morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Big Cove Branch Stream (2m before Matt's Creek Sh)

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

14.6 miles, Mile Marker 790.8After I went to bed last night, waves of thunderstorms and buckets of rain came in. I was dry in my hammock, but things get damp. I was hiking by 7am and saw a rattlesnake at 7:20am. I took a picture with my phone, and then moved it off the trail with my trekking pole. It didn't rattle or strike, just flicked its tongue. It was about four foot long. I also saw two nicely colored box turtles and an orange salamander. The hike started relatively easy until I crossed the James River. It slowly got into a couple of good climbs in the afternoon. When I got to the the shelter only a ridge runner was there. If I haven't mentioned it before, ridge runners hike AT sections to make sure rules and regulations are being followed and ensure those hikers that aren't prepared are safe. They try to make sure the trail is not misused or abused. We talked about 30 minutes. Later, Ghost showed up and a few other hikers. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful night! Life is beautiful. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Three Springs Hostel, Vesuvius (VA) 24483
Miles today: 11.3

11.3 miles, Miler Marker 802.1When I arrived at US 60 near Buena Vista VA, there was a female hiker sitting at a picnic table with an older gentleman named Aubrie. Then a fellow named Homer showed up. He was shuttling the woman and gave me a ride into Buena Vista. Pearl had reserved space for me at the Blue Dog Art Caf© hostel. While the Blue Dog Art Caf© was nice, the hostel above the cafe was not for me. I picked up my mail drop from Pearl at the Blue Dog and let her know I would not be staying. I enjoyed a mint chip ice cream cone from the caf© though. Long story short, I called for a shuttle using a number that Blue Dog had given me and Aubrie showed up! Great guy - he took me to resupply and get a burger! He said he knew a great hostel that would not be published in Miller's AT AWOL book until next year. It was out of town, near where I'd gotten off the trail. Three Springs Hostel is a very relaxing place! I had great food and Oma and Marcia were great company. Their hostel is very clean and well kept. Back to the trail tomorrow. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Three Springs Hostel, Vesuvius (VA) 24483

To: Piney River North Fork, ~2 mi Seeley-Woodworth 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

(Piney River North Fork, bout two miles before Seeley Woodworth Shelter)12.1 miles, Mile Marker 814.2I had a great breakfast at the Three Springs Hostel with pancakes and bacon. That was a great place to take a day off the trail! Many thanks to Oma and Marcia. Well, I hate to complain, but I was lame today. If the Trail Conservancy finds out, they'll send someone out to put me down! Ha Ha! Trail humor! I was hiking by 8:45am or should I say limping along. I am lucky the trail was moderate and the weather was beautiful. My right foot hurts on the top if I bend it back which means walking mostly flatfooted. I went very slowly today so as not to make it any worse and because it hurt so much. About 6 miles in, a Trail Angel had a table set up in a meadow. She was giving ice cream and cokes to hikers. It was gooooood! A few miles further, more Trail Magic as cold drinks and some snacks. I had a Gatorade. I mostly saw weekend hikers today. I did see Big Shep and his buddy Hawkeye. After I got to the stream and set up camp, I soaked my feet in the cold water and then took an Aleve. According to the hostel scale, I weigh in at 129lbs and my pack at 42lbs due to the recent resupply and mail drop - much too heavy. My pack weight will drop as I eat the food, which I bought too much of. I hope tomorrow is better. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Piney River North Fork, ~2 mi Seeley-Woodworth 

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

16.1 miles, Mile Marker 830.3Today my foot was a little better, so while I wasn't at my normal speed, I was faster than yesterday. The day started out sunny, but soon clouded over. It spit a little rain a few times today. I saw Big Shep again briefly, as he and Hawkeye were slack packing again. When I stopped for lunch at a back road crossing, a young couple who were hiking stopped to ask me about through hiking thinking they may try it in the future. They were a nice couple and I enjoyed their company. It was like a form of Trail Magic - having company at lunch - as I'm usually alone. Later at the Tye River bridge someone left sodas and snacks, Trail Magic! You gotta love Trail Angels! When I got to the shelter, there was a fellow about my age named Ziploc. He's a section hiker. I enjoyed talking with him. After soaking my feet and eating, it was time for bed. My hammock is close to a stream tonight. It will put me to sleep, as the water dances over the rocks. Life is peaceful sleep. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Humpback Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 14.7

14.7 miles, Mile Marker 845.0I was hiking again by 7am. My foot is about the same and is slowing me down. It was another beautiful day for hiking. As I approached a road crossing at noon, who do I see but Waldo! He was waiting for Sherpa Mom to get done hiking. I ate lunch with him and had two sodas. Several miles later, I crossed another road, and a former hiker had a cooler full of cold drinks. These people are great! Cold drinks taste soooo good when you can't get them readily. I love Trail Magic! I set up camp high tonight and will head for Waynesboro, VA tomorrow. I was able to talk to Pearl with reception high on this mountain. She'll get me another camera out soon so I can capture and share these beautiful places. Trains are sold out going to Harpers Ferry later this month so she may not be able to meet me there as originally planned. I still hope to connect with friends and family as I head further north. Life is Trail Magic! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Humpback Mountain Campsite

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 12.5

12.5 miles, Mile Marker 857.5I awakened to thunder at 10:30pm. Luckily, I only caught the edge of it, the main storm further off. I was off at 5:40am, hiking with the fog and birdsong. The fog lifted with the sun, to reveal another beautiful day. I came upon a stone wall in the woods, about 4 foot high. There are a lot of rather flat stones here that are good for stacking. The wall was old, and I wondered if it was built by slaves. The trail followed it about a hundred yards before turning. My foot seems a bit better. I'm still Gimping not Gumping, but I am going a little faster. I'm also using my trekking poles more for hiking instead of as canes. In my mind, I feel young and healthy, but the body reminds you of the reality. I'm trying to stem my weight loss. If it keeps up, I could be wrapped up and mailed home as a 2x4. When I reached the road for Waynesboro, Waldo was there with a cold Coke. I talked with him while I waited for my B&B shuttle. After I showered at the B&B (Tree Streets Inn), I went to the laundromat. This is the first time I used one I think. I arranged a shuttle to take me on a few errands and then went to dinner. A cold beer tastes very good after a week in the woods! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero-mile day in Waynesboro, VAI decided to take another day to rest my foot. We had some pretty good storms today, so not a bad idea. I went by a shoe repair to have my waist straps folded up and sewn so they would be out of my way. There, I saw a wheel chair made by the Wright Brothers for one of the owners relatives. She couldn't walk and her father asked them to make one for her. It had a crank handle above each arm with a bike chain going down to the gear. A third wheel was on the back. It could be turned in any direction. My foot is still sore but getting better. I'll be back in the woods tomorrow and I need to make up some mileage. Life is miles. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: light rain

20.5 miles, Mile Marker 878.0Bill from Tree Streets Inn B&B dropped me at the trailhead at 10am - many thanks. I saw Big Shep and hiked with him to the registration box for Shenandoah National Park. After filling out the forms, I left for my hike. I walked in fog for two hours before it became partly cloudy. I put a piece of terry cloth in my boot where my foot still hurt. It helped for quite awhile. When I was still several miles from the hut/shelter, I saw a bear 35 yards ahead of me in the trail. It was bigger than the last one I saw, and didn't run when I hit my hiking poles together. It wasn't snapping its jaws, so I knew it wasn't agitated. I started making a woop woop sound at it very loudly, and it soon moved into the thick woods. I didn't think it had gone far, so I whooped and hollered as I walked. I saw it watching me 20 yards in the woods. I'm sure it just wanted to walk down the trail, but I'm glad it moved first in our standoff. Next time I'll sing the Tally Maan song. Instead of bananas, I'll say cookies! My singing would scare anything away. But seriously, don't feed bears. They say here a fed bear is a dead bear. I got to the shelter at 8pm. Several hikers were already there. After setting up camp, I soaked my foot in the spring, the water was so cold it hurt. It didn't rain today so that was nice. I met a hiker named Toothpaste, from Stuttgart, Germany. He said that he also had lost a lot of weight and is trying to eat more. Well, the whippoorwills are telling me it's time for bed. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

21.4 miles, Mile Marker 899.4I heard the sound of rocks moving around about 4:30am. I got up shortly after, and the older guy from the shelter said the whippoorwills were making him crazy, so he got up to throw a rock at one. He had his headlamp in his hand and threw it with the rock - he did find it later. I met a young hiker today named Frankenstein and saw a German I know named Obsidian. At 11:30am, I stopped to soak my foot in a beautiful mountain stream. The water rushes down the mountain and creates a lot of waterfalls and chutes. At 1:45pm I heard noise and saw the butt of a bear running away. That's the best way to have them run. I stopped at the Loft Mountain store - it's just off the trail. I bought some things to eat and drink right there. If I ever gain back my small amount of waistline I had before this journey, I'll never complain about it again. I've been using my bug net for a week. It catches the spiderling streamers and keeps those little black fly  devils from my eyes. Got a little rain this afternoon and again at the hut. I should have a lobster reserved for me in Maine. Its trail name would be "Boil Me". My foot is about the same today. Might do less miles tomorrow. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Hightop Hut

To: Near Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

20.8 miles, Mile Marker 920.2Last night about lights out, we thought we had a bad storm coming, but it went the other way. I awoke to cool temps, wind and a little fog. I stayed in the hammock a little longer and didn't hit the trail until about seven. The day turned out to be beautiful. Sunshine, a breeze, cool temps and low humidy, a hikers dream day. My foot was better today, as long as I continue to walk flatfooted I can make pretty good time. About noon, I came upon some Trail Magic. A couple of young guys, who completed the trail last year, set up to cook burgers and dogs with their Dads for hikers. They had beer, soda and snacks - it was great. While there, I met a young hiker named Weatherman. He was living in Maplewood, MO before he left to hike. That's where I grew up - small world. I decided to stay at Big Meadows Campground instead of the hut. Long story short, the campground was full, but a 2012 hiker named Jaws, let me, Obsidian, and another camp on his area, as there was plenty of room. Turned out, Waldo and Sherpa Momma, were there too, close by. We all gathered at their campfire for some good times. Trail Magic and good people are a great part of this journey. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Near Big Meadows Campground

To: Pass Mountain Hut Side Trail, VA
Miles today: 18.4

18.4 miles, Mile Marker 938.6After saying goodbye this morning, I was hiking by 7am. While my foot was stiff when I awoke, it soon felt pretty good. I no longer had to walk flatfooted. In another week, it'll be just fine. I saw a couple about my age (59+) on the trail yesterday day hiking and we talked. Today I saw them in a parking lot at a road crossing and they remembered me. At that same crossing, I saw a pretty small bear, but no Momma. At the next parking area, the couple waited for me, to give me a cold soda. Their names are Jim & Linda, two very nice people. I had to share the trail today with day hikers and being Father's Day, it wasn't too bad. When I got to the hut, several hikers were already there. There was room about 40 yards from the hut for camping. While I was setting up my hammock, I heard a noise and saw a large bear climbing a small tree about 50 yards in front of me. It was munching on leaves or flowers in the treetop and didn't care that I was there. I hung both my pack and food bag just to be safe. That makes the 6th bear sighting I believe. Life is people like Jim & Linda. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Pass Mountain Hut Side Trail, VA

To: Compton Peak, Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 19.7

19.7 miles, Mile Marker 958.7I was ready to hit the trail by 6:50am. I said goodbye to the guys: Obsidian, Tea Bag, Firewalker, Bluejay, Neon and I forgot the last. I saw two bears running away, that were close, within 30 yards. I think as long as the bear feels it has control of its exit, there's no problem. I stopped at the Elk Hollow Wayside store, it's just off the trail, for some eats. Other hikers I know did the same. As we were eating at a picnic table, Sherpa Mom and Waldo showed up. After eating, I hiked with Sherpa Mom for miles before Waldo picked her up. I then hiked on for 3.8 miles to Compton Peak. There was a view two tenths of a mile from the trail. I took the trail and was able to set my hammock on the view area. This was at 5:30pm, and the end of a nice day. Shortly after I got set up, a very strong storm blew in. I got in my hammock and waited until the rain and high winds abated. I am not sure how my rainfly stayed put, but it did. Now, all is calm and time for bed. I have a great view from my perch, and can't wait for the morning. Tomorrow I will meet Tho, a friend that used to live in St. Louis - he will help me resupply in Linden, VA. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Compton Peak, Shenandoah National Park

To: Manassas Gap near Linden, VA
Miles today: 14.6

14.6 miles, Mile Marker 973.3 (to VA55-Linden, VA) to meet TTThe weather calmed down and I slept well on my perch. I got up at dawn, and retrieved my bear bag. When I set my food bag on the rock face in front of me, a mouse ran over and tried to get in it. I guess I owed him rent for sleeping there. I would chase him off and back he would come,five times before he left me alone. I was going to leave him my rent payment, a piece of Cliff Bar, but I forgot. I'm meeting a friend at Manassas Gap at 6pm, so I was on the trail by 7:35am. In spite of the storm, I'm glad I was able to hammock where I did, it's not too often I get a spot like that. At my first road crossing, Sherpa Momma came up behind me. We then hiked on until we met Waldo at US 522 and had a cold drink. We then hiked uphill sweating bullets - it's sooooooo humid and warm today. All just part of the journey. We met Waldo again at Manassas Gap, where they were parking the RV for the day. More cold drinks and relaxed waiting for my friend. Waldo gave a cold soda or water to any hiker that passed us. He's a great guy! By the way, for anybody responding to me on Facebook, my wife Pearl only made the page so as that family and friends could easily find the link to this trail journals site. I don't look at the page (I am a Facebook Luddite) but Pearl relays your messages to me. Thank you for your interest and support. While I was sitting at the RV having a beer with my friends I realized that my Asolo hiking boot makes a great can koozie - there's a hiking tip for you all! My friend and his young son picked me up at 6pm and got me set up at the Woodward House B&B in Front Royal, VA. They then took me to dinner and to resupply. Later, I treated them to ice cream. I enjoyed seeing them very much and really appreciated all they did! It feels good to be really clean again. Unscented baby wipes and Stridex pads only do so much. It's starting to get warm, I might cut back to 15-mile days, we'll see. I'm also out of the Shenandoah NP now, so the bear sightings will decrease. Life has been Yogi and Boo Boo! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Woodward House B&B - Front Royal, VA

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

15.4 miles, Mile Marker 988.7Breakfast at the Woodward House B&B was not only very good, but was also presented very well. Bob and Joan are good people! Joan has a pet chicken named Dandelion. In the evening while Joan watches T.V., Dandelion lays in her lap. At night, Dandelion sleeps in a dog carrier in the house. Bob got me back on the trail at 8:15am.,Dandelion was still sleeping in her kennel. About 1pm, a Trail Angel named Shelly had cold drinks, snacks, and fruit. Trail Magic is sooooooo nice and much appreciated! I camped down from Rod Hollow Shelter with a nice couple named Gia & Z, and another fellow named Racewalker. The company was good to have. I did not see Waldo today. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 17.8

17.8 miles, Mile Marker 1006.5I woke to thunder, but only a sprinkle. I meant to mention that Racewalker is 64, spry and does racewalking marathons. Twice during the night, he must have been dreaming of a marathon, because he woke me up, as his tent was near me. It sounded like he was running in his tent...it was loud! Today I'm doing the Roller Coaster, 13.5 miles of steep ups and downs with rocks sticking out at all angles. I bought my ticket at 6am. I've done this type of terrain before, but its been awhile, and not in humid conditions. But like all the trail, one step at a time. 3/4 of the way through, I came upon Waldo and Sherpa Mom. He was hiking her part way in from the last road crossing. We three hiked together until Waldo went back to the van. Then Sherpa Mom and I hiked to our destination. The hostel was just off the trail, and was having a hiker feed tonight. A local farming commune made about 25 hikers wonderful dinner. The food and dessert were great. A member of the farm was from Germany, played a beautiful handmade harp for us and his children played too: a violin and guitar. The music was very soothing and peaceful. During the dessert, our table raised our cups to our 1000 miles and crossing into WV. PS. Sissssta Darlene, when I get back perhaps we could get together for some of your delicious cued pork steaks! I have been thinking of them lately. "Lights out" time for hikers. Life is another good day. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 12.5

12.5 miles, Mile Marker 1019.0Sherpa Mom and I got back on the trail at 6am. We came to a road crossing, and a vehicle stopped to let us cross - a fellow asked if we were thru hikers. Hearing that we were, he gave me a business card and invited us to dinner at his home. He said just call if you can make it and I'll pick you up. Is that crazy or what?!?! That is what makes this journey so much better. We continued on and met Waldo at the Keys Gap crossing. He gave us a soda, and that's when trouble started. I sat on the concrete parking bumper to drink my Dew, when Waldo yelled "Watch Out!" and I heard a snarl behind me. A sick raccoon came out of the bushes and attacked me, biting the triceps of my right arm. I jumped up and hit it with my full can of Mountain Dew. It then ran back into the bushes. I wish I could have seen the look on my face, as it scared the bejesus out of me. It's my fault I was bitten: I didn't pay my rent to the mouse on Compton Peak, so he sent the gangster raccoon after me! Trail humor! We hiked several more miles to Harpers Ferry, where the Appalachian Trail Club is located and had our picture taken then signed into the log, I was #691 thru-hiker in 2014. I then reported the bite there and ATC staff documented it. They called ahead for me and said that the urgent care center could not handle a possible rabies case and that I had to go to the ER. Waldo then took me to the local Econo lodge where I checked in, got cleaned up and washed my clothes. Then Waldo took me to the ER on his motorcycle. My foot starting acting up again today so I had that looked at as well. It turned out to be overworked tendons and what have you. Probably from the Roller Coaster. For the bite, I did not need stitches. I got a tetanus and immune globulin injections and began a series of rabies vaccine. The first shots today with others on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days. So I was injected multiple times around the bite area with the rabies vaccine, 2 immune globulin and 1 tetanus. Drizzle Drazzle Drazzle Drone, Time For This One To Come Home! Just kidding, I'm staying. Waldo traded the motorcycle for the RV and he and Sherpa Mom were waiting when I was finished. I treated them to dinner and they treated me to ice cream. I have to stay near here three days (all 0 mile days) for the next shot on Monday. Then I'm going to get the other injections as I hike forward, with two injection kits I received from the hospital pharmacy. At least, that's the plan. I'm lucky it was a small coon, or the bite could have been worse. So, remember to always pay your rent to the mouse! Another story from "Tales From The Hammock". -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Alexandria, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero Day, no miles hikedEvan, who I met at Woods Hole Hostel several weeks back, pick ed me up at 8am. We went to the favorite breakfast spot of Evan and his wife. She is out of the country, so I didn't get to meet her. The food was very good and hit the spot. We then drove to his home in Alexandria, VA. They have a beautiful home in a private neighborhood. Evan is a judge for the U.S. government. Today, he was having a barbecue for three young law clerks and their spouses, as some of them were moving to other positions. We had great food and conversation. After we arrived at Evan's this morning, I started feeling the after-effects of all those shots. I felt like I was getting the flu, with body aches, fever, and chills. I kept my jacket on all day, although it wasn't cold outside. A few hours after we ate, I had to excuse myself to go lay down, as I was feeling poorly and very tired. Several hours later, I went back out to watch the young couples light the fireworks Evan had purchased. After the fireworks, we said our goodbyes and they left. I enjoyed the day, having been much better than just sitting in a hotel room. Evan was very kind to offer his home. I hope I feel better tomorrow as Pearl is not too happy about me staying. -Hoyt