morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

The day started cool and breezy with a temp of about 40 degrees. I took my fleece off at the top of Apple Orchard Mtn (4225ft), but I really should have kept it on for another hour or two. Coming down Apple Orchard, you pass under a cool geologic feature called "the Guillotine." It's actually a boulder suspended above your head by two huge rocks. I can see how it got its name.I ran into my trail buddy, Pack Animal, at Matt's Creek Shelter, and we caught each up about the last few weeks.I crossed the James River on the 630ft long pedestrian bridge. About half-way across, my hat flew off in the wind and landed in the river. So after 770 miles of trail-togetherness, my hat decided to leave me. Thank God I still have a bandana to cover this handsome head! I caught up with the Sampson, Stomp, Shuffles, Speedbump gang. We split into two groups (Sampson and I) and we hitched the six miles into the tiny town of Glasgow, VA. I ate a cheeseburger, bought groceries, and attempted but failed to call home (no working pay phones). Sampson and I quickly hitched back to the trailhead and hiked to the shelter for the night.
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Rain this morning so I didn't get started until 8am. Climbed to the top of Bluff Mtn (3372ft) with the sad memorial to Ottie Cline Powell, a 4.5 year old who wandered away and was discovered dead on top of the mountain. That was in 1891.I ate a big lunch at the beautiful site of Punchbowl Shelter. It may be the first shelter I've encountered with a pond in front of it. Unfortunately, it was still overcast and damp, and I became chilled before I got going again. I ended up hiking with my jacket for over an hour.There was a box of trail magic near the Blue Ridge Parkway, and I selected a nice looking Gala apple, which turned out to be absolutely delicious.I stopped at a creek to fill my water bottles and ended up taking a hard fall, when I slipped on a slick rock. I really got a good jar, but nothing's broken, so I guess I'm lucky.Staying at the Brown Mtn Creek Shelter tonight. This place has an interesting history. It was the site of a settlement of free blacks. There are lots of rock walls, old house foundations, and other signs of previous inhabitation. The sound of the creek should lull me to sleep soon...
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter

To: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA
Miles today: 18.1

I climbed back up to the 4000ft ridgeline today of Bald Mountain and Cold Mountain. I did encounter my first wild boar of the trip this morning. I startled it on the trail and sent it packing. Maybe it caught a good whiff of my "trail-scent."I really do have quite the hiker appetite. I spent the day eating out of my pockets,and thinking about what I had in my food bag that I could eat for lunch. I seem to be carrying plenty of food, but I'm also really putting it away.I'm staying at the Dutch Haus Bed and Breakfast tonight in Montebello, VA. It was a completely spontaneous decision which came to me while stopping to read the journal in a shelter, and seeing an entry about their accommodations and meals. They have a special thru-hiker rate of $30 per night, which includes laundry, breakfast, and shuttle back to the trail. I've also opted for the supper tonight ($12); I don't know what Lois is cooking but it smells great.Just another day on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA

To: Campsite near Parkway
Miles today: 22.6

Lois and Earl fed me a delicious hiker's breakfast (fresh fruit, eggs, pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee) and then gave me a ride to the fish hatchery. They are great hosts. From there I had about a mile trudge uphill to the AT. I arrived back at the trail by 8am.Today, Virginia threw a couple more big climbs at me. After topping the 4000ft mountain with the unlikely name of "The Priest." Here, it is customary to confess your sins in the shelter journal. I passed at this chance, and decided to just carry my sins with me until I could scatter them to the winds on the summit of mighty Mount Katahdin. Next, I descended 3000ft to the Tye River. Of course, I had to immediately gain that 3000ft back after the river with a climb to Three Ridge Mountain. It was very steep in places, including the final mile with a gain of 1000ft.I got to Maupin Field Shelter, met Peanut, Wrongway, and Erwin (the dog), made a quick meal of mac and cheese with tuna, and pressed on. I've got a full days hike to Waynesboro tomorrow and want to get in there in time to get a few things accomplished. I made a stealth camp in a tiny patch of grass, a few feet off the trail.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Campsite near Parkway

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: few clouds

I got an early start, hiked fast, and made a short time of the mileage today. I got off the AT today at Rockfish Gap. It's where the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive meet. I stuck my thumb out on US250 and within 5 minutes had a ride into the hiker-friendly town of Waynesboro. I grabbed a bite of lunch and found the YMCA, where I not only got a free shower (complete with soap and towel), but also am camping for free in their beautiful campground on the river. It is actually a grassy lot in town, surrounded by a fence, and dedicated for thru-hiker use. The Lutheran church here also runs a hostel. This town appreciates hikers and it shows.As I was enjoying a post-shower nap in my tent, I heard a voice say, "hello, who's in there?" I replied, "Hometown, who's asking?" It turns out it is Padre. I've seen his name in the journals for many miles now and he also knows my name, but this is the first time we've met. It was good to meet another member of the 2008 hiker family. I hit the Kroger for the very few supplies I need. I'm still carrying quite a bit of food, so I'll try to use it up as I head into the Shenandoah National Park tomorrow.Just another beautiful day on the AT.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Waynesboro

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I hiked today with SiteSee (a retired hospital pharmacist from Green Bay, WI) and Tennessee (a Marine Corps veteran of Iraq War from Nashville). We entered the Shenandoah National Park today, so we had to self-register for back country permits and attach them to our packs. Once again, we are subject to rules and regulations which limit camping to certain areas, so it is similar to the Smokies.The Shenandoah Park follows a fairly narrow corridor with the Skyline Drive running 105 miles through it; the Appalachian Trail skirts this road the whole way.At one point today, we stopped for lunch at a place where the trail crosses the road and we had a nice talk with 3 men from Switzerland. They were very impressed with the length of the AT.The trail seems well groomed so far in the park, and after several ups and downs, we finally arrived at the hut (in the Shenandoah, as in the White Mountains, the shelters are called huts). Since it is Memorial Day, the camping is crowded with lots of people out enjoying the pretty weather.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Black Rock Hut

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

It's another beautiful day today. I was up and hiking by 6:30 this morning. I was at a campground store by 9am eating ice cream sandwiches and bananas! It turned out to be the perfect mid-morning snack.I hiked with Daddy-O most of the day. He's from Winston-Salem, NC and is on the trail with his son, Peacock. We saw several deer; they are not afraid of humans here, since they are not hunted. You can almost walk up to them before they move off the trail. We also saw lots of bear scat on the trail, but...drats! Once again, I haven't yet seen a bear! Peacock and Tangent, who were behind us, did get to see a small bear, though. Maybe tomorrow...I'm camping near the hut with lots of other thru-hikers and weekenders tonight. We are using bear poles to hang our food. It's the first time I've used this method, but I like it better than bear cables. I'll have to take a photo of it for you.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: High Top Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

I finally got to see a bear today--4 of them! SiteSee and I were hiking together this morning and ran into a sow with 2 cubs. We stopped , and the momma made a false charge at us as the 2 cute cubs climbed a big oak. We backed off about 30 yards, the cubs climbed down from the tree, and they hiked off into the woods, following their momma. Later in the morning, we scared a young black bear off the trail.We stopped in the afternoon at Big Meadows and had a great meal at the grill. I was amused by my hiking partners Tennessee and SiteSee who helped several of the customers finish the food on their plate. I paid $1.00 for a five minute shower and also washed out my shirt. I started hiking feeling refreshed and then got rained on as I walked the final four miles to the hut. Things, as always, are well on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Cloudy today with rain threatening, so it was a humid hike. Stopped at the Skyland Dining Hall this morning with SiteSee and had a delicious hiker breakfast with several cups of coffee. We visited with a young man from Germany during a lunch stop at a picnic shelter. He was from Bavaria and told us about hiking in the AlpsWe ended up with light rain showers in the evening, but luckily, we were already in the shelter, so we stayed dry. Camping with Shadow Caster, Tennessee, SiteSee, Daddy-O, and Peacock.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I am finished with the Shenandoahs! There is an end in sight to Virginia.I stopped at the Elkwallow Wayside for breakfast and resupply this morning. As I was eating at the picnic table, as touring cyclist rode up. I went over to talk to her and found that she was a German from Saxony and is riding around the world. She has been touring for 33 months so far. She talked to me about the AT and we also talked about cycling. It was a good conversation, but I, unfortunately, had to get back on the trail.Tennessee went on to Front Royal this eveing to meet his sister and will take 4 zero days, so it'll be awhile before we see him.SiteSee and I have decided to bypass a town visit to Front Royal and push on to Harpers Ferry in 3 days. We'll see how it goes.Peace.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Dick's Dome
Miles today: 18.0

My first task for the day involved removing a stubbornly planted deer tick from a sensitive area of my anatomy. I then took a survey of my food and quickly determined that I needed more than I had, so I told SiteSee that I needed to take a quick trip into Linden, VA when we got to Manassas Gap. After a fast 11 miles, we hitched the 1.2 miles to the tiny store (we got a ride with an accupuncturist in a Prius) and ate lunch and resupplied. One thing I notice about this section of trail is that it's populated with huge oak trees. There seems to be an exceptional amount of old forest here so lots of big, tall trees.I ran into my old trail buddy, Hopper, today and am camping with him and SiteSee at the strangely shaped (modified Bucky Fuller) Dick's Dome Shelter.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Dick's Dome

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Started "The Roller Coaster" today. It's a notorious 20 mile section of northern Virginia's trail that features continuous, steep climbs and descents. I really don't think that it lives up to the hype; however, it was very rocky and rocky is hard to walk on. I'm staying at the Bear's Den Hostel, which is an old mountaintop mansion built in the 1930's. It's modeled after castles in Europe and built of stone. It is owned by the ATC and is operated as a hiker hostel. The hiker special of $25 gave me a bunk, shower, laundry, pizza, a pint of Ben and Jerry's, and a coke. They sure know what hikers want.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I passed 1000 miles today! It's hard to believe that I've hiked on one continuous trail.I've been looking forward to arriving at Harpers Ferry; it's where the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is located and is considered by many thru-hikers as the "spiritual" halfway point (the real halfway point is a few days north of here). When they arrive here, thru-hikers sign in at the ACT and have their pictures taken. Since they were already closed when I arrived, I'll stop by there tomorrow.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A zero day today.As Sitesee and I were walking to the ATC office this morning, Margaret, the ATC volunteer, picked us up and gave us a ride there in her car. We had our photos taken for the book and officially signed in. I was #182 northbound hiker for the year. It'll be interesting to see how many come through this year. We are staying tonight at the Town's Inn Bed and Breakfast (circa 1840). Bill, the caretaker, gave us a ride to Wal-Mart to resupply.I went to the outfitters this afternoon and bought a hat to replace the one that blew off my head and into the James River awhile back. I ran into Hopper and Padre (a Catholic priest hiking the trail for his sabbatical). They were buying new shoes for the trail ahead.I am enjoying sitting on the porch overlooking High Street and watching the tourists walk by. It's an pleasant way to rest my feet on this zero day in town.Another great day on the AT.
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground, MD
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Bill, the accomodating host of the Towns Inn, started us out this morning with a delicious breakfast of blueberry pancakes and fruit. He then gave us a ride to the post office. After mailing a few items home, SiteSee and I rejoined the AT and hiked the rest of the route through the historic district of Harpers Ferry. We crossed the Potomac River on the footbridge which runs along the railroad trestle (a few years ago I crossed this same bridge on a bicycle trip). Once we crossed the river, we were through with West Virginia, our 5th state, and into Maryland, our 6th. We hiked along the historic C & O Canal towpath for a few miles before we climbed off into the woods. We ran into Lucas from Quincy, MA via Poland and Karen from Malta, thru-hikers, at the stately Ed Garvey Shelter. The trail took us through a couple of Civil War battlefields--Gathland State Park and Fox Gap--to a backpackers campground where we actually got hot showers. I must say thanks to the state of Maryland for the great accomodations.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground, MD

To: Devil's Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

We enjoyed some good Maryland trail this morning. We went by the original Washington Monument, a stone tower erected by the townspeople of Boonesboro, MD in the 1830's and rebuilt several times since. It was used as a signal corp tower by the Union Army in the Civil War and commands a great view of the valley below, including the battlefield of Antietam.The afternoon the trail turned rocky and was made more difficult by the high temps and humidity. Oh, I can't forget--biting flies and mosquitos are also becoming a factor of trail life! We're expecting strong storms tonight, so I sure am glad to be in camp and eating supper right now. Just another great trail day; tomorrow, I'll be in Pennsylvania!
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Devil's Racecourse Shelter

To: Caledonia State Park, PA
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: moderate rain

I stayed dry in the shelter through the heavy rains last night. There was a lingering light sprinkle as SiteSee and I left the shelter. We arrived at Pen-Mar Park at 9am, but it was still in lock-down mode, no restrooms or soda machines available. I hiked across the Mason-Dixon line with little fanfare. There was just a pathetic broken post that someone had written on with a Sharpie. So much for being welcomed into Pennsylvania. I was excited, anyway!It was very hot, humid, and buggy. Fortunately, we got a good, long, soaking rain to cool it off. Unfortunately, the rain was accompanied by lighting. Futhermore, I was on the highest ridge around and was carrying metal trekking poles. It was touch and go for a few minutes there. Lighting is one of the real hazards out here.SiteSee stopped at the last shelter, and I pushed on to Caledonia State Park in hopes of a shower and camp. The place is closed. I can't even find a ranger. I think I'll try to stealth camp in a picnic shelter, as more storms are forecasted for tonight.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Caledonia State Park, PA

To: Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I had no problem stealth camping last night at the campground. No one had a clue that I was there!I was up and hiking at 6:15am and ran into Hopper at Quarry Gap Shelter. He said, "Let's go get some ice cream." So off we went. there is a "Half Gallon Challenge" at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in which thru-hikers attempt to eat a half gallon of ice cream. I was not up to the challenge. I ate a cheeseburger, fries, and a pint of ice cream while I watched Hopper choke his half gallon down. He did well but looked a little green around the gills for a while.I forgot to mention that I actually hiked 19.5 miles by 2pm today. That is a record for me. I'm staying at the Ironmaster's Mansion, which was built in 1829 as the home of the ironmaster of the Pine Grove Furnace Ironworks. This is a beautiful 3 story house which was also part of the Underground Railroad system of safe houses during the days of slavery. I even got a tour of the "secret room" where runaway slaves hid.For my $25 for a bunk, I got to help myself to the food in the kitchen, so we hikers made spaghetti for supper tonight. I'm looking forward to breakfast!Another wonderful day on the AT!
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.4

I was up early and hiking fast this morning to beat the heat. The mosquitos swarmed if I stopped so I kept moving. I had some smooth hiking on well graded trails and some rough hiking over big rocky sections that required hands-on climbing. It didn't bother me, because I was listening to my MP3, and I was on my way to visit my friends Dennis and Kristin. I walked to the ATC regional office in Boiling Springs and called Dennis.I know Dennis and Kristin from several previous cycling trips that I have been on. They do Cycle North Carolina and Bike Virginia every year. They live in Carlisle, PA and have invited me to stay with them for the weekend. They are good friends and great hosts, so I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend with them.
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Dennis dropped me off back at the ATC office in Boiling Springs. The trail leaves the Blue Ridge here, crosses the Cumberland Valley, and joins the Alleghenies. I had a long walk through the valley, crossing several roads, and cutting through lots of farms. I am back to solo hiking; although, I did meet "Tenderfoot" from Greenville, SC and "Caveman" from NY, both thru-hikers. The heat is brutal today. The temps are in the high 90's, so the heat index has to be over 100 degrees. It's too hot to hike, so I'm cutting my day short with 14 miles. I'll cool it here, drink lots of water, and try to get an early start tomorrow. It's good to be back on the trail!
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

Excessive heat made this a tough day to hike. I hiked into Duncannon and ate a Western omelet with Rhino (a German thru-hiker) and Bad Idea (from Virginia). I pushed on to Clarks Ferry Shelter and took a 2.5 hour siesta through the heat of the afternoon and then pushed on to the beautiful Peters Mtn Shelter. I'm sharing the shelter with Lukasz, Melon, and Apostle.Lots of rocks and bugs today!
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Old State Rd
Miles today: 23.9

Nice section of trail today. Got to Rausch Gap shelter about 2pm for a big lunch and nap. This is the site of a former coal mine and village, which have been closed for a 100 years. It's a pretty stetting and coal still covers the ground all around the area. I left the shelter at 4pm and pushed on for an additional 7 miles to make camp near I-81 with thru-hiker Apostle (from Ohio). I did meet up with Hopper, Kat, and Indy this evening near PA 443.
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Old State Rd

To: Black Swatara Spring
Miles today: 21.6

It's amazing how a little luxury can completely save the day. I was having a rough morning; the notorious Pennsylvania rocks were out in force, my feet hurt, and it felt like my legs were on strike. I pushed on to the 501 shelter for my lunch break and found a fully functioning, well-water shower. And there was soap! I wasted no time in getting thoroughly clean (the water was so cold that it took my breath away). I hung my clothes up to air-dry, ate lunch, and took a 30 minute nap.It was truly heaven! After that break, I was ready to tackle more of the rocky trail!Peace!
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Black Swatara Spring

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked into Port Clinton today. This is an interesting, little town, which my guidebook tells me the AT has been routed through since 1928. Anyway, I'm staying at the Port Clinton Hotel, which I'm sure hasn't changed since 1928. The bathroom is still down the hall and there are no frills; however, the food downstairs in the restaurant is excellent; I ate both lunch and supper there.The folks at the outfitter are more than friendly. I ended up buying a 45 degree Lafuma sleeping bag, which is lighter than my current bag. I also bought a Thermarest Z lite pad to lighten the load until I'm ready for Big Agnes again.Apostle and I caught a ride into the neighboring town of Hamburg for resupply and went to the huge Cabelas store. I should be ready for the last 75 miles of Pennsylvania.
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Happy Birthday, Black Betty!I fully planned to hike out of town today, but the AT hiker never knows what direction the day is going to take.The "PA Dutchmen," Mennonite brothers Mike and Jerry Brubaker (GA>ME 2000), came to the hiker pavillion in town with their families in tow to provide trail magic for us thru-hikers. They brought breakfast (pancakes and bacon) and lunch (BBQ ribs and hamburgers) along with pies, other sweets, and sodas. The food was delicious and us dozen or so thru-hikers thoroughly enjoyed the company and the food.That afternoon Padre, Apostle, and I were invited out to the Brubaker's dairy farm to visit and spend the night. We stayed at the home of Mike and Jerry's gracious parents, Eugene and Grace Brubaker.That's how I spent my totally spontaneous zero miles day in Port Clinton, Pennslyvania.
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 22.6

Grace served us breakfast of eggs, fruit, toast, and coffee before Eugene drove us back to the trailhead. I truly enjoyed my stay with the Brubakers and can't thank them enough for their kindness and hospitality.We had two beautiful views today: one from the Pulpit and the other from the Pinnacle. It's Father's Day and there a lots of people on the trail.The trail is pretty rough and rocky in sections here.Camping with Lukasz, Melon, Padre, Apostle, Detleff, and Rhino tonight. Great fire and sweet fellowship!