morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Nero to Grandma's house Mile 675.3

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Woke early and headed to Greensboro, NC to the REI. Tumbles said the guys at the Greensboro REI are just good people. They were very friendly and encouraging. A number of the employees remembered Scout and Tumbles from a few weeks ago. Tumbles had purchased a Platypus collapsible bag to use with her Sawyer Mini. The bag failed just a few days down the Trail. REI took it back and found two Sawyer bags that had been special ordered and not picked up. Not sure, but I think they just gave these to Scout and Tumbles. In footwear, the sales associate remembered Scout and was more than happy to help Tumbles with her boots. They determined that her feet were wider but the length was the same. They got her set up with a new pair of boots, and just did a return on the old ones. To the Greensboro REI Associates, you ROCK! Thank you. After stopping for Pizza Hut, they traveled almost 3 hours back to the Trail, stopping at Subway for sandwiches to carry in for Dinner. By the time it was all said and done, Scout and Tumbles were back on the Appalachian Trail at mile 675.3 by 4 pm. This was later than they had anticipated, but they still made it back. Due to the late hour they hiked a few short miles to Sarver Hollow Shelter. Thank you Julia, Brook and Chase for helping them out so much this week. Thank you Grandma Lance for opening your home.Tumbles told me her bruised up legs are feeling better, but still hurt a bit; they are mainly just black and blue. Since she is breaking in new boots they are going to take it easy for a week or so, and that should give her time to heal up. Injury has been one of her greatest fears. Grandma also bought Tumbles a new hiking dress. They did go through their gear and thin some stuff down, mainly some of the extra layers they carried for cold weather. I think they will drop more gear closer to Harpers Ferry since some of the nights are still cold. Tumbles managed to leave her Sawyer Mini water filter in Julia's car, so they are down to using just Scouts filter till they can get another one. Anyone in that neck of the woods that can take them one, let me know and I will reimburse you. In the mean time, Scout and Tumbles will be conquering the Great State of Virginia. Thanks for following.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel Mile 702.1
Miles today: 6.7

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:It seems to happen in threes. Tumbles left her filter in the car, and today her 3 month old Galaxy S5 slipped and fell into a crevice on the Dragons Tooth. Initially they could see the phone, but in the process of attempting to rescue it, it got pushed deeper in the crevice and disappeared. Scout and Tumbles spent over six hours trying to fish the phone out of the rocks. Many other hikers stopped to help, all to no avail. The real loss is not the phone, per se, but all the pictures and videos saved on the micro sd card. Tumbles has had a very rough day, and when we finally talked to her tonight after they got to the Hostel, she sounded like she was crying, or had been for a long time. Not sure what the third thing will be... Prayers for the hikers are welcome. Since they spent so much time at the Dragons Tooth, they hiked down to Four Pines Hostel for the night. Virginia is definitely a challenge.A Special thank you to the Trail Angels that tried to help recover the phone, and the people who let Scout borrow their phone to call home. Thank you. If anyone finds Tumbles phone, please forward the pics, they are priceless to her.
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Four Pines Hostel Mile 702.1

To: Four Pines Hostel Mile 708.0
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So Scout and Tumbles made just about six miles before linking up with a family friend, Ron from North Carolina. He drove up to see if he could fish out the cell phone. They tried everything and could not get the phone out of the crevice. It is gone forever. So now two Nero days messing with the lost phone. They are cutting their losses and heading North to Maine. Due to spending all afternoon on the Dragons Tooth, they decided on another night at the Four Pines Hostel. Thank you Ron for taking time to link up and see what you could do. Also, Ron brought Tumbles another Sawyer Mini Filter. Awesome guy.On a side note, Amelia Earhart, Chewbacca, As They Say In Mexico and a few others are at the Hostel tonight, I think Hiker Midnight is getting pushed back tonight.
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Four Pines Hostel Mile 708.0

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 19.8

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:A slack packing opportunity presented itself today and Scout and Tumbles took it in hopes of getting back on schedule. From the VA 311 parking lot they hiked into Daleville and got a room at Howard Johnson. Surprisingly, they let them rent a room, and gave them a Thru Hiker rate. We did not think Scout would be able to rent a room since he is only 19. He said he had no problems. They went over to Pizza Hut and ran into some old hiking buddies, Drop Bear and Beer Man. In the morning they hope to get to an outfitter and then resupply and get a decent number of miles. On the Trail today, one of the Thru Hiking (forgot their Trail name) couples got engaged at sunrise on McAfee Knob, and She said yes. Congratulations from Scout and Tumbles and Family. Around midday, Scout called and casually mentioned they were sitting up they Trail from a baby black bear. I had to laugh, because when he went to do his Order of the Arrow Ordeal many years ago, I told him that his new Indian name was Bear Bait. Shortly, the little cub moved on, and they never saw the mother. Both Adventurers seem to be in Great Spirits. We are proud of them.
Date: 2015-05-27
From: Daleville, VA

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:It appears Town took a little longer than normal. While doing laundry they managed to go swim in the pool. Lunch, then a stop at the outfitters and a resupply. They finally hit the Trail at about 4 pm.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:All reports are positive. Scout managed to cut his knee open in a fall, but cleaned it up and bandaged it. Tumbles met another female hiker named Tumbles out there. She was excited about that. I will be taking the Boy Scout Troop up to Summer Camp for a week starting Sunday morning, so I will not be maintaining the Journal. I believe Scout and Tumbles have recruited their Mom to help they keep the Journal up to date. I will catch it up upon my return from the Woods if it needs any attention. Thanks for following along. Wish we had more to let you know. It is hard to get the awesomeness reported in just a few minutes a day, we never talk long so they can keep the phone charged for emergencies. I really hope one of them is keeping a journal or something because at this point this is just documenting distance and location slept. Maybe a few pics on occasion. Once Tumbles gets her new phone she can start sending a few photos our way again. Until next week, Master Yoda signing out.
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Mile marker 773.2 Spring
Miles today: 13.4

This is Tumbles and Scouts mom. They call me Ice Cube because I am always cold. I am going to try and enter their data everyday. I love hearing from Scout and Tumbles everyday, listening to their stories and knowing how well they are doing. The report from today is that Scouts knee is healing and Tumbles knees are not bothering her much anymore. They camped along side a creek/spring and enjoyed the water.
Date: 2015-05-31
From: Harrison Ground Spring

To: Glasgow Va. 784.6
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Ice Cube for Scout and TumblesScout and Tumbles got to Glasgow Va to resupply, get showers and do their laundry. They always sound so energized after their showers. Tumbles still has tons of energy and is her bubbly self even on days that are all uphill. I wish she would share some of her energy with me. Scout told me today that he knows why I made him do laundry he said it was to prepare him for this hike(and beyond). He always thought it was to punish him. All in all they are doing amazingly well. Scout & Tumbles
Date: 2015-06-06
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So the story goes that Scout and Tumbles decide to hike with Fairenough and Spotnik, since they are planning on getting done in mid September as well. They figured this would help keep themselves motivated, plus they really like them. Coming out of Daleville, things just started falling apart. On top of already fighting the VA Blues, injuries and storms, they have had a round of some kind of bug go through the group. This day, Tumbles got to deal with it. She also lived up to her name, taking three tumbles while going down the Priest. Somewhere during the last few days, the weather went South and it got cold again. Sleet, rain and cold as well as low supplies caused them to make some unplanned stops, thus minimizing mileage. To us back home, it would appear that they are creeping along, but to them, they are simply trying to overcome obsticals and survive. Keep them in your prayers.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA mile 861.7 
Miles today: 20.9

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:With everyone in the group feeling better, they put on steam and made it to Waynesboro, VA. Tomorrow, after a resupply and town activities, they will make their way into the Shenandoah National Park. While ordering pizza today, they managed to get an extra pizza that was accidentally made. Small things matter, thank you Pizza guys for not throwing it away, but passing it on to some hungry hikers. They have located a Pavilion in town that they can pitch their tent by, for free. Hopefully they can get showers and do some laundry. They are discussing plans to try to do the Four State Challenge. They would leave Virginia and hike through West Virginia, Maryland, and camp in Pennsylvania. That is about 44 miles and must be done in 24 hours. Crazy, I say. So that would answer my question, looks like Scout is going to defer the decision to get off the Trail to some other time, since he is planning on hiking beyond Harpers Ferry. They did want me to mention Bean Counter; they hope you can heal up and make it back out to the Trail this year. They pray for your fast recovery. Thank you all for following along.
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Waynesboro, VA mile 861.7 

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Resupply, Laundry and Showers. Then the storms come. Scout and Tumbles decided to delay getting out of town in hopes the storms pass. Fairenough and Spotnik decided to stay in town for another night. Finally Scout and Tumbles headed back out to the Trail. They tried to time it between storms, but still got caught in the chaos. Twice we got calls from them asking what the cells approaching looked like. They finally made it the short 7.6 miles to Calf Mountain Shelter, and hunkered down. They will be stopping there tonight. Hope the weather is better tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So it would seem that Scout and Tumbles managed to set up their tent in very close proximity to the Bear Cable at Blackrock Hut. In the morning, around 6, while debating on getting up, another hiker tripped on a guy line and collapsed their tent on them. Nothing left to do but get up. Ron from Tyner, I guess they never saw the Bear, and good thing. They did have a dear trying to get their lunch from them today. Animals up there are too tame. I remember that from about 20 years ago when we lived up there. All Tumbles could talk about was getting a Blackberry Milkshake for lunch today. Hello to to Tink. More to follow later.
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Elkton. VA Mile 907.1
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:The plan was to resupply at the Campground stores through the Sheanadoah National Park. Scout advised that it was just not really feasable. They decided to hitchhike into Elkton, VA to get some groceries. They are spending the night at Max's house. Some fellow that lets Thru hikers stay for free, and provides Dinner and Breakfast. They are pitching on chores. More later.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Skyland Resort and Restaurant mile 932.0
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:I think he did say $55 for a Steak! When we spoke last night they were eating dinner at Skyland Resort with Prayer, Clean Shaven, and Doppelganger. Scout assured me that he was eating a Chicken Quesadilla instead of the Steak. Tumbles tells of an interesting encounter with a mother bear. While hiking along she noticed a bear prancing toward her grunting. Tumbles started yelling at the bear and waving her hiking poles, slowly backing up. It was only then she realized that there was a baby bear between her and the mother. The momma bear gathered her cub and they headed off into the woods. She decided to hike back down the hill to Scout and they hiked on together. In the few days they have been in the Shenandoah National Park they have seen nine bears. They have had a number of Tame deer approach for food. It is sad what humans can do to the wilderness. Did I mention the $55 Steak? Scout and Tumbles made contact with the Donak family from Luray, VA and are heading there for the night. We sent a box with goodies and a replacement phone for Tumbles to their house. They will get to get a shower, do laundry and eat good food.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Skyland Resort and Restaurant mile 932.0

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So the Donak's allowed Doppel and Cleanshaven to come with Scout and Tumbles to their house for a restful Zero day. Everyone ate a bunch and showered a few times, did laundry and went to Wal Mart. Thank you so much! Back to the Trail in the morning.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Skyland Resort and Restaurant mile 932.0

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles hit the Trail again with Clean Shaven and Doppel after taking a Zero day at the Donak house. They all seemed to feel rested and clean. A huge thank you to the Donak's for taking time and effort to help Scout and Tumbles and friends. They started back at Skyland and headed North. Rummor was that Scott would run by them sometime this morning. Tumbles was excited and planned on getting a picture as he ran past. Imagine the excitment when he actually stopped and got a picture with the Hikers. Awesome. Tumbles did tell us that it was depressing that it took them 3 months to get there and Scott did it in 20 days. As they hiked into the woods even further, cell service was inadequate and spotty. Thus our lack of timely updates.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So the Bear seemed to really be interested in hearing about Tumbles Thru Hike. Some of the hikers are calling her Bear Magnet. The bear was close to the Trail as Scout and Tumbles hiked into Gravel Springs Hut. They scared it away, but when they got to the Shelter, Tumbles saw the bear coming into camp by the tents as she walked to the Privy. She went back to the Shelter and told the other hikers. As a bunch of hikers went up to scare the bear away again, Tumbles joked that she went and locked herself in the Privy. When she came out of the privy, she noticed that the bear had been scared around to the other side of the shelter and was lingering there. Eventually the bear ran off. Later that evening, as they sat around chatting, two other hikers, Wild and Boy came down the Trail. As the hikers at the shelter started greating them, one of them noticed the bear in the woods right past the spot Wild and Boy had just hiked. To me this is very disturbing. I think I would have hiked on. To those hikers, they just snuggled up for the night. Tumbles said no doubt the bear came back in camp again that night. So far, she says she has seen 11 bears, if that was the same bear. Most of the other hikers have not seen that many, hence the additional name of Bear Magnet. What an adventure.
Date: 2015-06-18
From: Front Royal, VA mile 969.4

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:They did good getting out of town this time, and got over 15 miles in. Tumbles (now also known as Bear Magnet) was chased by a Huge Great Pyrenees. She said she was walking down the Trail in the middle of nowhere and the Beast came out of the woods and started chasing her. We have one on our small homestead, so she turned to face it down and it stopped and just made noise. On a scary note, Scout says he has what looks like it might be a bulls eye rash on his leg. He does not have any other symptoms of Lyme's Disease as of right now. They are hoping to be in Harper's Ferry Saturday afternoon. Hopefully they can find a clinic to get it checked out. Of all the things that he was worried about for this hike, Lyme's was the big one. We are all praying it is just an over scratched bug bite.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles: The unbearable heat turned to storms in the afternoon and drove the hikers into the first shelter they came to. On a good note, they were able to send a picture of the rash that Scout was worried about. It does not have the distinct bulls eye indication that is common with Lyme's onset. Since he is also not showing any other symptoms right now we believe he is dealing with a over scratched bug bite. He says he has not had or found an attached tick, but has been dealing with chiggers and such on his legs. He says he sometimes wakes up scratching. The spot has gotten smaller and not as ugly after putting triple antibiotic ointment on the spot. At this point they are planning on watching it and hiking on. I think his mind is so strung out worrying about Lyme's that he sees it lurking around every red spot. Thank you for all the prayers and encouragement, that is always welcome.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel mile 1002.9
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:With the storms rolling in Scout and Tumbles decided to stop at the Bears Den Hostel. One of the Ridge runners mentioned that they may want to find shelter and Trail rumor had the Blackburn AT Center filling up. Tumbles said that people were hiking backwards to stay at Bears Den. They were glad they got bunks. Tumbles had a Big Agnes insulated air core sleeping pad that is leaking air around the valve again. This is her second one. If she can ever find her way to an REI she is going to change it out for something different. Both of the pads failed in the same spot. I have often wondered why REI does not have stores closer to the AT? I guess they have to put them were the masses are living. Just seems a waste when there are multiple stores in a city, but out close to the places people use the gear there are none. I digress.Thank you to Christina and Family for bringing Watermelon out to Scout and Tumbles. They enjoyed your visit. In the picture everyone is wet due to getting caught in a massive downpour.So I asked Tumbles what she thought about Thru Hiking. She said she did not know where to begin. She recommends it to everyone. The views are great. But the People are what makes the journey worth it. On the Trail there is an automatic connection with other hikers. Somehow when you run into a hiker that you have not seen for 500 miles, it like you never missed a day. One of the words she used was family. The hikers in the bubble all share in each others sorrow, pain and excitement. She says even the Day hikers and weekend hikers are cool. Trail Angels are very special. She appreciates people who take time out of their busy lives to go out and do nice things for random, smelly strangers. Naturally, she says you will always find that creepy feeling person or that group of party animals that you just wave at and keep going past. Even when you are stuck in camp with weirdos, there seems to be an unspoken understanding. She did not say it, but I believe a lot of it has to do with your mindset and how you have established yourself on the Trail. Usually Tumbles is a very positive, helpful person. I asked about any new tricks she has learned about backpacking. She just laughed. She says everyday she packs her pack a different way. She feels pretty good about her gear (minus the sleeping pad). Some day I hope the two of them can give a complete rundown on their gear. Scout is doing good. He is excited to hear that Wildcat has started his SoBo hike. They both look forward to passing Wildcat on the Trail. Scout says he has lost 52 pounds so far. I know I can see it in the pictures. Scout sends his thanks to everyone supporting them in their thoughts and prayers.
Date: 2015-06-21
From: Bears Den Hostel mile 1002.9

To: Stealth Camp mile 1017.1
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles got to meet BonBon on the Trail. You can follow BonBon's journal on Trail Journals as well. It is always fun to run into another journalist.
Date: 2015-06-25
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Trail Angel Vicki met BonBon and Scout and Tumbles as well as other hikers today to provide some Trail Magic. Thank you Vicki.Tumbles says the Shelter is leaking in the Hard Rain!
Date: 2015-06-26
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So I think we have finally figured out why they are just not hiking much these days. Tumbles has been sleeping on the ground most of the night. Her pad deflates after a few hours, and this causes her hips to hurt and makes hiking not fun. She is going to try to pick something up at WalMart tomorrow and mail her pad back home so I can exchange it for her. They will be in Pennsylvania tomorrow!Oh ya, and Fresh Wild Blackberries!
Date: 2015-06-27
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Antietam Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Woke and and hiked in the rain to Pennsylvania. Got a ride into Rouzerville and Walmart. For some reason the Post Office was closed so Tumbles could not mail her broken sleeping pad home. She decided to buy a swimming air mattress! Not sure how long that will last. While in town a massive storm rolled through. Scout was running around the Walmart parking lot trying to catch all the carts before they hit cars. During a break in the storm they found a ride back to Pen Mar. Upon arrival, the sky opened up again. They went to the museum to get out of the rain. Sadly, the attendant would not let the stinky hikers come inside. They made them sit under the awning. When that person left for the day, the new guy was awesome. He let them come inside. Gave them the WiFi password and they got to Skype with us! Once the rain slowed down, they headed back out and made a few more miles, for a 12 mile day on a resupply day. That's a big improvement!