morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 79: June 6, 2005We had another serious day of climbing ahead of us and had many breaks planned throughout the day. Our first break was at Little Irish Creek where we washed off in the Creek and ate a lot of snacks. The day was becoming warmer and warmer and every stream or cascading waterfall that we saw we splashed off our faces. We stopped at Brown Mtn. Creek and went for a swim in the wonderful swimming hole. It was so refreshing and cooled me right down. We walked on and when we got to US60 we found a case of beer and a note from our boy Squid J. He was currently off trail because hhe had just found out that his brother was getting married, so he is off to Vegas for the wedding. Oh so sad...but thanks for coming through with the beer Squid J. We can always count on you. The warm Ice House went down slow and gave me a bit of a buzz on this warm day, and almost came up while I was doing the 3000' climb. This was one of the hardest climbs that I can remember out here and the beer in my belly did not make it easier. I was having flashbacks to Georgia, I am in Virginia right? I was so happy when I saw the sign to the shelter. We were feeling strong after we kicked that mountains ass (sorry Mom) and decided to push on 2.5 more miles to a campsite ahead. I am so glad that we did move on because the camp spot was beautiful. An open valley with a few large trees in the middle. There were 2 swings on two of the old growth trees and TDS, Section, Jaybird, and Loose Goose already had a fire going. What a beautiful spot. I hopped on one of the swings and swung until it grew dark. I felt like a little kid. Piker and Moose went to get water, unfortunately it was .5 miles off the trail but in the end it was worth it, they both claimed it was the nicest water they have seen on the trail yet. Gotta LOVE the crystal clear water. The sky was clear and the stars lit up the night. I think that this was my favorite camp spot so far. Just Lovely!!!
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 10.0

Day 80: June 7, 2005Well, the vortex got us once again. However I am so happy that it did because I love this place. From my favorite campsite to my favorite town stay yet. We had planned on resupplying in Montebello and heading right out. Easier said than done!!! Spruce and Moose beat us to town and both had decided to stay at the B&B. We found this out from a note that they had sent with Sundance Kid to give us. We like group decisions, we do not want the crew to seperate so I guess we would have to stay too. As you can tell I was very upset about this!! When we walked into the beautiful home there were The Bruces sitting in the living room in bathrobes. We were staying. Lois showed us to our wonderful room and gave us bathrobes. We showered and through all of our dirty clothes in a bin and Lois did our laundry for us. This afternoon I lounged around in my bathrobe for hours. I felt just like I was at home. Lois and Earl cooked us a wonderful dinner: salad, bread, chicken, broccoli, and pasta in a delicious cream sauce. We had pink lemonade, sweet tea, coffee and a yummy brownie sundae for dessert. It was just so nice to have a home cooked meal. Spruce, Moose, and Piker are watching The Graduate. I have to go and check out Moose's Dad's cameo in the film. I am excited for a great nights sleep in the comfy bed and a yummy breakfast before hitting the trail tomorrow. I have to say that the Dutch Haus should not be missed while hiking the AT. It is heaven for thru-hikers and once again the friendliness and generosity of Lois and Earl makes it such a wonderful spot!!! Piker and I just ordered new sleeping bags for summer because it has been so hot. I shipped those to you Mom, hoping that you will not mind mailing them to us. We will be in Waynesboro on Friday. Looking forward to hiking with Skip "Cruise Control" through the Shenandoah's. Thank you as always to our friends and family for your continued love and support. Mommy Levey we hope that you are feeling better soon, we think about you all the time and can't wait to see you!!!! Cheers, North We Go!!
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Tye River
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

Day 81: 6/8/05We were a bit rushed out of the Dutch Haus in the morning but I was still able to sneek a shower in after breakfast. A very warm day that led us slowly to the Tye River where we ran into Dirty, Elf, and Walrus and decided to hang with them for the night. We drank beers and hacked the night away!
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 87: 6/14/05Happy Flag Day and 21st Birthday to my Sissy!!!A little slack packing today. We are a bit injured from our previous trail running slack pack. Not the brightest idea that we've had outhere. But still lovin' not having to tote around my heavy pack!!Thanks Skip!!
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 88: 6/15/05As a result of Piker's knee injury we jumped onto Skyline Drive and hitched a ride from some very friendly vacationeers. They thought that we were joking when we stuck our thumbs out..they thought that we just wanted to chat. They offered us a ride along with sodas and licorice. We met Spruce and Squid J at the next gap to tell them that we wouldn't be moving on today. They all took off and we went to work hitching a ride down to the campsite where we were planning on staying. After hip hop dances in the road and numerous cars zooming by us a lovely couple, Ed & Shirley, pulled over and told us to hop in the pack of the truck. The 17 mile drive down Skyline was beautiful and we were able to see the Shenandoah's from a totally different perspective. We enjoyed the ride, however in the back of our minds we wished that we were hiking. We met up with Skip and he picked out a beautiful campsite. We set up and hung out all day talking and having a few beers with Skip. We got a fire roaring and around 7:30 the boys strolled in after what they claimed was a very tough day. We were all together at the end of the day hanging out and life was good.....
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 89: 6/16/05In the morning we were hesitant about Piker hiking because I felt that he should give his knee a day to heal. One day of rest can do wonders. We did not want to fall behind but the long term goal is always on our minds. We don't want to push to keep up and then fall short of Katahdin. I talked him into taking a day off and we spent the day by our fire, that was still going from the night before, reading and relaxing. It was a peaceful day. Before Skip left we wanted to all go to dinner together so we headed out to Big Meadows Lodge and had a nice meal. Having Skip out on the trail with us has brought a feeling of home. It makes me miss my family but also gives us that push to keep going. Our families will be there when we are done this crazy adventure and it is already going by faster than we could have imagined.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 90: 6/17/05Today we were able to make up some mileage and walk back to the campground. We saw our second bear today. Piker decided to chase the bear through the woods leaving me standing there wondering what was going on. All I could hear were two loud crashes barelling through the forest. I was a bit freaked out when I no longer heard anything and started screaming, "PIKER, PIKER." I can be a bit dramatic however he had lost his way getting back to the trail. I made him promise me that he would never run off into the woods chasing a bear again, no matter how good of a picture/video he could get. He promised but we'll see. We were happy when we walked upon the campground and the boys were sitting waiting for us. We both got Moose hugs and started pounding water since we had run out about 4 miles back. We took the car to town to resupply at Walmart and spend way too much money. This would be our last night with Skip at the campground. We had such a wonderful time and I wondered if it would be difficult to get back into the swing of things again. Back to life in the woods.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 91: 6/18/05Well Piker didn't listen. In the early hours of the morning we heard a guy who was cowboy camping yelling, "Get out of here Mr. Bear, no one wants you here Mr. Bear." While he was throwing rocks all over. SO what does Piker do but jump out of the tent and procede to check out the situation. He shined his light and was staring the bear in the eyes. I was safely back in my tent that was on lockdown. I wasn't going anywhere. The bear got spooked and eventually leisurely found his way back up the hill. Piker had the bear experience that he had been waiting for...but he didn't get a picture. All of our bear memories from the Shenandoahs will be mental memories, which sometimes are the best kind!!!
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Maryland-PA Border/ Mason-Dixon Line

To: Maryland/PA Border
Miles today: 0.0

It has been many months since I have written a journal entry. I think that I got lazy when it became quite clear Ms. M was covering this particular camp time duty. There have been many milestones completed, vast miles covered, great times, extreme pain endured and too many excuses why I should blow off journaling. I am laying next to a campfire waiting for the crew to catch up to us and realizing I will most likely forget this day ever happened. Writing all of this suddently seems very important to me! Ms. M and I decided we needed to get ahead a few days so a Zero day in the woods could be achieved without falling behind. We did the four state challenge in three days and can't believe how difficult it must be to do it in one. That puts us smack dab on the Mason-Dixon Line. Our tent is literally on the line-Mileage sleeps in Maryland and I sleep in Pennsylvania. A train is going by as I write this because we are camped next to the tracks. You can tell it has been a long time since I have written because all the information seems like mental vomit. I'll try harder tomorrow. Big ups to our friends behind. Moose, Spruce, Jerky and Warlock. What's Up! to pals Mother & Vogue up front. Piker
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Mason Dixon Line

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Sorry for the "test entries". I think I got it now. Mama PikerSometimes, somebody will tell you something so unbelievable that it refuses to register in your mind. That happened today. Ms. M and I woke up to the sun shining at Piker's Place (our name for the M-D Line campsite) and decided to read for a while and just lay around. I also was starting to wonder what was taking the group so long to catch us. My radio was warning of a major storm moving in so we packed up, poured water on the fire and walked two miles back to the park where we left a note for the boys. The shelter under the pavillions at the park seemed to be the best place to wait out the storm. I saw a familiar place across the park and realized it was Warlock. A sense of relief came over me and I was happy the group was back together. Squid was next to 'Lock and their faces looked a little weird. We said Hi! to each other and I asked where the Bruces were. The strange looks continued and Warlock cautiously told me they had got off trail. WHAT! Are you serious! Are you serious!! I don't believe it. They assured me it was true so I began to take it in. Mileage immediately called Skip (Spruce's father) and got some even more troubling news. They had cut their BEARDS off. I hope it is not too late for you guys, reconsider you much you put into this! If you do not return Spruce and Moose we will miss you ery much! Maybe you guys need to leave the trail now but remember those same comforts will still be there if you decide to continue on to Katahdin. It sucks not to have them but Mileage and I feel stronger and more determined than ever before. Jerky, Warlock, Ms. M and I cruised 8.3 miles to a beautiful campsite and shelter. We talked about The Bruces all day and enjoyed the nice flat terrain. The trail was wide and flat, flanket on both sides by pines, and had very few rocks. The storm blew over so we are all chillin' around the campfire, Jerky on the guitar. I HOPE THE BRUCE'S COME BACK. Piker
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Sheter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Sleeping in shelters is lame and I don't know why we ever bother anymore. I like to bend my legs when I read, but my feet slide on the thermarest so I put my feet on the sides on the wood plank floor. Last night's floor happened to be sticky with who knows what. They are kind of nasty like a subway station in the woods. Another funny side note is that I woke up to pee in the middle of the night and got slightly lost. I walked about fifty feet away from the shelter, did my business, and then saw no shelter in any direction even with my headlamp on. A few minutes (very LONG minutes) later I grumpily climbed back on the sleeping platform and tossed and turned for about two hours before sleep came. I was told by Mileage that I snored, and snored wierdly. When we woke up all was well, Mileage and I hung around the dhelter while Jerky and Lock took off topick up a maildrop. There was a really steep 900 foot climb coming out of camp but we busted it out no problem. The next ten mileswere really enjoyable and pretty flat. We met up with thwe crew at the State Park campgrounds that has a pool. Charlie Brown had alerted us to a possible trail magic situation right inside the park. The magic was there in the form of burgers, dogs, beans, salads, drinks and many desserts beibg dished out by a friendly family. We hung out there and got our fill while we talked to the family. They offered for us to come back to their home for dinner, a nights stay, breakfast, re-supply, and a ride back to the trail in the morning but we had to politely decline. Recent events make me want to stay in the woods as much as possible. We were in no rush seeing as the pool was waiting for us. Being thru-hikers got us free pool and shower privileges. Mileage and I were at about day six with no showers so that was nice. Then a few hours in the pool and basking in the sun. Mileage loves to play with the payphones so she went off to do that while Lock and I discussed our possible post hike futures. Mileage runs excitedly to the fence, shaking it and jumping, going "Piker, it's Moose, he wants to talk to you and is coming back on trail1" "Bullshit," I said. "I'm serious!" she says. I get up, run to the phone and talk to Moose. He seemed pretty good, but I am not convinced he is coming back. Wewill see. We went on a few miles after the pool and got to a great shelter. Squid, Lock and I hacked for a while and got a few quadrupal hacks. Great tent platforms mean I will sleep great tonight. Piker OUT
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Tom's Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice shelters, tent platforms a little chilly in silk liners. I woke up tp Domino's voice and was surprised because he caught up after being 9 days behind. He told us Shenandoah Park closed for a few days due to a psychopath that killed his whole family hiding out there. Never a dull moment around here. We got out of camp last as usual. We hacked for 454 minutes before leaving camp. The 4 of us cruised out, moving pretty fast, the trail is really level. Before we knew it, we had gone 7. something miles to a brand new shelter. Lock had hot dogs so we made a fire and ate those. Mileage and I had had salami burritos which is better than it sounds. A nice guy (who thru-hiked in 03) and his girlfriend walked up tp the shelter with 5 cold sodas. That was refreshing. We alll felt pretty stuffed and decided to rest a little before heading out. That turned into me falling asleep for 3 hours! Mileage mostly read my book but also slept a little. After the nap I felt great and we busted out 6.2 miles in about 2 hours. Now we are camped out at Tom's Run shelter. Thetrail was really nice today, lots of sand and pine trees. Everyone agreed that the trail had definitely taken a turn for the better. Half gallon challenge tomorrow and the literal half way point. I wish the Bruces had stuck it out for this part of the trail because I bet they would be lovin it. Two more days and we meet my parents in Harrisburg at the Comfort Inn. They got us hikers a room and we are grateful. Mileage and I are really excited to see them and our dog, too.      Piker
Date: 2005-07-04
From: Tom's Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Lazy mornings are how we do. We can't seem to get around them, or want to. Today, I personally woke up at 6am but we weren't hiking until 11:30. Ms. M didn't feel well last night but seemed to be much better this morning. We read and talked in the tent for a few hours after we woke up. The group hackey sacked for the usual hour before we took to the trail. We had 3.7 miles to go to the halfway point and the half gallon challenge. I blew past two people I had never seen before because I was on a mission. I was on a mission to get to that ice cream in an hour. About an hour later we were sitting down to eat our ice cream. The people I blew past were Swamp Donkey and Mustard Seed. Swamp was also taking part in the challenge excepthe was alsotrying to be the fastest to eat the half gallon this year. We all slowly scooped ours while he shoveled his down. Towards the end he pulled out hte remaining rectangular block of ice cream and ate it by hand. Nine minutes and he had broken this year's record. Warlock, Mileage and I finished ours, but Jerky couldn't stomach his. We planned a 19 mile day tomorrow so we could take it easy after the challenge. Fester invited us to come down to their campsite with a few other people, Muskrat,Birchie, Mustard Seed and Swamp Donkey. We set up camp and then went down to the beach. Yes, this campsite has a lake beach! After swimming we went to the campstore and got a couple of burgers. After that we went to the camp hostel and did our laundry. That nice lady from a couple of days ago returned my broken gators to REI and got me two more pairs. She had dropped them off at the camp hostel, so that was a nice surprise. Two pairs were not expected. Warlock and I climbed into a secret room in the hostel that was part of the Underground Railroad system. That room was really spooky and we wondered what it must have been like to hide out there. Mileage and I went back to the tent site and met up with a nice size group which included Domino. We all told stories around the campfire and had a nice time. PA has been one of the nicest states yet. It feels like we are back ina nore remote setting. This is our 8th day in the woods! That is awesome! Less town, morewoods, and great times to come.         Piker
Date: 2005-07-05
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Baldwin Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

Maybe a few beers too many last night. Jerky got a hitch to a local bar and came back with a case of Bud. We still woke up at 8:00 and broke down fast. Mileage and I were the first ones out. We called my Mom and finalized our plans to meet in Harrisburg. Then we got some breakfast and headed out onto the trail. The original plan was to go 19 miles. We made it about 15. We got stuck in the worst rain storm I have ever been in. It was coming down harder than a shower. Thunder and lightning all around. We ended up at the shelter and hung up all our wet gear. Hotel tomorrow night. Thank God!         Piker
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Alec Baldwin Shelter

To: Harrisburg pike Ramada Limited
Miles today: 11.9

We woke up at 7am ready to go, because everything was wet it was easy to choose what to wear. Pennsylvania is easy so we moved quickly 3.8 miles in 1.2 hours to Boiling springs ATC center. Very nice town! Mileage and I went to a cool little cafe and got breakfast and coffee. Then we ded 8 more miles in 2 hours over flat farmland, very, very nice. We crossed the million doller bridge and then made a quick left to the highway. Warlock, Squid, Mileage, and I walked .2 to the super 8 motel and called my parents cell. They picked us up 5 minutes later. It was great to see them and our dog casey. We loaded all the gear and people and moved to a nicer hotel, then they took us to the outfitters, and treated us all to lunch at Applebees. Domino called us up from a pay phone by the trail so we picked him up along with 2 cases of beer and 2 bottles of champagne. Everyone drank and talked at the hotel for the rest of the day. We taught Domino how to hack and that was pretty interesting. Later in the night my parents treated us to the Olive Garden. They spoiled us with all the food and hotel rooms, thank you so much! The bed was great but the showers were even better. Ten days straight in the woods really works up a stink. Our dog is so sweet and it was great to be with her. I think I miss her a lot more now.                              PIKER
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Ramada Limited

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I gave Spruce a late night pep talk last night and I hope it knocked some sence into him. We really want those guys back! Anyway, we had another great day with my parents. I woke up early so I could go get Casey and play outside with her. That was fun, I love our dog. Mileage and I hung out in my parents room and we all talked for a while. My dad took us to the Waffle house and I got the T Bone steak breakfast. I would have never gotten that before the AT. My parents then took us all to WallMart. Once again we were spoiled with a great resupply that will get us halfway to Jersey. We had to say goodbye but it was not to bad because we will see them again in about 2 weeks. We will then pick up Casey (our dog) and hike NJ with her. Very exciting! 2 oclock and we were hiking again, very easy day with a flat and easy trail. I wonder how long this can actually last? A big storm is coming in but Mileage and I are staying in our tent. Everyone else opted for the half built shelter, but we love our tent, it is like our own little apartment. The rain is now coming down and the thunder and lightning is overhead. This is about as good as it gets!                              PIKER
Date: 2005-07-08
To: Piker
Miles today: 0.0

Piker is sitting in the Hotel Doyle having beers and chillin with friends. Thanks mom and dad for getting those entries in so fast and for such a great visit. The juke box is cranked and this town is filled with hikers. It is a big party that i'm not quite in the mood for. I would like to do another ten day stretch in the woods, I think I am burning out fast on this town seen. I have new entries that will get plugged in soon. I want to say hi to Brian, Matt, Brenden and Kristen in vt. The Steadies, David, Micki, and Sam. We will see you guys soon. I guess I will say hi to the Bruces too.                        PIKER