morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Birch Run SHelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the biggest day since I have been back. The terrain was easy with good sections of rocks. Bigs ones and small ones, but they all are to be taken with caution so you don't fall or get bitten by a snake, luckly I did not see any. There were rain clouds all day with good humidity, but no rain. Tommorrow, I am going 10 miles to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The park is actuall the 1/2 way point of the trail as well. Every thru-hiker attempts the 1/2 gallon challange. What is that you may ask. It is simple, to celebrate the mid point every one sits and eats a half galln of ice cream in one sitting. It shall be a challange that I will complete. I am also planning on staying at the hostel there in case there are any reprocusions from all that dairy. Stay tuned for the highlights of the event. Then after that I will hit Dunncannon, PA and stay at the Doyle Hotel, which is one of the orginal Anheuser-Busch Hotels and is 99 years old. Stayed tuned for that as well. See everyone at PGFSP and the half way point.   Tim
Date: 2004-07-13
From: Iron Masters Manision Hostel

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday was a nice easy day to the Hostel. It rained in the morning but by the time I left the rained had stopped. I then took a break at the next shelter where it rained again and stopped when I left. Then a nice easy 3 miles to the park and when I got to the hostel it rained once more. Thankfully I missed all the rain. The hostel was a nice place. It is an old mansion and a stop on the underground railroad. They showed me the trap door to the secret room for the slaves to hide in. I was able to crawl into the room to see what it was like. I do not envoy them for what they had to go through but it is amazing what tthey went through to gain their freedom. The hostel is closed during the day so I just hung outon the porch with Impluse, Burnie, Katie and Duch. the Smokey T and Caveman showed up and later in the evening Sunpig, 'Bama and Kaya all rolled in. It was good to see some familiar faces. I also conquered the half gallon challange. the flavor of choice was Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup and it was gone in a half hour. By the end of it I was shaking uncontolability. Yes, I normaly shake but this was even worse than normal from all the sugar. Will I eat a half gallon again in one sitting, proboly not. Todays hike was under overcast skies, mild humidity and no rain. There was a nice maze of rocks to go through along one of the ridgelines and I passed the half way point as well. Now for the big news. I have decided to leave the trail in Dunncannon, PA which is about 2-3 days from here. Don't worry nothing has happened. Physicall I could continue, it is just I am not having that much fun any more. I still enjoy hiking and camping, I am just not enjoying my time on the trail. I have been feeling this way for quite a while now and was hoping my mind set would change with the break at home, but it has not. SO I have decided to call an edn to it now while I am still ahead. I feel comfortable with my decision and am proud that I will have walked over 1100 miles in three months, but it is time for me to go home. I wish I could explain more but it is hard to put into words what I feel, so I will leave it at that. I am planning on getting to Duncannon and hanging out there for a day or two. Then to Harrisburgh for a bus or train to CT where I will hangout with Bill, Kelly and my nephew William for a bit. Then back to the burgh to see my parents and finally a flight back to Missoula and home to Jackson, What will I do afer that, I don't know, I will figure that out later. Maaybe my mind will change in CT and I'll get back on up there, but I don't expect to. I will explain more later but I have a few days left and am planning on making the most of it.   Tim
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Appalachain Motor Lodge
Miles today: 11.9

Today was an intresting day. I started the Cumberland Valley toady. The valley is 12 miles of field walking. It use to be 12 miles of road walking, luckkly the ATC was able to get it all off the raod. I was planning on going farther and camping out but a sever thunderstorm rolled into the area and field walking is not the place to be during that. Since I was doing my best impression of a lighting rod, I was the tallest thing around, covered in water and carrying 2 metal sticks. But since I ma writing this I made it through safley. The storm came in waves, first it would be blue skies followed by the skies turning dark as night and the storm would hit full force, ending in blue skies to start all over again. So myslef, Burnie and Katie ran to safety of a motel. Dinner was great and it was nice to talk with Burnie and Katie about everything. Well off to bed.   Tim
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Appalachain Motor Lodge

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, tonight is my last night in a shelter and on the trail. I could of made it to Dunncannon but I wanted one more night hanging out in the shelters. The weather was much better today and the scenery changed often which was a good change. First was corn fields, next hay fields then climbs and rock gardens, a nice last day. The shelter was nice with good company. I spent the night with Impluse, Regular Brian (who I haven't seen in a while) and a guy by the name of EZ-1. What a great guy h is. He is 71 years old and haas hiked the trail 5 times, with this being his 6th hike. He told us about a double murder that happened at the old shelter here and meeting the killer. I was glad to have met him, espically on my last night. Tommorrow I will walk 4 miles to Duncannon and then zero there on Saturday, just to make sure I have made the right decision. So I gave away the rest of my food to Impluse and Regualar Brian. I will then on Sunday catch a ride to Harrisburgh and a train to CT. I am looking forward to seeing them and returning to Jackson and seeing all my friends, the valley and the tetons. Well off to bed.   Tim
Date: 2004-07-17
From: Doyle Hotel, Dunncannon, PA

To: Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0

Well, here I am at the Doyle and the end of my trip. It was a nice easy walk into town and a great little hotel. Defintelly a cool palce and old. The rooms are small with communal bathrooms. No elevators and a cool bar and pool room. The locals are great and the owners Vicky and Pat are wonderful people. It is nie to be here and sad to be leaving the trail at the same time. I have enjoyed every minute I have spent here adn would not change it for the world. Now it is time for me to head home. I am getting a ride to the Harrisburgh train staion tommorrow form the mornining bartender and cook, Heather. Then off to Bill's for some R and R. Check back and I will right up a summery.   Tim
Date: 2004-07-25
To: Caledonia SP, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the first day of our trip. Drove up from Virginia Beach yesterday and spent the night at Charlie & Darlene's...thanks for the hospitality and the meals. It was great catching up on old times and seeing all our friends at Hillendale Baptist.Arrived at Caledonia State Park at about 4PM, did the walk around, picked our site and pitched the tent and cooked dinner. Tracy spent the night with Tim and I.The park is pretty nice, Pool costs $2 per person, closes at 7PM and the concession stand is open only on the weekends - oh well, will catch it next time. There is a pay phone near the pool, lots of picnic tables to stop and rest.Picked a great place to start on the trail, even though my original plan was to start further north at Pine Grove Furnace.Well thats it for the night...a little excited to hit the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2004-07-26
From: Caledonia SP, PA

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Dinner: Frankfurts, Mac & Cheese. MRE styleWeather: sunny and humid.Climbed 600ft with 5 rocky ridges to cross over, steep .2 miles down the blue blaze to 2 nice shelters (ea sleeps 4),Privy wasn't bad but the water was .5 miles down next to the road (PA233) ...didn't know any of this as wasnt able to get a map in time to start.There are beautiful flat tent sites below the privy area.Both Tim and I were pretty tired on the first day.Pete and his friend's dog Bandit on a short section to Harper's Ferry staying in the other shelter tonight.
Date: 2004-07-27
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light rain

Weather: Cloudy and breezy, turned to a down pour 1 mile from the shelter.Dinner: Tai Chicken, Chili Mac (MRE style)The hike today was pretty good. Tim's furthest backpack distance now. Had to double back at a road crossing because we missed the trail when we crossed. The morning was wet and very humid. At 5 pm on top of the peak near Chimney rocks, the thunder turned into heavy rain. Hiked in it the last mile to the shelter. (or did we swim, as the trail turned into a stream) Of course it stopped raining about 20 minutes after we arrived for the night. I didn't use my rain pants and don't wear gators so my boots filled up with water. Hey its day 2 on the trail might as well get it over with early on, right.Huge campground with a nice spring and a rushing creek to the right of the shelters (one for snoring and one for non-snoring).In the shelter tonight with NOBO thruhiker "Lion Wings" and his faithful companion "Oreo". Hope Oreo feels better soon.
Date: 2004-07-28
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Deerlick Shelters
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: broken clouds

Weather: Beautiful, Cool and sunnyDinner: Mac & Cheese, ChickenThird day on the trail. A little sore but getting used to it. Tim fell pretty good today...it was funny to watch, he tripped tried to gain balance and then tripped a second time all the way down into a thorn bush. Luckily we were just around the bend from the Antietem Shelter.We took it easy today for a couple of reasons:1. boots were still wet from yesterday's rain2. tomorrow's hike is 9.6 milesLooking forward to pizza and soda at Pen/Mar Park tomorrow. There is a very nice Methodist Camp 100 steps NOBO of the shelter. there is a pumphouse with a water spigot for fresh water. Tim got cleaned up and finished removing the thorns from his knee so we continued on to the DeerLick shelters.Met 16 kids from a Quaker camp heading NOBO stopped in for a break before moving on. 2 older gentlemen from Westchester, MA gave us carrots about a mile from the shelter...had a great conversation....thanks for the carrots.DeerLick not bad another twin shelter setup, the spring and privy are right on the trail.
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Deerlick Shelters

To: High Rock, Quirauk Mtn
Miles today: 8.0

Weather:Cool & breezyDinner: Pizza and sodaCrossed the Mason/Dixon line and entered into Pen/Mar Park. This park was neat all the benches faced toward the West (the best view overlooking Maryland).Ordered pizza and sodas from Rocky's Pizza who delivered right to the park...just tooo cool. Took the boots off and relaxed in the park for a couple of hours, washed up and headed back out onto the trail at 5pm. Definitely worked off the pizza with the rock climbing we did going up the face of High Rock. (.5mi up boulder steps and more boulders) Ran out of daylight when we reached the top at 8:30pm. Found a dry, flat campsite 1.8 miles north of Devils Racecourse Shelter. Full moon helped keep it from getting too dark too fast.Tim's new distance record is now 8 mi. his hip has been bothering him today.Passed "White Tail" Nobo at the bottom of the springs before PEN/MAR.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: High Rock, Quirauk Mtn

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Weather: Cloudy, warm and breezyDinner: Beef patty & Ramin noodlesStarted out at 1030,stopped in at Devil's Racecourse shelter to get water which was a steep downhill.Tough downhill (very rocky) from Warner gap to PA 77. Walked through 3 cow pastures even saw a few longhorn. Filled up on water at a farmhouse on PA 77. That section was a relocation of the trail and seemed like it took forever, but was definitely an easier hike than what the map profile showed.The shelter is an awesome 2 story and the roof extends over the picnic table.Both of our feet are sore. Today is when we came up with our trailnames.Met "Shellshock" on his normal 30mi daily hike NOBo. (WOW!)
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

Weather: Cloudy, muggy. Rained during the evening and nightDinner: mixed from everybody's dinner at the shelterMet "Manateu" and his wife "Hawkeye" on a day hike, came across them right out of the shelter this morning. He was one of them who helped build the Cowall shelter.....shook his hand and said thanks for the great work on the shelter.Tough rocky ridge walking. Ate lunch at Pogo campsite, when Jared (a weekend hiker) and his faithful companion "Blaze" stopped in while we finished up. Left the campsite and finished up 3.5 more miles in 2 hours. Here at the shelter with Marianne and her daughter, Valerie who are hiking to Harpers Ferry (they're from Annapolis)and Jared and his dog, also a camping instructor with 2 women tenting nearby.Played hearts with Valerie and Tim till lights out.It poured heavily all night long on our tin roof (3 big thunder storms)...everybody dry except the camping instructor who didnt have a tent floor....and the marine who wanted to hike on last night just 10 mins before the rain started...
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Dahlgren Backpacking Campground
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: light rain

Dinner: Old South Mountain Inn, Tim - chicken, Bill - VealWeather: Hot and very muggy (cloudy)Left Marianne & Valerie, hiked out with Jared for about the first 3 miles and couldn't keep up with him any longer. Walked over highway I70 on a footbridge (cool, other hikers talked about mooning the cars below when they cross the bridge....but kept that thought quiet as not to give Tim any ideas).Stopped at the Washington Monument erected in 1870. Ate lunch at the monument park. Then hiked down to Dahlgren Backpack campground. Took pictures of the old Dahlgren Church built in the 1886 (in memorial to Rear ADM Dahlgren - he developed the Dahlgren gun that was made for the USS Monitor).Took hot showers at the campground before going to the fancy dinner at the Inn ( and I do mean elegant - $70 for the two of us, ouch!)Saw 4 deer at the campground. Very muggy tonight.Fresh water at the pump 300 ft up the gravel road from the showers was great tasting and cold.
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Dahlgren Backpacking Campground

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Weather: Cool & BreezyDinner: Beef & noodles (we couldn't eat it all)Hiked 2 miles out of Dahlgren and came upon where part of the battle of Antietem began. A monument was erected in memorial to General Rino - the first union General to be killed in the battle against the south.Rocky Run Shelter was pretty cool, it had two decks, a fire pit, 2 metal chairs, and a covered swing bench. The shelter is very small - maybe sleeps 4 in a bad rainstorm. Rested for about 10 mins before moving on.Hiked up to Lamb's Knoll and ate lunch there, it had a pretty nice view toward the East.Hiked the last 3.5 miles in just 1.5 hours (wow!)Here at Crampton Gap shelter(sleeps 7) which has a nice deck, very clean, mirrored candles on the wall and even had baby wipes in the privy. The spring was dry so hiked .25 miles down the fire road to get water at Gathland Park.Also, was given a tall can of Arizona Ice tea from 2 day hikers getting ready to hike from the park. The soda machine in the park only took change and was only able to get 1 Diet Lime Coke (it really did taste good).We are here at the shelter alone tonight. You can hear the neighborhood dogs barking, a rooster and even a donkey bellowing.
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 4.5

Dinner: Ramin & chicken, Tim - Tai chicken (MRE style)Weather: Hot and muggyAte breakfast and lunch at Gathland Park, bought sodas for later. Spent hours looking through the museums and park dedicated to the civil war correspondants.Met "Easy Street" and "Bobo" both NOBO thruhikers on the trail.Easy hike today despite the oppressive heat and humidity. Here at the shelter with us is a group of 9 from the Univ of Maryland, great group to hang out with.The shelter is an awesome 2 story shelter (upper entrance from the backside of shelter with a balcony on the inside to talk to others below. It sleeps 12 with a nice deck, even had nice benches around the fire rings. Best shelter - hands down, too bad the spring was .5 mi down a very steep hill.After reading the journal noticed that I had missed the Garveys by a week, the granddaughter brought her two children up to see the shelter. (Wow, would have been great to here the storys from them).
Date: 2004-08-04
From: Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather: Hot & humidDinner: Cindy Dee's Restaurant (mentioned in the hiker's companion - good cheap food)Beautiful view at Weaverton Cliffs overlooking Harpers Ferry (this is why I hike the trails)Hiked down to Keep Tryst Rd where Tim got a ride to the store for soda, water & candybars. Thank you goes out to the couple whom we met at Weaverton cliffs and gave Tim the ride to and fro the store.Hiked the 2.8 miles on the C&O canal was pretty neat except the walk was boring and made it seem further than it was with no change of scenery and being a gravel trail. Walking across the footbridge attached to the railroad bridge over the Potomac was pretty cool. I was told if you walked while a train crossed at the same time the whole bridge would vibrate pretty good (oh well, have to get the train massage next time)Tracy picked us up on the Harpers Ferry side of the bridge, spent the night in the local Comfort Inn. It sure did feel great to be clean, dry and sleep in a bed for once. Did laundry and scheduled out the next leg of our trip.
Date: 2004-08-05
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 1.25
Weather: overcast clouds

Dinner: Burger KingWeather: Cloudy & CoolHiked the trail from the US340 bridge down to the train footbridge where we left off yesterday as to complete West Virginia's part of the AT. That's 2 states completed.Stopped by the Appalachian Trail Conference Headquarters, signed the register, got our pictures taken, I'm section hiker #197, Tim is #198 for 2004.Walked around town and saw all the historical sites with Tim & Tracy.Drove up to the Blackburn AT center and pitched our tent in the campsite. The weather turned cool and cold the next morning. Chris, the caretaker/maintainer greeted us with sodas upon our arrival. There was a group of 30 from the Conservation Corp out of Washington DC rented out the Center for the weekend gave us fresh white peaches (mmmmm good!)
Date: 2004-08-06
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Weather: Very cool & breezyDinner: Ruby TuesdaysHiked from the Blackburn At Center all the way back to Harpers Ferry (NOBO). The slope was good and the weather was perfect, didn't even break a sweat. Stopped at the David Lesser shelter for a brief lunch. It has a beautiful pavillion, swing and a nice deck, the shelter was ok and sleeps 8.Saw 3 deer while there.Number 3 toe on right foot received first blister of the trip...not complaining.
Date: 2004-08-07
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: broken clouds

Dinner: Vercelli's PizzaWeather: Cool, cloudy and breezyBeautiful day for a hike, headed SOBO again this time left the Blackburn AT Center and hiked all the way to Bears Den Hostel at US7 (Snickers Gap).The trail is very well maintained in this section, the grade is good until the start of the "Roller Coasters" (a set of 10 ups and downs). Ate lunch at Crescent Rock, while watching 3 rock climbers climbing/rapelling down the face of the cliff. Saw a doe and her baby fawn just before Devil's racecourse, got the pictures this time.Drove to Perciville to eat pizza at Vercelli's before returning back to Blackburn 1 last night.Passed 17 people on the trail today, not bad for a Saturday (weekend hikers)
Date: 2004-08-08
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: few clouds

Dinner: Burger KingWeather: Cool, Cloudy & BreezyCleaned up campsite and showered at the Blackburn AT Center. Finally left at 1PM. Drove over to Chester Gap US522 to locate my pickup point for next weekend. Finally dropped me off at Bear's Den Hostel after dinner. Started my hike to the shelter at 7PM, briefly stopped at Bear Rocks to preview the impending sunset. Tough steep climb before heading down to the shelter, arrived at 8:35PM just as I was thinking I needed to get the flashlight out. (had a great pace tonight).Here at the shelter with Jeremiah and his friend (who is tenting nearby).Met with !summer with her faithful companion Tracks, and Dr John before we left Blackburn, they are NOBO thruhikers.
Date: 2004-08-09
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Dinner: Ramin with TunaWeather: Cool, cloudy and breezyHiked over the roller coasters today, the ups weren't that bad, but the downs were steep. Stepped on a ground nest as I was crossing the stream in Ashby Gap got stung 3 times while trying not to lose my footing getting out of there fast.Hiked on up the hill on the other side and ignored the pain as much as possible.Finished the roller coasters finally (way over rated).Passed 7 hikers today all NOBO.We're alone at the shelter tonight, thought about hanging our bearbag (havent hung a bear bag yet on this trip - just been mouse bagging it) as Summer mentioned she saw a bear just outside camp 2 days ago when she came through. Oh well, I'll deal with it if it happens.
Date: 2004-08-10
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Dinner: Ramin and ShrimpWeather: Clear & muggySaw 2 deer near Glaser Cabin crossing. When I crossed over Highway US50 (a double split highway) I had a weird urge to play the game Frogger.Lissa (Mist) caught up with me there..she was in the taxi cap driving by looking for the trail - well she found it only because they saw me walking across the highway. She told me this is her first day on the trail and that she was slow....so I'll pass her soon after my break....yea right!! didn't see her until the shelter (did I mention I was already on mile 5 for the day).Stopped and took a nap at the top of a 3 mile long hill where Sky Meadows State Park's trail intersects the AT, there was a nice park bench there. Talked with a father and daughter there at the bench...went to sleep when they left and woke up 30mins later....remembering 1 more mile to go at least it was all downhill from here.Saw 2 more deer across the stream from the shelter not 2 minutes before Yola (NOBO thruhiker planning on flipflopping at Harpers Ferry) came across where they stood.The shelter is a quansa-hut (octogonal in shape, gray shingles down the sides to the floor) the place was trashed....food, trash was everywhere...cleaned up camp a little bit. There was even a radio that worked...good reception but the volume button was broke so it only blared loudly...didn't want to wake the neighbors on the next mountain so we left the radio off. Mist ended up carrying some of the trash out as my pack was still on the heavy side.