morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Unmarked camp site close to a spring

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

We rose early for our short hike into Waynesboro. An exciting day ahead. I¢m meeting Ingrid and Christina and staying at the Belle Hearth B&B. We arrived quickly on a beautiful day. Making good time motivated by our 2nd breakfast and the arrival of family. Lloyd from the B&B shuttled us in from Rockfish Gap and dropped us off at Weasie¢s Kitchen. A local dinner with great food, friendly service and happy customers. We ordered so much food that one of the customers came to our table to ask us if we were hikers. She had just split a breakfast entr©e with her husband. We both ordered two entrees each. Delicious.Our B&B was in a well appointed victorian home. Inn keepers Lloyd and Linda provide elegant, comfort and breakfast.Great town days for me are being united with family, clean clothes, and body, resupply and ample lunch and dinner at the local restaurants. We also had the opportunity to deliver trail magic at the YMCA campground and the Heritage restaurant. Hikers are an appreciative group of people.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: sawmill

To: rockfish Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Ingrid and Christina joined me to hike the beginning of the AT in Shenandoah National Park, (SNP). We slacked packed 10 miles back to Waynesboro. It was not an easy hike with challenging hills and terrain. They both did great. I'm so proud of them. I hope they come back to join me. It was fun having them on the trail. Christina led the way all day. She was a bundle of energy. Copperhead a thru hiker recommend a trail name for Christina of Full Throttle. Towards the end of our hike we got a big surprise. Christina came running back on the trail with her eyes as big a saucers. She saw a bear crossing the trail very close to her. They looked at one another and both ran in opposite directions. Exciting for Christina and the bear. We met Dave and his daughter day hiking NoBo. Dave is a member of the Old Dominion Trail Club. We had an enjoyable discussion about the AT and the club. Before we left he gave me an AT Karma Pendent. I will register the Pendent's number so that it may be tracked. My responsibility is to pass the Karma into another hiker in the future. Thank you Dave. I am honored. We met Obsolete at the end of our hike and headed straight to Tastee Freeze. Oh the pleasure of a chocolate dip cone. We ended our day with Obsolete buying us dinner. Thank you Obsolete. A great ending to a great day.
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Sawmill Gap

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Ingrid and Christina dropped me off on the trail and headed home. It was great to have them with me for a couple of days. It was fun the experience the AT with them. They also had a chance to meet other hikers who I see during the week. I'm always a little sad when they leave and grateful for our time together. The AT through SNP is a pleasure to hike. It crisscrosses Skyline Drive which has a number of campgrounds and waysides in addition to "huts", ie shelters. I camped at Loft Mountain camp ground. A huge area that accommodates car camping. I was interested in the Way Side and showers. Unfortunately they were a couple of miles away. A ranger and former thru hiker arranged a little trail magic. He asked two park volunteers to drive me. The volunteers were a retired couple in their seventies. They wore the standard brown uniform and were an entertaining couple. They are from Florida, live in a 37 foot RV and volunteer at different parks. During dinner I was joined by Kristin a SoBo section hiker recently out of the Marines. She will join her husband soon when he is deployed to Germany. It was a pleasure to meet her and I wish her well on the trail and her new life in Germany. Unfortunately I missed my ride back to camp. With Kristin's help we hitched a ride from a nice middle aged couple. Their car was completely full of supplies. They didn't want to pass us up and found a way to fit us in. I was grateful. I set up camp and was pleased to see Five, Copperhead and Fire Starter next to me. Obsolete is ahead of me when I slacked packed this week. I'll have a couple of days to meet other hikers. We plan to connect on Sunday at one of the Parks lodges.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Former South River Shelter Site
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

An early start for a long hike today. Great views rewarded me on smooth trails. I met a number of SoBo section hikers. I admire their determination to walk the entire AT over a number of years. One, Goel is slack packing Virginia using his car and bicycle. Another has been section hiking for thirteen years. As I passed a road side pull off a rattle snake was going SoBo. It was in the middle of the trail coming directly at me. It was a few feet away when I recognized what it was. My adrenaline rose as I watched and listened for a rattle. There was none. The snake was not alarmed by me. It slowing slithered off the trail. The event energized me and I now am scanning for rattle snakes on each hike. For much of the day I hiked with Leap Frog. Recently out of the Peace Corp she is getting ready to go to graduate school. She spent two years on a small island in the pacific teaching English. The island has 500 people. Leap Frog is a tenacious hiker and encouraged me to stretch my distance. It was a big help as it reduced my miles the next day when I planned to meet Obsolete at Big Meadows Lodge. Unfortunately a large thunderstorm caught us and we were drenched for the last 30 minutes. Nothing I had was dry. Even in the rain you must put up your tent, make dinner and try to dry things out. We made the best of it. I was grateful for the extra miles and the thought of a shower, clean clothes, hot meals and a beer at Big Meadows lodge.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Former South River Shelter Site

To: Big Meadows Loadge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We rose early and were on the trail by 6:45am. I made a quick stop at a picnic area not far away to get water and have a breakfast. I said good by to Leap Frog as she left for another long day. I made it to Lewis Mtn Campground mid morning. The camp store provided me another breakfast and hot coffee. It is common for me to eat two breakfasts, lunches or dinners when I can get them. While having my coffee I met a woman who was backpacking for a week with here two adult daughters. They were happy to be together but the backpacking wasn't what they thought it would be. Strenuous hiked, heavy packs, hanging best bags was challenging. The drenching rain became too much. They booked a room at Big Meadows Lodge and enjoy some comfort together. I'm happy to hear that they changed their plans. An adventure should be fun. I reconnected with Obsolete at Big Meadows. It is a beautiful old timber frame lodge. The food was good and the people nice. Unfortunately the lodge was poorly managed. We waited for a room and when we finally got the key it still had not been made up. Obsolete helped the house keeper clean the room and make the beds. There were numerous other issues. Other guests expressed other problems. It was as if the Lodge didn't know it was going to have guests. The Managment Company seemed to not understand what business they were in or cared about their customers. They have a monopoly with the SNP lodges and acted like it. My stay was a disappointment. I wouldn't stay there again and would recommend camping instead. The hike was good. I saw several salamanders that I had not seen before. There is always something new to see.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Big Meadows Loadge

To: pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A long hot day, challenging hike with rocky terrain and great views. The temps are rising. I'm taking my time to hydrate with electrolytes. This helps get me through the day.The heat is adding to my feet swelling. They are painful as I end my day. Slowing down would be the best medicine but I'm motivated to get to Harpers Ferry, the halfway mark. There I'll take a "zero" day and meet up with Ingrid. We had lunch at another Wayside. It is so nice to carry less food and enjoy a resturant meal. It included blackberry ice cream for desert. Delicious. Practicing being "present" on the the trail makes each day interesting. New and diverse plants, wildlife and people. I saw black snake so long I had trouble getting it in the frame of my camera. Other hikers are always interesting to meet. This afternoon I hiked with Vanguard for part of my day. A young man in his late 30's. He loves hiking an the AT was on his bucket list. He quit his job and hit the trail. Vanguard didn't fit the more common 20's or retired group. Every hiker has a story for why they are here. I enjoy listening to each one. The evening ended at the shelter. Full of hikers a nine month old Canadian baby captured the spotlight. She was all smiles and happy doing a section hike with her parents. Meeting her made me miss my family. I do miss them. As I lay in my tent just before dusk I heard the soulful music of Beowulf's harmonica. Shortly after he finished, owls called to one another and then a thunderstorm rolled in. The hard rain on my tent serenaded me to sleep. What a lovely day. A 20+ mile day is planned for tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: pass Mountain Hut

To: front royal hostel
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

An early start we were in the trail by 7am. Our intent was to get to Front Royal Hostel 23 miles away. The early start helped us beat the heat. More importantly it allowed us to stop at a Shenandoah Wayside for a second breakfast. We stayed for an hour eating. The day became hot and the trail challenging. We were rewarded with great views and interesting landscape in the forest. Large boulders and rocks added interest to the diversity of forest. We caught up with Ox who was hiking with his Dad. So good to see them both again. Ox's Dad will return home. We hope to reconnect with Ox near Harpers Ferry. Front Royal Hostel is run by Mike Evans. For $30 you get a bunk with sheets and a pillow, shower, laundry, two cold drinks, a quart of ice cream and a ride into town. Plus you get Mike an interesting guy who has a passion to help hikers. I finished the day hot, tired and ready for a rest.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: trico tower

To: front royal hostel
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we "slacked pack" SoBo 17 miles back to Front Royal Hostel. The weather cooled down and the trail friendly. With less weight in my pack I moved quickly. It also gave a break to my feet. I'm hoping for a recovery day to help heal my swollen feet and toes. It was a good day yet difficult from the cumulative miles. I'm looking forward to a day off this weekend. The forecast is calling temps in the low 50s with a 100% chance of rain. I'm going to get the most of my dry warm night in the Hostel before setting out tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: front royal hostel

To: bears den hostel
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

5/21 trico tower trail to Bears Den Hostel 20.8We left the warm and dry comfort of the hostel to hike in the cold rain. The temperature dropped over night to the low 50s. It brought with it a steady rain. I was refreshed from a good nights sleep, hot breakfast, coffee, freshly washed clothes and a hot shower. Those comforts lasted about an hour on the trail. The rain poured, tall wet grass soaked my pants that wicked to my socks and shoes. My feet were soaked and I began to shiver. One benefit of having cold wet feet was that it kept them from swelling. I questioned the wisdom of mailing back my warm base layer and rain pants two weeks ago. My pace quickened so that I would warm up. We stopped early for lunch to make a hot meal. A Noor side meal never tasted so good. It gave me strength and energy for what came next. What came next was The "Roller Coaster". A 13.5 mile stretch of trail of steep ascents and descents. Strenuous hiking but there was a benefit. The ups and downs warmed me up. The weather improved and we stretched our hike to Bears Den Hostel, a 20+ mile day. Bears Den is operated by the Appalachian Trail Conservatory. A beautiful and comfortable stone building built in the 30s. Another shower, clean clothes, pizza and a pint of Ben and Jerry's. Everything a cold, wet and tired hiker could ask for. A satisfying way to end our day. We hit an important milestone today crossing the 1000 mile mark!
Date: 2015-05-22
From: bears den hostel

To: balckburn centrr
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Obsolete and I left Bears Den well fed and rested. We intended to have a short hike to the Blackburn Center and get a shuttle into Harpers Ferry. We finished the "roller coaster" without a problem. Easy hiking for the remainder of the way. Our plan was to slack pack the remaining 12 miles into town the next day. Obsolete's wife is meeting him Friday evening. Ingrid is meeting me in Saturday to enjoy Harpers Ferry and join me in my zero day. I arrived into Harpers Ferry and went to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Center. The trail runs close to the Center. It is a central point for all AT hikers , especially Thru Hikers. When I entered the building I was immediately greeted and identified as a Thru Hiker. We were brought to the Thru Hiker lounge and afforded every courtesy. Cold drinks, bathrooms, running water. Our pictures were taken and entered into the 2015 class of Thru Hikers. I was number 225 thus far. It was like a VIP lounge at the airport. It was very nice to receive such special attention. A former Thru Hiker drove me to the Teahorse hostel. A well run, clean and comfortable establishment. It was nice to see some hiker friends, Leap Frog and Mr Leonard. After an early dinner I crawled into bed and slept soundly. I was excited to slack pack NoBo tomorrow, meet Obsolete's wife and see Ingrid in the afternoon.
Date: 2015-05-23
To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0

No hiking today. Exploring Harpers Ferry and eating two meals each for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I did do "hiker maintenance - took my backpack to the car wash and power sprayed it......it no longer smells like wet dog, treated my clothes and tent to repel bugs as they are growing in number. No other hiking activity for the rest of the day. Harpers Ferry is a town living in history. So much to see and do concentrated in a small area. If you haven't been there I highly recommend a long weekend. The area is rich in history and surrounded by important monuments and battlefields from the civil war. There are also fun outdoor activities, tubing, kayaking, fishing, etc. for gamblers there is a large race track five miles away in Charles Town. We had a great day exploring and ended the evening with Obsolete and Tracey for dinner. A delicious meal at "the Press Room" in Shepard's Town. A great relaxing day. Good food, beautiful surroundings, friends and loved ones. My best zero day yet.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Turners Gap

To: harpers ferry
Miles today: 17.0

Ingrid decided to stay another day but Tracey needed to return home. It was such a pleasure to meet Tracey after hearing so much about her from Obsolete. Walking 8-10 hrs a day with someone gives you ample time for discussion. Obsolete speaks highly of his wife. Meeting her I know why. It was a pleasure to meet her. Ingrid dropped Obsolete and I off at Turners Gap to slack pack SoBo back to Harpers Ferry, 17 miles. Ingrid used the time to explore Antietam battlefield. We had a nice hike back to Harpers Ferry on a hot day. Ingrid enjoyed her day exploring. I enjoyed hearing all about the history from her. We met in town for lunch and a beer. Both welcome after the heat of the day. We spent w relaxing evening in our room enjoying the luxury of a comfortable bed and sheets!
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Turners Gap

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ingrid decided to stay another day but Tracey needed to return home. It was such a pleasure to meet Tracey after hearing so much about her from Obsolete. Walking 8-10 hrs a day with someone gives you ample time for discussion. It was a delight to meet her bIngrid dropped Obsolete and I off at Turners Gap to slack pack SoBo back to Harpers Ferry, 17 miles. Ingrid used the time to explore Antietam battlefield. We had a nice hike back to Harpers Ferry on a hot day. Ingrid enjoyed her day exploring. I enjoyed hearing all about the history from her. We met in town for lunch and a beer. Both welcome after the heat of the day. We enjoyed the evening back at our hotel, wonderful sheets, comfortable bed and running water. It's been almost s week since I've been in my tent. It has been a luxurious adventure through the Shenendoah, Front Royal, Bearss Den and Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Turners Gap

To: ensign cowall shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

This has been the fourth time that Ingrid has met me on the trail. I'm grateful for her support. She arrived with a "hiker box" full of supplies and home backed goods. Always a nice bottle of wine to share and encouragement for me to continue. I could not have asked for more. She sacrifices a lot for me to be here. I'm grateful. Ingrid dropped us off at Turners Gap. We had heavy packs, 3 days of food and intended to go 15 miles. The day was hot, the trail a mixture of easy hiking and rock hopping. I could not have made any more miles. Harpers Ferry was our exit from Virginia the state with the most trail, ~500 miles. West Virginia is short but historical. We now entered Maryland. Of the 14 States that the AT goes through we have been in six. Progress. We are looking forward to hitting the halfway point by the end of this week. I'm now comfortable in my tent and looking for a good night sleep to give me energy for long miles tomorrow. It has been a great week with hostels, hotels and comfort resturant food. im blessed to have had Ingrid join me for a few days.
Date: 2015-05-27
From: ensign Shelter

To: Antietam Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

We woke to howling coyotes early in the morning. It helped us get an early start. The afternoons are warming up quickly. Beating the heat by getting a 7am start is now a daily plan. Obsolete and intended a 17 mile day to Antietam Shelter. Our short visit through MD is ending and we are moving to PA. The AT goes through fourteen states. Thus far I've covered GA, NC, TN, VA, and WV. The day warmed up quickly. It made hiking the rocks and boulders that much more challenging. The temperature rose and clouds gathered into an afternoon thunderstorm. We got drenched. The rain was refreshing and it had its benefits. My clothes were clean (well cleaner), I was clean (well cleaner) and the temperature was comfortable as long as I was moving. A dramatic change to go from perspiration to cold and wet. We needed to keep moving. My shoes quickly became waterlogged. I expect to be hiking in wet shoes until there are two consecutive days without rain. Hiking in wet boots and putting them back on the next day is one of my biggest mental and physical challenges. The rain let up and eventually stopped. We remained wet. We made camp in an area between two streams not far from the Shelter. We made a fire despite the wet wood. It was a comfortable scene made special by the arrival of Ox. Ox had been hiking with his father and then a friend who joined him for a few days. It was great to see him again and look forward to hiking with him. A nice way to end our day.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Antietam Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Obsolete, Ox and I rose early from our comfortable camping spot between two steams. Although the rain stayed away our clothes hanging on the line never dried. The humidity kept everything wet. A warm day was forecasted. Eventually our clothes dried out as we hiked. My boots and socks remained wet. A group of Obsolete's friends were meeting him in Baltimore for the weekend. His proximity to the AT and a Rush concert were the drawer. Obsolete invited Ox and I to join him. Ox took advantage of the opportunity. I declined wanting to save a couple of zero days for when Ingrid joins me. The three of us have enjoyed our friendship on the trail. Unusual for Thru Hikers to meet and to stay together so long. Mutual respect, good conversation and shared interest have helped form our friendships. They are also fun to hike with on the trail. After we shared a lunch together Obsolete and Ox left for Baltimore. My best wishes to them for safe travels, fun and a good reunion with friends. I look forward to seeing you both back on the trail. The shuttle dropped me off on the AT. I finished my short hike to Quarry Gap Shelters. I've never seen a Shelter(s) like this. It looks more like a cabin and garden retreat. Jim Stauch the "innkeeper" has done a magnificent job of creating a welcome, clean and beautiful environment. The area is impeccable in its cleanliness with flowers, wooden tent platforms, two "shelters" separated by a common area with two covered picnic tables a fireplace, stoned walked stream, spring, sitting bench and sun dial. Really incredible. I'm looking forward to enjoying my visit here. Tomorrow I hike by the "half gallon challenge" at Pine Grove General Store. An AT tradition that hikers eat a half gallon of ice cream!
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: iron Masters hostel
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Wiper-wills provided a chorus the evening before as I fell asleep. I rose to a beautiful morning woken up by song birds. It was great sleeping weather, cool, dry and a light breeze. A tent platform made camping all that much better. Clean, dry and comfortable. The platform doubled as a chair and table. I would not have quesed what a difference it made. I'm grateful for the passion that the "innkeeper " has for making this Shelter one of the nicest on the AT. Thank you. The morning hike was pleasant. Cool temperatures, sunlight filtered through the forest illuminating the blossoming Mountain Laurels. They lined much of the trail today. Their octangular flowers appear to be designed by a divine mathematician. They could be on display at a modern art museum.   It is early and I look forward to when they peak. Today was a comfortable hike in solitude while meeting an occasional SoBo and section hikers. I listened to music for the first time, Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen and Sting. The miles went by quickly. Soon I came to the 2015 halfway point. There was nothing there remarkable. There is a formal marker a couple miles away. The distance of the AT changes slightly from year to year. When I reached the mid point I could feel the increase in energy as I celebrated inside crossing the 1094.6 mile mark at "Dead Woman Hollow Road". A dead end road without much fanfare. But it meant a lot to me. I look forward to counting down the miles to Katahdin. My hike ended at the Ironmasters Mansion Hostel in Pine Grove State Park, PA. The park and an AT museum and the Pine Grove General Store. The store has friendly service and good food. It's right next to the hostel. The General Store is well known for its half gallon challenge. It's customary for Thru Hikers to eat a half gallon of ice cream at one sitting! I settled for two scopes after a late lunch. It was an enjoyable day, wonderful weather and I look forward to dinner at the General Store, shower and laundry. A belated Happy Birthday to my son Edward. Enjoy your celebration over the weekend. My best wishes and good luck to Ingrid and her tennis team in the State tournament.