morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-06-27
From: Tom Sealock Spring

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 95 6/27: The tree wants our foodOur morning was amusing(well at least for me). The bear bag was stuck in the tree. I am suprised that almost half way into our trip that this is the first time we had to struggle to get our food back from the tree we put it in. The rope was twisted through the carabineer. Ultimately, Trudge used a treking pole and managed to rescue our food.After this slow start, I thought we would be fine to keep moving. I was wrong, since we ran into Koi and Kaboose at the next shelter. They are fast and we didn't think we would see them again. Koi's horrible blisters had caused him to favor them while he walked for about 60 miles and then his calf muscles completely tensed up and would not relax. It looked and sounded very painful. All because he changed shoes and got blisters at 900 miles into the trail. We talked to them for an hour or maybe two. They had gone three miles and decided to call it quits for the day so hopefullly Koi can heal. They seem to have similar interests as me (sustainable and local food production and outdoor adventure education).Some of our friends (Bootlegger, Habitat, and others) that we hadn't seen in many weeks caught up to us today. Bootlegger tried to convince us to camp at Manassas Gap shelter, but we couldn't be swayed. In retrospect, maybe we should have stayed there (but I'll get to that later.)We arrrived at Dick's Dome shelter around 10 pm to meet a new thruhiker, Iron Will, who was still up reading. The shelter is actually a geodesic dome and only sleeps four. I introduced myself to Iron Will as Grumpy. So tired, so grumpy. We cooked dinner by headlamp and battled with a Cecropia moth that would not leave us alone. Why do they have to be attracted to light? I managed to trap it in between our pot lid and my bowl. I walked in the dark up the trail to release it, but stupidly turned on my light to walk back. The damn thing was back at my face instantly. I knocked it away with my pot lid and it fell to the ground. Poor thing, I hope I didn't kill it. We just wanted to eat in peace!We decided to stay in the shelter, since we couldn't find any level and rock-free campsites. Plus how bad can one person (who isn't Sarge ) snore?Iron Will mentioned that he slept with his food at his head. Uh oh. oh well, we will hang our food outside on the bear pole and take our chances that nothing wants Iron Will's.In most shelters there are wooden hooks or pegs to hang your packs on. Not so in Dick's Dome. I hung mine on a nail at the foot of the "bed." Trudge used a piece of rope that had been hung from nails from one side of the shelter to the other. He purposely made sure his pack was over his head....
Date: 2011-06-28
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Day 96 6/28: Blood-curdling screams!Last night, I woke Trudge and Iron Will up by my blood-curdling screams. You see, I was convinced that we were being attacked by a vicious animal. My incessant screaming was irrational. Before we went to bed, we knew that Iron Will's food was at his head. We had hung ours on the bear pole and carefully hung our packs in the shelter. I had found a nail at the "foot" of the bed to hang my pack. Trudge had carefully hung his pack from a rope that was strung from two nails. He made sure to place it over his head just in case anything were to happen. Well, it did! There was no scary bear or opossum after us. Instead, Trudge's pack had fallen with a loud thud. I don't even think it hit me, but it was loud enough to send me into a fit of screaming. Immediately, Iron Will dove over his food and reached for Trudge's pack to throw it out of the shelter as he thought it was a opossum after his food.   Meanwhile, Trudge is softly saying "It's just my pack" and trying to rub my shoulder. I am flailing like a madwoman and yelling at the top of my lungs. Not until, Trudge yells "It's just my pack" louder than me, do I finally stop my hysterics. What a rush! None of us can fall back asleep for a long time.We got a late start this morning due to our midnight antics. The trail was rough, one steep up and down after another.
Date: 2011-06-29
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Sand Spring campsite
Miles today: 6.8

Day 97 6/29: The roller coaster continues!Time to hike the other half of the roller coaster. Trudge and I made up from our spat yesterday and hopefully my roller coaster of emotions can be contained. At least we laughed about it now.After three miles this morning, we stopped at Bears Den Hostel for ben and jerry¢s and some relaxation! Bears Den Hostel is owned by the Appalachian Trail Club and managed by Potomac Appalachian Trail club. This ¢cottage¢ was built in 1933 by local stonemasons and once was the summer home for Washington physician Huron Lawson and his wife, opera singer, Francesca Kaspar. The lodge is modeled after a European castle with turrets and a tower. The current caretakers are former AT thru-hikers and their two young daughters.In this magical setting, we ate ice cream and enjoyed the company of Tex, Turtle, Iron Will, and Bootlegger. Trudge watched some of an animated version of The Hobbit and I reposed under the shade of an impressive tree. After leaving the hostel, we came to VA 7 and VA 679 in about a half mile. VA 7 is a four-lane divided highway. It took me FOREVER to get the courage to cross. I think being in the woods has made me really sensitive to loud, large, fast-moving objects.As Trudge was finishing a phone conversation with his parental units, I noticed a cleverly placed advertisement for Horseshoe Curve Bar and Restaurant.   Should we go? It was within walking distance. Heck, everything is within walking distance when you are walking from Georgia to Maine. We walked less than 14 of a mile and found the place at the 1st sharp curve in the road, just like the directions had said. It was one of those places that you immediately felt at home in. 2 Blue Moon, 2 Lagers, 5 Jalapeno Poppers, and 5 Chicken Fritters later we were heading back up the road to the ever-pressing trail. The owners and other patrons of the restaurant wished us lots of luck as we trudged back to our job. That is what the trail becomes¢¦a job. A job that we may enjoy, but nevertheless a job.We made it a little over three miles to Sand Spring, where we found Iron Will camping and eating dinner. We wanted to push on, but decided that stopping sounded nice. As long as there were no pack-like bears in the area we would be fine.   We shared a pleasant evening with him talking about all sorts of things: Goatman, The mothman prophecies, and Dork Battle.
Date: 2011-06-30
From: Sand Spring campsite

To: Key's Gap/Frederick, MD
Miles today: 10.3

Day 98 6/30: Welcome to the mental half-way pointWe tried to get up at 5, but it was closer to 6. We wanted to get into Harpers Ferry early enough to meet Trudge¢s parents who were coming to visit for the night.   Have you ever met someone that you like but can only handle their personality in small doses? There are a few other hikers that fit into this category for me. All of these people are pleasant enough; I just wouldn¢t be able to spend 24/7 with them without going slightly insane. I wanted to hitch from Keys Gap to 340 to cut off 4 miles of trail, but still walk into Harpers Ferry. I was vetoed. If we were hitching, we would hitch all the way.   I thought that maybe by hitching I¢d have extra time to check out ATC and use the hiker computer before Trudge¢s parents arrived. Instead, we went to a pizza place at Keys Gap with Iron Will and waited for Trudge¢s parents there. At the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters you can get your picture taken and placed in a book of this year¢s hikers. They have catalogued hikers for a long time. We were numbers 453 and 454 (people to start northbound in Georgia) when we signed in Georgia and are now 684 and 685. So over 200 people have passed us! Even some on crutches.I placed a Granite Gear pack on hold with plans to come back tomorrow. Trudge¢s parents took us out for some delicious Chinese food. It was great to see them! Thank you, Vicky and Earl.
Date: 2011-07-01
From: Key's Gap/Frederick, MD

To: 2 miles past Key's Gap
Miles today: 2.0

These journals sometimes take forever, so this will be a bulleted list insteado I bought a new pack: Granite Gear A.C. Escape 60 liter       It is smaller than my older one and about two lbs lighter        The saleswomen at the outfitter attempted to convince me to try on an Osprey pack. She also told Trudge and his parents that they should convince me as well.o        My friend Julee, her husband Phil, and their 2 month old baby Katelyn, came for a visit. It was my first time meeting their little bundle of joy. So cute, so sweet. Congrats to them!o        At 8 o¢clock at night after an hour discussion in Harper¢s Ferry of where we were going to spend the night and resolving to fork over money for a hostel, we got an amazing ride. I threw my thumb out on a whim as we walked to the hostel and the second car that went by, pulled over, and stopped right in the middle of Washington Street.   They weren¢t going to Key¢s Gap, but they decided to take us anyway!o        At our campsite, we met some section hikers. We introduced ourselves and they said ¢Did you stay at Dicks Dome two nights ago? Did you scream?¢ Looks like I¢ve gotten a reputation. Turns out they had been camping there that night and heard my screams. They had later heard about what had really happened from Bootlegger.o        I was distracted while looking for a bear bag tree. ¢Hey Trudge, look at this shiny spider.¢ Turns out it was a black widow. First time either of us had seen one of these. It was bigger and shinier than I had expected.
Date: 2011-07-02
From: 2 miles past Key's Gap

To: C & 0 canal
Miles today: 5.6

Day 100 7/2: Harper's Ferry is a vortexWe spent more at ATC headquarters. I was beginning to think they might kick us out. This was our third visit. We met up with Whisper and Gumby. They had spent a couple days in D.C.   One of those nights, they slept in a train station. I don't imagine I would want to do that. What was supposed to be a quick couple hour visit to Harpers Ferry/ATC turned out to be an all afternoon event. By the time we left town, we only went a couple of miles and found an illegal campsite next to the Potomac on the trail/C & O canal. Dun, Dun, Dun...I am in my "night gown" and Trudge is brushing his teeth, when we hear heavy footsteps and see a very bright flashlight. Here comes a ranger. Are we going to have to move? Hopefully, he didn't hear Trudge say shit. He asked Truge multiple times if we were drinking or had any alcohol. The answer was no every time! imagine that. He also wanted to make sure we weren't locals causing problems. He was there for about 15-20 minutes, but once he realized we were thruhikers, already set up for the night, and not going to be a disturbance, he let us stay. I was so thankful.
Date: 2011-07-03
From: C & 0 canal

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

Day 101 7/3: No pain, no rain, no maine!I took a dip in the Potomac this morning, which is probably not the cleanest river. But, I'm not very clean either.We climbed up to Weverton Cliffs where you can see Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, as well as Maryland and Virginia. This area is rich in civil war history and well-worth a visit.This afternoon I came across Trudge sitting on the ground with his legs stretched out next to his pack and not looking to swell. He said that he managed to hurt his back somehow and that he was like a wind-up toy that had run out of juice. Suddenly, he just couldn't walk any farther. He was in a lot of pain and it was about to rain! Heavily! I walked up the trail a bit and found the only semi-level and rock free place in which we could set up our tent. Trudge could hardly walk, but he managed to carry his pack and get there in time for us to set up our tent and wait out the storm. This was one of the first times on the trail that I felt a little scared for us. Would he be ok? Could he continue walking?We had recently run out of water, so I collected as much rain water off of the tent vestibule as I could. Water had never tasted so good.After 3 hours the rain had stopped and Trudge's pain had lessened. (or at least he didn't complain as much about it). We continued on to Gathland State Park, which is the former 1800's estate of George Alfred Townsend, a rich newspaper journalist and Civil war correspondant. As usual, I had to read every bit of every sign. And apparently, I've been like this since childhood. Always curious, always inquistive.At the shelter I convince Trudge to try to hang both of our very large food bags on the same hook on the bear pole (all that was available). Won't this be easier then throwing a rope in the dark? I'll admit; I was wrong. One bag just knocked the other one off and it came crashing to the ground with a bang and a clatter. Back up the hill we meandered to find a level spot and good bear bag tree. Bed could not come soon enough.
Date: 2011-07-04
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: just past Washington Monument State park
Miles today: 9.7

Day 102 7/4: Happy Fourth of July!Well we didn't get to see any fireworks this holiday, but we did go to Washington Monument State Park. In the mid-1800s the residents of Boonsboro, MD started a national past-time of building monuments. This one in honor of our great nation's first president. It was neat to be here on our nation's birthday!We went on a scavenger hunt for a mail drop of DVD's that had been hidden behind a stump in the park. After a few minutes of searching, we found it. I have no idea why it was there, nor do I know why we always end up carrying her things. We actually managed to take a shower on trail today at Dahlgren Back Pack Campground. We spiffed up; I put on my dress, and we headed up the trail .2 to hitch into town to celebrate the Fourth! Nothing was open. Subway and an ice cream palor were our only options.
Date: 2011-07-05
From: just past Washington Monument State park

To: Ensign Cowall shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 103 7/5: Chatty, Chatty, blah, blahWe took a side adventure to a state park to go swimming. The 0.6 blue-blazed trail was exceedingly steep and when we returned uphill after swimming we were as wet from sweat as we were when we were actually swimming.A few days ago we met a young dad with his two small children on the trail. Maya, the 6 year old, harped on her dad for being slow and talking to us. She used the phrase "you are being chatty, chatty, blah, blah." His response was "no we are waiting on your brother." Trudge can certainly be "chatty, chatty, blah, blah," when I want to get moving. I am going to have to use that phrase. Thanks, Maya!We slept in the shelter tonight. I was awake almost all night. No one was snoring, but I just couldn't get comfortable. As soon as I would take the covers from off of my head (too hot), I would either have a bug in my ear or think about a mouse crawling across my face. I never worry about those sorts of things so I am not sure what was the problem tonight!
Date: 2011-07-06
From: Ensign Cowall shelter

To: Pen Mar Park/Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 9.6

Day 104 7/6: Almost home!We stopped at Pen Mar park, which has a fabulous history as a railroad park, amusement center, and vacation spot. We shuttled into Waynesboro, PA and shared a hotel room with Brother of the Wind.We might have heard coyote pups yelping and crying on our way down the mountain.Since most hikers only have one outfit, some wear strange things to dinner. This time it was a tarp, and no it wasn't us.That is about all I have to say.
Date: 2011-07-07
From: Pen Mar Park/Waynesboro, PA

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 105 7/7: Incredible Shakes and Incredible PeopleWe decided that the Waynesburger joint can keep their Incredible label on their milkshakes. You can even meet incredible people there. A big thank you goes out to Rick for taking us to the grocery store, then to the trail, and returning with my wallet once I accidently left it in his vehicle. THANKS! I am constantly amazed at the willingness and friendliness of strangers.
Date: 2011-07-08
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 106 7/8: FINALLYWe finally hit the 20 mile a day mark! It only took us 106 days. Hopefully we can continue this and it will get easier and easier. And we won't have to hike later and later into the day.So far I think Quarry Gap shelter has been one of the best, if not the best shelter on trail. We did not stay there, but took a quick break. It has fantastic: benches, a slob trash can (for other people's trash), hanging plants, cute decorations, lock box for food! Thank you to the Innkeeper for maintaining such a great place.We crossed into PA yesterday! It is good to be home. I am, however, not looking forward to the rocks. As Cheetah put it, "welcome to rocksylvania."
Date: 2011-07-09
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 107 7/9: Half way and home!We passed the halfway point today! Only 1091 more miles to go before we can sleep. Trudge took on the half-gallon challenge at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. He managed to eat an entire half-gallon of chocolate peanut butter ice cream by himself in about 45 minutes. I am pretty sure the challenge used to be half-gallon in a half-hour equals free ice cream. Times are tough now, because all you get is a wooden spoon for finishing. And, I guess sastification of knowing you can stuff yourself to the point of explosion. I decided to share my half-gallon with my folks. I can't even finish a pint by myself!Before reaching the state park, we saw Chloe and her family southbounding. It was great to reconnect with her, especially since she is heading home. Hopefully, we can visit her sometime.Time to go home for a few days. I'm glad we live within a few hours of the trail, so we can see family and relax. I can't wait to see my nieces!
Date: 2011-07-11
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 109 7/11: Lots to doI didn't quite realize how much stuff I had to do when coming home. I need more like a week, rather than three days.Redo our mail-drop scheduleInventory and pack foodClean and repair gearCall about my broken packSort all the gear that I've sent home so mom can find stuffUpdate this god forsaken journal Doctors appointmentSigh, it is 11:52 on Tuesday night. We head back to the trail in the morning and I am still typing. Over and out!
Date: 2011-07-12
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 110 7/12: Pool timeMy nieces are adorable and I miss them from the bottom of my heart!Last day at home for awhile. I think I'm ready to head back to the trail. I can't imagine how I am gonna feel after this is all over. We have enough fuel to last a lifetime. Maybe I'll become a professional hiker? Move over, Andrew Skura!
Date: 2011-07-13
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 111 7/13: Signs, Signs, everywhere are signs saying "NO CAMPING!"Thank goodness for family. Both our dads brought us back to the trail and saw us off! My dad also was able to drop off a food box and wedding clothes (for a wedding I'm in) at the hotel in Duncannon on his way home. Cheaper and easier. My dad keeps saying he is going to thru-hike the AT, so he joined us for a few miles. I say by all means "go for it." You will never regret following your dreams.While I was home I sorted tons of gear. Trudge and I have been sending gear home along the entire trail, so my parent's basement was becoming a mess. I managed to gather at least three boxes of Trudge's gear that he doesn't think he will need for the rest of the trail. Hiking is nothing but trial and error.The terrain was easy today. I am still waiting to see all of PA's infamous rocks. You would think that because it was easy we would have walked FAR today! Wrong, both of us didn't sleep very well at home. So, by the time we ate yummy chili-to-go at the shelter at 7 pm, we decided no more walking for us.This was only a problem, because coming up tomorrow there is an 18-mile section in which camping is not allowed. Now, we will have to walk 26 miles tomorrow since we didn't make it further today. The trail appears to be flat and crosses lots of roads. I hope it is not out in the sun the whole time. I almost stepped on a small beautiful-colored garter snake today. I screamed, but not as loud and as long as I did at Dick's Dome shelter.I can't believe we are over halfway. What will we do when we are done?
Date: 2011-07-14
From: James Fry Shelter

To: US 11
Miles today: 20.0

Day 112 7/14: Thank goodness for friends!Well, we only walked 20 of the 26 miles we had intended for today. However, this is outstanding for us! It was a long, exhausting day. How do people do this on a regular basis? It takes everything I posses to go this far. Most of the trail today was out in the hot sweltering sun through corn fields. Some days I think about a lot while hiking, other days I just walk. Today while "enjoying" the farm fields I thought about sustainable agriculture (and the jobs I could have in that realm) and how much I like the woods. Some of the time we were walking in a narrow strip of woods in between fields, which provided just enough shade.About mid-day, I decided that 26 miles was out of the question and that we should call our friend Paula who lives near Harrisburg. Our original plan was to see her the next day in Duncannon, but I hoped she might be free today instead. Trudge wasn't so sure of this plan; he wanted to prove to ourselves that he could walk the 26 miles we'd planned. But, I won out! And in Boiling Spings at the ATC regional office, the decision was made to call Paula and see if we could crash on her floor.   Thank you to her for picking us up, taking us to dinner, and providing a place for us to rest our heads. By the time we got to US 11 where she was picking us up, we were dragging our hot tired feet. Being a thru-hiker is sometimes like being a celebrity. In Boiling Springs, I shared my contact info with a young man who is interested in thru-hiking the trail someday. Hopefully, I can answer his questions.Earlier today, I saw a groundhog in a mulberry tree. I didn't know that they could climb trees and that they often like to eat fruit.