morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 22.7

Very sleepy tonight, so I will try to keep this brief.At lunch we stopped at a small wayside store that had a grill in it. I had just ordered a wonderful cup of soft serve ice cream when this motorcycle rider starts asking me questions about my hike. When I told him I had started in Georgia he bought my ice cream for me. He was in complete and utter amazement that someone would walk that far. This ice cream hit the spot because it was blazing hot outside and it was not even noon yet. I think we sat at the store for three hours with Red Dog, Hans, who is now Chatter Box, Quincy Girl, Sunshine, and an Italian guy. His name slips my memory. Red Dog got busted by a ranger for not having a permit. The ranger let him off the hook and worked everything out. Red Dog was saying the fine could have been $3000. After lunch Sunshine and I booked it to the hostel. It was late in the day...again. Made it with time to spare. I¢m sure we had a good half hour of light still remaining. Going to get a ride to town in the morning and then move on. All is well!
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: few clouds

Woke today around 8 and went to town for food. Think I got just the right amount. Am getting excited about trail days in a few days. It will be nice to sit back and rest. Got a very late start of 2:30. Its tough to go back into the heat, humidity, and all sorts of deadly insects. So here I am finally on the side trail leading from the hostel to the AT. Just as soon as I see the AT thunder can be heard, and dark rain clouds can been seen through the trees. It only rained a few drops, nothing more than that. Had a dream about Mello.   First some background¢¦ I let him borrow my hitch hiking Bandana a while back in North Carolina. On the front it says "Hiker to Town" and on the back it says "Hiker to Trail". So I was nice enough to let Moon Pie and Mello borrow the bandana to get to town. Mellow was going to do a high mileage day to catch me and give it back. Well he did as he had promised, but I was off the trail receiving some trail magic from Andy and Katie around Easter time. So to this day I¢ve been trying to catch him. So last night I had a dream that I caught Mellow, and got my bandana back. I¢m positive I talked in my sleep "oh Mellow I¢ve finally caught you" and was very excited until I woke up and had no bandana. Will catch him, it¢s only a matter of time. Also had a dream that I had a hole in my right pocket. It was one of those dreams that was so real it did not seem like a dream. Two days later I checked the pocket and found no hole.   Lost my Waldies! These are the most comfortable trail shoes. Almost every thru hiker owns a pair. The funny part is Sunshine was making fun of Moon Pie when she lost hers at a hostel, and soon after he lost his. Then I was bugging Sunshine because he lost his, then I lose mine. Guess I should have kept my mouth shut. Was just going to stay at the shelter 9 miles away from the hostel, but Sunshine and Red Dog talked me into night hiking with them as long as I did not lead, I could get us lost again :-)   It was past 7 when we left the shelter. It was a good night hike. Had some good talks between the three of us about life. The three of us had seen some sights today that provoked some deep thoughts.Anyone thinking the Appalachian Trail is just a long hiking trip is wrong. It¢s much more than just hiking, this stuff can¢t be taught in a college class room. Off to sleep, the trail guide book says this shelter is home of copper heads. They are here for the mice. So I will be sure to let you know if I see one!
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: broken clouds

Just chillin¢ here on my sleeping bag listening to helicopters off in the distance. My guess is they are from Washington DC since it¢s only a 40 minute trail ride to the city from Harpers Ferry.Stepped within a foot of a three foot black snake today. It was on the side of the trail and moved quickly away when I went by. That was a little too close for comfort. I hope your reading this while enjoying the luxury of air conditioning because today¢s high was 88 with high humidity! Yeah, it does not get much more miserable than that! Tomorrow is going to be the same. Just remember what a luxury air conditioning is.Hiked on a section of AT called the roller coaster. All the way up then all the way down... and repeat 3 more times. Will get back on the roller coaster in the morning. Tomorrow is going to be a fun day, must rest up. I¢ve got this massive spider watching me. Have decided to let it live as long as it does not try to pull any moves on me during the night. Its leg span is an impressive three to three and a half inches across. This is no house spider. Its eyes are reflecting in my headlamp only two feet from my head, its really quite frightening. Have identified the spider to be a wolf spider... it is now dead!
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Well I was going to get on the trail after returning from a wonderful trip to DC. That did not happen due to threatening clouds and strong winds. The area had severe thunderstorm warnings. Sunshine spent the night with a friend living in DC. Ignoring the weather he wanted to complete the ¢four state challenge¢. This is a stretch of the AT covering Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The rule is you have to hike all four states totaling 50 some miles in a 24 hour period. I decided to chill at the hostel because it was already 8pm. Way too late to be leaving, it would be pitch black in half an hour. So I decided to sleep on the covered deck so that the sun would get me moving in the morning. Laid my sleeping bag out on a cot and went inside to make a few phone calls. When I came back out there was a giant puddle of water on the cot completely drenching my sleeping bag. The only spot on the entire deck where there was a leak! Ended up tossing it in the dryer and slept inside on one of the bunk beds. Mud Slinger woke me up at 5:30 just as I had requested. Again this was another attempt to get an early start on the trail, and again it failed. Left the hostel in the pouring rain at about 9:15am. The trail was very easy and flat. My feet are killing me. Still not adjusting to these shoes yet! Thinking they need to be used with a thicker sock. The fit is fine, and no blisters yet, but the sole is so much stiffer than my last pair it will take some getting used to. Encountered two families of geese on the trail. They were on the trail and would not let me pass. In total they had 8 little ones and three adult geese. When I approached the adult geese began to bob there heads up and down. At this point I could tell I was not welcome. Had my poles in the air politely asking to them to move off the path. They eventually did move off but not without a good deal of hissing. Was positive one of them was going to charge me like a bull, but all worked out without injury to either party. The other day while hiking from Harpers Ferry to the hostel along the canal I came across a sign talking about how West Nile Virus has been found in the area. This is what it said: "Avoid being outdoors at times when mosquitoes are most active (evening and dawn)"How bout that! Encouraging don¢t you think? Not only is there a high risk for Lyme Disease, but West Nile also :-) It¢s time to lather on the bug repellent. Sharing the shelter with Scorpion, Tell It Like It Is, and a day hiker. That¢s all folks.P.S. I am still working on a few journal entries so those will be posted soon.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Tenting Near Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 20.2

This was a very tough day, and I¢m not exactly sure why. Today the thought of quitting slipped into my mind just for a second, and that was all. It was a scary thought to be thinking this far along in the hike. My feet were killing me. Hiked sixteen miles in my new shoes and could take the pain no more. Switched back to my old Montrails, and was happy I decided to carry them all this way after all. No views today, so the time went by very slow. The AT supposedly passed very near Camp David today. I saw nothing out of the ordinary, but from the stories told by other hikers the woods are very closely monitored. One section hiker told how a hiker had hiked a small distance off the AT and was quickly surrounded with very large guns. Bill the P.I., Brendan the cop, and Scorpion the thru-hiker shared a campsite near the shelter. Tell It Like It Is was able to grab some shelter space. I felt very safe that night, it was a pleasure talking to the section hikers both having very interesting backgrounds. Have another long day ahead, need to catch some zzzzs while the night is young (10:00)
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Tenting Near Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Last to leave camp today, but already feeling a lot better than yesterday. Decided to wear the old shoes today, and that was such a good choice. I should have bought a new pair of Montrails. What was I thinking? Am going to call the boot place as soon as I get to a phone. As soon as my feet hit the trail, thunder could be heard. At first it was only occasional far off thunder. Then within minutes it became rolling thunder of doom! Continued to hike even though the lightning was striking within ten seconds of my location. Then out of nowhere BAM the sky turned a bright white and my ears were filled with drumming simultaneously... That was a close strike.Got to a phone and called about my shoes. I would first like to thank the shoe store Footsloggers located in Boone NC for their excellent customer service. They had no problem taking the trail worn shoes back for a full money back refund. Instead of a refund I wanted a replacement pair of Montrails. They did not carry the model I wanted but they said they would special order them and have them shipped to a post office of my choice for pickup at no extra cost. Within an hour I received an email saying that they had talked to Montrail and Montrail is going to directly ship the shoes to the post office. The email also said that the shoes would be sent today! Thanks Montrail! Now that is customer service at its best, along with an outstanding product. I highly recommend both companies.Crossed into Pennsylvania today. It took me two days to do what Sunshine did in one. He did accomplish the ¢four state challenge¢ with success. I have some sad news, Luck Duck is loosing vision in his right eye. With surgery we think the loss can be stopped. Not sure if he will ever regain all vision in his right eye. Only time will tell. Will keep you posted on any updates on his condition.Was able to keep my feet dry till a giant mud puddle drenched both of them only two miles from the shelter. It was fate, that¢s all I can guess. On the last mile I was cruising right along... well ok... I was dragging right along when all of a sudden I heard crashing branches from directly over my head. Keep in mind my music was at a fair volume blocking a lot of ambient noise. I froze and looked up and two giant hawks flew towards the sky. The noise alone sent chills running down my spine. It completely caught me off guard. Have been doing some more thinking about what I want to do with the rest of my life when I get finished with the trail. These past few days I¢ve missed my old daily routine and even have missed going to school. Most of all I miss the feel of COTTON! Every piece of clothing is synthetic because it is lightweight and dries quickly, but it¢s not soft like cotton..mmmmm....cotton. Now is not a time to think about that... Now is time to fall asleep to the pitter patter of the rain falling against the shelter roof. The gentle thunder and occasional lightning illuminating the woods.
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Rockey Mountain Shelters

To: Hammocking near Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

The day started off with rain again, but never was a downpour. Just enough to get everything wet...again. Had lunch at a park only three miles from my starting point that morning. Left camp about 7 and got to the park at 8:30 and spent the entire morning on the phone. Figured that was the best of any location for lunch. ¢Cameled¢ up on water before leaving and within 10 minutes I was loosing my lunch in a nearby bathroom stall. It could be linked to three things. One, the water was bad and did not settle with lunch. Two, I was dehydrated and my stomach was just not ready for lunch. Three, it could have been my stomach¢s reaction to some new meds started these last few days. Started taking my daily vitimin, vitimin B-12 to repel bugs, and a garlic tablet also supposed to scare the bugs off. Have felt real drained these past few days so that could be why. So I¢m going back to just the daily vitamin and then work the others in one at a time - slowly.After taking a small nap once on the trail and stopping to talk to some Boy Scouts at a shelter I was dandy and felt fine. Stopped 7 miles early for the night since I took so much time at lunch. Northern Harrier is in the shelter all alone. I did not want to fuss with the swarms of bugs so it was an easy choice to setup the hammock. Chilled with some weekend backpackers and talked about life and camping... it never gets old. It¢s always fun to hear a weekend backpacker¢s view on hiking. Lots of people tried my hammock out since they have never seen a camping hammock before. They were impressed, but will keep their tents.Half gallon challenge tomorrow! Rumors have been brewing that the store that sells the ice cream at the halfway mark might be closed for the season still. Rumor has it that the store will not open till Memorial Day! I sure hope this is not the case, but if it is, the next half gallon I pass in the store will have to make due. I¢m pumped! This is thru-hiker tradition to eat a half gallon of ice cream at the halfway mark of the trail. Everyone raise your spoons and celebrate with me!
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Hammocking near Birch Run Shelter

To: Hammocking near James Frye (Tagg Run) Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: few clouds

210 calories per serving... 16 servings per box...That equals 3360 total calories consumed in two hours. That¢s right - HALF GALLON CHALLENGE! That was a lot harder than I thought it would be. A week ago I did not think I was even going to try it knowing I¢m not a big eater. Once half way through the carton is when the going got tough. But now, I¢m a member of the "half gal. club". To show my membership status, a wooden ice cream spoon was given to me as a gift.   The hike was very enjoyable today. After the half gallon challenge, Rainbow Bright, Hiku, Northern Harrier, Unfinished, and I went for a swim in the nearby lake. It was sooo refreshing on such a hot and humid day. We did get a few looks bringing our packs onto the beach. Passed the official half way mark today. It amazing to think about how long this trip is going to be. Just thinking back a week ago seems ages away. Will be getting off for a few days to see my girlfriend here in a nearby town. It will be nice to kick back and relax! Might do some day hiking and show her what I¢ve been doing for the past three months. Ta ta for now!
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Hammocking near Tag Run Shelter

To: Hammocking near Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Just got fininshed with dinner. Dinner consisted of two killer brownies. Thanks mom! My girlfriend, and two of her friends came to visit for three days. It was nice to see familiar faces so far from home, and get a break from the trail. My mom sent a case of killer brownies with them. This brownie is like none other! Each brownie weighs a pound, and has over 3000 calories. One left for breakfast, and one for lunch.Got a haircut today. No more hair! Well there is a little bit. It¢s a super close cut, but not shiny. My trekking poles bit the dust today. One of them was stuck, so I sent both home, maybe they can be fixed. Am going to try and hike a while without them (not that I have much of a choice now) and see if I even need them. Hiked all day today without them and did fine. It was simple flat terrain. Left Boiling Springs at 3:30 and pulled into camp a little after eight. Hiked in a valley between two mountain ranges. Most of it was farm lands, and pastures. Just made it to the shelter before the sun went down. Leaving at 3:30 was cutting it close. Think that¢s about it. Don¢t think I will ever get around to finishing those other journal entries. Might have some time tomorow when I get into town, but no promises.Just want to let you know a new member will be hiking with myself and Luck Duck. He got his trail name quickly from a few thru-hikers spending the night at the shelter tonight. Big Blue Boo is a large stuffed animal from the movie Monsters Incorporated. His real name is Scully. This monster has been around the world, and is a mascot for a retreat center in Dayton where I work. This monster has been just about everywhere, but has not yet been on the AT. So I promised to take him for a one week time period so he can say he has been on the AT. He wanted to go on the entire trip, but he is simply too heavy. This stuffed animal weighs in at over a pound when dry! Will be trying my hardest to keep him that way. Captain Hook, Luck Duck, and Big Blue Boo
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Hammocking near Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle Hotel ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Staying here at the infamous Doyle Hotel. This hotel has a history as being a rowdy place. Have heard stories of dead bodies found in rooms. Witnessed a fight in the downstairs bar while eating dinner. Five people were booted from the bar. After that it got real quiet and we asked the bartender, "tough night?" She replied... "tough week!"Played a few rounds of pool. Won the first game with Bull. Then shot the eight ball in the wrong pocket and lost the second game. The third game was with a local old time pool shark. Said he had not played in years... ha yeah right, tough to believe after seeing him play... lost that game :-) Just glad money was not involved! I know better than to bet on a pool game. This guy used to bet 1000 on a single game. That was his only job. It¢s strange to be back in Duncannon. Was here just a few days ago camping with Charity. The hike today was easy, not looking forward for the Pennsylvania rocks. The trail so far has been great! An 80 mile stretch of rocks waits all thru-hikers.Am going to hike as far as possible tomorrow and try to catch up with MoonPie and Sugar Daddy. They left the Doyle early this morning. Going to try my best to get an early start. Breakfast is at 7, hope to hit the trail by 8. Captain Hook, Luck Duck, and Big Blue Boo
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Doyle Hotel ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

11.4 miles 29th This morning had a gigantic breakfast at the Doyle. It was the A.T. special consisting of two huge thick pancakes, bacon, two eggs, and potatoes. Lucky Star had to help me on the pancakes. Went back up to the room and took a 30 minute nap to let all the food digest. That is such a nice feeling. Since I was only going to do a lousy 11 miles why not enjoy it a little... or a lot! Packed up and headed out. The day was nearing an end when I came to a small parking lot with a sign inviting thru hikers to join a family Memorial Day party. That was an offer not even I could refuse. They had more food than you could shake a trekking pole at. Very inviting and friendly. Actually felt like I was in the family. There were at least 5 other thru-hikers enjoying the feast. With a full stomach it was time to move with speed towards the shelter since the shelter was still three miles away and it was already 8:10pm! Just barely made it to the shelter using moon light. Captain Hook, Luck Duck, and Big Blue Boo
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

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

Got a late start of 9:30. Was debating if I should just stay for lunch. I finished my raisins today. These raisins had been carried since ............. So it felt good to finally be done with them. Some how they had been hiding in the bottom of the food bag unnoticed. Hiked with Bull and Swiss Miss today. Bull passed the time very quickly because he talked about pranks he had pulled off in the past. Gave me some ideas for when I get home! Met Stealth today and he knew I was Captain Hook with the hat on, then he looked over to Bull and asked if he was Lucky Duck. We all got a laugh at that once he saw Luck Duck on my pack. Big Blue Boo was tired of riding on my pack today so he rode around on Swiss Miss's backpack for the day for a change of scenery. Bummed some food off a day hiker and that was basically the day! Pitched my hammock a bit too low to the ground because when I sit up just a little my bum rubs up against a rock. But a small stream is trickling nearby so its very soothing. Will write more tomorrow, plan to get an early start in the morning. -Captain Hook, Luck Duck, and Big Blue Boo