with him and his wife Sheila. They could not have made me feel more at home with a hot shower and cold beer. Sat on the deck while my laundry was on and caught up with Jack. A couple of hours later, Sheila arrived home with her Dad Jimmy (a really nice guy) and the four of us enjoyed the rest of the afternoon chatting and moving slow. Such a welcome relief from the rigors of trail living. Around 6:00, we left for the grueling 75 second drive to their Country Club (ultra fancy but they did let me in) where I was treated to what was far and away the best meal I have had since hitting the trail. Joined by their friends Patrick and his wife Tanya, we got the 5 star treatment from the restaurant staff. I feasted on a lump crab cake that rivaled the best Baltimore has to offer and a HUGE cut of prime rib that would feed a family of 4 (no kidding). It was delicious and like any thru-hiker worth his salt I even ate the fat. For desert I tackled the volcano chocolate cake with coffee and a shot of Baileys. Really enjoyed the entire evening, great company, awesome food and lively conversation. Like I have said, all good things must come to an end but today was an AT highlight for sure, a real trail magic kind of day. Jack will be driving me back to Boiling Springs tomorrow afternoon where I plan on doing a short 14 mile hike. Can't thank Jack and Sheila enough for their kindness and hospitality, I really had a blast.