morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

I cannot begin to describe the fear I experienced today during my first encounter with a rattle snake! Since they are quite common out here, I expected that I would see one sooner or later, but never like this. Late this afternoon I was pushing pretty hard because there were rumors of trail magic at an upcoming road crossing. I came around a corner and the snake was at my feet, about 4 inches from my left shoe. Simultaneously, I heard that unmistakable, terribly frightening noise and realized immediately what I was dealing with. Without even thinking, I reacted by running as fast as I could up the trail. Even though the snake was in plain view, I saw nothing of it but it's color as I ran by in panic. I stopped about 100 yards up the trail and, realizing that I wasn't dead, remembered that there were people within 10 minutes behind me. Going back to relive the terror of that moment was horrible, but I felt really responsible to help out those behind me. I yelled out when I heard them coming to warn them. As they crept up, sure enough the snake started making that bone chilling noise. This time I forced myself to look at it. It was so beautiful and was not being at all aggressive(or I might be telling my tale from the hospital tonight). Stewball and Daddy Long Legs put a big note on the trail about the snake as we left the scene in hopes of trail magic.      In another mile we indeed came upon the road crossing. A big thank you to Danny and Judy Williams for fixing us a great dinner. As we left, I was the first person up the trail and almost stepped on a big toad that was the same colors as the rattle snake. As it jumped out of my way, I screamed and threw my hiking poles on the street. Everyone laughed at me but I've had enough animals for today. This week has been full of crazy situations that have left me quite volatile. But everyoune knows this and we don't need to go into that right now.       Tomorrow is a 16 mile day and I am excited not to have to hike more than that. Any rest for the ribs that can be got right now is cherished. Until then...
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Seely-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Today was quite civilized. Relatively low mileage, non-intimidating terrain, co-operative weather, and a general lack of animals(except deer#3, which didn't rattle at me, thankfully) made this the best day in a long time. I hiked super slow today because I think pushing so hard might be keeping my ribs from healing faster. Tomorrow is only 14 miles so it will be nice to do the same thing even though we have to descend "The Priest" tomorrow. It will be a knee wrecking 3000ft descent over 4 miles.There was lots of talk about rattle snakes today and yesterday. I asked lots of questions to try to learn about these guys. Evidently, they use their venom not only to kill small animals, but to pre-digest them. So a rattle snake really doesn't want to bite an animal as big as a person because they can't eat anything that big. I guess that made me feel a little better about yesterday. Looking forward to another civilized day tomorrow. Until then...
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Seely-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I am happy to report another enjoyable hiking day. We got up and down The Priest with no problems and got into camp really early, only needing to do 14.5 miles today. The strategy now is to punctuate the big things with ample rest. Alot of folks went on to climb Three Ridges Mountain today but I left it for first thing tomorrow, so I will be fresh for the challange. It is just about a 3000ft climb and it is the last major climb until Massachussetts, evidently.The picture today I thought all the students would love. We wandered through an eerie section of forest where all the large rocks had huge trees growing on the top of them. I haven't seen this anywhere else on the trip and it has only been for a very small, maybe 2 acre section. This is definitely an example of the power of nature.It's 22 miles tomorrow to put us in pouncing distance of Waynesboro and the Weezie's all you can eat pancake challenge, the first thing Saturday morning. Thank you to my dear friend Danielle who is following closely from Florida, it helps keep my morale up. Until then...
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another splendid day of hiking. I was concerned at the prospect of doing 22 miles today but it felt great. I had alot of energy(I think it's because I ate three sleeves of tuna fish yesterday). Three Ridges Mountain wasn't too bad and it was good to hike the 3000ft uphill first thing this morning.One snake today(#16) was a black rat snake that actually rattled at me. They don't have rattles but they put their tales in the leaves and rattle. Boy did that sound wimpy after hearing the real thing! Poor guy, he could tell I wasn't impressed.Tonight I am at the last shelter before town and have made my lists and plans so when I get there I can get everything done smoothly. The post office is only open between 0900 and 1100 so this makes the window of opportunity small. This is especially intricate because I have to take delivery of by new tent at the outfitters which is a mile away from the post office. I have to send the old one back too. The outfitter doesn't open until 1000 so this will be quite an action packed hour.Otherwise I am looking greatly forward to a restful day and night spent at the Quality Inn with my new hiking buddy "Mostly". We've been together for a week now and are having fun. Wish me luck in the Pancake Challange!
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Town day today! Eating, resupplying, eating, resting, eating, laundry, eating... Having a great time at the Quality Inn, sharing a room with my hiking buddy "Mostly" (Formerly Green Hornet). Quick turnaround tomorrow morning as to avoid the gravitational pull of town. Until then!
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Rockfish Gap Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

What an accomplishment to make it out of town today and to do 20 miles! After thoroughly enjoying the make-your-own waffle bar at the hotel, we were back on the trail at 10:00. We had to register at the Park entrance for backcountry permits so we didn't start making miles until 11:00.The Shenandoah National Park will be unique to me on this trip because at AT runs pretty much parallel to Skyline Drive. On one hand, this is great because I will have the opportunity to eat ice cream just about every day. On the other hand, the next five days will not contain one moment without the sound of cars and motorcycles. Be that as it may, the grades are generally more gentle than we are used to so Mostly and I are looking forward to a smooth ride if the weather cooperates.
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a really great day on and off the trail. My great friend Tammy drove down to the Shenandoahs today to visit and we drove out of the park to the town of Luray to eat. It was such a neat experience to come down out of the mountains and see them from the valley. What a magnificent sight these giant mountains out in the distance and what a great feeling knowing I was on a journey through them. And how wonderful it was to eat in a restaurant with a waiter and good food! Thank you to my great friend Tammy for being part of this experience with me.I met Tammy at 1300hrs, twelve miles into my day so I had to cover a lot of distance early in the day. Mostly and I have been averaging about 3 miles an hour in this section so I was pretty confident that I could be there on time. As it turned out I was about an hour early. When Tammy dropped me off, I was only about a mile from the final destination for the day. When I arrived in camp, I was happy to deliver a little trail magic of my own in the form of two cold Budwiesers for my buddy Mostly to enjoy after dinner. Tomorrow is about a twenty miler.
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

It was a pretty great day today. Mostly and I had done 14 miles by 1400hrs and we couldn't believe it! We found a picnic area to have lunch at and it had trash cans and flush toilets. Then, five miles later, there was a side trail to a camp store and there we gorged ourselves. I had two Klondike bars, a chocolate eclair bar, and a pint of chocolate milk. A mile later we got to the hut and were greeted by trial angels Little Bear and Happy Heart. They had pizza for us. Little Bear is an aspiring Thru Hiker and plans to hike when she is 25, 15 years from now. We had a great time telling stories about our adventures. Thanks for a great time, you guys!Tomorrow is the biggest day at almost 23 miles but we have 2 opportunities to get off the trail for real food. Mostly is fixing for a cheeseburger so we will have lunch out tomorrow. It will be a long day but we have been successfully making about 3 miles an hour which, over such a prolonged time, is unheard of so far on this trip. This reminds me that we passed the 900 mile mark today. Hoping for a successful 23 more tomorrow. Until Then!
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Today was one of those days that simply doesn't go as planned. We woke up to pouring down rain and, instead of packing up like we would usually, we went on 'rain delay'. It is much better to wait for the rain to stop so the tent can be de-watered before packing. However, the rain wouldn't stop and we eventually decided to pack up wet. The extra water adds so much frustrating weight to the pack. And further, we didn't get out of camp until 0930 and we had planned 23 miles. The day was beginning to look like a bust.It poured the entire day so we were slowed down a good bit. Mostly did get to have his cheeseburger for lunch as we stopped at the "wayside" to eat and dry out. We got to the next shelter and decided it was better to cut our losses and try for big miles tomorrow. We both dewatered our tents using the overhang of the shelter and are sleeping inside the shelter tonight (but for how long I dont know as there is a bat flying around in here--it's always something!)The picture today is a common sight in the Shenandoahs--an entirely too tame wild animal since they are protected from being hunted (and they get fed regularly by tourists in cars). The deer are as friendly as dogs. The bears here evidently share the same problem. Looking forward to big miles tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-18
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It turned out to be a good decision to leave the hard work for today. Luckily, the weather finally ironed itself out and we had a day of really nice views. A lot of the trail was walking about a hundred feet below Skyline Drive on the west side of the mountain range. It would have been a shame to miss the sights having done this section yesterday in the rain. Mostly and The Sailor were like machines today and finished the day at a completely reasonable hour, even though we stopped for both breakfast in the morning and ice cream in the afternoon. This is what hiking is supposed to be like, I'm sure! Having made this progress, we are set up to be leaving the National Park tomorrow and plan an in-and-out style resupply in Front Royal. Usually, I like to be situated a little closer to town the night before to be able to get in and do chores early. But its not the case this time and we have a lot of work to do tomorrow, first getting to town (15 miles), hitching in, getting chores done, eating, hitching out, and then doing the five miles out to the next shelter. It's a hard job but we are definitely the men for the job. Will look forward to being able to report success tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Jim and MolleyDenton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I figured I would attempt a photo of the last bear in the Shenandoahs saying goodbye to Mostly and Sailor J this morning. It is easier to encounter intimidating wildlife with other people around. Daddy Longlegs was there for the bear as well. It is always hard to operate after completing a big mile day. All day today I struggled with energy issues, especially knowing that today's proposed mileage was nothing to laugh at either, and it included a town stop. Fortunately, the town experience was great and we got in and out quickly. The last five miles of today was interesting as we were both pooped and it was dark. It was the second night hike for me and I was glad that I bought new batteries for my headlight in town today. We arrived to a completely sleeping shelter at 22:00 and pitched our tents, having accomplished great things. Tomorrow the plan is for 18.5. Until then...
Date: 2009-06-20
From: Jim and MolleyDenton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: moderate rain

It was a super challenging day today and I am thankful to be 18.4 miles closer to Harper's Ferry. After arriving so late to camp last night, Mostly and I were sleeping in a little bit when we awoke to the terrible sound of rain falling on our dry tents. We ran to take our tents down and get our gear to the shelter to keep it dry. As the first of many of today's downpours started, a fly managed to fly directly into my left eye and I have not been able to get it out. As the day progressed, the vision in this eye became cloudier and cloudier. The trail was a complete mess so, because of the mud and standing water, twice as much energy is needed to run at the same speed as usual. The day was full of downpours and mud. Upon our arrival at the shelter, there was not one but two boy scout troops who had taken everything that even resembled a campsite. So, Mostly and Sailor J are in the shelter hoping for a better day tomorrow and hoping not to kill any boy scouts or leaders...Tomorrow is the "Roller Coaster", a series of 13 big ups and downs that suggests an unreasonably hard day. Until then...
Date: 2009-06-21
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Center
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a day full of milestones as well as hardships. Although everyone expects things to be easy as we approach Harpers Ferry, we spent the day getting completely beat up. The good news is amazing--we are finally out of Virginia. It has been so long--37 days and 542 miles since Tennessee. Also, we passed the 1000 mile mark today and this is very exciting. The bad news is that the last couple days has been rather excruciating. The "Roller Coaster" was pretty difficult--thirteen humps to go up and down. They wouldn't have been so bad except for they were all rocks, making footing slow and painstaking and it was raining. Of course it was raining. Its always raining. So rocks are slippery and dangerous. A new ailment has come into my world which has, for the time being, eclipsed the grandeur of my rib problems: poison ivy. A 3x18 inch section on my right leg and a 9x2 inch section of my right arm have begun making life miserable. I've been trying to figure out how I got it and think it may have been during a minor fall that I didn't mention that put my entire right side into a dense section of brush on the trailside. My right wrist was all scratched up in the fall but I thought that was the extent of it. Now, I am plagued with hundreds of tiny blisters that made the roller coaster even more enjoyable. The best news is that it's only 12 miles to Harper's Ferry and some much needed time off in the next few days. Family and friend visits are planned and I can't wait to clean up and catch up. It will be both celebratory and contemplative as Harper's is widely regarded as the AT's 'mental' halfway point. Until tomorrow...
Date: 2009-06-28
From: Washington Monument

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 36.4
Weather: light rain

First off, don't get too amazed (or concerned, for that matter) as the mileage count today includes yesterday as well since I wrote before I left yesterday. To get things straight it was sixteen miles from the Washington Monument to Raven Rock Shelter, then twenty today to Rocky Mountain Shelter. It was good to be back on the trail after three zeros this week. It is a funny phenomenon taking so much time off. I enjoy the eating and the resting and the catching up with people I love so much. But it just seems that my mind is still so wrapped up in the journey and it is hard for me to focus on a visit. As you can imagine, the contrast between being days of travel away from civilization and being in the middle of pop culture can be shocking. Heading back out into the woods is a lot like being aboard a ship and heading back out to sea. Even though we seem to deal with a disproportionate amount of challenges in harsh elements, there is always a relief in getting away from the complexity of the modern world's problems. But for some reason I enjoy dealing with disproportionate amounts of challenges in harsh elements and believe I have a talent for it. So I set out again.The trail yesterday and today is special because it is the first time I have set foot on trail that I have previously traveled. Last time that I walked here my mind was full of hopes and dreams; this time it is full of determination. This part of Pennsylvania is full of road crossings and places where you feel like you are walking through someone's back yard. Lots of cars and noise and people.One thing that is missing from this adventure right now is Mostly. We had been hiking together since Daleville and had developed quite a trail friendship. And it goes without saying that its so comforting to add the safety of a partner out here. But I don't expect him to wait through all of my visits right now and against my better judgement, I will probably be finding myself trying to bridge the gap the next few days. For now it looks like The Sailor will be sailing solo for a while.
Date: 2009-06-29
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: Tom's Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: few clouds

Happy to report a smooth day. I was thinking today about how much of the journal I have used to report ailments I have been experiencing. Today I thought I'd let you know how some of these things have worked out. My ribs are about 85 to 90 percent fixed. They still hurt if I sleep on them wrong but, for the most part, they are no longer an issue (especially when I breathe). Also no longer an issue is the poison ivy--I couln't believe how fast it turned me into thousands of blisters, and I can't believe how fast it's all gone. All that's left is a big patch of dry skin which I plan to super-moisturize in Harrisburg when I get there. Whatever "engine problems" I was experiencing at Andy and Norman's that caused me to lay over a day also has worked itself out. It is really nice to take a little break from excruciating pain before it will inevitably return in New England! I didn't see one other hiker all day today. Even though it is nice to have the space, I miss Mostly and I almost broke out into big miles to catch him last night. But I didn't want to comprimise the timing of the most important day of my hike so far--the Half Gallon Ice Cream Challenge that we do to celebrate the halfway point. Tomorrow I will eat a half gallon of ice cream to commemorate coming this far. Operation Catch Mostly will have to resume afterwards. Am thankful for good weather and good health today.
Date: 2009-07-01
From: Yellow Breeches Creek

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was such a long days journey into Duncannon. Pennsylvania is difficult in a unique way because its flatness makes you use the same muscles every step as opposed to varying muscles in varying terrain. Things are also very rocky in this section and stepping on the rocks over and over makes your feet so sore after dealing with them hours on end. Lunch was had at Darlington Shelter and it turns out that Mostly did indeed run the thirty miles in what sounded like a late night. His register entry made everyone feel sorry for him! I looked forward to making fun of him when I saw him at the famous Doyle Hotel in Duncannon. For the last five hours of the hike today I was in areas in which I trained all last winter. I became increasingly frustrated because I didn't remember any of my training grounds being as difficult as they were today! Many parts I didn't even recognize with the dense foliage that wasn't present in the winter. The final descent off of Cove Mountain was made more intense by a big spontaneous thunder storm suddenly on top of The Sailor and Otter. We combated our situation with a cursing competition! Thankfully we got off the mountain and made our way into town in the gust front of the storm. It began pouring as we were a block away from the Doyle Hotel. The bartender was standing outside holding the door open for us!! What a welcome! We walked in with full packs to find Slapshot and Jellyfish already relaxing. Five minutes later we were equipped with beers relaxing our feet. After we were settled I asked the bartender about Mostly and it turns out that he had left about three hours earlier. "You could catch him if you wait till after the storm..." I was pretty sad but thats the way it goes out here. Hike your own hike. I am going to take off tomorrow and Friday to visit with my friends and then will head out alone on Saturday. Happy holiday weekend to everyone and I will resume daily reports Saturday evening.
Date: 2009-07-04
From: Duncannon

To: Stealth sight 6 miles past Peters Mntn
Miles today: 16.0

After a great visit with Chris and Tin, it was time to finally get back on the trail. The weather is perfect. Since the trail goes directly through the town of Duncannon, I paraded down the street after Chris dropped me off. I felt really fat after these guys totally out did themselves as hosts the last two days.      The hike today took me up Peter's Mountain which was my most common training route all winter. It was a real treat to walk this route today. Before I knew it I had hiked the eleven miles to Peter's Mountain shelter. After eating there, I decided to do about six more miles so I can get to William Penn Shelter tomorrow(about 26 miles, so a marathon it will be tomorrow).      Am camped all by myself tonight listening to the far away bangs of fireworks, easing myself back to life on the trail. Looking forward to great weather tomorrow. Till then...
Date: 2009-07-05
From: Stealth sight 6 miles past Peters Mntn

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: broken clouds

What a long day! I know it was alot of miles today but it just kept coming and coming! Couldn't ask for better weather, it's so mild and not humid. We deserve it.      Behind the scenes, Uncle Charlie solved an enormous problem caused by me screwing up today. Pennsylvania is going much faster than I anticipated and I forgot to warn him that I may be running ahead of schedule. When I realized my negligence, it was smack in the middle of the holiday weekend. To make a long story short, all of my proposed solutions paled in comparison to his suggestion. And so I will get my mail drop on Tuesday instead of Friday. And that's why I pay him the big bucks(yeah,right!).      I am just getting into that famous section of Pennsylvania where the rocks are ridiculous and frustrationg. Although it's very flat, one has to be okay with not making big miles as every foot step has to be pondered. It also drastically heightens the chance of injury so the next few days will be nail biters! Hope everyone is having a great July!