morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter 

To: Rockfish Gap 
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

The weather combined with the last few days of above (my-average) mileage made my feet sore at the outset. Other than squirrels and orange salamanders I didn't notice any wildlife. The salamanders don't run away. They seem to be looking at me, but they don't move till I touch them. I fear I will step on one if I'm not alert.I arrived at Rockfish Gap ready for a rest. I sat on a wooden fence near the road and enjoyed a look around. It's beautiful here with all the trees and well-mown roadsides. I looked to the left and I saw a sign that said "Entering the Blue Ridge Parkway", and to the right is a sign about entering the Shenandoah National Park. It's an interesting perspective for a hiker who has just spent 9 days hiking the BRP and ready to spend a week in SNP. I walked to the information booth and thelady there called her friend to come get me and take me into town for FREE! I asked her to take me to the laundromat, but she said she wanted to give me a tour of the town first. Christy is a very nice person. After an AYCE buffet dinner at the wonderful Ming Garden I went to the YMCA for a shower. I reached for my wallet to pay, and she said we don't charge hikers for showers during June! Wow. I registered for a free camping spot in the Loth Campground and when I visited the campground! The hikers there, Buck, Butterfly Moon, Slap Happy and the Snowman had several boxes of food they wanted me to share from the Lutheran Church Hostel that closed today. Man! Waynesboro Rocks!THEN, Mr. Len Graf walked into the camp and offered to take any of us hikers to Wal-Mart. I needed flip-flops and fuel so I wanted to go there. While I shopped, he went into the McDonalds that's integrated into the same building and had a cup of coffee. So I was free to take all the time I needed. When we left, he asked if I wanted to go anywhere else and suggested the outfitter and a couple eateries. I didn't need anything else, so I returned to camp. Now I'm eating free food, drink and... writing.Tomorrow Len will take Buck and me to the post office... I tell ya, Waynesboro is a very hiker friendly place with lots of wonderful people.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Rockfish Gap 

To: Calf Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Early today, I dumped out everything in my pack and selected the items I want to send home. Len Graf stopped by to take Buck and me to the Post Office. Len waited for me to pick-up my package from General Delivery, then re-load and re-address the box and send it back home. Then he took me back to the campground and waited for me to re-assemble my pack and he took me to the trail. Len's a great guy. He used to work in Moab and Ferrin in the 1960s.I still haven't figured out just what makes it so hard to hike out of town. I had a difficult day. I was really sweating and huffing and puffing the whole 7 miles. The feet are still very sore. The weather plays a big role in the way my feet and legs feel. Last night it rained a lot, and it has been cold and gray most of today. I worried that I'd get soaked before I got to the shelter, but now it seems the grey clouds are blowing away. I hope my summer bag can keep me comfortable.I saw another flying squirrel today. I heard a noise and I stopped to look. I saw him scooting straight up a tall tree. He then decided to move to a more distant tree and started an impressive air show all for my benefit.So here I am in Shenandoah National Park. To be truthful, nothing has changed. It's beautiful just like all the trail I've seen to date.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Calf Mountain Shelter 

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The day was quite uneventful. I saw a few deer, but Slap Happy saw 5 bears today. Three were tiny cubs. She was a little ahead of me. She got some excellent digital photos. My feet were feeling much better today. Not much else to report...
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut 
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

I saw several deer again today. These deer were very accustomed to people and didn't run until I was much closer, if they ran at all. I got a couple photos of deer to start my new roll of film. I also took two scenic overlook photos from the top of Loft Mountain overlooking the Shenandoah Valley and the distant Blue Ridge Mountains. I caught up with the Sequin Sisters at Ivy Creek. They were taking a break at the creek and a large gathering of thru hikers assembled there to chat. We all agreed it was the largest collection of thru hikers we'd seen in weeks. In addition to the sisters, there were TDS (Totally Different Subject), Pace, Umble Taoh, Bulldog, and History and me... now known up and down the trail as Buffalo. Lots of my favorites - Columbine today. Some Laurel, but it's nearing the end of it's blooming cycle, I think. I stopped at the camp store at Loft Mountain Campground to buy peanut butter and razors. My old razor failed half way through my last shave... I'm looking awfully ragged about now.
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Pinefield Hut 

To: Hightop Hut 
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: few clouds

I didn't sleep well last night. I wanted to stay in the shelter because it's too cold for my hammock/summer sleeping bag combination. The last three shelters have been painted and the paint makes them smell awful. Usually it doesn't bother me, but a noisy bird (a Whippoorwill according to other hikers) and the chill added to a restless night. As a result, I am sluggish and slower today. Not a problem though, the next shelter is closer.I took a photo of the trail where the sun was shining through the green tunnel and making a beautiful beam of light on the trail. The tunnel envelops me almost all day lately.I am sitting on a log taking a break, airing my feet, changing socks and having a snack. It's my second rest stop. Earlier I stopped at Simmons Gap on the roadside. Three deer walked out of the woods and grazed as I watched. Two more pics of them. I have already seen 6 deer today, one fawn on the trail ahead of me was teensy.Now, I am writing from the picnic table at the Hightop Hut. This shelter reeks more than the previous three. I have selected a nearby spot for my hammock and I think I'll sleep well tonight.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Hightop Hut 

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut 12.4
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I rose and left the shelter early. When I crossed US33 the air was filled with a very pleasant perfume of flowers. I couldn't see any flowers until I heard some bees in a tree. The flowers were a pale color, much like the leaves. There were also lots of elderberry bushes in bloom as well. I stopped at South River Picnic area for some water and some people in a car took photos of this old sweat soaked hiker.   When I left the picnic area i hiked about a tenth of a mile - the trail was rather steep and I was not looking at anything except the trail. I heard a HUFF! like the sound a dog makes when it becomes alerted. I looked up and saw a bear. A BIG BEAR! It was very close. It was moving away quickly and a tiny cub was at her heels. I yanked out my camera and started snapping pics. I hope at least one turns out. As the motherbear moved away, I saw another cub appear at her side. Then yet another cub came running down the tree to my left (placing me inbetween momma and cub), but it ran to it's mother, so I was outside the family circle. Later, I went to the campground store for the purpose of buying honey. They didn't have it. I bought some snacks and filled my water bottles and began to leave the campground, a camper waved me over and offered me a cold brew. Ahhh. We chatted for well over an hour, then I continued on toward this hut. It's crowded here: Calves, Lizard, Buck, Pizza the Hut, Bobski, Episcapamegalomaniac, and me, Buffalo.Episcapamegaomaniac recognizes me from last yezr in the 100-mile wilderness. He remembers Josh and asked about his job. Seems like a nice guy.
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut 12.4

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Easy day today. Calves told me we had a hard hill at 5 miles and I believed. So I was mentally prepared and the hill in question was climbed before I knew it. I've come to the point that I don't really want to know what PUDS lay ahead. I will hike them anyway, so there's no point in worrying about them before hand. Water on the other hand is an issue I try to know about in advance. But it's hard to know what sources are really there, and some of the data is incorrect anyway. So, I have made it a habit to carry a lot of water. Extra weight. I stopped at Big Meadow Camp store and tried to re-supply. I bought some fruit, fruit juice and coleslaw for lunch - anutrition issue.Then I called home and got an unsettling news update about Don. The rest of the day has been difficult. There are other concerns and events in life that are so much more important than this hike. Life itself can be a fragile and delicate thing. When the moment is close at hand, what we take for granted is suddenly appreciated fully. I am so close to my mid-point, but I'm struggling today. Hiking seems like a waste of time at times. The ridge-runner, a 2000 thru-hiker named Web Breaker walked the last half-mile to this shelter with me. I enjoyed chatting with him. There is an old cabin near the shelter that belonged to a family that was forced to leave this area when the Parklands were "reclaimed". Web Breaker had a key to the cabin and offered to let me and the other hikers look it over. It was made of American chestnut wood (American Chestnut is now extinct because of an invasion of some foreign insect.) The cabin was well built and very interesting to see.
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut 
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today I had a very hard time hiking in the morning. I was worried about Don and my eyes were so wet I could barely see the trail. I hurried to the Skyland Lodge and called home. I felt a lot better after talking to Mom. I left Skyland after a while - unable to get through to my own phone. The trail had a lot of boulders and small, sharp rocks today. My feet are pretty sore. As I approached Thornton Gap, I met a lot of day hikers. A lot were interested about my hike. I saw a small spring and dropped my pack as a couple was coming up the trail. The man asked meif I was on a trip. I said, Yes, I'm hiking from Georgia to Maine. They were amazed; apparently not aware the trail goes that far. They asked a lot of questions and as I pulled out my filter to draw water from the spring. Then the man gave me a bottle of water that was frozen. Wow, what a treat that ice-cold water was. I crossed Skyline Drive at Thornton Gap and started up the trail on a fire road. There about 100 feet ahead was a bear standing on the wide trail looking at me. I hurried to get out my camera, dropping my bottle of ice and my bandana in the process. I think I got a decent photo before it ambled away. The bear turned left and disappeared behind foliage. I picked up my stuff and continued up the road. When I got to where the bear had turned, I noticed the trail also turns. The bear was still on the trail as if waiting for me. When I rounded the turn, he ran and turned right off the trail and into the woods. I followed the trail, looking for him and hoping for another pic. As I was looking through the trees, I saw him leap across the trail to the left side. Soon I was at that spot where he crossed the trail. He was waiting there again, but the moment I saw him, he ran into cover quickly.I saw a lot of deer, three turkey vultures, a brilliant red Scarlet Tanager and lots of flowers crowding the trail today. Still, the enjoyment is muted by the fear that Don will have a turn for the worse.
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Gravel Spring Hut 

To: Terrapin Station Hostel 
Miles today: 9.0

I hoped to do eighteen miles today and thought it was doable. But no! My feet did not want to hike that far. I decided to only go to the closest shelter but again... no. My ankles ached, my heels were blistering, and the pads of my feet felt bruised from the rocks, so I opted to take the earliest exit. Terrapin Station is a wonderful option. Owner Mike Evans took several of us into Front Royal for whatever we needed a few minutes after I finished my shower. Perfect, eh? I got Epsom salts and a tub to soak my feet plus a Wendy's dinner. Here at the hostel are a lot of hikers, some of whom I've met before. Hitch is leaving the trail tomorrow. Seraphim whom I met at Kincora is here. B-man from Pittsburgh who hikes with a hockey stick because he lost a bet. UPS had a dog that was bitten by a snake. Farmer and Linus I just met, and they seem very nice. A few others I haven't met yet.No game of hare and hound today. I took a long time getting out of camp, and as I picked up my pack, Calves hoisted his and said, "Ready to go, Buffalo?" Hmmm. We hiked together - silently thankfully for about three miles, then I saw a nice, inviting rock to sit on and I sat, Calves didn't seem to notice I'd dropped off. So then I hiked alone. I took a lot of breaks today. I saw several hikers I first met in Georgia. These guys hike hard and fast. Too fast in my opinion, but as they say: "Hike your own hike." Lone Star (formerly known as Austin) is still out here, testing the PH in waters along the trail. He stopped and chatted with me for quite a while. Two others I have seen in Georgia and near Erwin. They never say anything more than a quick nod and a mumbled greeting. All business they hike in step, one directly behind the other, close enough to touch. I wonder if they see anything besides the trail. I do admire their endurance and determination though.
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Terrapin Station Hostel 

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter 
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

I enjoyed a day off yesterday, soaking my feet and eating too much. I re-supplied in Front Royal and at 8:30 this morning, I left the Terrapin Station Hostel. It had rained heavily during the night and the air was extremely muggy. Some other hikers I met reported that the temperature would be 90, but because of some "heat index" it would be like 104. Whatever!Anyway, it really was quite warm and hiking was difficult. I decided to take the next few days slow so that I arrive in Harpers Ferry on the 5th to avoid both the weekend and the holiday in the town. My feet feel much better, but it seems prudent to pamper them with modest miles. They just don't seem to grow tougher with all the abuse they get. Instead, they remain vulnerable and tender as ever.This shelter has a shower coming from a spring. The water is piped down hill to the shower using a siphon effect, a three-sided structure with a barrel above and a pull chain that allows the water to shower down from the barrel. It's very refreshing and very cold. A real treat on a hot day!
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter 

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Much of today's trail was between two fences. I sure appreciate that the country built this trail, and I feel sorry that families were displaced when the government took away (bought) their homes so complete the trail. It was a short hike, but enjoyable even with the super high humidity. I was soaked.There were blackberries, mulberries and even strawberries to snack on. I saw two box turtles and a long Black snake. The black snakes will shake their tail rapidly to imitate a rattle snake. The tail will be whacking against leaves and foliage, but it sounds nothing like a rattler.I stopped at Manassas Gap Shelter for lunch and water. It's apparently made from the logs of an old house and there are still some parts of an old foundation remaining. Dick's Dome is very small so naturally there would be at least ten thru hikers to spend the night.
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail was beautiful today. I rose early and left early to beat the heat. I arrived at the shelter by 10:40. I feel a little guilty stopping so early, but I know that thee will be a lot of celebration in Harpers Ferry for the entire long weekend, so I will enjoy a quiet weekend in the woods. Lots of deer today.
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear Den Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I like doing these short mile days. It makes the hike quite pleasant. Today I rose and left before any of the other hikers stirred. The others had carried in beer and pot and had a party of sorts. One had a small guitar and sings quite well. I slept.I walked a short distance from the shelter and I saw a sign on a tree saying; "Warning: You are about to enter the Roller Coaster" and it added a few other thoughts about the upcoming segment. I knew the Roller Coaster lay ahead, but I wasn't clear how far away it was or how strenuous. It can't compare to Georgia's PUDS. But, it was a good reminder. Only a few hundred feet after I started the first climb on the coaster, I heard a familiar sound. Huffing and puffing plus what sounded like claws ripping apart a log. I looked up the hill and saw what looked like an enormous bear. It was just coming over the top of the ridge about 75 feet away. It seemed oblivious to me, and there was considerable obstruction of my view of it. It moved slowly, turning and seeming to struggle. At one point it appeared to be holding a cub in its mouth. Then as it got closer I could see that it was two bears... mating. I didn't expect to see any more bears since I'm well away from the SNP, but it was a good surprise.Lots of deer, but they have become increasingly common and it seems hardly worth mentioning, yet I still love to see them, and it's an unusual day if I don't see any at all.Now I am at the Bear Den Hostel and I've registered to stay over night. It's a very beautiful place - an old stone structure with a high stone fence and entranceway. I sat down to play the piano and found my fingers seem to have forgotten my old tune. A few minutes later a man named "Many Names" a Polish immigrant living in So. California sat down and played some of his own amazing compositions and then a number of popular songs - all from memory. Wow, he plays so well! I think he could be a concert musician. Time for my shower, laundry and another attempt to call the family.
Date: 2005-07-04
From: Bear Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night, for the most part, the Bear Den Hostel was very enjoyable. I¢ve gotten to know so many hikers. With Many Names at the piano and the guitar player/singer in dread locks, it was a wonderful musical evening. Plus a bit of conversation with Santa, Big Foot, Baby Steps, Noonin and others.   For supper we had a wonderful meal centered around home made chicken pot pie. Lori (Lady Diva) is a great hostess here. A Canadian man, non-hiker had a gift (or need) for gab. He cornered me with a never ending monologue and the fact that I couldn't say a word or even walk away without him following at my heels from the phone room to the bunk room to the dining room and the parlor was becoming tortuous. I was at wits end trying to figure out how to escape politely when suddenly I just blurted out, "Hey! I have some things to do, OK?" As he stood stunned, I made good my final escape and went back to the pitch dark bunk room for some peace and quiet.There were a couple significant land marks passed today. First, Ientered West Virginia. Then after a mile or two the trail returned to the Virginia border where it follows the West Virginia/Virginia border for the rest of the day and part of tomorrow. So a fond farewell to Virginia.Second, I passed a stone on the side of the trail saying that Springer Mountain is 1000 trail miles south. The paint looked very fresh and in fact the sign had been placed there yesterday and altered with a spelling correction a few hours before I saw it. Manatou, a trail maintainer, had placed the stone there and painted it. He was doing painting, cleaning and repairs to the shelter here as I arrived. The paint still feels a bit tacky so I'll hammock tonight. This is the best shelter I've seen. It is well made and well laid out with a covered picnic table set away from the large shelter. I sat on a swinging bench to read. Very comfy. There is even a very nice, large, flat campground area for tents and it has its own picnic table there. So far, it seems I'll be alone here tonight. It's 6:30 and two more trail maintainers doubling as trail angels came in and chatted a while. Then they went down to the spring and returned a while later, chatted a few moments and left.The sign says the spring is .25 mile away and it's downhill. I drew water from it just as I arrived, so I didn't relish the fact that my water bottles were already empty and I had to retrace the steep trail. As the sun was setting I headed back down and when I finally arrived at the spring again I saw that the couple had left refreshment in the cold water. WOW! There was a sign tacked to a tree saying Happy 4th of July Thru Hikers! Yes indeed. THANK YOU TRAIL ANGELS!
Date: 2005-07-05
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: The Hostel at Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: haze

I didn't want to leave the shelter this morning. It was so peaceful and quiet. I slept well.When I finally hit the trail, I walked among blackberries andpaused often to indulge. When I crossed the road at Keys Gap, I paused to read the several signs. To the left was a sign saying, "Welcome toJefferson County, West Virginia" and to the right, "Welcome to Virginia". One sign spoke of George Washington's contribution in the area related to the Revolutionary War. There are a lot of Civil War historical sites along the trail as well. It started raining very hard when I was half way to Harpers Ferry. The rain was not cold, but just cool enough to be refreshing. Unfortunately, my feet got soaked. I worry about blisters so much. It seems I did all right today though because I am sitting on the porch of the hostel bare foot. There is a red spot there, but otherwise no problem. This is a hostel that has a totally different set of rules. They close daily. It's closed now and won't open for several hours. Also, today a new manager takes over and apparently the food re-supply potential has been abandoned with the change.I registered at the ATC as Buffalo: Number 570. They took my photo and I left quickly. My soaked feet and poor trail markings to the ATC had made my temper short. I didn't realize my mood was so sour till I left the ATC.Walking in Harpers Ferry was incredible. The town is still working on restoring buildings and other features. I enjoyed seeing and crossing both the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. The old C&O towpath which I walked on was cool too.Another big landmark passed today. I am now in Maryland. Bye bye West Virginia - it was short and that's sweet.
Date: 2005-07-06
From: The Hostel at Harper's Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter 
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Lots of berries on the trail today and I had to stop often to partake: blackberries and boysenberries. They are very sweet and plump. Lots of history too. I walked through Gathland State Park and saw some incredible restored buildings and monuments.
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Rocky Run Shelter 

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter 
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: haze

Lots more history. Walking along the ancient path used by Native Americans, soldiers and other travelers; walking through battle fields and near ancient stone walls and foundations gives me a feeling of deep appreciation and wonder. I especially liked visiting Washington Monument State Park. I ate blackberries and boysenberries along the trail. The trail was very nice today except for a section that was directed through rocks. Whatever sense that makes... My feet bruised.This shelter is crowded and my feet are way too sore to walk the 4.8 miles to the next shelter. Rain is predicted - mention of an approaching tropical storm named Cindy.