morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Woodshol Hostel

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Rise and shine campers! I was one of the last ones up - so much for the good influence of Aunt Sand.We have rain in the forecast. I am happy it held off. I'm getting to the point where I take the rain just like the hills - just another day on the AT.Today's walk is taking me through Pearisburg, VA. We walked right through a neighborhood. Wonder what the residents think of all the hikers. Some were going to Hardee's but I opted out. I have so much food! I need to eat some.So what is a typical day's diet? Well today I had coffee and pop tart for breakfast, granola bar for first snack, fig newtons for second snack, Lipton sides (angel hair parmesan) for lunch, snickers bar for afternoon snack, Mac and cheese with broccoli and tuna for dinner. That is pretty typical - we munch on snacks quite a lot. It takes a lot of energy to power up those mountains.I hiked with Odat a bit today. We are actually pretty well suited on our pace. It was nice to chat ad we worked our way to the shelter. Timing was good - it began to rain after we arrived. I love to watch the rain from the shelter.We heard that there was a terrible accident at Trail Days. A man lost control of his car and drove into the crowd. They say there are 60+ injured. Socks and Hoop are there. I can't get hold of them and I'm worried. For them and all the hikers. I will try again tomorrow - I can only get service when I'm out on the hills in front of the shelter.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Keffer Oak

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

The downfall with sleeping under the Keffer Oak was the ticks. They were everywhere I picked one off the base of my neck before sleeping. Yuck! But at least you can see them. The deer ticks we have to worry about later are so tiny I hear that they are hard to spot.Water is sparse the next few days so that is becoming a factor when I plan my daily hike. You want to carry enough but not too much. Water is weight and a heavy pack makes for a weary hiker. Today was very hot - the hottest yet. Just a preview of what's to come this summer.Our big climb for the day was up Brushy Mountain. Now if you plan on making that looong ascent yourself, read no further. Otherwise, I'll let you in on the surprise at the top.Back n 1971, the most decorated World War II soldier, Audie Murphy, died in a plane crash around here. I remember it well because I grew up on his western and war movies (he went on to be a Hollywood star). When you reach the crest of Brushy Mt.there is a nice grass covered road. Along this road are a couple of benches which were great to rest my weary bones. Further down the road is a side trail to a memorial to Audie Murphy. It is a large granite stone. Over the years, visitors have added stones so that there are two cairns. People have left all kinds of memorial offering. The ones I found touching are insignias from service members. I sat and visited with Audie for a bit.I am tenting at Pickle Branch shelter. Tomorrow I am heading to a hostel. I can't stand myself! I need a shower (I do wash in the streams but it just isn't the same).
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Daleville

To: Blackhorse Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

I did a quick slack pack today but I'm technically on holiday so this will be quick. Nice hike - I saw a huge black snake that I almost stepped on. The cute dog reminded me of my giant schnauzer Fritz I miss my pup!It's my 2nd month anniversary today! Hard to believe I've been roaming the mountains for two months. I still love it!
Date: 2013-05-28
From: Harrison Ground Spring

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and out early for my big miles day. I am going to try and pace myself so I don't fizzle too early. I've had other 20+ days but they didn't include the big climbs we have. On top of that, it is going to be hot.We crossed the James River today. The bridge is the largest footbridge on the AT. I guess the James flows to Richmond (I'm not up on my VA geography) but the Virginians in the group want to aqua blaze to the Capital.We also climbed Bluff Mt. (last climb of the day). There is a memorial to little Ottie Cline, age 4 yrs. 11 mos. In 1891, he went out to get firewood for his school and got lost - dying on this mountain which was 7 miles from his school. Very sad. I totally missed the stone! All that climbing for nothing! Same crowd here again tonight, with the addition of Two Sticks (he hikes with two sticks for hiking poles). He has a ukulele so we had a little dinner music. Finally saw what a deer tick looks like. This is the type of tick that spreads Lymes Disease. UV had a couple on her so she pointed them out. They are like the larger ones we have in Ohio only much smaller and lighter in color. At least I know hat to look for now (I haven't had any on me yet).I hiked a good 12 hours today, including breaks. I am one tired lady!
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

We are in the land of the cicadas! It started yesterday after crossing the James River. You first heard the cacophony and then started seeing exoskeletons and dead cicadas. The live ones are high in the trees. When you go above a certain elevation, they stop so it looks like outy keep to a certain range. It seems to be below 1500 ft. but that's a guess. Note: I found out from Invisible Man that it's related to ground temps - 64 degrees. The ground isn't warm enough yet at the higher elevations.One big climb today but it's a doozy! Plus it is very hot so I'm trying to keep rehydrated and putting one foot in front of the other. I just don't seem to have any energy today. The second climb up Cold Mountain was easier and I was delightfully surprised. The trail was well maintained and led to a bald with beautiful views. We are camped in a large meadow. Our water source is a bit of a walk but the spring is so cool and refreshing. UV and Whole Bean had a fire going to keep down the bugs. We have a fiddler ( so sorry but I forget your trail name) and Two Sticks on the ukulele. The stars are out - it's a magical night.
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: VA 56 Tye River Suspension Bridge
Miles today: 19.1

My dad always said there's no such thing as a free lunch so I set off at 5:30 AM today in order to prove him wrong. Dad - the Dutch Haus has free lunch for hikers from May 13th through May 31st! I had two hamburgers, tater tots, and corn. The catch was I had to get there for the 11:00 shuttle and it was 10 miles away! Not to worry I made it in plenty of time and had my boots off airing out my feet when Lois pulled up.The Dutch Haus is a Bed and Breakfast normally but offers a hiker special during the thru season. They won my approval immediately when Lois offered lemonade ice tea or coffee on arrival. Great! I love hot coffee and I miss it more than anything on the trail. She also suggested I might consider a 9 mile slack pack of the Priest Mountain (next section to do). I had already gone 10 miles so was a little hesitant but, thinking about it further, I thought, 'It's still early in the day. I could get that out of the way and come back to a nice hot meal and bed.' So I took a shower to rejuvenate myself and headed back to the trail and did 9 more miles for a total 20 mile day.When I got back to the hostel, I was happy to see Violet, Invisible Man, Jacko, and Army Ant were there. This group is always fun to be around. The latest plan tbey have hatched is to Aqua blaze the Shenandoah section of the trail which means they going to canoe on the Shenandoah River instead of hiking. They will pick up the canoe in Waynesboro and then head on down the river. They invited me along but I'll stick to hiking. I'd get tired of paddling after about an hour. The Dutch Haus was Socks' favorite hostel during her thru hike and I can see why. Lois and Earl go beyond themselves in trying to make you feel comfortable and welcomed. After a shower and clean clothes, you feel like a new person. Plus we had a wonderful dinner of roast, green bean casserole, and potatoes with bread pudding for dessert. I was pleasantly stuffed!Plans for tomorrow are another slackpack- this time from Reed Gap back to the hostel so I can stay another night. I'll be able to get some hiking done and enjoy the hospitality after the rough week I've had. I was starting to get pretty worn down so totally deserve this.
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Reeds Gap

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: few clouds

I was assigned the early breakfast slot - 6:45. Definitely worth the early rising - egg, cheese, spinach tortillas, fresh fruit, hash browns, and a big sausage patty. I am going to miss the Dutch Haus!We were shuttled to the trail by Patty, a neighbor. Everyone helps everyone around this community, Montebello, VA. Today is their Trail Fest. I can't stay but I hope they get a good turnout. I would consider returning here in the future. Maybe Don would like to hike the Three Ridges with me.By the way - I didn't know it at the time but Socks also hiked the Mau-Har. Funny how we think alike.We are back to crisscrossing the Blue Ridge Parkway which is great for the trashcans at the overlooks. Remember, responsible hikers pack out all their trash.Hike today is not bad except for the rocks. They talk about the rocks in Pennsylvania being a pain but I think VA is awful. They kill the feet and really slow you down. You can't establish a stride. Very tedious.We are camped at a shelter with a nice stream for background noise. Tomorrow is a town day - always a busy time with errands, etc. I'll be meeting Karen on Monday so I want to get everything done tomorrow. Wow! We are almost at Shenandoah National Park! I am so psyched!
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Waynesboro - Rockfish Gap

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: broken clouds

I slept well last night at the Quality Inn in Waynesboro. One of the best sleeps I've had in a while. Karen arrived promptly at 9, we were on the trail by 10 and we saw a bear at 12! Say what! It took me almost 2 months to see my first bear and she sees one the first day!The hike is short today which works out well so she can get used to the routine of camp - setting up her tent, cooking her meal, etc. We have a very full camp. Bismarck and Hopper are here (they hiked with Socks), as well as Slim Jim, Tags, Jet lag, Mother Teresa and a new face, Not Worthy. The latter is a section hiker that has a big chunk already finished. I always like meeting the section hikers. They seem to have such a good attitude. They hike when they can - chipping away at this huge trail a little at a time.Karen is a tiny girl - shorter than me even - with a short stride to match. Her pack is too big for her size. We will see how it goes - one day at a time.Speaking of One Day At a Time, my friend ODAT is off the trail. He is the one that gave me my trail name. I am very sad to hear it but not too surprised. There were recent moments when I could tell he was not enjoying this experience. When the bad outweighs the good it's time to reevaluate your hike. I hope I am never in that place. I still love this - in spite of the heat, the dirt, the never ending climbs, the messed up toenails... I am having a wonderful time!
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

What a beautiful day for hiking! Not too hot, not too cold, just right.At the first intersection with Skyline Dr., Bismarck and Hopper called out to us. Hopper was going to do some road walking with her guest hiker, Cherry Blossom, and offered to have Karen come along. The walk is a bit shorter and not as rough as trail. Karen took her up on it and so walked on Skyline Dr. until just the cutoff before the shelter. She was able to see some nice views.We are going hut to hut in Shenandoah Park and they are spaced about 12 to 13 miles apart. Karen, now known as Soft foot, seems to be worried by the distance although she keeps saying she will try her best. Unfortunately, there is no other alternative - you have make it to a hut. Again hiking the AT is no easy matter. For anyone thinking about joining a thru hiker - consider carefully. Make sure you have the proper equipment and that you are physically up to the challenge. Water was scarce again today although availability improves tomorrow. We have several Whip poor wills at the shelter just going to town with their calls. Sometimes they keep it up for hours! Hope tonight is not one of those times.
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The Whip Poor Wills kept it up all night! It sounded like there were about four around camp and if one let up, another would takes its place. Nonstop - until 5 am when the morning songbirds took over. I was so tired of it by 3 that I was ready to shout 'shut up'! Which is totally stupid to say to a bird. Apparently someone did clap during the night - to scare them off? Didn't work.Today was our first visit to a Wayside. The Waysides are combo gift shops and restaurants in SNP. They are known for great blackberry milkshakes. I had a cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, and milkshake. I think the shake put me over the top. I was so uncomfortably full! I really had a hard time hiking the last four miles.Saw some nice wildlife today - main attraction was the mother deer and her fawn. Very cute.Karen, aka Soft Foot, has changed her name again. She is now Clover - she has found 4 four leafed clovers since she's been out here.Clover did some more road walking to reduce the miles but she is now dealing with foot blisters. I know how painful they can be and that you just have to wait for them to heal. Tomorrow is a short day - about 8 miles - so with some more road walking she can reduce that even more. Rain is in the forecast. We've been lucky so far (yeah for those clovers) so we'll see how that goes.
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Big Meadow Campground

To: Byrd's Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The rain let up by daybreak. I took advantage of having a dryer nearby and dried my tent before leaving. It put me out at around 8:30.The trail skirted the campground and the sounds of kids playing reminded me of when we would take our family camping trips. It's a great way to enjoy nature and create some wonderful memories. More families should take the time to do it. I guess my kids are lucky I didn't do this hike earlier. They would have all had little backpacks and been section hikers.I planned to stop at the restaurant at Sky land today. I was early for lunch and so took advantage of the WiFi to call Don and Kristi (my sister). Socks also happened to call - nice surprise! She and Hoop are going camping this weekend to celebrate their anniversary of meeting on the trail. They met at Pinefield Hut. I was just there this past Thursday.Lunch was finally being served so I ordered a pulled pork sandwich. Think how nice it would be if we could order a hot lunch or dinner everyday. I will miss this park.This was a relatively short day and I took my time. I met some rappellers and got to learn a little about their sport. Now that would be a cool way to see the park!
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: US 522 Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

What! Rain again?I walked 5 hours in the rain this morning to get to the Tom Floyd shelter by noon. I'm meeting my sister Kristi today. She planned a retreat for this week in Front Royal and it coincided perfectly with my schedule. She has a cottage and I can stay in the spare room. I wanted to make sure I would be on time and since the shelter was only three miles out, the plan was to make sure I arrived in plenty of time, then hang out at the shelter until time to meet. I was pretty much a drowned rat when I arrived and was afraid I'd get cold waiting the hour and a half so I changed into some dry clothes. I also fixed some chili for lunch so I was quite cozy. Then - miracle of miracles - the rain stopped as I was getting ready to head out. Yeah! Kristi, aka St. Kris, was early and wanted to meet me so she started up the trail. She only got about 25 feet when she slipped on a wet rock. Ouch! She met me sporting three band aids on her arm. That ole AT is one brutal trail!I was filthy from my walk in so I asked if we could do laundry first (I tried to clean in the creek the best I could but still had all those wet stinky clothes). Who did I see at the laundromat but Jacko fresh from his aqua blazing (remember, that is where you take the canoe on the Shenandoah River instead of hiking the park). Apparently things did not go so well once the rain started. Trip aborted and they are now back on the trail.I am enchanted by this retreat center - it is so peaceful here. It is an Eastern Indian retreat center and is located on old 1900 farmstead (huge and beautiful). The grounds are gorgeous and there is plenty of wildlife to watch in the evening. After dark, we watched the firefly show - they are the first fireflies I've seen this year.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: US 522 Front Royal, VA

To: Ashby Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Southbound slack packing is the best way to see who is in front of you. There can be people just a day ahead that you may never meet for days or weeks. I like doing them now and then for that reason.So - with that in mind - I set off early this morning for a looong 20 mile slackpack. I saw so many people, some of whom I hadn't seen since before SNP (such as Snail and Turtle). I spoke to quite a few and so never really took a break - stopping to talk was my break. I really needed that! The bubble I was in had a lot of what I call 'frat boys' (oh dear - I am bound to offend someone). Anyway, they are somewhat immature and get a big kick out of making bodily noises. I was happy to see there are a lot of people I enjoy back on the trail. I will be among them tomorrow after the big miles I put in today.We had no vistas today but the other senses had lots to process. The honeysuckle smells so sweet, there were nice breezes all day, and the cicadas are at it again. It's late and I still need to get organized for tomorrow so cut to g this short. I'm making the final push to Harpers Ferry the next few days and St. Kris will meet me there for the big photo op at the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. They take pictures of all thru hikers for their archive and also tell you what number you are for the year. We can look up Socks and Hoop from 2011 to see how we compare.We are finishing up Virginia and hitting the big 1000 mile mark! Can you believe it? It's going to be a busy week.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today is Harpers day! Harpers Ferry is the psychological halfway point of the trail. This is a big day and even more exciting because I have St. Kris meeting me to share in the moment. I was early and texted her to see if she wanted me to wait and she texted back a picture of her in the lobby of the ATC headquarters!So I made my way to the headquarters and had my picture taken for all prosperity. It's official - I am thru hiker #484 for the 2013 hiker season at the halfway point. So cool!We checked out all the past the hikers. They have all the books right there. Hoop and Socks were 489 and 490. So close! We then went into town to see the sites, go to the post office, have some lunch and ice cream. Our last stop was to show St. Kris the Hiker Hostel where I will be spending the night. She was happy to see one and check it out. Very sorry when it was time for her to go.Dinner was a community potluck at the hostel. It's been a fun day - have I ever mentioned how much I am enjoying this experience?
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Late start today - didn't leave the hostel until 830 and I'm packing an incredibly large amount of resupply. 7 days worth. Fortunately, the trail went up for the first part of the day and then levels out. I have finally gotten to the point where I prefer up hills. It's way easier on the knees.I saw Chicago Bear on the way up and he's headed in the right direction. Whew! All's good in that department. I came across a sign that said We very on Challenge. Hmmm... Little concerned about that but the challenge was a series of switch backs. So easy...(a little sass from Little SAS). There is a challenge in this part of the trail called the 4 state challenge. You start just before the virginia line when you go through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and into Pennsylvania. I believe it's like 44 miles. So about 11 o'clock a young lady comes by and wishes me a good morning. She says 'it's a wonderful day to be hiking and I've already walked 24 miles and I feel great'.I finally realized she must be doing the challenge but I can't even get anything else out because she was down the road. So the next time I hear a fast hiker behind me, I'm ready with the questions. The hiker is Grimm as and they ate doing the challenge - actually they went 8 miles out of their way so it will be a 52 mile day! Double marathon!I see them again just a bit later at one of the best hiker feeds I've encountered. Wolf, a 2013 hiker, was at Garthland Park with his wonderful family to celebrate foamy birthdays and provide hikers with some trail magic. I had a turkey sub, baked beans, fruit, pasta salad, some good Paula Dean dessert. I didn't even try everything - there was that much there. Thank you Wolf and all the wolfpack! (I will never get that food bag down to a manageable weight).I am camped at Dahlgren campground tonight with Army Ant, IM, and Slim Jim. There is a hot shower at this camp! I love Maryland! Don's cousin Greg came to visit me tonight and we had a nice chat. He lives in Frederick, not far from here. It's been a good day.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: South Mountain, PA

To: Caledonia SP
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: light rain

I had all intention of hiking 15 miles today but at mile 5 - Caledonia State Park - Army Ant checked the weather and a big storm system was headed our way. Plan B was hatched. Can the hotel reservations for tomorrow and go to the Scottish Inn tonight. I liked that idea for two reasons - first, I was due for a shower and second, I was due for laundry. If we could stay dry, it would be a bonus. I split the room with Slim Jim so we could both save some money. We really have become a hiker family out here. I felt no different than if I were sharing the room with Brian.Dinner was at the Flamingo family restaurant. Another little gem hidden away in a small town (Fayetteville). For less than $10 I was stuffed! Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, and peaches. I went back the next morning for breakfast and had eggs, bacon, hashed browns, toast and coffee for $6.Not much else to report for today other than I feel like a new person when I've had a shower and am wearing clean clothes.