morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-20
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I was first up this am, beating even Atom* the early riser out of the shelter. On the trail at 0630 because there was an option of slack packing if I decided to make it a 20 mile day by 5 pm. Atom* and Irish* went into the Dutch Haus B&B tonight. But in the end I decided to save the money and justs stay on my schedule. I'm due in Waynesboro in 3 days but it's 57 miles away and there are some nasty mountains along the path.The weather has been awesome! these past few days. Tonight we're looking at a perfectly blue sky and the hike today was in the "green tunnel." We have flowers blooming and birds singing, a breeze blowing and the sun filtered through the canopy.Tonight Routestep*, who walked in from a side trip to Glasglow, myself and a weekend hiker names Billy Boy* will be sharing the shelter. Lots of good conversation. Lots of thru hiker questions, but we don't mind. I'll stoke the fire and we'll just enjoy the evening. Billy* also gave me some Lipton Rice and Mashed Pototoes which will compensate for my 1 day error on supplies. Thanks Billy*.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

The day started with a 3000' climb, but somewhat leveled off for the remaining miles. A couple of interesting places like Bald Knob (another bald) and Spy Rock. Spy Rock was a neat little rock scramble terminating in a large granite dome the size of a small gymnasium. Routestep* and I climbed it and enjoyed the views, but it was very windy today, especially up there.The shelter was full of week enders when we got here. I wanted to spend the night in my tent anyway. At 4000' it looks like it's goiing to be another cold windy night. The weather these past few days has been perfect hiking weather and has helped make the long days go easier. Today was sunny and in the low 70's with a nice breeze.Tomorrow we descend to the Tye River and climb right back up again. It's going to be a bit tougher than today, but today's miles make tomorrow only a 13 mile day. Shoot! that's easy! :-)
Date: 2006-05-22
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

A nice short day :-) but wait! a 3000' drop from the Priest and a 3000+ climb over the Three Ridges Wilderness. Routestep* got up early to hitch into Macy Mill from VA56 along the Tye River. I pokeyed around enjoying the morning in camp. I usually like to get into camp between 5 & 7 so on a short day I leave late.After crossing the Tye River suspension bridge, I hiked up to the Harper's Creek Shelter where I met Routestep* who had made it back from town. In his pack he had not 1 but 2 fruit pies as I had requested. Not only that, but a Coke for each of us! What a guy! I just had the Coke and it sure did go down good.So we're here at the shelter tonight with Mr Breeze* who I had hiked with on day 1 & 2, also Neffa* a lady who started 2 days before me and has been as much as 4 days ahead. Well we've come over 824 miles, 2 days out from Waynesboro or Rockfish Gap and the start of Shenandoah National Park. Maybe I'll finally see a bear there
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

I stepped on a rattle snake today, but don't worry.... he's OK. I'm a litte shaken, but he's OK. Walking down the trail, minding my own thoughts being careful not to step on the sharp rocks....squish hmnnnn RATTLE! Jump 10 feet in the air yelling "now cut that out" or "AHHHHH!!!" You pick the phrase. He was @ 36 in. Timber Rattlesnake. I waited for Route Step* who was 5 minutes behind so I could warn him and let him get a look at a rattler. Then I grabbed a long stick and set him a few feet off the trail. Guess I'm gonna watch for coiled rocks from now on. My logistics miscalculation has brought me within 5 miles of Rockfish Gap on time, but I had to make it up in long days and I'm paying the price with my feet. There is a great stream here and I spent a few moments wading, which really helps relieve the foot pain. It's the rocks that really cause the pain and rocks are more common on the AT than dirt. Spending a peaceful evening here with Route Step* and Neffa*.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Calf Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: few clouds

Routestep* and I strolled into Rock Fish Gap about 2 hours before his friend, Linda arrived, but we had a chance to just relax. They gave me a ride into town and back and I got on the trail again at about 2 pm, so I'm in the Shenandoah National Park.It's coming up on Memorial Day weekend and I'm looking forward to taking a few days off. But first I have a couple more long days ahead. A 20 tomorrow, then a 17+ to where Beth will pick me up.Seeing a lot more wildlife on the trail. Squirrels abound. Ground squirrels, gray squirrels, fox squirrels, rabbits and voles. A deer followed me down through a pasture this afternoon and I heard a bob white quail call. I forgot to write this, but yesterday, I saw a Pileated Woodpecker. Pretty cool. I can wait to see a bear, but something in the woods last night as I went out to relieve myself had red eyes. :-). Might have been a racoon.I'll let you know if I see anything new.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Calf Mtn Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

The miles go fast in this park. The mountains are gentle on the climbs & decents and the trails are what I call a grade 9, with 10 being nice soft pine needles. Most of the trail is below a 6 if that tells you anything :-). The stretch a few days back that was nothing but rocks, well the fact that I fell flat on my face indicates my feelings toward that particular stretch. Solid 0.So, I'm gonna start grading trails, cause I have to traverse them and other mis-guided souls will also. Shenandoah gets a 9 overall with some nice 10's thrown in. But I did cross one talus field (sharp boulders) today as I skirted the summit of Blackrock Mtn. A Little Talus never hurt anyone, as long as it doesn't go on for miles.Because of the grade 9 trail I was able to cover the 20 miles in just under 10 hours with an hour break at Blackrock Hut. I was so pleased with myself for getting here before the campground store closed that I celebrated with a pint of Chocolate ice cream :-). I then had a 7 UP and picked a testsite. Strange to have hot water to wash with and a flush toilet, but I'll manage. ;-)Tomorrow I'll have the remaining 17.4 miles to Swift Run Gap. There, Beth will pick me up and I will take a three-day weekend. OK, I may lose a few readers here because I'm gonna break some rules. When I return to the trail, it will be at Front Royal, Terrapin Station Hostel, where I ended my 65 mile Section Hike last September. I have better reasons for doing this than I have reasons for hiking the trail period. No forgiveness asked. Feel welcome to keep reading, or read another journal. It's your choice :-).Shout out! to all the folks at Dana Corp who are following my journal. A shout out is a thru hikers way of saying "hello" to the ones behind them on the trail. Usually a shelter log entry. So, my friends at Dana, I wish I was there :-). I hope that Dana recovers with it's most valuable assettl. It's people, intact! may you find another Ren McPherson!
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Swift Run Gap
Miles today: 17.4

Started early from Loft Mountain today because it looked like rain and I really didn't want to deal with taking down a wet tent. Sure enough, a passing isolated T-Storm doused us just before reaching Hightop Hut.I started my final push toward Swift Run Gap to facilitate a 6 PM arrival. On my way there I finally saw my first bear! Yayyy. But it was a cub, and I had to watch out for momma, who must have been down the hill.Beth met me on the trail about 15 minutes before the gap and we headed into Harrisonburg.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Front Royal

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

I said a tearful goodbye to Beth at 10:00 am this morning and watched from the side of the road as she pulled away on her long drive home. The visit was sweet, but short. It would have been short if it lasted a month....but I digress.In my new boots, I wanted to take it easy for a few days. I'm keeping it to 15 miles + change. Changing shoes is pretty risky out here, but I felt it was time because of all the foot problems. Well, in the end, at least today, no blisters and the feet aren't complaining about the new leather I'll put 50 miles on them and then bust loose.The hike today was primarily along flat woodland/jungle. It was a hot humid day with temps in the 90's. I drank 4 liters of water and felt like I just wasn't drinking enough. I hiked past two shelters and stopped here at the third to find 5 section hikers sitting at the table. None of them are staying in the shelter tonight, but a couple of fast moving thru hikers that I have never met came in around 8 pm.As I write, Beth will be pulling into our driveway. I miss her already, but the summer will end sooner than it seems. Hike on!I set my tent up in the shelter tonight to stave off the bugs. It's bug time. Weeeeee!
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I thought I was back in the Phillipines for a while. Sifling hot jungle. So humid the rocks were sweating and spiders as big (leg span) as teacup saucers.Did the 9 miles to Rod Hollow Shelter in just a little over 4 hours so I took a long (3 hour) break before starting the "roller coaster." Rod Hollow has a trail shower in the form of a long pipe from the spring that is suspended by rocks 2 ft off the ground. That sure felt good in this 90 deg heat.So I crossed six of the ten ridges of the Roller Coaster section before rolling into the shelter at 6:45 totally exhausted by the heat. It was worthwhile to wait until later in the day.On one of the ridges, I ran across a pair of skunks and lizards that were about 8 inches from head to tail and with a 1 inch diameter body. I never knew there were lizards that big east of the Mississippi. They were fast, but curious enough to pose for several pictures.Other than that, today was a killer. A hiker gets hot enough without the high temps and humidity. Not much fun.
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

I finished up the Roller Coaster today and decided to make it a short one after hearing glowing reviews of Blackburn Center. All I can say is Wow! A solar shower tops off a big list of reasons to stop here. It's got a 3/4 wrap around screened in porch. Lots of inside and outside picnic tables, a pay phone, a bunk house and a super clean privy .As I strolled in, an English Fellow was sitting here on the porch. Well, he turns out to be none other than the hiking legend Squeaky* who hiked the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide and the AT in one calendar year! Very cool to meet him but even better still to sit and chat with him about trail food and hydration.Redwing* is the caretaker of BTC right now and he is a super nice fellow from Traverse City, MI.As I write, we have pizza on the way, a thunderstorm overhead and a grin on my face as I watch the storm from the porch. Oh yeah! I had a shower and I have permission to sleep on the porch tonight. I would highly recommend stopping here before moving on to Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

More about yesterday.... When I arrived, there were two guests. Squeaky* as mentioned and Train* a young section hiker who was taking a zero day at Blackburn. Both young men had mature attitudes and it struck me as interesting that the three of us, a master long distance hiker (Squeaky), a 1000 miler (me) and a novice (Train) could have such a long peaceful discussion about trail food, gear and hiking in general. Squeaky* has this calm humility about him and Train* was a sponge. Great conversation . Soon Redwing* the caretaker who thru hiked with his wife in 2005 also joined the conversation and that's what's best about the AT.Well...I'm in Maryland . I woke up in Virginia, passed thru West Virginia and now I'm in #6 of 14 states. By Tuesday (it's Friday), I will be at the half way point in PA. Today I checked in at the ATC Headquarters in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and had my picture taken for their 2006 book. I am number 194 this year. I had an ice cream cone and headed out of town. Most of the other thru's are staying at the H.F. Hostel, but I got the word that it was a bad hostel.Along the C & O Canal, which is now an abandoned slough I saw many turtles, a ground hog, a muskrat, a blue heron, a green heron and a wood duck with ducklings.
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started off gloomy and windy after last night's downpour. I got up in the middle of the storm to... well... you know. and found a 4' long Black Snake in the rafters. Guess what? No mice. . So I'm walking along today in a sort of hiker fog and I come to yet another small road with yet another small parking lot. Here comes this lady with a big grin asking "Are you a thru hiker?" "Yes, I am" was my reply bracing myself for the questions. Then she started heading for her trunk and wouldn't you know it... I got a big grin too!So it turns out that the Brown's, Christine and Bob are from Holland, MI and their son Rowboat* thru hiked the AT in 04. He is now hiking the Pacific Crest. Well I had a Snapple, A Coke and 3 oatmeal cream pies, which I love . As you can expect, this really made my day. It turns out that the Browns were stopped to see a historical marker for a Civil War Battle that involved the Michigan 17th Militia Regiment. Uncanny huh?! Do you believe in Magic?So I moved on and I saw another Pileated Woodpecker. A beautiful bird that landed and began laughing at me. I pulled out a saved oatmeal cream pie and laughed right back!Thank you Christine and Bob for some great trail magic.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Antietam Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: broken clouds

Well Toto, we're not in Dixie anymore. I crossed the Mason-Dixon line at 3:45 pm today after two cheese burgers and a Coke at Pen-Mar Park. As luck would have it, the concession stand was open so I popped in for a quick bite.My original goal for today was 22.7 miles, but I was feeling pretty good about the extra 2.4 and decided to shorten tomorrow's hike a little bit. I'm here again alone at a shelter, but some sort of tiny white flying insects invaded and I had to retreat to my tent.I'll get another 6 am start tomorrow, but my destination will be one of the newer shelters. Maybe I'll have some company . I'm in sort of a hiker void right now and I don't like it because I've been noticing entries in the logs from the hiker bums from Damascus. That's over 600 miles south and they didn't walk here. I suspect they may be bad news. Most of the people I know are behind me so tomorrow I hope to overtake these two and leave them in my dust. Let em try and keep up with a real thru-hiker.Well, I'm in PA . Looks like I might be for a couple of weeks.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Anthietam Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up this morning at 5 am and decided I was still tired so I crawled back in my bag and slept in. A month ago, I would have been concerned about making it into camp on a 20 mile day before dark. I guess I'm more calm about that now. Some of the hikers hike at night, but I would rather eat and sleep.The last two days were to put me in a position to do a short day to the half way point tomorrow. I'm due for a short day. Problem is that I just learned the hostel at Pine Grove Furnace State Park doesn't open until 5 pm....strange.So far PA has been gentle. The trails are nice and flat with few rocks. Fine by me. I'm dreading the infamous PA rocks. The flip side of PA is the tedium. There is little to see or do, so hike, hike, hike all day is about it.To keep the foot pain down, I stop once every hour for 10 minutes. Still I manage an average of 2 miles per hour. I can still be boring though. Guess I'm just in that groove.
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Iron Masters Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

Half way day! If you measure only miles. I celebrated in the traditional thru-hiker way by eating a half gallon of ice cream. It was Banana Split flavored and with only a few moments of hesitation when there was a typical "human" serving left, I finished it in 52 minutes . Not impressive, but I did finish and claim my half gallon club spoon. Looks like I have another work for stay opportunity tonight. Apparently the proprietor needs a bit of help to catch up. I'll let you know how that goes.Two section hikers, who I spent the night at Birch Run with, Dancing Bear* and Spook* will also be staying here tonight. It's a really cool looking Brick Mansion dating back to the early 1800's. It even served as an Underground Railroad Station. There are several secret rooms under the main house, accessed by a trap door in a closet.Well at around 5 pm several other hikers have shown up, but they are being turned away for lack of towels and linens. Gumby* and Coyotebec* are among them. Nice Trailjournals folk that I first met in Dalonega, GA at the Hiker Hostel. I'm glad the pack caught up.
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Iron Masters Hostel

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I stopped by the Tagg Run Campground & Restaurant at noon today and had a cheese burger. This is getting to be a habit. It was only about .4 miles off the trail and I hiked the remaining 8 miles without using my trail supply. Energy Bars Bah! Four of them don't hold a candle to a cheeseburger .Well the trail was flat most of the day until I took my map out and noticed a couple little bumps on the last few miles to the shelter. 500 feet. Piece of cake, then Whump! Just when everything was starting to look easy a rock scramble. Actually, it was fun but unexpected. I had daudled the day away and suddenly my standard 2 miles per hour turned into 1 mile per hour, but it's getting so I can take as many breaks as I want during a 15 mile day. This means I feel better at the end, plus I beat the 14 mile average I need to complete the trail on schedule. If I could sustain 15 miles days from here on I would, but there has to be some leeway ±5 is my goal.
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

Dropped into Boiling Springs around 11 am and after calling home and talking to Beth, I was feeling a little down. Up the street Dancing Bear* and Spook* were having sausage and egg bagels at the coffee shop, so I joined them. I had a croissant though .Later on as I walked across the Cumberland Valley, I crossed a small bridge and on the other side was a cooler! Trail Magic! One-Proud-Momma* had left a wonderful stash of goodies including a basket of sodas in the creek, on ice! and the cooler was filled with fruit, pastries and snickers. There was also a box of books, water proof box, of course. Thank you very much O.P.M*!So today we crossed 16 miles of fields, farms and highways. Two interstates 76 and 81 and a plethora of roads. So different from down south, except for the cow fields where the cows watch you go by as if they want to ask the question..."Where did you start?" Tonight I caught up with Gumby*, Coyotebec*, Lady Green* & Sir Wounded Knee* and Tinker Bell*. Tomorrow, Duncannon for a resupply.
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The famous Doyle Hotel. $20 buys a 2 bit room with a community bath. It's old, it's run down, it's very cool! Had a cheese burger in the bar downstairs. Did some laundry and waited for the free shuttle to the grocery store. Then all us hikers gathered at the Pizzeria down the street for some excellent Italian food. I had veal with egg plant & ricotta and it was some of the best food I've had on the trail.Of all things, I saw a porcupine scamper across the trail today. I tried to get a picture, but he was moving too fast. Besides, most of my wildlife pictures are duds. So I've been faily fortunate in seeing wildlife on the trail. All things considered. The fox in Nantahala, the bear in Shenandoah and now a porcupine in PA. Of course there are the countless squirrels, rabbits, deer and mice. There are lots of cool looking bugs and plenty of huge spiders.....Ugh! I saw some Scarlet Tanagers yesterday and a Whippoorill kept me awake 2 nights ago. but it's kind of strange... I haven't heard an owl since I left Virginia. I dunno. Just seems strange to me.{Funny how he forgets about the rattle snake and the long black snake. Beth}
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I must admit that the town vortex is very strong in Duncannon. A congenial town with a great hotel/hostel that has a kick butt grill and bar downstairs. Mr Sorrento of Sorrento's Pizza and Subs came out and chatted with us last night. People on the street say hello to hikers and actually say "Good luck on your hike" and the breakfast at Goodies was superb! Some of my friends stayed over after debating the idea, but I managed to get out of Duncannon on schedule... Whew! That was close. So, of course Duncannon is a rivertown. The climb out wasn't so bad since it is only 1000 ft or so, but once on the ridge it was another boulder scramble. Lady Greene* and Sir Wounded Knee* preceded me to the shelter. I met them at Pine Grove Furnace, but it seems we are traveling at the same speed for a while. Nice people. We've got a few more days in PA and there may be a slackpacking opportunity over some of the bad rocks.I ran into a real Hobo today. Other than the backpack, this man's clothes and demeanor bespoke someone without a home and without a penny to his name. I felt sorry for him and when he asked if I had a spare snack, I just couldn't say no. So I took off my pack and dug out a couple of bars for him. Then I told him about some free food in town.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

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

For some reason it was a long day. It wasn't the weather because the high was 68°. It wasn't the terrain or the trail. I think maybe that's it. It was boring . There was an old village site, but not much remained but a weathered foundation. Lots of day hikers out, but sort of expected on such a nice day.I ran into Patches* from trail journals for the second time today. Nice young man who hikes about twice as fast as I do.Sorry, but PA is sorta boring. So far at 111.7 miles in the rocks are about like any other state on the AT, but I hear that is about to change. We'll see.