morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-06-19
From: Gravel Springs

To: Front Royal Hostel
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Happy Father's Day!I called my sweetie, Garry, to wish him HFD and I sent my Dad an AT postcard.So, it rained hard last night. My tent was soaked and there was some rain that splashed in. Not a huge deal but I don't like dealing with the wet tent. It's awkward to pack up and heavy to carry and I have to find a place to dry it. Luckily when I got to the hostel I was able to hang it outside on the clothesline till the rain started. I mover it inside and hung it over a door to finish drying. Should be fine by tomorrow. Got my bag dry, my clothes laundered and resupply. I'm ready for the week.Met some new folks: Fire Beard (SoBo), Colorado, Sheperd and his dog Daisy and Fred who is wierd; a third guy, Double Bow, also a bit strange. Getting his masters in clinical psych.Today's wak was more ups than I expected. After 14 hours in my tent I had to get out so it was a much earlier start than I had anticipated. That's fine. I got to be out in the early morning which I love. It was misty/cloudy. Cool which turned muggy. I heard beautiful birdsong including an owl. Saw a fawn shaking itself off and run into the woods. Later saw a pretty doe; she wasn't a bit scared. Did one of those long leg stretches, like a dog and walked on. After that I saw a big buck. He, too, was unphased by me watching me; in fact, he was moving closer munching along. Still squirrels and chipmunks. A bit of mountain laurel in the higher elevations and some columbine.Relaxing afternoon. Didn't do anything. Late in the day, Bob, a British hiker with a car, took us to do resupply.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-20
From: Front Royal Hostel

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

I just realized tomorrow is the first day of summer. Summer Solstice, Danie's birthday and Nude Hiker Day. Thinking I hope I don't have to see any of that.I did find a deer tick on me - thanks to Colorado for making me look and to Bumblebee for making me relook after she found one on herself.It rained hard last night and was raining this morning. I'm not good at sitting around with nothing to do and I knew if I got out my Kindle or started updating my TJ I would get comfortable and not hike out. Once the rain slacked I took off. It really wasn't raining. Mostly dripping from the trees. There were some good VA climbs today. Guess I wasn't expecting them since it's been flatter. The climb from Manassas Gap to the shelter really got me. Partly cause I was tired and probably hadn't eaten enough. I'm here though! Cleaned up and relaxing.Had some Trail Magic beside the zoo fence: thank you to whomever provided the fresh water beside the cute bear holding a welcome sign!I saw Indy, Jack Rabbit, Gimli and the German hiker; they were headed to Gimli's for a zero.More TM at the footbridge after VA 55 - Barq's rootbeer! My favorite. Big thanks to whomever provided those.No critters today except squirrels. Not much birdsong either, guess it was the weather. Now that it's brightened up there is more singing. On that happy note...Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-21
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Birthday Danielle!First day od summer and Nude Hiker Day.I slept well last night. It was only Colorado and I in the shelter. Quiet. It did rain at some point. I woke and heard it then went back to sleep. Muggy of course. We got up and out early - about 6:40. I didn't realize I had committed to a 20+ day. Yikes! It was a hard one, too.What a challenge, the roller coaster, I peaks in 10 miles. Each one kicked my butt. It was the rocks. Ugh! If those 10 miles were crazy with the rocks I can't imagine what it will be like in northern PA.Speaking of PA. I have a new plan for HF. I'll walk in there tomorrow and, hopefully, get a shuttle about 45 miles north, and hike back to HF in 3 days. Tomorrow will be another 20 mile day. The good news is it really is flatter after the first 4 miles, supposedly.I did not see any nude hikers...that's a good thing!I sent Danie a text and tried to call her, not good phone service here.Bear's Den is a really near place. It is a big stone place built in the 30s by a doctor, who had spent time in Europe and liked the castles, as a place for his family to escape the heat of the city. At some point, there were attempts to make it a country club. For years it was a youth hostel and somewhere along the way the ATC purchased it and now a hostel and lodge. The caretaker is Redwing (Scott) and Amy helps home out. Both very nice. The Hiker's special is a deal: bunk, shower, laundry, pizza, soda and a pint of Ben & Jerry's for $27.50.      I'm probably headed out early. I'd like to be in town in time to set up the shuttle.Today I'm grateful for my sweet Danielle. God bless and watch over her.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-22
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Town's Inn - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

I crossed 1000 miles today!! Unbelievable! I made '1000' on the Trail with sticks and took pics. I also did a short video.Also finished Virginia today! 4 States down. It went out with a bang, not a whimper. Yes, one last straight up. At least there was a view...it was in West Virginia - the state line was right before the top. Sonar WVA is rocky. The worst climb was walking into Harpers Ferry - what a welcome; the blue blaze trail is in poor shape and steep; there are about 40 steps up to the bridge over the Potomac, walk across the bridge, with traffic and full sun, then up the mountain into the city. Crazy!The worst part was I couldn't find the ATC. After wandering I finally asked a guy; I told him it was incredible that I had found my way over 1000 miles and now couldn't find the building. He was nice, laughed with me and gave me directions. Thanks so much!Got my picture made at the ATC. I'm officially in the 2011 album as #550. Walked down, literally, to the small tourist area and got a bunk at the Town's Inn. Colorado was already checked in and had arranged for a private bunk room - fantastic - so I moved in there. I reserved a bunk for Saturday night and made arrangements for a shuttle tomorrow. Met up with Peter Pan, whom I had met at Ammicolola at the AT Celebration; he told me the PA rocks are not any worse than what I've experienced and he didn't see any snakes. Mao, who the heck knows. It's coming and I'll deal with it.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-23
From: Town's Inn - Harpers Ferry

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

In for the night in the Pine Knob Shelter; I am in the shelter due to rain earlier and a chance of more. Kermit, another female hiker, is also here. She got her name from her green crocs. She is a former thru-hiker now doing random sections.So. A bit of a crazy day. Karan, at the Town's Inn, came knocking and walking in the room at 5 am to wake me up for the shuttle at 5.30. Ugh! I hD set an alarm and did 't need 30 minutes to put on my clothes. It's ok. I was up and waiting for Donna to arrive. She was basically on time but we had to switch vehicles and then there was a mess up with the directions so it was after 6 before we were a thallus on the way to Pen-Mar. We made it in about 45 minutes. There was a lite mist so I stopped in the pavilion and ate breakfast and put on my pack. Over. 2 guys I'd seen at the ATC the day before were there to meet a boy scout group. I wish I had known they were headed this way cause I sure would have asked for a ride. Not a big deal.I saw 2 bucks and a dos along with lots of squirrels and chipmunks. Heard woodpeckers and song birds.The woods are pretty in Maryland. Hi-canopy with little under brush and long views thru the woods. Big rock formations which come with some rock scrambles and climbs. More hills today than anticipated.I'm really tired tonight. My feet are sore. I'm looking forward to the 4 days off with my Sweetie.Nothing very sweet smelling in the woods this morning but this afternoon there was honeysuckle and that lemon fern - love that stuff!I must have passed at least 30 people going north bound: singles, doubles, families and 2 scout troops. I saw Metric and Low X; also Diehard and Roadrunner whom I haven't seen since my first week.I think part of my tiredness is wanting more food. I definitely didn't eat enough yesterday. I was really wanting a town breakfast before heading out today but that wasn't happening with a 5:30 shuttle. Just feeling a bit weary. I'm ready for a break.Today I'm grateful for good people in my life!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-24
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

In for the night at the Ed Garvey Shelter and I am in the shelter as there is still a chance of rain. Hard rain, lightening and thunder last night. So glad I elected to stay in the shelter. There were great tent sites that were really appealing but I knew there was rain in the forecast and with only one other person in the shelter I went for it. First wr got a just a cloud burst but later it was coming down in buckets. After I got over my wiggling I was able to sleep well. My legs and feet were sore. Probably should have taken the Aleeve at lunch today, too, however I didn't feel as tired and sore.BeUtiful morning: bright, sunny, clear; birds singing, squirrels playing. No deer or bears today. The Ridge Runner, Moonshine, told me he han't seen a bear all season.I visited the Washington Monument. Neat place. Sort of looks like a stone jar. Interesting how this specific area of Maryland has so much Civil War history. Lots of signage explaining what went on and pointing out places of significance. Visited the Dahlgreen Chapel. Another deja vue moment. I just felt I had been there but can't imagine when and nothing about the area seemed familiar - just the chapel. It is small, made completely of stone with stain glass windows. Coming through the woods the stone crosses are visible. It's pretty.I want to thank Colorado for the TM of hummus and the organic walnuts. Also her fun company! Thanks to Kermit for the protein bar.I had a great treat today: fresh blackberries and black raspberries from the bushes under the power lines. I couldn't help but wonder if they are genetically modified and if I would be too standing under those lines. They are kind of wierd with all the popping and cracking.I realized this morning I was hun hunching my shoulders and stressing out over trying to get things done before G arrives on Sunday. I decided that was silly, it would all work out and was able to relax. Much better. Had a great day.Saw lots of people again today. Many more that I know - it's kind of fun confusing folks walking SOBO! Saw Colorado, she stayed in HF till today to get her new shoes. Hope I see her again. Moonshine and I walked from Gathland State Park to the shelter together; that was nice. Crossed trail with Maek Trail and Buttons; Flacco; Team Indecision and some other folks I recognize but don't remember their names.Moonshine told me Maryland has the fastest miles on the AT. The scouts come here cause they get a badge for hiking 50 miles. I commented/asked him about the Trail being so wide and he told me some parts are old road beds. Fairly easy terrain. Folks are doing big miles. There are lots of rocks. The mountain laurel is all but gone. Nothing but green right now which is just fine.That's about it for today. Talking it easy in the shelter. Less than 48 hours till I'm with my Sweetie!I'm grateful today for beautiful weather and cool breezes.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-25
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Town's Inn - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I guess now days today might be considered a nero. I got up and out early; it was 5:58 when I hit the Trail and I had stowed my gear at Town's Inn by 8:30. Very quick walk in which was nice.I do think there were more ups going SOBO than NOBO. The canal towpath is one long very gradual up when hiking SOBO. The main thing is Maryland is done! I will start at Pen Mar on Thursday, in PA!!While I was stowing my gear on the back porch of Town's Inn I looked in the courtyard below to see Guinness, Allie, Biscuit and 2 other guys I hadn't met getting ready for breakfast. Guinness invited me to join them so I scampered over. Velvet, who unbelievably is from Black Mountain and told me the restaurant Danie had gone to work for is out of business. The other guy is Just Steve - love that! We had a fun breakfast although the food wasn't great and the service was lousy. Afterward I walked to the outfitter and purchased new shoes and 2 new pair of socks. I have the Vasque trailrunners. I'm thinking about sending my old boots on to the rocky part of PA so I don't ruin my new shoes. We shall see.Later in the morning I walked up to the ATC and picked up my package - a cool cover for my Kindle and a neat bug fogging device from my SIL, Polly...thanks so much! I was also able to get a ride from a Trail Angel from Ohio to the Walmart. I was able to do my resupply, get my hair trimmed and get a pedicure. Very nice. I picked up some fresh fruit and veggies for lunch. I was able to hitch a ride back to the ATC. Great morning!While I was having a late lunch Garry called and he was about 3-4 hours away so he was coming on in on Saturday night. Of course we have no place to stay...I walked around town for a bit, had a swirled raspberry/vanilla ice-cream cone with Biscuit and just chilled on a bench with Seven talking to tourist who asked us questions about thru-hiking. When G got closer he started looking for a room;finally found one at the Northgate across from Wally World. Seven wanted my bunk at Town's Inn so he paid me and G picked me up and all was good.So! Very nice to see him and be together. We found a nice place for dinner. Had a nice evening. He was tired from the 8+ hour drive and I just normally fall asleep early now days so it was an early evening for us.I am thankful for the extra night together!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-26
From: Town's Inn - Harpers Ferry

To: Angler's Inn - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Sometime around 1am I started getting sick with the runs; then I threw up 4 times. When G got up he went to the store and got ginger ale, a banana and some immodium type stuff. I also took 2 mylanta. I had the run all morning.I forced myself to eat breakfast but couldn't manage anything else.The day turned out fine. We visited the ATC, had some cake with Dave T for his birthday. G got to meet a few hikers, one of which was Rolling Stone and 2 Canadians. We sat in the park and talked; saw 2 fawn come running thru...fun.Finally were able to check into the Anglers Inn a bit before 3pm. Nice place. I almost immediately crawled in the bed and took a nap; I really just wanted to put my head down.Then G got the runs...uh-oh! He took a nap. I'm thinking if this doesn't go away we may need to visit the doctor to make certain it isn't more serious.LaterWe had a picnic int he sitting room of our suite: cheese, crackers, hummus, strawberries, nectarines and black/white cakes. It was nice. G is trying to download my pictures from the iPhone.Got my clothes washed today. Cleaned out my pack. Need to cut off the excess straps and work on my plan for the second half. Just getting it all together and relaxing and enjoying being together.Lite drizzle tonight.I'm thankful to be inside, dry with my Sweetie!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-27
From: Angler's Inn - Harpers Ferry

To: Anglers' Inn - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Gosh! I don't know what to write on a second zero day - it's weird.It was a quiet day. Breakfast was interesting talking with a couple doing a bike trip and a second couple, from Delaware, just here on vacation. I didn't intend to monopolize the conversation but they asked a lot of questions. It was fun to tell Trail stories.We spent the majority of the day trying to get G's laptop to recognize my iPhone so my pictures could be downloaded. No joy. He even called Apple and hasn't been able to fix it. Our last resort is bluetooth; we went to Wally World and bought an adapter for his laptop to do bluetooth. We will try that tomorrow.Had lunch at Canal House, chicken gyros. They were ok. I had a raspberry ice cream cone in the afternoon. Dinner was Blue Moon in Sheperdstown - sat outside; nice. The crew from ATC were there; what are the odds?We came back and drank a bottle of champagne to celebrate 1000 miles! YEA!!Got my food sorted today; straps cut off my pack. I do have enough for a food drop - that's goodness.I'm grateful for the time together. I'm blessed! Praise God!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-28
From: Anglers' Inn - Harpers Ferry

To: Angler's Inn - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We had some lite rain overnight and it was warmer today. Not a whole lot going on except relaxing.G was unable to fix it laptop to recognize my iPhone so I ended up sending almost 200 pictures - one at a time via email - to him. Let's hope they are all saved and don't get lost cause I've deleted them from my iPhone.We made a trip to the Dollar General so I could pick up a few last things I needed then went back to Sheperdstown for lunch. Ate at a cute place, good sandwiches. I had a glass of wine which totally made me want a nap especially after not sleeping too well after drinking most of the champagne myself...Before going out we had moved to a bigger room with a sunporch which I went into and laid on the sofa to read and take a nap when we returned from lunch....very nice.We had the leftover cheese and crackers and the wine for dinner. I took a bath - what a luxury and am about ready for sleep.Hard to believe tomorrow is Wednesday and I hike out on Thursday. We looked up directions to Pen Mar and then for G to get back to Black Mountain from there so we are ready.Tonight I'm grateful for reminders of things I'd taken for granted that are really very special.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-29
From: Angler's Inn - Harpers Ferry

To: Angler's Inn - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

And then it's the last zero day and our time together for now is done. Seems like he just got here and tomorrow he will be dropping me off at Pen Mar to hike north as he drives south toward home. We've had a nice few days despite me getting sick and the laptop issues. All is well. I'll probably be tired an it will take me a few days to get back in the swing of hiking.Shout out to the Angler's Inn. Very nice place. Debbie is a gracious hostess; her breakfasts are fantastic and the morning coffee, ready early!, has been sooo good.I definitely had my moment this morning. I'll miss Garry terribly and there is a some small piece of me that wants to go home with him. I know I would never be happy if I quit now and I don't want to quit...I just want us to be together. I told him I've had dreams of the Katahdin summit and I'll be the emotional one for sure.Had a note from LL, she may be joining me for a day or two around DWG - that will be fun.Saw several hikers today that I know: Chucktown, Chickadee and Honeybee, met Habitat, saw Yoga Boy and my Trail Angel, Levi! We did some Trail Magic, giving rides and buying ice cream. Nice to give back.Did one final run to Wally World so I could buy a few apples and we needed a card. Find a great place in Charles Town, Bistro, for lunch (they have good outdoor seating, too);and for dinner we ended up back at Blue Moon in Shepherdstown. We wanted Mexican and found this place called El Sloppy Tacos which had a good rating but when we got there it didn't appear like a place we wanted to eat in.It's going to be emotional tomorrow. G made a comment, like in Hot Springs, that he feels like he is here to pick me up and take me home. I told him he isn't.I am thankful for our time together and now for the second half of my adventure.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-30
From: Angler's Inn - Harpers Ferry

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Week 13, day 85, back on the TrIl after 4 zeros with Garry in Harpers Ferry.In for the night at the Rocky Mountain Shelters, yes, there are 2; I'm in my tent and so happy to be here. Guess the 2 shelters is a PA thing; 2 smaller ones instead of 1 large. This one happens to be .3m off the Trail and water is another .2m. Just my luck to pick one not right on the Trail. Oh well.So, here I am, back to hiking. It was strange day. I slept on. I can't say I slept well any of the nights. Between getting sick, adjusting to be in a bed and alcohol, which I never have, it was erratic sleep at best. I had 'butterflies' this morning and nervous excitement. It was hRd to say good-bye this morning. Garry was a trooper; not clingy and very encouraging. Told me he is proud of me and what I'm doing. guess it was doubly hard knowing I probably won't see him again til I'm done.Obviously I did hike. I rewLked a. It of Pen Mar from the pavilion north; crossed th Mason-Dixon line again and took a pic. SW a fawn, so sweet. Only squirrels and chipmunk is otherwise. East terrain today. Lots of rocks. Huge boulder ridges and rock cascades. Can't even imagine the sound that was made when those boulders tumbled. The woods are pretty: some hi-canopy, sapped sunlight and little under brush while others are thick with mountain laurel - too late for blooms - and, late this afternoon, fairly dnse pine forest with long leaf pines and hemlocks.Met a SoBo section hiker named Stonewall. He is a self proclaimed civil war enthusiast. He went to Gettysburg and Antietam; visiting al the sites then hiking to Springer. Saw Shepherd and Daisy; she is getting off the Trail due to a sore paw and an ear issue. Bless her heart.Strange hiking after almost 5 days off. Also new shoes, definetly not sure about them. The toe bumpers are already separating from the shoe after just one dY. It's going to take me a fee days to get in the swing.I'm thankful to be staring my second half.GA, NC, TN, VA, WV and MD - done!!!Hike on!Scribbles