morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Pass Mt Hut

To: Compton Gap Trail
Miles today: 22.7

I saw bears!!! Just before the Elkwallow wayside. I saw a bear on the trail ahead! I stopped, got out the camera. She stood up and looked at me. Then I saw two cute little cubs wander out of the brush. I slowly moved in for a better shot. They headed for a nearby downed tree and the cubs followed her. I got a great photo. Then I found another bear on my left about 10 ft from me! I got one shot before he headed off into the brush. I took more photos of mom and cubs, then the other bear circled them and headed down the trail ahead of me. I followed Johnny Appleseed's example and followed him. Once, he got out of sight and I was a little worried, but then he showed up again ahead of me on the trail. I got too close and he bolted to the right. I was hungry so off I went to the wayside. Once I was on the blue blaze though, he popped up again just 10 ft from the trail. I got another good photo as he turned to look at me before he moved away again. Just then Plugger showed up and he went to get photos of the bear. Wow! I was afraid I wouldn't see a bear. But this was awesomee! So, then I had to tell everyone at the Elkwallow Wayside. There were a lot of thru-hikers. Pillbox, and all the rest I have been hiking with. The only one not here is Montreal. I ate ice cream, chocolate milk, an orange and packages of turkey. Then ordered a turkey sub to go. I caught up to Dirt Diva and Compass Rose taking a break alongside a road crossing, when a car drove up. A man, his wife and mother pulled over to offer us cold drinks, fruit and candy bars! His name was "Slick" from the class of '04 and he was trolling the parkway looking for thru hikers. We had a great break, joined by Kenny and Julia, Johnny Appleseed and Pillbox. A beautiful butterfly was on the ground with a broken wing. Kenny and Julia slowed down to walk with me for a ways. Their conversation really picked me up. I got a little messed up on the directions to the hostel, but I figured it out. I'm staying at the Terrapin Hostel and enjoying the thunderstorm from the comfort of a clean shower, laundry, pizza and internet! Sticks was the only one there that I knew. I almost walked back out, it was all boys. They were cool although Able Jack is character.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Compton Gap Trail

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

As I left the hostel this morning and headed up the side trail, I ran into Pillbox. She was sick and in tears talking to a hiker who was telling her to go to the hostel and they would take care of her. A little later, I ran into Johnny Appleseed who filled me in on the nights events. Apparently he was quite the hero to stick around and help her set up her tent through the thunderstorm as she was so sick she could hardly stand. We were talking about pink-blazing and right there on the rock we were standing on was 2 pink blazes. Just like a turn marker on the AT! Weird. Anyways, I hiked on. I had pretty well resupplied at the hostel, so I skipped Front Royal. I figured that left most of the hikers behind me. Hiking mostly by myself, I stopped to check out the Molly Denton Shelter. It was indeed very nice and there was the cold shower too. But, too early for me to stop. I found a note from Burner. He's taking a week off and if we don't slow down, we'll pass him while he's off. Well, I'll look forward to seeing him again. Talked to my cousin Ron on the phone and he's planning to pick me up in Harper's Ferry Saturday at 3pm. That means I'm on a schedule now. Dicks Dome to Bear's Den, then a mad dash to Harper's Ferry by 3:00pm. Well, I thought I was out in front of everyone, but guess who's at Dick's Dome. Montreal and a couple new section hikers. I was surprised and excited to see Montreal again, but in my hurry to tell him what happened to Mulligan, I once again butted in on his conversation with the bus drivers! I'm a slow learner. The french canadian must be appalled at this display of impoliteness. Eventually, I noticed their stares and appologized, then we got to know each other and had a great evening. They were hilarious. After dinner, Montreal went over step 4 of my french lessons with me and I sort of started to feel like the freindship was going to be OK. I know going to Harper's Ferry will put me a couple days behind and he will be free to hike without me tagging along all the time. I went down to the creek to pump water and Montreal started singing one of the songs I had taught him. The hole in the bottom of the sea! The bus drivers filled in the night's entertainment. First, they found a mouse trap in the shelter and set it off scaring the daylights out of them, Also, They tell great stories from driving bus. They had a great big tarp they sleep on then pull it on top of them for a cover. It was incredibly noisy and as they kept rolling closer, I was afraid to sleep! Oh, and this is the ugliest shelter I've seen so far! It's a weird shape and supposed to hold 4, but we had 5 squeezed in it. The teacher's wisely decided to tent.
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

I woke up this morning and pulled my hiking poles out from under the shelter. Apparently that's not a good place to keep them. One of the straps is all gnawed! Mice or someother critter must have liked the salty leather and nylon, but the good new is: I can tell my poles apart from everyone elses. It's getting hotter! and I've hit the "Roller Coaster". Up and down all day! I left early and gained quit a bit of ground. Stopped a couple times to cool off in creeks and no one caught up, but I was still early to the hostel. I'm supposed to wait till 4:30 or something. Sticks and and the school teachers weren't far behind. followed by Montreal. Grits was there doing work for stay. Wow! This is a really cool hostel. Tombstone supreme pizza, Ben and Jerry's ice-cream and sheets! Internet, a cool map on the wall with a bear paited on it. We signed the '06 hiker poster and cleaned up. Met Amoeba. I can't believe tomorrow I'll be in Harper's Ferry. Virginia is gone. I'll be over the 1000 mile mark! My friends will all be way past me, but maybe Burner will be back!
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry (ATC Headquarters)
Miles today: 19.9

Had to get up early, but Amoeba made me breakfast of yogurt and fresh fruit and a roll! Said goodbye to Montreal, everyone else was asleep! Sleepyheads! Met a local hiker "Jay" and he took photos for me at the West Virginia Sign. Hello West Virginia! A few rock climbers were having fun on the outcrop of rocks. I passed a few southbound section hikers and a ridge runner. Walked the last mile or so with a trail angle named "King" who gave me a cold beer on the way in! On a hot day, that is really appreciated. He's planning a 2009 or 2010 thru-hike. On the way to the ATC a long black snake crossed the path and rattled at me. I know they don't have rattles, but his whole body shook and it was quite intimidating. There were unopened waterbottles on the signpost. I cruised into the ATC Headquarters at 2:30. They took my photo for the book. I'm number 383 for thru hikers this year. Signed the log and my cousin Ron just walked in so I'm off for a much needed break! Happy Trails All. Anyways, just to fill in the news: Yankee and Nifty were signed in, but not Burner. and that was all the hikers I had really met so far. Ron was great. He BBQ steak, potatoes, salad, fresh fruits and I had a soft bed with clean sheets, a real luxury these days. He has deer that feed in his back yard in the evenings. Then watched a video and relaxed.
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Ron's House
Miles today: 0.0

Got a great night's sleep on a full belly! Ron grilled steak, baked potatoes, salads, strawberrys, cheezecake. I think I gained back 5 pounds. But, wow! I was so full! Going to go to CVS this morning and try to get photos uploaded finally. You'll love the bear photos I got and the rattlesnake! So, anyways, my breakfast is ready and I'm going to eat again! Sausage, eggs, fruit and juice! Ron you are too much! I got prints made and put them in an album, that I sent to my sister. That was pretty spendy, but I was so afraid of losing them. Last year my hard drive failed and I was devastated to lose so many of my AT photos. This way, at least there's a couple ways they are backed up. Sent the photo cds home. Then went to church with Ron and met a bunch of his friends. They were cool. They were really friendly and accepted my town clothes, (Still hiking garb, but cleaner) as church apparel. It's my shoes that are the worst giveaway! So anyways, a couple of Ron's friends came over for lunch and Ron made his signature sliced ham on the grill with salads, fruits, green bean cassarole, one of my favorites, and then went to pick up my photos. Stopped at Radio Shack for a watch batterie, but I destroyed the watch trying to get the old one out, so instead I went and bought a new $20 watch at K-mart. My cousin Kyle stopped by and banged on the drums for a few minutes, then went over to my Uncle John's for dinner. John hiked the trail in 2000 as "Pooh-bear". I hiked with him and Uncle Chuck "Lost Yankee" last year as well through the heart of Maryland. It was good to see him! He has battled with Lyme disease that was diagnosed late and I think it's probably going to keep him from doing much more hiking. His wife, Bette served us delicious chicken, corn, fruit, black eyed peas and Pie & ice cream for desert! My Aunt Ann was there to see me too! You are all wonderful.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Ron's House

To: Ron's House
Miles today: 0.0

Well, It's been a great vacation, but it's time to make the donuts. My Cousin Ron has been great. I'm at least 10 pounds heavier and a whole lot cleaner! We had barbeques, went to church, had friends come to visit, played on the internet, made photos and CDs, Got to see Aunt Ann and Aunt Bette last night, and Uncle John came and spent the day today. We talked about Geocaching and told trail stories most of the day. Ron thought to get me a dentist appointment and I was able to get my broken tooth fixed. She gave me the hiker discount which was really cool, since I have no insurance. That was pretty amazing! Uncle John took me down to the dentist and then to the grocery store for resupply. Ron and I went out for a margarita where I met Dave, He told me about a great kayak run on the New River northbound, and returning on the Galley southbound. A river trip sounds really good right now, but I'm all set now for a 5 day trek to Boiling Springs, PA. I should be there Saturday night or Sunday. I'm going to try to eat dinner at South Mountain Inn tomorrow! I'm going to try to get to Duncannon in time to go to "Creation" '06. Sometime between the 29th and the 1st. Anyways, I'll get one last night in a soft bed. Thank you Ron and Uncle John!
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Dahlgren's Campground
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Uncle John took me back to Harpers Ferry and we had breakfast at Cindy Dee's. Picked up my mail drop. Yeah, I got my fleece back! Back to the ATC where Dirt Diva was headed out today too. Glad to have some familiar faces in the area, I passed Pete, the austrailian I had met the first day at Springer. His trail name is Tex now, He was just out seeing the sights at Harper's Ferry. I liked the tow path. Lots of turtles in the canal, a train went by as I crossed the bridge. Then some familiar ground as I stood on Weaverton cliffs and signed the log at Edward Garvey Shelter where Uncle John had helped to install the AT railing in the loft. Checked the log at Rocky Run too, but the old logs have been replaced by new ones. Hiked in to Dahlgren's campground, only one other hiker there and took a shower. And Yes, I had to go back and eat at South Mountain Inn. Ummm Fettichini Alfredo and margaritas! Not as much fun though with out my uncles. I enjoyed seeing the trail Uncle John and Uncle Chuck and I hiked last year! Had to take self portraits again!
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Dahlgren's Campground

To: Pen-Mar Road (just past)
Miles today: 23.8

Summer Solstice, Hike Naked Day, Glad I didn't want to try it! There were a lot of families, day hikers, boy scouts, mormon girls. It would not of been pretty! Didn't have to see any either. Self portraits at Washington Monument. Crossed the foot bridge over I-70 and a truck honked. I waved. I recognized the geocaches we had discovered last year. Stopped and checked on the Barber Reunion Cache. Shelly's pee socks are still in there! Self portraits at Annapolis Rocks. Met the Maryland Ridgerunner and Holly Trout. Otherwise it was an empty trail as far as thru hikers go. After being in so much good company up to Harper's Ferry, It was almost depressing to see all these great views in perfect weather and have no one to share them with. But then I got to Pen-Mar Park and was instantly offered a hot dog, hamburger, and little debbies by a really friendly bro and sis and their girlfriends. Cute kids too! Washed up in the sink and rinsed out my clothes. Worked on my French workbook while waiting for the sunset from the sunset pavillion on the longest day of the year. Then crossed into Pennsylvania and hung my hammock in the first little woods before the creek. Ah, Pennsylvania. Boy, I've been through parts of it before and I hope I survive it this time!
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Pen-Mar Road (just past)

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 27.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up and packed up fast before my stuff got wet. Burner and Fung Shui were supposed to be on the trail near here again today, but I wasn't gonna stand around in the rain. I Found Holly Trout in the same condition just down the trail. We travelled together for a while stopping at the twin shelters. Montreal makes me laugh even two days ahead. He signed the log using my slogan, "proceeding on..Montreal". At Antietam Shelter, he was still "Proceeding on.." Holly and I made chicken spread sandwiches with the trail magic at Antietem Shelter. Just before Caledonia State Park, I ran into Windtalker and Mom. They were taking a rest break and as we started hiking again, we scared the daylights out of a couple kids playing in a clearing. I knew we had to be close to the park. I headed straight for the concession stand and drank two vanilla milkshakes and frys, then went swimming. Met John and Niko who did a cannon ball for me! That was refreshing, so I hiked another 9.6 miles making a long day! Quarry Run Shelter gets the reward for best dressed shelter of the trail so far! Flower pots, a small stream in front with cattails, painted floors and a covered lunch table. All perfectly clean and neat! But I was still feeling strong. Made it to the Birch Run Shelter just before dark, pumped water and then the thunderstorms comenced. Not a whole lot of rain, but the moisture prevented my clothes from drying. I met a couple section hikers. "Bop-It" is pretty sure he's getting off at Pine Grove. He's bummed because his daughter and friends are off trail. I understand totally. The shelters got bunk beds and it's good to be dry, but the mosquitoes are troublesome.
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Birches Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept in but was still on the trail by 8:00. It was a lovely trail and mostly down. A couple road walks and old buildings and somewhere there was supposed to be an actual half way mark, but I didn't see it. Pine Grove Furnace State Park! I made it! The porch was full of hikers but I didn't know any of them. Sleep Ninja, Butterfly Skies, Serapia were a few. There was a guy talking like he knew the trail, but he didn't have the look of a thru hiker. Come to find out he was Mom's dad! Yeah, I know, poor play on words. Anyways, I wasn't planning to stay here, but after making it to the traditional half way point, I had to participate in a cruel thru hiker tradition. I bought a half gallon of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream and proceeded to eat the whole thing in one sitting. The first pint was delicious. The second pint was alright, but the second half was absolutely pure torture. It took me 2 hours and 50 minutes and I probably would have bailed if Dirt Diva and Compass Rose hadn't have showed up to cheer me on. It was good to see them, but they weren't really here yet, so I didn't get to see them suffer! Bop-It, though, went and ate his whole half gallon of neopolitan. He looked as sick as I felt. It really is an awful feeling. Especially when you just hiked a fast pace to get to the ice cream that sounded so good for the last 2 and a half months. I don't know if I can eat that flavor ever again. I hope at least the other flavors will sound good in a day or two! They were out of wooden spoons, so I waited for the delivery truck. After that much pain, I wasn't going to not get "The Prize"! They stamp "member of the half gallon club" on both sides. I then got a sub, mostly to wash down the ice cream taste. Played yatze with Donkey, Dirt Diva and Compass Rose and a biker named Jon who was hiking with Wizard and their wives. Well, I just didn't have the stomach to hike another 15 miles like I had planned, so I changed my "proceeding on" log to "Staying the night" and I got a bunk in the hostel. It was the best choice of the day. I checked out the secret room and made new friends, Jon's wife was born and raised in Montreal and she helped me with my French lesson. Mostly working on money, days of the week, and large numbers. The french have a strange way of counting! Ate soup and bagels with the school teachers. I played lawn chess with Jon and Wizard, watched Austin Powers and Dirt Diva quizzed me with the homemade Appalachian Trail board game trivia cards.
Date: 2006-06-24
From: Pine Grove Furnace

To: Wiskey Spring Road / PGSP
Miles today: 13.4

Enjoyed a hot cocoa and poptart for breakfast with Dirt Diva, Compass Rose, and the biker/hikers. We watched as a baby bird fell out of it's nest on the hostel porch. Fortuately it was restored to it's nest and commenced feeding once again. I hiked out in the drizzle. Past the half way marker. Not to be confused with the half way point. Baldylocks and Donkey caught up with me and took a photo for me. Then on down the trail there was a cute little rock outcropping with arrows that directed me through the rock maze. I checked my messages, it had been a few days since I had service and found my mailbox was quite full. Some bad news about Doug's dad in hospice, and good news, Uncle Chuck was on his way to try and intercept me with trail magic! I then found a "Lost Yankee" waiting a Wiskey Spring Road with cold rootbeer! I was so excited. Orange-tan popped out of the woods, hadn't seen him in a long time. Lost Yankee gave him a cold drink too. My private angel had no plans, so I asked to be shuttled back to the hostel to watch Dirt Diva and Compass Rose slam down their ice cream! They were champs too! Dirt Diva finished in 37 minutes and Compass Rose wasn't far behind. I feel like such a wimp! Of course, they have frostbitten tongues! Burner and Fung Shui came in too! Good to see Burner after all this time. Not since Atkins! Shasta and H-bomb ate their ice cream and I got photos of hikers looking very sick, laying on benches. It was not a pretty sight! But, another night at the hostel was nice. Burner waited for his chocolate chip mint to melt, then slurped it down in 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Chuck got the best photos of it too! Watched Harold and Maude and went to bed. Why do the movies suddenly have so much to say?
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Wiskey Spring Road / PGSP

To: Gettysburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Hey, the best thing about trail magic is it changes the plans which are usually, hike, eat, sleep, hike some more --- to --- Wow, let's go to Gettysburg. So, we did! Uncle Chuck bought an auto tape tour and we toured around from the comfort of his van in the rain! It is a great way to see history. Then there were re-enacters. We talked with them and got great photos of them shooting their guns and cannons. Then we even found the memorial of the 154th Infantry. One of our ancestors fought in that regiment. Then a quick stop at Wal-mart and on to the Super 8 for a dry night, internet, and good company. While I was out gallavanting at Gettysburg, Dirt Diva and Compass Rose were huffing the 26 miles from Pine Grove Furnace to US 11 in the torential down pour. I mean it really rained on them and all day long too! I got a kick out of them, they didn't blink an eye, they just rinsed off their gaitors in the rainwater in the parking lot and joined us in the motel room! Chuck bought pizza for all and I downloaded photos. It occured to me, then, that they would be using my bed and I'd be sleeping on the floor, but it may sound strange, but I had a better idea! It ain't the first time I had to use a sleeping bag in a motel room! But it was the first time I've ever had to share a bed with my uncle! Let's just be clear here! We're close but not that close!
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Wiskey Spring Road

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

Checked out of the Super 8 and went to WildWare outfitters where Dirt Diva got a new pack! Chuck brought me back to Wiskey Spring Road and walked with me for a short bit, then I proceeded on to Boiling Springs and the ATC where I caught up to Shasta and H-bomb, and Tex. I crossed the million dollar footbridge. Crossed I-81 again! It's raining again. Found Bare Bare and a half bare Dick Tracy at Darlington Shelter. No water. Tomorrow on to Duncannon. Thanks Chuck. I really appreciated the trail magic! Gettysburg was awesome!