morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   The morning greets us with a serious family matter. As a distraction, we go to REI to look for boots in the afternoon. I try on several pairs and wander about, climbing up and down the little incline contraption. By process of elimination, I settle on the best of the bunch, but by this time the salesperson has lost interest and moved on. I decide to do likewise, and sleep on it. I do, however, get a replacement pair of Patagonia liners and Smartwool socks. The pairs I have worn for all these miles are getting pretty thin in the heels and soles. I thoroughly enjoy going to these places and watching the interaction of customers and salespeople. Reminds me of the wildebeests going to the watering hole filled with crocodiles.
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   Today I tore the pack apart and went through each item. I plan to leave here lean and mean....under thirty pounds with food and water. I don't have a scale but I'm sure I will be under thirty. And I did return to REI and buy the new boots after trying them on again. This is the time to do it, since if they don't work out, I can always get my other pair back. Now for the bad news....my symptoms are getting worse instead of better. Tomorrow was my target date to be back on the trail, but unless I improve significantly overnight, it isn't going to happen. I just can't seem to shake this bug. I am contemplating skipping a section here, although I don't really want to do that, but I'm falling way behind.
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   Today was a no go. I was up most of the night coughing. There is no way I could be on the trail in this condition. I wore my new boots around most of the day, and they feel okay. We'll see how they are after a long day of hiking. My next window of opportunity to get moving again won't be until the weekend. While it is comfortable here, I feel restless.
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   Tomorrow I'll be giving it another try. I still have a cough and congestion, but I have to get going if I'm going to continue. Have a few last second errands tonight, and hope to get an early start. At least the weather has improved from the previous constant rain. I won't know how it will go until I get out there, so all I can do is give it a shot. Waynesboro in the morning....
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Turk Gap
Miles today: 15.2

   I got to bed about midnight, asleep maybe by 1am, and was up a little after 4am. I had some tea with honey, and took a long shower and shaved. One last luxury cleaning. I tried to get my journal straightened out, and I got it ready to send. It is really a mess, I know, but sometimes I'm just not in the mood to write. I finally got everything packed and we headed for the mountains. Barb dropped me off at Rockfish Gap about 10am....later than I had hoped, but at least I was there. I didn't feel too great, but I was anxious to get going. A quick hug and I was headed across the bridge. I took it pretty slow at first, to see if the old body remembered how to function out here. Soon I was at the registration station, and chatted with Woods' Dragon while doing my paperwork, which only takes a few minutes. Ran into the ridgerunner soon after, and saw a lot of day and section hikers going south. I was actually moving pretty well until I jammed my toes into my boots going down a steep descent. A quick tighter retie solved that I think. I proceeded to Calf Mountain where I saw my first rattlesnake of the trip....actually part of the snake was protruding from under a rock. The ridgerunner and every hiker I met was eager to tell me about the location of the snake. It was the attraction of the day. I arrived early at Calf Mtn Shelter, my intended, modest goal for the day. Also it is off the trail down a rock, rough-looking path. While I was sitting there at the turn-off, Kung Fu came along. He said his parents had come to see him and they were going to have trail magic at Turk Gap at 5:30. I told him thanks, but there was no way I would make it there. He said he'd leave a couple of beers there for me if I get there later. I must have arrived just after they left, because sure enough there were two ice cold beers sitting along the trail! I sat and drank them engulfed in a swarm of black flies....annoying but not lethal due to the bug dope. I found a spot to camp not far up the trail, set up, and crawled in. I had run the tank empty today.
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Turk Gap

To: Simmons Gap
Miles today: 21.2

   Deer kept disrupting my sleep by stomping around my tent all night. I slept in the silk bag liner as it was warm. I must have set up near an ant farm, as I found a dozen in the tent come daylight. The whipperwills woke me early, so I got a good start. By 7:30 I had labored through my fist climb, and was already sweating. I wore a thinner pair of Smartwool socks today and they seemed more comfortable. Maybe I should have gotten a half size larger boot, but they felt pretty good initially---we're still in the breaking in stage, so I hope they work out okay. Stopped at Pinefield Hut to rest and get water. Found some familiar names in the shelter register of people ahead of me. Double A came in for a break and said I.B. had left the trail, which I was sorry to hear. I decided to continue on for a couple slow, easy miles before camping for the night. The trail had other ideas, offering a long, steep climb that drained me. I kept looking for a tent site and found one eventually, though I doubt it met the criteria for Shenandoah camping. I got the tent set up, and escaped the swarms of bugs that are a constant nuisance. It was hot, hazy, and humid all day, and remains very warm this evening, with only a hint of breeze. There were a lot of deer along the trail today. They don't run off, usually they just stare as I pass.
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Simmons Gap

To: Lewis Springs
Miles today: 23.0

   Slept quite well for a change, probably because I overdid it yesterday. I'm going through twice as much water as usual, so am carrying more (ugh) than I care to. Food and water are the heaviest items in the pack. Had to finish yesterday's climb first thing, then a nice, leisurely early morning stroll, until finding more long, steep climbs to High Top. Stopped at South River Picnic Area for a long break. The trails in the park have been much, much better than anything I have seen thus far. Hopefully this will continue north of the park also. Ran into Tom For Short and Seneca Lou, who were slacking with their family. Was lucky enough to get an icy coke as trail magic from them, and got caught up on gossip and trail news too. The clouds were rolling in, occasionally looking like rain, but kept blowing over. Avoided the campgrounds as they are very expensive and too crowded. Found a nice level spot near the spring for the evening.
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Lewis Springs

To: Mary's Rock
Miles today: 18.0

   During the night I was awakened by thunder and lightning but the storm never came near me. I heard a few rain drops hit the tent, but for once the rain fell on someone else. The tent was dry when I packed it at fisrt light. It was a bit cooler and I used my new sleeping bag as a blanket, but found it a little too warm. It was a good day today. The feet felt better with the new thinner socks in the boots. I didn't push as hard today, and took another long break at a picnic area. I sat at the picnic table and ate, while putting out my bandanas and shirt to dry in the sun after rinsing them out. It was nice to be able to get water without having to filter, and I took full advantage. Heard a big storm is heading this way, maybe tonight or tomorrow. Haze continued to limit the views somewhat, although it seemed better than the last couple of days. Looking down into the valleys from the overlooks makes them look so peaceful. Occasionally I pick out a small clearing with a little homestead and think what a great place that must be to live. This is very attractive and inviting country. The trail is never far from Skyline Drive here, so you can almost always hear traffic in the distance. Surprisingly, it doesn't seem as crowded as I had expected it to be, especially with the holiday coming up. There are alot of motorcycles that go through--it's a perfect road for a bike trip. Had a long conversation with a ranger, and he said everything is booked solid for the 4th, so he was bracing himself for their imminent arrival. I would like to get gone before the rush. I had planned to push on to Thornton Gap and see if I could get to a phone to arrange a pickup, but it got dark on me. Found a good spot for the night in case it rains, and I'm in a good position to get there early tomorrow morning.
Date: 2003-07-02
From: Mary's Rock

To: Skyline Drive
Miles today: 19.5

   The humidity is getting to me....even at an easy pace I'm soaked with sweat by 7am!! I stopped at Panorama to call Barb to see what her plans were--specifically whether she could come and get me in Front Royal tomorrow. We arranged a time and a place, so I'll be heading into the city while the city is heading into the mountains....swimming against the current as always! She warned me that this tropical storm is supposed to drop heavy rains, with flooding today. Just after hanging up, a steady gentle rain began. I don't carry any rain gear. I'm going to get wet either from the inside or the outside, no matter what, so I just continued on in my t-shirt. It actually felt pretty good, cooler anyway. Besides, I can rinse out my shirt as I walk and it keeps the bugs away. Having the pack cover on though is a hassle, making getting a snack, water, or anything else out of the pack a chore. It was warm enough and without any wind, not to be unpleasant as long as I kept moving. My new boots aren't waterproof (nor was my other pair), so my feet got wet, but not enough to slow me down. I couldn't resist the temptation to stop at Elkwallow for some overpriced ice cream. I couldn't arrange a home equity loan, so no burger and fries. I head out for the next shelter, but when I got to the next turnoff changed my mind. The rain continued uninterrupted in varying intensity. "Nothing like sleeping in a pile of stinking, wet hikers", was the thought going through my head. When I came to a road crossing, I found a drainage tunnel under the road and checked it out. A man-made cave, relatively dry, no resident creatures....no worse than setting up wet in the wet, except when that wall of water comes down and flushes me out.... Settled in for the night, had a snack and sat watching the rain until dark.
Date: 2003-07-03
From: Skyline Drive

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 10.0

   It was still raining in the morning as I headed into Front Royal. Once in town, I found the library to check my email and to dry out a bit. Walked around town some and found the architecture interesting. Front Royal has many historical markers--seems a lot of history took place here. The rain had finally stopped, and I walked up to the outfitters in the shopping center--the pre-arranged rendezvous point. Ran into Tom Short and Seneca Lou and their family there, and also Two Speeds, who I have not seen in a long time. I bought another pair of the thinner Smartwools, so as to have two pair. We hung out until my ride showed up. All of the heavy traffic was coming out of the city, backed up at interchanges. An hour later I was sipping a beer on the deck. I got cleaned up, did laundry, and had cheeseburgers on the grill and corn-on-the-cob for supper. It was nice to be able to withdraw to the comfort of the air conditioning. Stayed up late talking and watching TV.
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   We had coffee and breakfast on the deck. The whole area is comparatively very quiet. Spent most of the morning playing on the computer, then took a short nap. We headed over to Katy and Danny's house in the afternoon. They live in an interesting cul-de-sac neighborhood, to say the least! All the neighbors have these huge slingshots to lob water balloons at each other and, with the thousands of prefilled balloons, the war lasted all afternoon. Water balloons were flying hundreds of yards back and forth, up and down the street. Enjoyed some quality pool time, and had some great food and drink. After dark it was time for the big show. The neighbors get together and put on their own fireworks display down at the end of the street. This was no small time deal--it would rival the display in alot of small towns!! It was a great time with hundreds of people sitting and watching the colorful bursts, until the police showed up. He drove down the hill to the cul-de-sac with his lights flashing, adding to the festivities. With the fuses already lit, a new round of rockets went up right in front of his bumper. After a few minutes he left, being unable to identify the perpetrators or discover the now stashed cache of fireworks. As he crested the hill, the show resumed to the delight of all. We drove back to the house after a really fun and wacky day. Watched the movie,"The Patriot" until the wee hours before turning in.
Date: 2003-07-05
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   The day was oppressively hot and muggy. I wouldn't have gone very far on the trail today. It was uncomfortable sitting quietly in the shade, much less walking with a backpack. I spent the day hunkered in the air conditioned basement, happy to have the refuge. I am not used to this kind of weather.
Date: 2003-07-06
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   Today really was a zero day!! Other than going to the food store to pick up a few things, I didn't do anything. The food stores here are an adventure though--much fancier than I am used to. I'm having difficulty finding the pepperoni I like. Hopefully Hormel hasn't quit making it.
Date: 2003-07-10
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Rollercoaster ( Bear Den Rocks)
Miles today: 14.0

   Tried to leave early in the morning but the water was still too high to cross the streams at the shelter entrance. Finally at mid-morning the levels dropped enough that I could get to the trail, which was in terrible shape. Lower areas were very muddy, and water was still draining down the mountains. Add to that high humidity, and it was a very uncomfortable day. The rollercoaster exceeded its reputation. Climb after climb after climb followed by descents and very rocky trails made for a very tough day. Walking in wet boots and socks made my feet sore. I stopped at Sam Moore Shelter and set them out in the sun to dry some. Read in the register that a young girl had died near here about a week ago--must have been a bad scene. As evening approached, the wind picked up. Once secure in my tent, I watched the fireflies cavort. This area must be on the flight path to Dulles, because plane after plane flew overhead last night and tonight. The winds increased and several waves of thunder and lightning passed through. Branches and trees were falling near my camp, making sleep difficult.
Date: 2003-07-11
From: Rollercoaster ( Bear Den Rocks)

To: Keys Gap
Miles today: 16.0

   Today was very hot and breezy. I almost stepped on a black snake lying on the edge of the trail. He never moved, but I levitated about four feet high and ten feet away. Whoever said white men can't jump never witnessed a snake encounter. I also saw a pretty small box turtle. He was brown with yellow markings. I stopped for an hour to try to dry out my socks and boots some, as they are still wet. It felt good to dry out my feet, if only for a short time.    The rollercoaster really wore me out. I'm positioned to make it to Harper's Ferry in the morning. I went through a large amount of water again today. Carrying the extra weight is tough, but I don't have much choice.
Date: 2003-07-12
From: Keys Gap

To: Sandy Hook Hostel (Harper's Ferry)
Miles today: 9.5

   After arriving in Harper's Ferry today, I went into the ATC office and had my picture taken. I am #676 to make it this far this year. I also weighed myself on their scale. Without an accurate starting weight, I can only estimate that I have lost 25-30 pounds. Also, hopefully, I have offset some fat with some muscle. I thought I would actually shed more than that since I have plenty to spare. Psycho Pat was at the office. She has been off and on the trail lately with foot problems unfortunately. I also met Froggy Pete there. He is making his second attempt at thru-hiking after ending last year in NY. So this year he started in GA again, and is headed home to Maine. It was hot and sunny today. Enjoyed looking at the architecture of all the buildings in town as I headed for the Canal Towpath. I intended to go to the first shelter, but as I walked along the river I decided to check out the hostel. It was a very nice place--clean and spacious and homey feeling. The real kicker is that they offer breakfast. I walked to a restaurant up the road and had a large salad and spaghetti dinner. When I got back to the hostel they were grilling hotdogs. Had I known that I wouldn't have gone to the restaurant. Not much later a thunderstorm with heavy rain hit the area. I was glad I had decided to stay. I called my sister, Barb, who told me I was in the area of tornadoes Wednesday and Thursday. Seems wherever I go storms follow. Spent a pleasant evening talking with the guests, only one of whom, Froggy Pete, was a hiker.
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Sandy Hook Hostel (Harper's Ferry)

To: Dalmgren Backpacker Camping Area
Miles today: 16.0

   Got a later start than I had hoped due to the breakfast. AYCE pancakes, fruit, juice, coffee, cereal and muffins. I could have really packed it in but resisted overeating before a day of hiking. After a brief level warm-up, I had to make the climb up to Weverton Cliffs. I was fortunate that for once a couple of young ladies came along while I was there, so I had them snap a picture. Continuing on, I stopped briefly to admire the Ed Garvey Shelter--a fancy one. When I got to Gathland State Park, the bugs were bad. This is a "trash free" Maryland park. There are no trash cans in any of their parks. They have two coke machines selling overpriced drinks, but no place to discard the containers, so we just drank water. The park was only "trash free" in that the trash was everywhere but in the trash containers. Wonder whose brilliant idea that was? The view from White Rock Cliffs was great. Expanses of valley and turkey vultures soaring at tree-top level. Here I encountered Dead Man, who was section hiking. He had hiked up to here in the past and we talked as we went to the campsite. It really made the time pass quickly. Passed through a civil war battle site, in which a Michigan regiment participated. There was a large marker there, placed by the State of Michigan. I thought that was unusual.    The campsite was nice--hot showers, and real toilets with toilet paper, and picnic tables. I couldn't get my tent stakes into the tent pads, so I set up on the adjacent grass. Dead Man, Preacher Paul, who I met at the Garvey Shelter, and I talked until dark.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Dalmgren Backpacker Camping Area

To: Pen Mar
Miles today: 23.0

   Got an early start today. All of us were up, packed and on the trail together, but never saw them again. Stopped briefly at the first Washington Monument. a thirty foot high cylindrical tower overlooking the valley built by the local citizens. George would have been honored more by this structure than the one in D.C.   There were lots of rocks today which made my feet sore. When I get tired, I start tripping and stumbling and I know it's time to stop for a rest. As I was bumbling along, a young Chow Down came along and danced right over them.   I really pushed to get to Pen Mar Park. There was supposed to be a pizza place close by, but when I arrived I found out it is closed on Mondays. I spoke with Bill, the park caretaker, and Dennis, who lives across the street. Dennis is a trail angel and since he was going to get food for Bill anyway, he gave me a ride to a local take-out place. I got a huge salad and a cheeseburger sub at a very reasonable price. I sat and talked with Bill while eating and on into the evening. Watched the sunset from the overlook but then had to get moving. There is no camping in the park, so I crossed the Mason-Dixon line just north of the park, and started looking for a spot. I found it at a foot bridge about a mile away, over a creek with "polluted stream" and "bad water" signs. While the water was no good, the campsites were nice. I set up, and then soaked my feet in the water until dark. I may awake with no skin on my feet from the ankles down, but it sure felt good. Two days with no rain. WOW! Haven't seen that since I can remember.
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Past The Midpoint Marker
Miles today: 23.0

      Today was great considering I got little to no sleep last night. Another thunderstorm with light rain blew in early in the morning. I had to get up and bring in my clothes which I had hung on a small downed tree outside my tent. I woke up overrun with daddylongleg spiders. There had to 25 of them in my tent, and I couldn't figure out how they got in or where they came from. Later during the day while walking, I realized they must have been on my clothes and I brought them in when the rain started. Evidently they are attracted to damp, stinky attire. I was up and moving early on a very humid morning. I realized I had gone further yesterday than I had thought. My feet felt okay, but my knee was sore and stiff at rest, so I kept moving. It was a very thoughtful and reflective day on the trail today. I wished I had had a small tape recorder to save some of that material. When I arrived at the Ironmaster's Hostel, no one was there until later. I went to the store where traditionally hikers do the half way half gallon ice cream challenge. I was low on cash, and opted for two tasty cheeseburgers and a two dip cone instead, going for quality over quantity. Refueled, I decided I felt good enough to go on.       I stopped at the beach area--a very pretty little place but too noisy. Passed the midway marker and took a picture without me in it. Later I realized I had gone the whole day without uttering a discouraging word....that's until I encountered a boulder field. I worked my way across it to find a litte oasis of a tentsite just off the trail. I set up the tent smartly, hung a clothesline, and found a moss covered rock to serve as my padded chair. Though it was buggy, I was perched for a perfect view of the sunset. The rhododendrons are blooming here now, although they are paler in color than those farther south. Another unknown plant growing in wet areas has huge leaves and a rhubarb-like stem.