morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: moderate rain

Last night I was awakened twice by a mouse that was messing around my pack. One thing you learn out here is to keep all of your pockets unzipped on your pack or the mice will just eat a hole through you pack to get inside.When I got up this morning I had found that momma mouse had placed her 4 babies inside my pack. I didn¢t have the heart to kill them so I placed them together beside the shelter and covered them with leaves.Man, are my feet tender from the hike yesterday in new boots.   I covered up the hot spots and blisters with moleskin but each step really hurts.I got on the trail about 7:30am and had not been walking 30 minutes when I encountered a buck deer on the trail. I was able to get within ten yards before he moved off. I arrived at Pocosin Fire Road and stopped to take a photo to celebrate 901 miles hiked on the AT. I then hiked to the Lewis Mountain Campground and took a lunch break at the camp store. By this time my feet were killing me so I had no choice but to walk in my Crocs for the next 8 miles. Not the best situation but the terrain was pretty smooth.About 2:00pm the skies darkened and suddenly it began to hail. The pea size ice balls really stung and it lasted about 15 minutes.It was about 5:30pm when I approached the campground and yep the rain was coming down again.   Fellow thru hikers Jeff and Patty were going to share the cost of a campsite with me. Luckily the rain stopped long enough for me to get my tent set up. After showers we went to the restaurant and had a wonderful meal.It was way past hiker midnight when I finished my laundry and applied first aid to my feet. I¢m really concerned about this.
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

I woke up this morning to clear skies and temperatures in the mid 40¢s. The swelling had gone down in my feet and the blisters looked much better so I¢m going to try my boots again. I had phone service at the campground so I gave my girls a call. I can¢t wait to see them in Harpers Ferry WV.        I got on the trail about 8:30am and my feet were not hurting too bad. Must be the 3 Ibuprofen I just took. I had not been hiking a few minutes when a whitetail buck crossed the trail a couple yards in front of me. The deer in the area have little fear of humans. My plan today is to have lunch at one of the restaurants near the AT. I met Shutterbug and Hot Wheels today. Their dog is a real clown. They have his sleeping pad attached to his back and when he rolls in the grass he practically does a summersault. After lunch it was back to the trail but after a few minutes the pain in my feet was really getting to me and slowing me down. I added another layer of moleskin and took some more pain medication. Within 30 minutes I was back to my old hiking form.As I rounded a corner in the trail I encountered a whitetail doe and fawn. The doe moved into the woods and the fawn laid in some cover right next to the trail. I very slowly walked pass and took a photo.I made it to Pass Mountain Shelter about 7:00pm and quickly set up my tent and fixed supper.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I got on the trail about 7:00am and heading to the last restaurant in the Shenandoah National Park.I got to Elkwallow Wayside Resturant about 10:30am and got a sandwich and snacks. While there I called my wife to let her know that I was still on schedule to arrive in Harpers Ferry WV on June 6th. Boy am I glad I called as I learned that she was unable to get a motel or kennel our dog until Monday the 9th. So its time to slow down and reduce my daily miles so I can avoid additional zero days. Something my feet can agree on!I decided to make it a short day and stop at the Gravel Spring Hut.   With thunderstorms predicted I had planned to stay in the shelter until I spotted a Brown Recluse spider on the wall. So it was off to find a campsite. The pickings were slim and I had to settle for a patch of dirt on a hillside. After getting set up it was off to fix supper, Spanish rice, yum! Man I hope the rain holds off.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Chester Gap
Miles today: 13.4

The thunderstorms began about midnight and continued for several hours. Heavy rain and lighting. Just before daylight several Coyotes were howling.        I got up to a muddy mess on my tent. Luckily it was raining lightly and I was able to get packed up without getting too wet. I just placed my tent in a plastic bag and I will deal with it when I get into town. I¢ve got about a 14 mile hike into Front Royal VA for a re-supply and I plan to get a motel for the night. I got my feet bandaged and took some pain medication and hit the trail about 7:00am. The rain stopped shortly after I got started and with good terrain I made great time. As I neared the road crossing I encountered a Copperhead snake on the trail. Fortunately I saw it in the nick of time. I got to quit being so zoned out when I¢m hiking! The snake was about 3 feet long and I was able to get close enough for a photo. I then walked around the snake without it even moving and I was off hiking again.I got to the road crossing about 1:00pm and within a few minutes caught a ride into town. The fellow even took me to my motel. After getting checked in I went down the street for lunch and to buy groceries. While I was at the restaurant a severe storm hit the area and all power was lost. The nice folks at the restaurant let me stay inside until the rain passed. Luckily the grocery store still had power I was able to take care of my re-supply.I spent the rest of the evening nursing my hurting feet and doing laundry. I¢ve got a 15 mile hike tomorrow so I will have to get an early start in the morning.It was really ironic the message I got in a fortune cookie today; ¢There appears to be many clouds but they quickly pass.¢
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Chester Gap

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up at 6:30am after a great nights sleep. I had cleaned and laid out all of my gear the night before so all I had to do was pack up and check out of the motel. I went down the street and got me a breakfast sandwich and then began working on hitching a ride back to the trailhead. It took about 20 minutes to get ride. I¢m so thankful to the fellow hiker that gave me a ride. He and his wife were on their way to a granddaughter¢s high school graduation and taking time out of their schedule was really appreciated. I was on the trail by 9:00am and at the first shelter by lunch.Throughout the day I encountered a lot of blow downs across the trail. These were remnants of the very powerful storm that hit this area the evening before. Today was very hot and humid with highs in the 90¢s. I stopped at Manassas Gap Shelter and found the water supply piped directly out of the ground. I¢m running really low on water purification drops so I filled all of my containers for the 5 mile hike to my final destination.I got to Dick¢s Dome Shelter about 4:00pm and saw that the structure was actually a dome. I got settled in for the night and was the only one that showed up at the shelter
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I was the only one at the shelter last night. For a while hearing the stream next to the shelter was nice but it soon became annoying. Time for the earplugs but even that didn¢t help much, so not much sleep.        I got an early start this morning knowing I had a lot of miles to cover. It was very humid and foggy and the combination of high grass had me soaked. I got to Rod Hollow Shelter about 11:00am and had lunch. This location had a piped spring so I tanked up and filled my water bottles. The second half of my hike consisted of the ¢Roller Coaster¢. A 13 mile section that had numerous ups and downs. By the afternoon, temperatures were in the high 90¢s and I was sweating out fluids as fast as I was taking them in.I got to Bears Den Hostel at 4:00pm and after a shower and clean clothes I paid for the ¢Thru Hikers Special¢; A Tombstone pizza, soda, and a pint of Ben and Jerry¢s ice cream.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

I got up about 7:00am and fixed some oatmeal for breakfast. I¢m really in no hurry today since I only have 12 miles to hike.I really enjoyed the Bears Den Hostel. Not only was it in a beautiful location but it was very clean and well run.I got on the trail today at 8:00am and I¢m heading to the Blackburn AT Center. I plan to spend the afternoon there and then hiked the 3 miles to the shelter later in the day.It¢s another hot and humid day with temperatures in the upper 90¢s.When I got to the Blackburn AT Center I was greeted by one of the caretakers who gave me a soda and told me to make myself at home. I fixed lunch and then had a refreshing shower in their solar shower. Section Hiker Able told me that the caretakers were going to a bluegrass concert at 4:30pm and were offering a ride to hikers. Of course I jumped at this opportunity and also learned that there would be food at the event. Am I in hiker heaven or what!I took a short nap and then got my gear ready for the evening hike. It was then off to the concert. This event was being held to raise money for the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy so I pitched in. The concert was really good but the food vendor never showed so the caretakers took us to a local grocery store that had a food vendor. Great pull pork sandwiches! Soon it was time to head back to the hostel and I got on the AT a few minutes after 8:00pm. I was going to have to hustle to get to the shelter before it got too dark. About 30 minutes into my hike it was too dark to see without my headlamp. Unfortunately my headlamp batteries were weak and I had to use the light sparingly.Thank goodness the terrain was good and I was able to cover the 3 miles in an hour. Along my hike I spooked several deer near the trail. I don¢t know who was more startled.One funny deer encounter occurred just a few minutes after starting my hike. A deer was standing at 15 yards from the trail scratching it's nose and sneezing. When I said ¢bless you¢ the deer just looked at me then continued to scratch it's nose and sneeze. I arrived at the shelter a few minutes pass 9:00pm. and I was the only one there.Even though I was hot and tired reaching 1002 miles hiked on the AT had me pumped up. Before settling in for the night I had to hang my food bag. Normally a pretty simple task but finding a suitable tree limb and lassoing it in the dark was challenging to say the least. After a few tries I finally connected and got my food bag secured. I spent the next hour sitting in the shelter cooling off, watching the lighting in the distance, and relishing a great day of hiking.
Date: 2008-06-08
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: few clouds

I got up at 6:00am and began the 14 mile walk to the spring to get water. To celebrate my 1000 miles hiked I was going to have a raspberry crumble desert for my meal. I know, it doesn¢t make sense to eat desert for breakfast but to a thru hiker its just food. I was on the trail by 7:00am and enjoyed another day of great terrain. When I was about 5 miles from Harpers Ferry, I heard the sound of tree bark being scratched. I looked to my right and not 30 yards away a bear cub was climbing a tree. A few more feet to the right was the mama bear that was now standing on her hind legs looking at me. I slowly turned around and walked about a hundred yards back up the trail to give the bears time to leave the area. What a thrill but also very scary.I arrived in Harpers Ferry and at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Center at 11:30am and followed the tradition of so many thru hikers before me of signing the register and getting my photo taken for the logbook. I was the 242nd hiker to arrive at the ATC for this year. I then went to the hikers lounge, drank a cold soda and then called my wife. I can¢t wait to see my girls tomorrow. It was then down to the hostel to get cleaned up and get a bunk for the night.
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

ReflectionsIt¢s hard to believe that I have been on the AT 77 days. It seems like just yesterday I was walking past my first white blaze in Springer Mtn. GA and now I¢m in Harpers Ferry W.V. with 1011 miles hiked.I had hoped to accomplish three goals while on the AT and I¢m pleased to say they have all been realized. But I have also received so many other benefits.Hiking over 1000 miles with a 35 pound pack, over some of the most rugged territory in the country is an accomplishment I am very proud of. The added benefit is that I¢m in the best physical and mental shape I have been in years. Over the past several weeks I have met so many nice folks and have really been touched by their acts of kindness. Sure, I¢ve met a couple jerks along the way but their impact had been so minor it¢s really not worth mentioning. Most importantly my faith and dependence on God has strengthened. There have been so many times when I have been at my lowest when suddenly I was touched by his grace.And finally, what do I do with the rest of my life? I have come to realized that I have too many interests and too much energy and have chosen several things. For many years I have composed a yearly ¢bucket list¢ and I¢m sure I will continue this tradition and the list will sure to become larger.With all of this being said, my goal for the second half of my journey is to squeeze as much as possible from the experience. Just like the first half it will soon be over and become just a memory.
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After 3 wonderful days with my girls it was time to get back on the trail. But what a great time we had celebrating a 24th wedding anniversary, my daughter¢s 20th birthday, father¢s day, and completing 1000+ miles on the A.T. Wow! My wife and daughter do such a good job picking out cards that make me laugh out loud as well as those that touch my heart.My girls dropped me off at the ATC Center and after a lot of hugs and kisses and yes a few tears they were heading home.I went down to the outfitter to pick up a pair of hiking shoes. The 3 days off really helped my feet heal and the shoes felt great. I¢ve got a 16+ mile day so this will be a good test for them. While waiting for the outfitter to open I got a great surprise when Dust in the Wind and her husband showed up at the ATC Center. We spent the next hour catching up, and it was great to see her again. I was on the trail by 11:00am and made good time due to the terrain. The last 2 hours of my hike involved very rocky terrain and my shoes performed perfectly. What a joy it is to hike without wincing with each step.I got to Rocky Run Shelter a few minutes pass 6:00pm and due to constructing a new shelter and repairing the old one I had to set a tent.I called my girls to make sure they got home o.k. and then took care of supper.For the next few weeks I¢m going to get up at 5:00am to get as many miles in while it is cooler.
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 20.6

A very long day on the A.T. I got started today at 6:30am and finally rolled in to Devils Racecourse Shelter at 7:30pm Around lunch time today I got the wild idea to go to Greenbrier State Park for a meal. In the guidebook it showed that it was 4/10 of a mile off the trail, however I was to learn that the camp store was an additional 12 mile away. I burned up an hour and a half and the food definitely was not worth the energy I expended.I had another close call with a rattlesnake today. I was about 4 steps from stepping on him when he rattled. I spent the rest of the day scanning the trail about 20 feet in front of me as I hiked.As I approached Wolfsville Rd, I was greeted with some trail magic. I had heard that a thru hiker from Maryland was the trail angel responsible. It was very much appreciated.It was late and I was too tired to fix supper so I ate some snacks and it was off to bed.
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: haze

Not much sleep last night. It was just too hot and the no-see ums were feeding on my skin with a vengeance. I would have tent camped but thunderstorms were predicted. The storms finally came about 3:00am and the temperatures dropped significantly making it comfortable enough to get a couple hours of sleep.I got started this morning at 7:30am and after a break at Pen-Mar Park, I crossed the Maryland/Pennsylvania border at 11:00am. It was great to have 3 more states completed. As I approached Tumbling Run Shelter the skies darkened and it began to thunder. I just got in the shelter when it began to rain.My original plan had been to hike the additional 6 miles to the next shelter but the storm with lighting changed that. Looks like another long hiking day tomorrow.
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Tom's Run Shelter
Miles today: 25.8
Weather: clear sky

AT Trivia:On a hike from Georgia to Maine a true-hiker will climb and descend a total of about ninety-one miles, the equivalent of going from sea level to the summit of Mt. Everest and back more than sixteen times.What an awesome hiking day! Great weather, good terrain, and the most miles hiked in a single day.I got on the trail at 6:00am. knowing I had more than 25 miles to hike today. The cool temperatures and steady breeze were a stark contrast to the 100 degree and 100% humidity days I experienced recently.My first stop was Caledonia State Park where I got a sandwich from the concession stand and then took a hobo shower (shower with clothes on to wash your clothes at the same time) at the pool.The rest of the day was spent just covering miles to get to my final destination. I was really shocked at the amount of defoliation of trees in the area due to the gypsy caterpillar. I saw some trees that were completely void of leaves.When I got to Birch Run Shelter there was a bat sleeping in the rafters. At one point he/she yawned. I guess I may have been disturbing his nap time.Tomorrow I will meet with Jim and Maggie Vogt¢s daughter Jennifer. She and her family are going to host me for a little while so I can take care of the typical hiker chores; shower, laundry, and food.
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Tom's Run Shelter

To: James Frye Shelter
Miles today: 10.9

I got on the trail at 6:00am and arrived at the Pine Grove Furnance General Store about 7:30am. I¢ve got to hang out here until the store opens to get a couple days of food. The weather report predicted severe storms today so that may change my final destination plans.After stocking up on food I gave Jim and Maggie Vogt¢s daughter Jennifer a call and she picked me up. What a great host she was! I got a shower and did laundry while she fixed a hikers helping of pancakes and bacon, yum. The real treat of the visit was that I actually got to shoot a bow. I didn¢t do so hot but just being able to let a few arrows fly did my heart so much good. Jennifer had bought an assortment of energy bars for me and in the upcoming days on the trail they will be a welcomed snack. Jennifer you¢re one great trail angel!After loading some photos on my web site, it was back to the general store to engage in a long time thru hike tradition; the 12 gal. challenge. I am pleased to say that I was able to finish the 12 gallon of ice cream and am the proud recipient of the 12 gallon challenge wooden spoon as a memento of my achievement. All kidding aside eating a 12 gallon of ice cream at one setting is tough.At 3:00pm I started hiking with the goal of getting to James Frye Shelter before the storm came. I arrived a little pass 6:00pm without getting rained on. After getting settled into the shelter, I mapped out the next several days of hiking.
Date: 2008-06-17
From: James Frye Shelter

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

About an hour before dark the wind picked up and the temperatures dropped but no rain.I got up this morning to clear skies and cool breezes. I got on the trail at 7:00am and I am in no hurry since I plan to stay in Boiling Springs. This was going to be short day for me due to the spacing of shelters and a no camping zone.I got to Alec Kennedy Shelter and took a short break. This location marks 1105 miles hiked on the AT so a photo was in order.I got to Boiling Springs about 1:00pm and stopped by the Regional ATC Center. Jackaroo and I then went to the local pizza restaurant and tanked up. I plan to camp behind a hostel tonight, and get an early start in the morning.
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I tented in the backyard of the Garmanhaus B&B last night and got some much needed rest. The caretaker only charges a dollar for camping.I got up this morning to cool temperatures and clear skies. After a stop at the local convenience store for a honey bun and milk, I hit the trail. I¢ve got a 20+ mile hiking day so I want to get as many miles in while the temperatures are cool. The trail crossed several pastures today that were beautiful but the chest tall grass and the inability to see my feet made me uncomfortable.I stopped at the Darlington Shelter for lunch and there were several day hikers there. They treated me to some trail magic in the form of snacks and fruit. What a treat and greatly appreciated.The last few miles of my hike today involved crossing a lot of rock scrambles. By the time I got to Cove Mountain Shelter my feet were aching. I had just got my supper fixed when the rain came. It only lasted about an hour and it really cooled down the temperatures.I¢m heading to Duncannon PA in the morning to resupply and take care of the usual hiker things.
Date: 2008-06-19
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Peter Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night the temperatures dropped in the low 50¢s and I had a great night sleep.I got on the trail at 6:00 a.m. and was in Duncannon PA by 7:30 a.m. My chores were really spread out so I started hitching. Luckily I was able to get rides quickly and I had everything done by about 11:00 a.m.I next went to the historic Doyle Hotel and had a great hamburger. Then it was back to the trail again.On my way to Clarks Ferry Shelter, I had another close call with a poisonous snake. A Copperhead was laying next to a log right on the trail and I was just a couple steps away when I saw it. I took a photo then stepped on top of the log to get by the snake. Am I a snake magnet or what! Lots of rock scrambles to negotiate today but I made good time and got to Peter Mountain Shelter about 6:00 p.m. Another day of great weather and great hiking.
Date: 2008-06-20
From: Peter Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

I had already got my gear set up in the shelter last night when I learned that a shelter that had been built by Earl Shaffer was located close by. Earl Shaffer was the first person to complete a thru hike of the AT. I did get a picture of myself in this shelter this morning. Great piece of history and I learned that the shelter is going to be placed in a museum.I got an early start this morning to take advantage of the cool temperatures. There was nothing spectacular about the hike today but with great weather and good terrain I was able to cover the 17+ miles quickly. I got to Rausch Gap Shelter about 3:30pm and got settled in for the evening.