morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Mountain Home Cabbin

To: Davis Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Lots of heat lightning last nite. Slept well and was up at 6:30. Finished packing. Scott made breakfast of pancakes, juice and tea. Reviewed with him which trail head is correct. He said the one closest to the Hostel is south by the compass but in AT terms it would be north. He said they may have to correct that.Left a 8:30 with Scott giving me a ride to the trailhead I got off on. The trail does run next to the highway in the woods and indeed is 100 yds from the hostel at the upper end before turning left into the woods. Very humid today but the trail had few rocks. Climb up from 522. Arrived at the Denton Shelter at 10:30. Nice shelter with a porch and chairs, picnic pavilion. There were 7 hikers here drying clothes and relaxing. I just signed in and headed out.My GPS watch seems to be working but I'm not sure of the accuracy after it was caught in the rain a couple of days ago. The trail was typical of this area. No major climbs. Got to Floyd Shelter at 1. 2 others were drying out their gear. Had an orange and 2 sausage sandwiches for lunch. Relaxed since it has been a very hot day possibly in the 90s. Left at 2.Missed a double blaze and went .4 mile off trail until I got to a road which was not listed in the guide. Headed back to the trail and proceeded to trip over some branches on the trail. Not falling once but twiceCalled Steve about our meeting spot and verifying the time. One more climb before arriving at the Davis Dome Shelter at 4:10. Major stream in front of the shelter. There appeared to be limited tenting options unless I went up a steep rocky trail. There were 3 section hikers in the shelter in addition to a tent. I asked if they were drying their tent, they said no, they put it up because of the mosquitos. Told them that was not correct especially in a 4 person shelter. I ended up finding a partially level tent spot. They did take their tent down.Made dinner of tuna and 2 ramens and an apple. Warm nite. Got water and filtered it for tomorrow. Around 6:30 3 thru hikers came in for dinner. 1 was staying but the other 2 were heading out for Harpers Ferry. They were planning a 54 mile day.Pulled the flaps up on my tent fly since it appeared to be warm. I could have probably continued to the next shelter and met Steve tonight but this seemed like a better option. Tomorrow it supposed to be 97 degs so having lunch at noon sounds better than hiking in the heat.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Davis Dome Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 7:15. Had breakfast of cheerios. Warm nite last night. Used just the liner and shorts. Everyone had left by the time I left at 8:25. No hurry today since I'm only going 3-4 miles by noon. Trail went up but was smooth. Got to Sky Meadows trailhead and then realized this would not have been a good meeting spot since it is 1.7 miles off the trail.Arrived at the Ambassador Whitehouse trail at 9:30. Sunny and warm so I dried out my shirt. Called my friend Lee and my brother about meeting up when I'm in DC. Very hot today but less humid. Left at 10:10 and arrived at route 50 Ashby Gap at 11. Got water to clean up. Past a sign that the next 27 miles to Snicker Gap, was the area that Mosby patrolled during the Civil War.Changed shoes and waited by the road and drying my clothes. While I was waiting a gentleman parked on the other side of the highway and crossed the median to see me. He asked if I needed anything, or ride to town. I told him I was meeting a friend but appreciated the offer. He and his family have been doing some local hikes.Steve arrived at noon. He had donuts and Gatorade. He had read Bryson's book which said thru hiker like pastries. Not totally true but I ended have 2. We drove into Middlebury, a next little town. Ate at the Blackhorse Tavern having Shepard's pie and tea and lots of bread. Steve knew one of the waiters who had gone to school with his son. We talked about the trail and my experiences. We discussed his running half marathons. He was impressed with my appearance and my upbeat attitude. We then went for Ice Cream. I called my wife to brief her on my next plan.I had forgotten to get water in town but Steve had Gatorade left so I filled up my bottles. Took some pictures and said our goodbyes and thanks. Temperature had definitely increased. On the trail by 3:15 which went up slightly but the trail was smooth although muddy as it had been for 3 days. Made good time. Seemed cooler in the woods but still probably 85-90. Arrived at Rod Hollow Shelter at 4:40 a little early by my recent standards. No one in the shelter but rumor has it there are lots of mosquitos in the shelter. Most of the tent sites near the shelter were taken. There was scout group in one area. I got a site near the approach trail with Hoyt. Nice areaMade dinner of tuna and Ramen. Visited with Affirmed and Voodoo. I wasn't that hungary after the lunch. Got water and journaled at 6:30. May try to call my friend Lee to meet me in Harpers Ferry on Sat instead of trying to meet her at her house.Got back to my tent after dinner and visited with Hoyt, Z and Gigy. Z and Gigy are from Nashville and got leaves of absence from work. They started 4/7 after selling there condo a month before.A short hiking day but good since it was so hot. Good lunch and visit with friend. Have to adjust schedule for planned meeting and to make sure my delivers arrive.
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Teahorse Hostel

To: Dahlgren Campground
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: few clouds

Slept well and up at 7. Packed up and had breakfast at 7:45. Had 3 waffles, orange juice and tea. Excellent breakfast. Visited with the 4 Michigan bicyclists about the trail. Decided to go to ATC to get my passport stamped. It would mean not leaving until after 9 but that's okay. One of the Michigan people was willing to take me to the ATC. Checked email after having my passport stamped. Headed to the trail. Met Siesta when crossing the campus to the trail. He had taken a week off for family events. Arrived at the trail at 10. The trail went thru town the across the foot bridge where I crossed into Maryland. It then goes on the C & O Canal for a mile. Lots of day hikers, sightseers, and bicyclists.Arrived at the 340 underpass at 11:15. Shepherd, a 2013 thru hiker, was offering to allow hikers to slack pack to the campground. Siesta took him up on it but I opted not. The trail went up and was rocky but I kept a good pace. Siesta was well ahead at this point since he didn't have any pack.Arrived at the Ed Garvey Shelter at 12:50. Unique shelter with a 2nd floor with a back entrance. Had lunch of tuna sandwich. As I was leaving Z and Gigy came in since there were also slack packing. Visited briefly with them and left at 1:25.Arrived at Gathland park at 2:35. Very interesting park. There is a memorial arch dedicated for the Civil War correspondents and artists. Also lots of plagues describing the war in this area. Many of the slack packers are here resting. Gigy and Z met up with me and Indy passed me. The trail was flat and smooth so I eventually caught Indy and Gigy and Z. We hiked together to Fox Gap arriving at 5 where Shepherd was waiting. We then went down the hill to the South Mountain Creamery for ice cream. I ended up eating 2 pints and 2 excellent sodas. Got back to Fox Gap at 6. Checked the Civil War plagues of the 2 Generals who were killed there - one for the North and one for the South. Left at 6:10 and arrived at Dahlgren Campground at 6:30Lots of hikers including some section hikers. Nora V, Jolly Green Giant, Potato, Gigy and Z among others. Probably 25 -30 people camping in hammocks, tents and cowboy style. Nice campground with showers, real toilets, sinks, and a wash area.Set up my tent after drying it. Did do dinner since the ice cream filled me up. Visited with others for a while then did my journal. Checked with Dick on his pick up time. Cool night so I'm closing my tent flap.Weather was good today with cool temps and overcast skies. Hiked with other people today which was nice. Lots of day hikers up to Weverton Cliffs. Talked with Jolly Green Giant about my weight loss. He gave me suggestions how to increase my calories.Bed by 9
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Dahlgren Campground

To: I 70 footbridge
Miles today: 5.0

Slept well with lots of hiker noises. Slept in the liner but also put on my yellow jacket. Up at 6:15. Quickly packed while there were lots of people still asleep. Breakfast of cheerios and on the trail at 7:15. Trail continued to be flat. Again stopped at road crossing to read the Civil War info.Arrived at Washington Monument Park at 8. Got water then visited with a group of boys from Baltimore who were camping at the park. Talked to them about the trail and my experiences. Answered their questions. They were very interested hear about the trip. Spent about 30-40 minutes with them but I wasn't in any hurry.Arrived at the Washington Monument at 8:45, Laid out my tent to dry while I climbed the tower for the 3 state view. This is the first Monument to George Washington built by the local townsfolk. It was rebuilt by the CCC after falling in disrepair. Left at 9:15Met 2 boy scout group on the next section. Talked with one group about the locations of the shelter and the trail. They were headed to Harpers Ferry.Crossed I70 footbridge and took the side trail to the parking area arriving at 10:30. Called Dick to verify where he was going to pick me up.   Changed my shoes and shirt. Dried my clothes and finished my bread while waiting for Dick to show up. The weather was very good 60 degs and slight breeze.Dick and Nancy arrived at 11:15. Head to the Golden Corral since I was think of one since Front Royal. Had a good lunch and headed to their house.Spent the first part of the afternoon checking my packages. Did not get new poles or pole tips just the rubber tips. Did get a new tent with a different attachment system. Went thru my mail drop from home. Got a few extra things but all is needed. My pack hadn't arrive yet.Emptied my pack to get it ready to return. Will be sending home my sleeping bag and anything else I don't need.We then went to the store for resupply items. Got lots of ingredients for breakfast as well as whole bagels. And more snack items. Came home to make up my breakfast bags, snack bags and lunch and dinner.   Ended up with 15 pounds of food. Decided to cut back on what I will carry and mail drop the rest to Ironmasters Hostel.My new pack arrived and I started to modify it.Spent the rest of the day and night after dinner on the computer updating my journal and emails.
Date: 2014-06-24
From: I 70 footbridge

To: Home of a friend
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Up at 6:45. Sort my pack items then went on the computer. Breakfast of my new cereal concoction and eggs. Went thru my pack to attach my tent and poles. May be okay but they tend to swing.On the computer for 2 more hours entering info then we left for REI in Rockville. Had some difficulty finding the store but got there by 11:30. Looked around and found some small organizer packs which may help me with the small objects. Went to return my pack and since I had used a 20% off coupon when I bought it did I want to apply it otherwise I would lose it. Decided to look at pants. Found an REI pant in small which fit well so I used my 20% on them.Waited for my brother to come for lunch. REI had 2 entrances and he was at one and I was at the other. Finally connected up and went to lunch. Had a bacon burger on a waffle and tomato pesto soup. Went back to his house and visited showing him some pictures. He then took me to Walmart to look for a belt without and luck. Got back to Dick's house at 4:30. Went to a very good Italian Restaurant for dinner for Crab soup and chicken and angel hair pasta. Excellent dinner.Finished up my journal entry. Sort my pack items and mail drop items. Packed up my new pack. Sorted my papers to go home.Will be back on the trail tomorrow by 10:30.
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Home of a friend

To: Campsite at mile 1061
Miles today: 19.2

Up at 6:45. Finished packing. Breakfast of cereal. Checked email. Photographer who took my trail picture sent an email which filled up my mailbox. Had to add extra space. Checked the mileage from various points after the trail. Also the best route to Winston Salem from NJ/NY in July.Left at 8:45 stopped at the post office to send my packages ahead and home. Arrived at the trailhead at 9:30 took some pictures and was on the trail at 9:45. The trail ran parallel to I70 and was smooth and flat. Ran into One who stayed at Chestnut Knob shelter. He was off the trail for 9 days. I headed on down the trail.About 5 miles into the trail it became very rocky. I arrived at the Ensign Cowell shelter at 2. Had lunch with Day Tripper. Had a sausage sandwich for lunch with a bagel. Had gotten water at the stream prior to the shelter. Left at 2:30.Trail remained rocky so it was slow going. Weather was humid and overcast but cool. Lots of thunder but no lightning or rain. There were some side trails with views of valleys. Past 3 section hikers headed to Raven Rock Shelter. Didn't go to the shelter since it was 1/4 mile off trail.Arrived at Pen Mar Park at 6:30. One was there as was Day Tripper. Filled up my water at the faucet. It started to sprinkle. I decide to have dinner in the pavillion rather than at the campsite if it rained. Called home and made dinner of cheese and Ramen. It was a wise decision to stay since about 20 minutes later the rain came and then it came down very hard. The pavillion was flooding and a frog came and joined me. I reorganized my pack so I could put up the tent and keep everything dry.   Switched to my Nikes so my boots would stay dry.8:30 I left the park when it wasn't raining. The trail was filled with water and muddy. Crossed the Mason Dixon line into PA. Took some self pictures. Got to the campsite relatively dry at 8:55. Set up my tent in dry conditions in a good spot. Bear bagged my food. Put everything in the tent.There was one other hiker at the campsite. She was SOBO going to meet her son who was near Catawba, VA and he was having problems. Told her not to let him quit but rest a few days. It ended up he made it to 4 Pines Hostel. Told her about renting a car in Waynesboro to drive to meet him.10:15 retired to my tent to set up my pack better. Journaled until 11. Very warm night.Good day 19 miles in about 8 hours and avoided hiking and setting up in the rain. New pack works well just a matter of getting it organized.
Date: 2014-06-26
From: Campsite at mile 1061

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Didn't rain last night but the wind caused the rain to fall from the trees. Up at 6:45 Took a long time figuring out my new pack and where to put everything. Trying sleeping items on the bottom then cooking things then the food bag. Will be redoing it more.Breakfast of my new recipe which was very good. Finally left at 8:35. Had a steep climb out of the campsite 600' in 1/2 mile then down but the trail was smooth with rocks. Not a lot of green on the forest floor. Then the trail got rocky so my pace slowed down. Arrived at Deer Lick Shelter at 10:10. Voodoo and Affirmed stayed here after doing the 4 State Challenge (VA to PA in 24 hours)Nice Double shelter with many tent pads. Trail turned rocky. Ran into Affirmed head toward me. I asked him where he was going, he said NOBO. I said no he's head south. He got turned around at the Picnic grounds. I headed to the next shelter 7 1/2 miles.Got to the Old Forge Picnic Area and go water. Since it was 11:30 decided to have lunch in the picnic area and dry out my tent. Had another sausage and bagel sandwich with an apple. Then trouble happened. I couldn't find the trail. I went across the street, up the street and down the street. Finally I asked someone at a summer camp. He said it was next to the ball field.I had seen a double blaze but never saw the blaze in the woods. I should have returned south to find the blazes.Arrived at Tumbling Run Shelter at 12:40. Interesting shelter. Actually it was 2 shelters with a picnic pavillion in between. There was a clothes line and many tent pads. One of the shelters was for snorers and the other for non snorers.The trail then climbed 800' in 1.2 miles. A very rocky climb over some big rocks and boulders. Passed 3 hikers headed to Rocky Mt Shelter. Again I didn't go in since it was off trail.I got lost at another road crossing. The trail went east but there was no blazes or signs down the road. Arrived at Caledonia State Park at 5. Went to the snack bar where I had 3 hot dogs, 1 hamburger, 32 Oz lemonade and 2 scoops of ice cream. Figured why make dinner at the campsite when I can eat here. Called home and the Ironmaster Hostel about tomorrow.Madison Star had spent the afternoon here. Banjo was also here. Both were also headed to Quarry Gap Shelter. I left at 6 and arrived at the shelter at 6:55.Again a very nice shelter. 2 separate shelters with a covered picnic table between them. Hanging baskets of flowers. A bear box and tent pads. I initially put up my tent on the pad but it looked like rain so I moved it next to the picnic table. Blue Ox, Madison Star, Obigan, and Banjo was here. Journaled at 9.Then packed up my bag so I could leave early tomorrow.A good day although frustrating at times not finding the trail. PA. has some nice shelters. Did another 20 miler Weather was 70s and overcast.
Date: 2014-06-27
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't rain after all. Up at 6:15 Packed quickly had my cereal. Ended up leaving at 7:10. Trail initially went up but then it became flat and pine covered. I was doing about 3 MPH feeling really good. Motivated by ice cream and the half way mark. Got to Birch Run Shelter at 9:35 but just signed in and left. Passed a family of day hikers. Arrived at the half way mark for this year at 11:10. Took my picture with the marker. 45 mins later I stopped for 10 mins at the Toms Run Shelter. Got to the Half Way Sign marker at noon. Took about 10 mins to set up the camera.Trail was still flat and smooth but quite muddy. Got to Pine Grove Furnace State park at 1:30. First thing was going to the store for the Half Gallon of Ice Cream challenge. Affirmed had finished his. Got my "half gallon" of mint chocolate chip. It was actually only 1.5 quarts. Finished it in 12 mins 40 Sec. Decided to go for the true 1/2 gallon and got another pint. This was a little slower but I finished it in a total of 19 min 55 Sec for the full 1/2 gallon.Visited the AT museum. Very interesting displays of Hiker legends and how the AT is managed. There was a computer with an archives of former hikers. I looked up Harry Brown and his wife. I went to the 1989 file and just picked one of the small icons and it was them. They arrived in Harpers Ferry on 6/20/89 which is 25 years and 1 day before I arrived this year.Went back to the store to hang out and redo my pack. Also write my postcards and journal. Blue Ox and Bango were there. There were 2 gentleman doing a film on Grandma Gatewood, the first woman who thru hiked. They ended up interviewing me because of some of my trail experiences also my age. Don't know when it will be coming out.Checked into the Ironmaster Mansion at 5. Old building with 2 bunk rooms, dining room, 2 bathrooms. There were only 3 men and 2 woman staying here. Got my mail drop, showered, checked email and did laundry. Got an email from Rosie, the lady I camped with 2 nites ago. She ended up calling Enterprise and they picked her up. She got a car and was driving to Virginia to get her son then home to Ohio.Had a Pizza and visited with Obigan, who is from Germany. Updated my journalSorted my pack and food.Good fast day with quick pace. Good lodging and the ice cream challenge was easy.
Date: 2014-06-28
From: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel

To: Campsite in Boiling Springs
Miles today: 20.0

Up at 6:30. Reviewed my schedule and checked the computer. Breakfast of juice, cereal, and waffle with coffee. Discovered that my watch wasn't charged so I had recharge it again. Visited with the owner of the hostel discussing the building and my racewalkingFinally left at 9. The trail went thru the park by the lake before going into the woods. There was a 400' climb in about a mile. But it was very easy and fast. I did the first mile in 17 minutes. Passed the shelter trail but didn't go in since it was 1/4 mile off the trail. Maintained my 3 mph pace due to the smooth flat trail.Crossed the railroad tracks then wandered thru a field before coming out at Hunter Run Road. Green Mt. Store was 2/10 from here but probably .1 from the railroad tracks. Arrived at noon to order lunch. Got 1/2 gallon of peach tea, potato chips, and a Lebonon Bologna Hoagie. Very good. While eating I discovered that I broke a tooth. Called home to check on dentist in the next town. Will contact them when I get there. Also called a friend to have lunch or dinner.Finally got back on the trail at 1:20. Obsidan was headed to the store. Again the trail was smooth and flat and fast. About 3 miles in the trail became rocky then the 2 rock mazes. They were truly mazes. This slowed me down a lot. After the maze the trail was again smooth and flat. Called my friend and we were to meet in Boiling Springs at 6:30 for dinner.Past the Center Knob. Took a long time to take my picture at this point. The trail went down hill and then into corn fields. Continued to town past the sign for the campground. Crossed the railroad tracks and a bridge. Saw a double blaze pole but kept going into town. Once there did not see another blaze. Headed on the right side of the lake and discovered the blaze. Had to back track to the bridge. Continued around the pretty lake. Lots of people out walking. Arrived at the ATC Office at 6;10. Got water and cleaned up. Reorganized my pack to get ready to tent tonight. Banjo and a couple of others were resting.Jim arrived at 6:30. Tried one restaurant but they were booked for 2 hours despite many empty table. Went Italian. I ordered a med. Stromboli. Visited and discussed the trail. Wasn't able to finish my Stromboli.Jim dropped me back at the trailhead before the campground. Headed to the campground thru the cornfields. Call my friend, Harry Brown, a 1989 thru hiker. Told him I saw his picture at Harpers Ferry. Arrived at the campground which was a grassy field at 8:45. Blue Ox, Obsidan and 2 others were there. Got my tent up just before dark. Journaled and then realized the downside of this site - the train. Suddenly a train came running thru, very loud. Bed by 10:30.Good day with at fast pace, good food but disappointed about my tooth. This will be slowing me down.