morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-10
From: US 250 ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I got up early, packed up, and ate a real "healthy" breakfast of doughnuts at the hostel. The previous day I had arranged with Wild Bill, a "real trail angel" to shuttle us back to Rock Fish Gap, and he was there waiting early in the morning. It was a very pleasant and sunny morning, and in only 0.8 mile we were entering Shenandoah National Park. We had heard how the trail would be "easy" but I really didn¢t notice any difference in the trail until after eating lunch. Even then the only real difference was the lack of rocks strewn all over the trail. We saw quite a few deer during the day, and they were not shy about seeing us on the trail. There was a stretch of 12.5 miles between water sources, and I ran out about 1.5 miles before reaching Blackrock Hut Shelter. When I got there I decided that I had hiked enough for the day and threw up my tent for the night. Also in for the night were Corker, Almost Lucky, Ohm, 1/4 moon, and Lewis, who I had not seen since leaving Pearisburg.Total Ascent:        4,990'Total Descent:        4,300'
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up early to a cloudy and foggy morning. After eating I finished the climb to the summit of Blackrock Mountain. I¢m sure it would have been a great view if you could have seen more than 50 yards in front of you. Eventually the fog slowly lifted, and I passed a couple of outstanding views at rock outcroppings on the way to the campground store. Once at the store I loaded up on lunch from some of the supplies available there, and, after leaving, I saw a bear running uphill through the brush at the intersection with the Ivy Creek Spring Trail. I followed the short side trail to get water from what turned out to be one of the best springs I have come across so far. After getting back on the trail I spotted a mother and two cubs about 15 yards off the trail. I wanted to take a picture, but with the two cubs and being by myself I decided to not take a chance of making momma anxious. The rest of the afternoon was spent climbing a series of mountains until finally reaching my destination for the night, Hightop Hut. Also there for the night were Corker, Lewis, Almost Lucky, Cheeseburger, and Gimpy.Total Ascent:        4,960'Total Descent:        4,380'
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

I woke up to another beautiful morning, and I quickly packed up my tent and hit the trail. It didn¢t take long to finish the climb to the summit of Hightop Mountain, and just after crossing SkyLine Drive I caught up to Corker and Cheeseburger. There was a sow and three cubs just ahead so we were very cautious about continuing ahead on the trail. The cubs climbed a tree, and the mother stood guard at the base of the tree as we very carefully walked by and snapped some pictures. While eating lunch Almost Lucky, Lewis, and I decided to meet later in the afternoon and spend the night at Big Meadows Campground. It started raining very lightly just as I arrived, and I set off to track down Almost Lucky and Lewis. After finding them and setting up my tent, I joined them for dinner in the lodge. I didn¢t stay long after eating because I could see a storm moving in through the large picture window, and I wanted to be in my tent before the rain set in. I made it back to my tent just in time, and after the wind and lightning subsided it didn¢t take long for me to fall asleep.Total Ascent:        4,490'Total Descent:        4,040'
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: moderate rain

I got up real early to take a shower and wash my clothes. After that I walked the mile to the wayside, but found out it was not open yet when I got there. It was not going to open for another 45 minutes so I walked back to the lodge and had a really good breakfast there. After eating I spent some time drying out my tent and didn¢t hit the trail until nearly 9:30. It was a little foggy, but the sun did break through the clouds at times. I joined Almost Lucky and Lewis at Skyland Restaurant for lunch, where they served up some great burgers. After eating, the trail passed some spectacular overlooks at rock outcroppings just beyond Stony Mountain. I saw two more bears before reaching Mary¢s Rock, and it had me a little more ¢bear aware¢ the remainder of the afternoon. As I made my way to the shelter for the night it began to rain, lightning and hail. The hail was marble sized and gave my head quite a pounding. I was not more than a half mile from the shelter when this happened, but, when I got there, I found the storm had totally missed the shelter. There was already a full house in the shelter so I set up my tent for the night. After eating and getting water it began to rain again just as I climbed into my tent for the night. Total Ascent:        3,980'Total Descent:        4,800'
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: light rain

It rained off and on throughout the night, and there was still a heavy mist in the morning. I delayed getting out of my tent as long as I could, but the light rain continued. Most of the others had left by the time I ventured out of my tent, so there was room to pack up and eat in the dry confines of the shelter. Eventually, I gathered the courage to venture out and get moving. After a quick 7 miles, I stopped at the next wayside to eat lunch. The selection of food was not good, but it was still better than what I was carrying in my pack. I didn¢t stay long because I was beginning to chill, and the rain continued on as I returned to the trail. It¢s days like this that are reduced to Just making some miles and to stay warm. I stopped at Gravel Springs Hut for another break and decided to continue on to the next shelter for the night. When I got to Tom Floyd Wayside late in the day, I found the shelter all to myself. It was a good decision not to push on because shortly after getting into my sleeping bag for the night it began to rain again. A fitting way for the day to end as it began.Total Ascent:        4,650'Total Descent:        5,410'
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a real good night¢s rest with no one else in the shelter. The rain did not last very long during the night, but it was still grey and cloudy when I got up in the morning. There were no views to speak of during the day¢s hike, but, rather, the day was highlighted by traveling through thick forest with lush undergrowth. When I reached the VA 638 road crossing I hitched into Linden for lunch and to pick up what remaining supplies I would need to last until Harpers Ferry. On the way back to the trial it appeared as though it would rain again, but it only rained very lightly for a short period of time. I finally made it to Dick¢s Dome Shelter for the night, and I have to give it my vote for the worst shelter design on the trail. The odd shape of the shelter made for a lot of wasted space. Just as everyone had settled into their sleeping bags for the night, Lewis and Almost Lucky stopped in for the night too, and, fortunately, there was enough room for everyone to move over a little so Lewis could squeeze in too.Total Ascent:        3,800'Total Descent:        4,400'
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

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

The thought of pizza got me up and on the trail early this morning. The first nine miles of the day went by very quickly for me, and I stopped at the Rod Hollow Shelter for a mid-morning break. While there I noticed a pain in the top of my right foot. I thought it was just my shoe laces being too tight, but when I took my shoes off I found it had to be something else. Almost immediately after leaving the shelter we began one of the most famous sections of the AT, the ¢Roller Coaster¢ which is a series of 10 hills with steep climbs and steep descents. My right leg also started hurting about the same time and it slowed me down even more than usual for crossing this type of terrain. Each hill I crossed became successively more difficult as the temperature climbed, and the combination of the heat and humidity was slowly wearing me down. I stopped at Sam Moore Shelter in the afternoon for a break before making the final two climbs of the day. After making the final climbs I took the short side trail to the Bears Den Hostel, where a pizza, soda, and pint of Ben & Jerrys ice cream is included in the price of the stay. I got there early enough in the afternoon that it gave me a chance to finish drying out my gear from the all day rain on Thursday. Also there for the night was Jon, Almost Lucky and Lewis, who will spend his last day on the trail tomorrow. Total Ascent:        4,810'Total Descent:        4,860'
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

We had pancakes for breakfast in the morning, courtesy of Jon (Rodknee Dangertrail). After cleaning up the kitchen I was anxious to hit the trail to see how my leg was feeling. It didn¢t take long on the Roller Coaster to find out it was still hurting as I could feel it with each step I took. I¢m not sure where the Roller Coaster finished, but I was thankful for be done with it on this very warm and humid morning. I stopped for a break at the David Lesser Shelter to eat and give my leg a rest. I could have used some water too, but it was 0.3 mile downhill, so I opted to wait until Keys Gap, where I walked the 0.3 mile to a convenience store and restaurant. When I got to the restaurant I found out it was a biker bar, but with the way my leg was hurting I went in anyways. It paid off because it gave me a chance to cool off in the air conditioning, and I had one of the best cheeseburgers on the entire trip so far. By the time I got back on the trail it was really hot outside, but I managed the final 6 miles into Harpers Ferry for the night. When I got into town I booked a room at the Hilltop Hotel for the night.Total Ascent:        3,490'Total Descent:        4,180'
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My right leg and foot were still hurting in the morning, making it painful to walk. I decided to take a zero to see if some rest and ice on my leg would help. I walked (limped) down to eat breakfast and saw Uno and Dewey in the restaurant. Uno thought the problem with my leg could be shin splints, so we shall see . . .
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

Even though my leg feels better today, it wasn¢t good enough to return to the trail today. The ice and rest certainly seem to help, but not as fast as I would like. I even looked into taking the train home in case this is something more than what a little ice and rest won¢t cure.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It had rained overnight and the skies looked threatening when I left the motel in the morning. I was very apprehensive about the condition of my leg and how it would be under the load of a full pack. There was only one way to find out. It did rain before I could get out of Harpers Ferry but only long enough to get my pack cover and rain jacket on, and then, of course, it stopped. Once I crossed the Potomac River into Maryland there was a very long walk along an old abandoned canal towpath. Outside of stopping to take a break at the Ed Garvey Shelter the rest of the morning proved to be rather uneventful. Later in the morning I stopped at the Gathland State Park to look at the Civil War ruins and battlefield. I met a group of women heading south there who were also from Indiana. I also talked with Backfire and his wife for a while before venturing north again. Backfire and his wife are from Kalamazoo, MI, and his wife will hike with him for the next two weeks before she returns home and he continues north to Maine by himself. My leg felt good enough to go on to the Dahlgren Campground for the night, which is a little further than I had planned on traveling for the day. I didn¢t see any other thru-hikers there for the night, but almost all of the sites were taken.Total Ascent:        2,820'Total Descent:        2,380'
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

I no sooner walked out of the restroom when a young lady approached me and asked if I was going to hike naked today. My reply was ¢huh?¢ Then she told me she was a reporter from the Baltimore Sun and wanted to interview someone who was going to hike naked. I had forgotten today was the first day of summer and the traditional hike naked day. Not wanting to scare anyone, and not to mention bring risk to some very important body parts, I had decided weeks ago it was something I would leave for others to enjoy/risk. It didn¢t take long for me to make the hike up to the original Washington Monument, and I took a long break there enjoying the views on this very beautiful day. After leaving the morning was pretty uneventful until I stopped for lunch at Black Rock Cliffs. Again the view was outstanding and I spent some time there taking it all in. The rest of the afternoon followed a series of short ascents and descents to the Devils Racecourse Shelter. About 2 miles before getting there it began to rain and it continued on until I was in my sleeping bag for the night. Also at the shelter for the night were Why Not, Lynx, and Touch-My-Stuff.Total Ascent:        3,890'Total Descent:        3,280'
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

It was as cool as it has been in a while when I got up in the morning, and the skies were clear with bright sunshine. Everyone in the shelter took their time getting around after the rain yesterday evening, and it was 8:15 before I finally made it back on the trail. It was not far to the beautiful Penmar County Park where I stopped for a late morning break and soda from the vending machine. About a mile after leaving the park we crossed into Pennsylvania for the first time, and, finally, we were going to see firsthand the rocks everyone had been talking about for some time. I ran into Corker at Deer Link Shelters, and he told me that he went into town and was tested for Lyme disease. I just hope it turns out to be negative. In the afternoon I decided to push on to the Rocky Mountain Shelters for the night, but not before checking out the fantastic views from Chimney Rocks. I finally made it to the shelter late in the afternoon and had to go way downhill for water. I just hope that isn¢t the norm for PA. I¢ve got this shelter to myself for the night and Yellow Jacket and Runner are in its twin. . . . sweet dreams!Total Ascent:        3,650'Total Descent:        3,510'
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was another cool and beautiful morning, and I took my time leaving the shelter. It didn¢t take long to hike the 3 miles to U.S. 30, where I followed the road into town to pick up some food for lunch and buy enough supplies to last until I get to Boiling Springs. I picked up a foot long sub while there, and when I got to Caledonia State Park to eat it, there was also a group serving some trail magic. Needless to say I had plenty to eat. After filling my stomach I began the 1,000 foot climb up to the ridge. Most of the afternoon was uneventful, but it was a perfect day to be out hiking. I stopped later in the afternoon to finish off the rest of my sub when I found more trail magic. Eventually, I made my way to the Birch Run Shelter for the night thanks to some rather easy hiking. Also in for the night were Montreal, April Showers, and Jimmy Cricket.Total Ascent:        2,300'Total Descent:        2,000'
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 17.1

It was as cold as it has been in quite a while this morning, and I stayed inside my sleeping bag as long as possible. There was nothing of note between the shelter and Pine Grove State Park except we did pass the true midpoint of the trail about 1/2 mile before reaching PA 233. The good news about that is you have finally reached the midpoint of the trail, and the bad news is you are still only half way finished. Once at Pine Grove State Park the only thing on my mind was food and ice cream. At the store I joined April Showers and Montreal who were already working on eating a half gallon of ice cream between the two of them. I opted for just 1 pint of ice cream, a cheeseburger, and fries instead of taking the half gallon challenge. After leaving Pine Grove State Park I stopped at the traditional AT Midpoint Marker for a few minutes and some photos. I got some day hikers who happened to be passing in the opposite direction to take my picture there. After finishing the climb back to the ridge I spent the rest of the afternoon making my way to the James Fry Shelter, where I spent the night. I shared the shelter with a very well behaved group of Boy Scouts and their leaders. Alpine Strider came in very late in the evening after hiking a very long day.Total Ascent:        1,760'Total Descent:        2,740'
Date: 2007-06-25
From: James Fry Shelter

To: U.S. 11 Footbridge
Miles today: 20.2

The Scout¢s alarm went off at 5:00 am, and, though it was a little earlier than I like to get up, it was just as well because it was supposed to get very warm today. In fact, it was already much warmer than it had been this early in the morning. The skies were grey when I left the shelter, and other than some brief peaks of the sun it remained that way throughout the day. I stopped at the Kennedy Shelter for a break and spoke briefly with Alpine Strider while there, and, once back on the trail, it didn¢t take long for me to reach Boiling Springs. Alpine Strider, Jbeard, Mangrove, April Showers, Montreal, and I all arrived at the ATC Mid-Atlantic Office about the same time, and we all scattered out into town for lunch. After getting back on the trail we began a very long walk leading through the farm fields of the Cumberland Valley. It was very warm and humid traveling through the fields, and I was glad to reach the U.S. 11 road crossing where I walked the half mile to the Super 8 for the night. Also in the hotel for the night were Montreal and April Showers, who I joined for dinner later in the evening.Total Ascent:        2,700'Total Descent:        2,860'
Date: 2007-06-26
From: U.S. 11 Footbridge

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I got up to get an early start and ran into Lakewood at the Super 8¢s continental breakfast. It was already nearly 70° as I walked back to the trail, so walking through the farm fields proved to be very warm and humid again early in the morning. After making the climb back onto the ridge I took a late morning break at the Darlington Shelter. The heat and humidity were already getting the best of me. The trail left the ridge and returned to the farm fields, where it was really hot, then made another climb back up to a ridge where the gypsy moths were stripping the trees of their leaves. The lack of foliage made the hike along the rock strewn ridge even hotter, and, to make matters worse, I ran out of water about 2 miles before reaching Cove Mountain Shelter. Once there I got water and took a very long break in the shade. After leaving the shelter I eventually made my way down to the outskirts of Duncannon. After following the highway to the center of the city I booked a room for the night at the famous Doyle Hotel. There were several signs on the way to the motel that said it was in the upper 90¢s. Also among the others there for the night were Alpine Strider, Lakewood, April Showers, and Montreal.Total Ascent:        3,970'Total Descent:        3,960'
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

What do you think happens when you are trying to sleep, have no air conditioning, and the temperature is in the 90¢s? You don¢t sleep very well! Luckily I did have a fan blowing on me all night, but this is not the place to stay when it is real warm outside. I went across the street to Goodies for breakfast since I had to wait for the post office to open, and the food was excellent . . especially the blueberry pancakes. By the time I got back from the post office and packed up I didn¢t leave the hotel until 9:00, and that was not good on what was already a very warm and humid day. After crossing the Susquehanna River we began the long climb up the mountain, and I had to stop many times because of the humidity. After gaining the ridge the trail turned into picking your way through some exposed rocks and boulders, which proved to very hot with the foliage having been ravaged by the gypsy moths. I took a late morning break at Clarks Ferry Shelter to get more water and to eat, and after leaving the skies began to cloud over. Eventually it began to rain when I was about 3 miles from the Peters Mountain Shelter, but, other than some close lightning strikes, it was refreshing to hike through the pouring rain on this warm day. I arrived at the shelter just as the rain quit, and also there for the night were Montreal, April Showers, and Alpine Strider.Total Ascent:        2,540'Total Descent:        1,660'
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: haze

I was hoping for a cooler today because the combination of the previous days¢ heat and humidity was really draining my energy. I was on the trail by 7:00 am, and, shortly after getting started, I knew it was going to be a long day. We came to a nice lookout after about two miles into the day, but, as it turned out, that was the only view of the day. After taking a short break on the rock outcropping there it seemed as though the rest of the day was a struggle, likely due to the last two days of heat and the continuous humidity. When I ran into Montreal and April Showers about midday even they were feeling the effects of the weather. Eventually, I did reach Rausch Gap Shelter later in the day and decided to tent there for the night. And wouldn¢t you know it, it decided to rain about the time I was fixing my dinner. Oh well, I guess you have to expect days like this occasionally, but I hope they are not repeated too often.Total Ascent:        2,320'Total Descent:        2,420'
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was still raining very lightly when I got up in the morning, so things got a little wet while packing up. One thing I learned at this campsite is not to set up camp in what was once an old coal field. The rain splashed little bits of coal dust over everything, and it was not easy getting it off. Last night I twisted my knee getting out of the tent, and it was sore in the morning. Just as my shin splint is healing this happened on my ¢good¢ left leg. The entire day was pretty uneventful except for an occasional rock field to cross and lots of poison ivy lining the trail. If I don¢t get a rash from contact with the weed it will be a minor miracle. I was going to stay at the William Penn Shelter for the night, but the water source was so poor I decided to push on to the 501 Shelter instead. It was a good move to do so, but I was amazed to find no one else there for the night, especially considering it is Friday night and the shelter is virtually right next to a trailhead. Circuit Rider and Sherlock are also here for the night tenting. Where is everyone else? The trail seems so deserted.Total Ascent:        3,080'Total Descent:        2,620'