morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day #86 I had a hard time keeping a positive attitude about Waynesboro. It was a big city by trail town standards. It was one of those days when nothing went right. On my way to the Post Office to pick up my bounce box I noticed all the flags were at half mast. At the post office I learned that President Reagan had passed away and my bounce box that I mailed last week from Montebello did not arrive. The box was insured so there was a tracking number. According to the number, it had never been entered into the computer. Called Montebello PO they do not enter the numbers in the computer when they leave. Why? Couldn't get a straight answer. All I can do is hope it arrives in Waynesboro and have the PO forward it to Harper's Ferry. Sure hope the box is waiting there for me as it has many important necessities. Then, I went to CVS Pharmacy to download by pictures to a CD. They cannot give me an index print, so that trip was shot. By the time all the wasted running around was done it was already noon. Left the city at 1:00. It felt good to be out of the negative energy. I was back on the trail again entering the southern terminal of the Shenandoah National Park at Rockfish Gap. Five minutes inside the park I see two deer cross the trail. To me this was a very good sign of things to come. On to the entrance station to pickup my backcountry permits. Murphy's Law #15 went into effect 2 hours into the park. It states, when clothes are laundered and are clean, it will rain for one hour, and get everything soaking wet. Then, the sun will come out and try to steam you in your wet clothes. On Bear Den Mountain I saw a strange collection of tractor seats sticking out of the ground. Why? Don't have a clue, just another AT mountain mystery to me. I didn't investigate to see if tractors were buried under the seats. Just before Beagle Gap, I observed another two deer grazing in the tall grass of the meadow. Finally reached the shelter around 6:00 and found the Hobbits (twin sisters), Gaia, Beast, and Pegasus. Heard Boo Boo is with his parents in Waynesboro along with Beatbox and Bear Tracks. Glad to hear all is well with the "B-brothers". Until tomorrow's journey, goodnight from the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2004-06-09
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: haze

Day #87 The early risers staying in the shelter woke me up this morning after a peaceful night. Equipment, this time, was prepared and packed for rain conditions. My usual breakfast of Pop Tarts was consumed. The last task to perform was putting on my socks and boots. On most days this is not a big deal. However, this morning my feet did not want to be entombed in wet socks and boots. I could almost hear them talking to one another, "Hey Lefty, looks like we will be in prune wrinkle condition, again." "Yeah Righty, another soggy day at the office, pounding the trail." Three miles into the hike I feel like I've hiked 6 miles or more. My energy level was drained. I then realized the extra weight of the water, plus the boot was causing my fatigue. At Riprap parking lot, socks and boots came off and lay in the sun on the warm asphalt to dry.The afternoon hike was much better. A huge turkey crossed my path and startled me from my solitude. Shortly after the turkey, a deer looked up from its grazing, saw a non-threatening Kritter (no hunting in the park) and peacefully went back to grazing. Reached Blackrock Shelter around 3:30. I was deciding whether to push on or not when I saw dark clouds approaching and heard thunder in the distance. Hikers were coming to the shelter for water. It was 10 miles in between water sources and a lot of the hikers were out of water. Some stayed at the shelter, others moved on. Those that left probably wished they stayed. Overnight were Gaia, Beast, Yoda, Mad Scientist, Epiphanias, Southern Man, Pegasus and Quest. (Quest is back on the trail after overcoming recent medical problems.) The sky grumbled with warnings of what was to come. The afternoon thunder and lightning show entertained us as we sat, laid or stood in the hut secure from the rain. (FYI - shelters are called huts in the park). The rain lasted a good hour and a half. It's not often I get the chance to beat Murphy at his own game. Murphy's Law #16 - "Sometimes we let the guy think he¢s winning."
Date: 2004-06-10
From: Blackrock Hut

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

Day #88"New beauty meets us at every step in our wanderings." ~ John Muir Another early start this morning by 7:30. Shortly after leaving the shelter the trail crossed over the summit of Blackrock Mountain. This summit contained several tall rock formations surrounded by a garden of loose boulders and rocks that had broken away from the formations. I climbed up the highest formation and sat there overlooking a valley. The sun was breaking out over the mountains adding warmth to the morning breeze. I could not resist taking off my clothes and having the breeze refresh my body. The ¢breeze shower¢ provided such an energized feeling to start off the day.On one particular section of the trail I was walking in tall vegetation. Up ahead I saw what I thought were white flowers on top of the plants. Just as I past the flowers, the white petals became wings and hundreds of butterflies begain air dancing in front of me. The explosion of white reminded me of fireworks on the 4th of July. Lost Mountain Campground/store and short order grill was my first encounter with concession services in the park. Hungry for a hamburger, fries and a shake, I was disappointed in the quality of the food as well as the high prices. It will be my last encounter if the other concessions within the park are the same.An early afternoon thunderstorm hit when I was within a mile from Pinefield Shelter. I wanted to do more miles, but did not know how long the storm would last. As it turned out, it rained for 30 minutes. Another storm followed and I was glad I decided to stay at the shelter. One by one dripping wet hikers were slogging in: Gaia, Beast, Quest, Mountain Dew, Wooly, and Pegasus. Epiphanias was first in the shelter and was dry when the storms hit. By 7:30 everyone was in their sleeping bags reading, journaling or just relaxing to the lulling sounds of a nearby flowing creek. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch the deer stroll in front of the shelter grazing, then leisurely wandered down the grassy trail looking for more juicy blades of grass. Today was a healthy and purifying day of natural wonder.
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Big Meadow

To: Pass Mountain Hut 
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day #91 Last night was an awesome night! A front came through, the temperature dropped and the wind blew. I laid in my sleeping bag watching the fast moving clouds cover and un-cover the stars. The wind picked up momentum causing the trees to sway. I looked up to make sure all trees were healthy and did not contain widow makers. I then lay back down and watched Mother Nature take in and release deep breaths that caressed my body. I was so excited at this display of energy it was hard to go to sleep. Sometime during the early morning I fell asleep and woke up refreshed.Left Big Meadow and walked through beautiful green forest. The trail climbed and I was again in rock cliffs with huge boulders laying all about. Catdog, Hawk, Quest, Lonesome Dove, Wooly, Pegasus and I ate at Skyland Restaurant for lunch. Hawk, Quest and Catdog decided to stay at the Skyland Lodge, the rest of us moved on. At Pinnacles Picnic Area Pegasus and I saw a large group of people at the pavilion. I told Pegasus I wanted to try to Yogi food (a lesson I learned from Boo Boo) by sitting at the closest picnic table to the group and looking fatigued. Sure enough one of the male members came up to us and asked if we were thru hikers. I said yes and he started asking questions. Finally, he asked if we wanted something to eat and drink. I replied, ¢I am a thru-hiker and will not turn down food!¢ Directed to the food table my plate overflowed with fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, fresh vegetables, washed down with ice tea. A second plate of desserts was put in front of me consisting of carrot cake and brownies. Both Pegasus and I left full and enjoyed the company of the family reunion. In the late afternoon low clouds rolled in casting an eerie landscape along the trail. By 8:00 we arrived at Pass Mountain Hut and found it full of hikers. People moved over and accommodated Lonesome Dove, Pegasus and me. Sleep came fast after another day in the Shenandoah's.
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Pass Mountain Hut 

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

Day #92 Left the hut a little later than usual. That was okay since I knew today would be a low mileage day. After the rocks of Mary¢s Rocks my feet were still hurting. All during the morning I felt drained. Had lunch at Elk Wallow Wayside and finally gave in and tried a Mountain Blackberry milk shake. Oh my God, is that good! I am so glad I waited until the last wayside, otherwise I would be back to my pre-hiking weight.Every hiker I¢ve come across has told me stories of bear sightings. So far I have no such stories from the Shenandoah National Park. The afternoon grew foggy again and shortly after arriving at the shelter the rains came. The shelter is full with new faces and some old. Most of the new hikers are section hikers. Old faces are Quest, Hawk, Lonesome Dove, and Catdog. Tonight is my last night in the Shenandoah's. Three of the section hikers are ending their hike tomorrow and gave me all their extra food. Now I won¢t have to re-supply at Front Royal. I should be at Harper's Ferry by Friday and turning the ¢mile-dometer¢ to 1000 plus. Who would have thought?
Date: 2004-06-15
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #93 Earliest start yet, 5:45. Immediately greeted by a deer, a buck this time, with velvet antlers. Around 10:30 I was officially out of the Shenandoah National Park and heading for Harper's Ferry. Quest, Hawk and Catdog left the trail at Chester Gap to spend some time in Front Royal. I continued north on the trail. North of Chester Gap I climbed an unknown small mountain that kicked my butt. The elevation, for once, didn't hurt me. It was the heat and humidity that drained my energy. I was drenched in sweat. I stopped many times to hydrate and cool down, if that was possible. During one of my rest stops, Pegasus hiked up in the same condition as me. We rested on the trail as Pegasus told me of her trip into Front Royal. Overcoming the heat, we sweated our way to the Denton Shelter. I decided to go into Linden by a back way suggested by Baltimore Jack. I asked Pegasus if she wanted to go and one hour later we were at the little general store. Pegasus read a newspaper at the store that stated the temps would be in the low 90's with high humidity. Just as we came back to the shelter the afternoon thunder showers began. I was greeted by a church youth group from Michigan (7 kids and 3 adults) at the shelter. The kids were in the 7th and 8th grades, well behaved and a pleasure to be around. It was their last day so they shared dinner with me. Took a cold shower from a water tank built on a stand. The water was cold and refreshing. By dark-thirty I was tired from today's hike. I knew tomorrow's weather would be a continuation of more heat and humidity.
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

Day #94 Left Denton Shelter at 7:30 to beat the heat and humidity. No such luck. Ten minutes into the hike I am drenched in sweat and stayed that way for most of the day. Took an early break at the Manassas Gap Shelter to cool down in the spring and rest my feet. The biggest problem for me on the trail is the rocks. The high humidity keeps the rocks moist allowing moss to grow on them. Stepping on these rocks is slick as ice and one off- balance step will send one tumbling. Had two lunches today. One at Dick's Dome shelter next to a very cool and refreshing spring. I couldn¢t resist submerging my overheated body in the cascading waters. The second lunch was a plan devised by Luna to escape the midday heat. As Pegasus and I came up to Ashby Gap, Luna said there was a BBQ place .8 miles down the road. Hmmm¢¦ Cold beer and BBQ (something I had not eaten in months) was all I needed to hear. I yelled over the roar of a passing 18 wheeler, "I'm there." Doc's BBQ was great. Caterpillar, a 22 year old sports writer for his community newspaper, also had the same idea. The owner is very hiker friendly, wants to build a hostel at the location for hikers. The restaurant also has a store for short term supplies. When we were finished the owner gave us a ride back to the trailhead. The heat of the day was just finishing its blistering assault when we climbed out of Ashby Gap. A refreshing delight that compensated for the heat was the ripe and succulent blackberries along the trail. These were the first mountain blackberries that I came across and they were good. As I climbed up the mountain and descended into the valley I started hearing a low constant droning sound. The Cicada's were letting me know that they were alive and well. We made Rod Hollow Shelter at 8:00. This shelter was equipped with a mountain shower that consisted of piped spring water about 4 feet off the ground. Having the cold spring water hit your body took your breath away as it washed away the day's sweat and grime. The talk in the shelter tonight was about our hike over what is called the "Rollercoaster", a series of 10 mountains over a 13 mile stretch that are the up and down monsters of the midway. Two SOBO's (southbound hikers) just came over the "rollercoaster" and related descriptions that didn't bolster our mental well being. I gave Luna, Caterpillar and Pegasus a shot of positive energy by saying "we had already crossed mountains higher in elevation than these mountains and so far we all survived." (What I didn't mention was those mountains were not so close together). Exhausted, everyone went to bed early knowing tomorrow's challenge was just a few hours away.
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn PATC Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 17.8

Day #95 "Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experience."~ Ralph Waldo Emerson. The past several days the sun has been shielded by low level clouds until late morning. Today, Murphy's Law 21 - "When you least need the sun - it will appear" came into my life.Everyone was up early and on the trail by 6:30. A mile into the hike I was greeted by a sign that warned the hiker, he or she, is about to enter the "Rollercoaster." Seat belt on, safety bar against my waist, off I go up mountain number one. Half way up the mountain the skies clear and the sun shines bright telling me it is going to be a hot (and let¢s not forget humid) day. Over and down the first mountain - I am drenched. I find relief in the gap between the two mountains in the form of a creek. Immediate plunge. Checking the "Thru-Hiker's Handbook" I realize after each mountain there's water. I stripped down to just wearing shorts and boots and continue my ride. The morning passes into early afternoon and I have only completed seven of the ten mountains and their slippery rocks. Passing other hikers, they tell me of a family owned pub just off Sinkers Gap. An oasis to ward off the midday heat. By 2:00 Caterpillar, Luna, Pegasus, two other hikers and myself are guzzling ice cold water at the Horseshoe Curve Pub. After hydrating we order hamburgers and beer. Pegasus and I leave to complete the next three mountains around 3:30. Somewhere between the 8th and 9th mountains (I think) we come to a sign stating we are leaving Virginia and entering West Virginia. Another state down in the history book of completions. A short reprieve, we still have to climb. After enduring the knats that dive bombed your eyes, flies by the hundreds and stinging horse flies (if you stopped), Pegasus and I found a piece of heaven at Blackburn Hiker Hostel. Bill the caretaker greeted us with a cold soda and asked if we were hungry. By the looks on our faces he said, "I guess that was a dumb question, would you like spaghetti and garlic bread?¢A total of six hikers took the Rollercoaster, six survived and had a wonderful meal as a reward. Thank you Potomac Appalachian Trail Conference for the hostel, food and Bill the caretaker. I fell asleep during an early evening thunderstorm on the porch of the hostel. My last thought of the night was about tomorrow and arriving at Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2004-06-18
From: Blackburn PATC Hiker Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 12.6

Day #96 "I am the 356th thru-hiker to register at the Appalachian Trail Conference Headquarters, Harper's Ferry!" ~ KrispyKritter Everyone is up early with the anticipation of reaching two milestones today. Hiking past the 1000 mile mark and entering Harper's Ferry. Getting up was not easy. My energy level is drained from the Rollercoaster and my feet are aching.I decided to take it slow into Harper's Ferry. After more rocky trails I finally saw the Shenandoah River and the town on the other side. Walked into the ATC headquarters got my number. There I met Pegasus¢s mother who was there to pick Pegasus up for several days of R&R. I headed to the outfitters of Harper's Ferry and met up with Baltimore Jack. He introduced me to the owners of the outfitters, Laura and Ron. Then on to the Post Office to check on mail drops. One from Lady Kritter, one from my folks, a letter from an old friend (thanks Skeet).   The bad news - the Post Office still cannot find my bounce box that was mailed from Montebello. Had an early dinner that Laura and Ron prepared, with Baltimore Jack and Luna, and found a place to stealth camp in the historic section of Harper's Ferry for an early night of recuperation.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Trail to Appalachian Trail Conference to Potomac R
Miles today: 0.7

Day #97 I woke up this morning to find a clear, crisp morning with temperatures in the low 50's. I was going to take a zero day in Harper's Ferry. I then realized I could do the part of the trail that goes around the historic district from where I left the trail to go to the ATC headquarters. After my brief walk I went to the post office to check on my bounce box. Talked with the postmaster and she made several phone calls on my behalf. The results were the same as mine - no bounce box. I bet the box was misplaced when I brought it in the P.O. in Montebello and is sitting with the other thru-hiker boxes for pickup, or thrown out. Next, I went to the library for several hours to cleanup internet issues on websites. In the afternoon I went back to the ATC headquarters and met Luna and several other new hikers that came in. Then, my weird-radar went up after a succession of events. While at the headquarters a trail angel (TA) came up asking if anyone needed a ride into town. Luna and I said yes. I needed to go to a grocery store and find a camera store. The TA was willing to give us a ride to a Wal-Mart if we did not mind waiting 1 1/2 hours at a Wal-Mart shopping center so the TA could run an errand. No problem on our part. We get in the vehicle and head towards Charles Town. The TA then makes an announcement that he needed to check a piece of property for trespassers. This was never mentioned during the conversation at the headquarters. With this new bit of information, the TA being overly friendly, and my sixth sense not liking his mannerisms, my senses went on high alert. The gate was opened and we entered an old quarry. Driving back into the woods we come to a nice lake and the driver stops and says. "Sometimes I bring hikers here to swim, do you want me to stop?" A quick "NO" escaped from my lips along with "we need to go to Wal-Mart." I think he understood the message by my tone of voice and nothing further developed. On our way back from Wal-Mart the TA wanted to know where he could drop us off. Throwing him off guard I said "the train station." I didn't want him to know for several reasons or where the stealth camp was located. Just meeting this gentleman, I do not know him. He was friendly and a trail angel indeed. However, if I was someone else and not aware of my surroundings would the outcome have been different? Young and old hikers alike need to be aware of what is going on around them and not think the world is full of innocent people. Luna and I wanted to repay the great supper Laura and Ron made for us last night so we prepared a feast of BBQ steaks, corn on the cob, garlic saut©d green beans and a vegetable salad. Baltimore Jack was there again so everyone from last night's dinner had another great meal. It was getting late into the evening so off I went back to re-establish my stealth camp for the night.
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Trail to Appalachian Trail Conference to Potomac R

To: Turners Gap US40A
Miles today: 17.4

Day #98 The postmaster in Harper's Ferry suggested I come back on Monday as a follow up to my bounce box problem. I did not want to waste any time so I made arrangements to slack pack from Turners Gap back to Harper's Ferry. Luna wanted to stay in Harper's Ferry another day and thought this would be a good opportunity for her. Started around 11:00 at Turners Gap. A short time into the hike we arrived at Fox Gap where several Civil War history plaques were located. It turns out that most of the AT from here to Harper's Ferry was involved in the battle of South Mountain September 14, 1862. The battle of South Mountain brought about the end of General Robert E. Lee's first Campaign into the North through Maryland. Late that afternoon I ran into Cuppa Joe heading north. We talked for a bit about those who have left the trail that we each knew. The numbers of thru-hikers are thinning out rapidly. The trail comes down the mountain and follows the C&O Canal towpath to the Potomac River. The AT crosses the Potomac over a footbridge next to the railroad tracks. Arrived back in Harper's Ferry at 6:30. Stopped in at Laura and Ron's house where Baltimore Jack was cooking dinner. Laura said Jack did not want to be outdone by Ron's or my cooking the past few nights, so Jack was cooking Scallop Alfredo Pasta, fresh vegetables picked from the garden out back and Caesar Salad. Attending tonight¢s meal were Jack, Hans Solo, Luna, Ron, Laura and myself. The competition was stiff and I believe the winner was each of us eating the prized meals. Rolling out the door I said good night to everyone and went down the street to setup my stealth camp for the last time.