morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Gravel Springs Hut 

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6

Day 74, May 14, 2014 Thankfully the heavy rains didn't materialize today. But we are not out of the woods yet. Sounds like two more days of spotty weather. Oh well like they say no rain no Maine Today we finished the Sheenies. That was a very great Feeling. I stopped by the Thomas Floyd shelter for lunch. Pooh Bear, Coconut and Spice Kit were all there. They to were happy to put the SNP behind them. Another AT milestone. From there we had dropped down into the Front Royal, VA area. And then headed back into the woods. More good trail and gentle grades. Our next big goal is Harper's Ferry, WV. The shelter I am at now is very fancy. It has a porch, gazebo and a solar shower. And we have a full house. Coconut, Spice, Pooh Bear, Sun Bear, 5 star, Two Braids, Foot Print, Hawk and two ATC boundary people. Tomorrow we have shelters at 5, 10 and 18 miles. So if the weather does get messy we do have some options. So you might wonder if I ever get bored walking. The answer is no. My mind stays pretty busy just watching the trail for things that could trip me up like rocks and roots and Cooper. Then there is always something ahead to look forward to like a shelter, water source, trail town or a reoudevou with a friend. So time actually goes by rather quickly. Now I do often dread a climb. But after I make it to the top I always feel a sense of accomlishment. Good day to be on the trail! Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 18.6 Completed: 970.8 Remaining: 1214.5 Start Point: Gravel Springs Hut End point: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter (Shelter) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter 
Miles today: 18.4

Day 75, May 15, 2015 Today I had my hike on! It felt good to be on the trail. I was talking to Spice Kit about why the Shenandoah's seemed off a little. I think I have one theory - National parks are a little sterile. Now that we are back in the wilderness areas it feels again more like the AT. Rougher trails, more downfalls and odd random things. Speaking of odd things by the AT here are a few: 1. Glen, the AT guy from last night, found an old abandoned moonshine distillery. No pics 2. I went by this creepy chain linked fence. Remember the picture from yesterday? That fence on just my side went on for at least 1.5 miles. Nothing wad inside it but dense forest. Sun Bear's theory was that it was a government compound for genetic animal experiments. 3. I also went by an old corral on top of a hill. I wondered when it was last used. We started the day walking thru a Deciduous (Spice Kit gave me that word) forest. The trees were tall, like a 100 feet tall! Then we walked through some beautiful green meadows. Then we walked along really really dense brush. So dense Coop wouldn't even dare venture into them for a squirrel. Maybe 4 squirrels. About 130 I had 3g so I checked My Radar. I could see a big storm. I decided to step up my pace and try to make it to the shelter. It became like a game and for the record I made it. Spice Kit, Coconut, Grease Spot, and Pooh Bear did not. There was this one guy who literally walk under the Shelter and BAM the sky dumped water. Literally I am not making this up. His timing was perfect. Enjoyed the rest of the evening at the shelter. I am sheltering it again because of the weather. The shelter is full of us thru hikers and 6 sections hikers. As I finish this journal Deep Blue just walked in. Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 18.4 Completed: 989.2 Remaining: 1196.1 Start Point: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter End point: Rod Hollow Shelter (Shelter) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Rod Hollow Shelter 

To: 1000 MILES!! 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 76, May 16, 2014 1000 MILES!!! ONE....ZERO.. .ZERO...ZERO!!! Today's first big event was suppose to be what is called "The Roller Coaster". It is exactly what the name implies. Sharp ups and downs. But it got over shadowed thanks to last nights rain. The trail was flooded and the streams were swollen!! Coop did a great job with all the streams. He only had troubles when I tried to help him My bad. When we got to Snickers Gap my friend Danny was waiting for us. We were at 999.7 miles. We could not stop there so we grabbed a case of Bud Light and walkwes .3 miles to the 1000 mile mark and made a BL 1000!! We were so happy. Words just can't explain the pride we all felt. And I was ecstatic that I got to share the moment with Danny. Danny then took me and 4 other trail rats into Leesburg. We immediately went to eat. Just like Coach and Woody and Carrie before him he would not allow us to buy the dinner. Again I am amazed at the wonderful kind people who I get to call friends. I say humbly I have the best family and friends in the whole world bar none!!! After eating we did laundry and showered. Then off to a local joint for pool and more 1000 mile celebration. We finished of the evening with breakfast at Ihop. Thanks Spice Kit for that treat Thanks again Danny for a wonderful day and embracing my fellow trail rats: Coconut, Spice Kit, Pooh Bear and Grease Spot. Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 10.8 Completed: 1000.0 Remaining: 1184.3 Start Point: Rod Hollow Shelter End point: 1000 MILES!! (Motel) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-17
From: 1000 MILES!! 

To: Harper's Ferry 
Miles today: 19.0

Day 77, May 17, 2014 Well, I have been on an emotional high all day!! First I was still basking at the fact we hit the 1000 mile marker. Then today we put Virginia behind us and entered West Virginia. Then we made it to Harper's Ferry. Harper's Ferry is recognized as the unofficial halfway point of the AT. The Appalachian Trail Conservatory (ATC) headquarters is located in Harper's. So I am going to do something I just told you a couple days ago that causes me guilt times 2!! I am taking a double zero. Woody picked me up in Harper's Ferry this evening. I was not expecting to be here until tomorrow. Once again I miss calculated. Which brings up another point. -I have been thinking about something for the last three days and that is how I want to walk Maine. One thing that really peeved my Mom off was when I was coming home from Iraq and we couldn't nail down an arrival date. She wants to come to Maine, God willing I make it that far, for the finale. So in order to lock down a good date I am going to hike ten miles a day for all of Maine. This will give her and others a nice 30 day window. Also, I hear Maine is stinking hard. And I heard it is the most beautiful state on the AT. Also, I am sure that I will not want this hike to end. Maybe I will even be really cliche and read Thoreau. Today's trail was really nice. A few up hills at first as we finished of the roller coaster. Then it was pretty level. There was still a few places with lots of water and mud. Other then that smooth sailing. West Virginia is wild and wonderful!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 19.0 Completed: 1019.0 Remaining: 1166.3 Start Point: 1000 Miles End point: Harper's Ferry (Woody's House) States Completed: 4 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), States Remaining: 10 WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day. 78, May 18, 2014Zero Day #1Super relaxed day. Slept in until almost ten, then lounged around until two. We went and met Richard and Mary for a late lunch. Richard is another special one. I met him at King a Street Blues about this same time in 2008. We bonded over his knowledge of the triple crown. Later that year he actually let my family stay at his house in DC and he went to a hotel. Really, remember I don't make this stuff up. Then back to the Woodys house for more relaxing. Woody did get on me for picking food. Wish I could blame the trail, but salad I've always been a picker.West Virginia is wild and wonderful!!!Signed, Cowgirl and The Little ManHiked today: 0.0Completed: 1019.0Remaining: 1166.3Start point: 1000 milesEnd point: Harper's Ferry (Woody's House)States Completed: 4GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3)States remaining: 10WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Zero Day #2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 79, May 19, 2014 Zero Day #2 Got moving a little earlier today. Took Coop to the vet for his check up and vaccinations. Also, weighed him. Last year he weighed 13.5 pounds. Today he is a slim trim 10.6. I weighed myself too. I am down to 127. I haven't see the twenties in years and shamefully was gettimg used to the 140s!!!!! Then we headed down to the San Antonio Grill, my old haunt, to visit with some great friends. Juile, Tye, Bart, Kathy, The wonderful Wire family, Chris, Tara, Ellen, Tina and Matt. Oh and Jorge The visit was a quick one but full of laughter and smiles. I ended up spending the night with Chris and Tara. Thanks everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to come say hi. And sorry Kim I missed your dinner that I know you spent so much time working on. Thanks Juile for my tie dyed shirts!!! So if all goes as planned Tara is going to try and join me for Maine. I hope all goes well. Also, Tara, Kathy and Michelle C have all offered there help in keeping up my trail journal site. That is a huge favor and thank you!!! West Virginia is wild and wonderful!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 0.0 Completed: 1019.0 Remaining: 1166.3 Start Point: 1000 Miles End point: Harper's Ferry (Woody's House) States Completed: 4 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), States Remaining: 10 WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) ¢ with Woody Woodring and Kim Harris. (6 photos)
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Ed Garvey Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 80, May 20, 2014 As always, when not on the trail, the days start out a little slow. But that's ok. We made it back to Harper's Ferry and did a little sightseeing. It is a cool little town full of history. Mostly Civil War history. Then we headed back to the Appalachian Trail Conservatory (ATC) Headquarters to sign in. Cooper and I are hikers 173. As we were standing outside Dinosaur came strolling up!!! How great to see her. See is now with the kind and generous Woody and Kim who are hosting her for a day so she can tour our wonderful Nations Capital. They also hooked Pooh Bear up! FYI Woody rents rooms through AirBNB. Close to the metro and much cheaper than a DC hotel room. This trail and the people given me so much. Everyday feels like I get some sort of trail magic. I was thinking about Woody and Kim today and what they have done for me. I don't know if they make a shirt that reads "I'm an AT Trail Angel" But they need too. I have a bunch of folks in my life that seriously need one!! Coop and I got going with enough time to make it to the first shelter. The first part of the day we walked along the Potomac river. A little climbing. But overall easy and Beautiful country side. Oh and we left WV and are now in MD. Five states down; 9 to go!!! Living the dream on the AT. Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 6.3 Completed: 1025.3 Remaining: 1160.6 Start Point: Harper's Ferry End point: Ed Garvey Shelter (tenting) States Completed: 5 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), States Remaining:9 MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) ¢ with Woody Woodring and Kim Harris. (8 photos)
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Ed Garvey Shelter (tenting)

To: Pine Knob Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 81, May 21, 2014 Today was a very interesting and informative day on the trail. About 4 miles into the day we came to Gathland State Park. This location was on of three gaps that saw battles during the Civil War called the Battle of South Mountain. The gentleman who owned the land was a journalist. The picture with the big arch is the War Correspondents Memorial Arch and was the first memorial for journalists who lost their lives in combat. Next we came to Fox Gap. Here another battle took place. In this location a Union and Confederate both lost thier lives. There is a Memorial for General Reno who was the first Brigade Commander to die in the Civil War. The last site we visited was Washington Monument State Park. After the Battle of South Mountain nearby residents went to this spot and erectes a monument in honor of George Washington. It was the first monument in his honor. This is also another example of CCC work, as the CCC later rebuilt the monument. The lady at the visitor center was nice enough to let Coop in so I got to see some pics and read a little more on this monument. Today I also saw a 4 different groups of high school kids out for a few days of adventure. Where I am camping there is a large group of, what I would guess, 6 graders. For many this is there first outing into a wilderness setting. They are busy filtering water, hanging bear bags, and cooking dinner. It is very cool to seem them in action. Now we are in the woods but....I crossed I-70 and then walked .6 to this shelter. I can hear the freeway. I feel like I should be able to order a pizza. I also feel a little like I am hiking and camping in Central Park. But I don't mind at all. In fact, it just makes this AT journal more interesting. I am currently hiking the most populated part of the US between DC and NYC. Living the dream on the AT!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 17.2 Completed: 1042.5 Remaining: 1142.8 Start Point: Ed Garvey Shelter End point: Pine Knob Shelter (tenting) States Completed: 5 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), States Remaining: 9 MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) (7 photos)
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Pine Knob Shelter (tenting)

To: Falls Creek Campsite (tenting)
Miles today: 18.6

Day 82, May 22, 2014 Pennsylvania or bust! I had such a great day today I forgot I was so close. So I better back track to the start. At 4 am I woke up to some lightning. The storm got a little wild with heavy rains and loud close thunder. Enough to make me jump a few times. I thought about those little kids and this being the first outing for a lot of them. Wow they are getting the full outdoor experience. Today I back tracked a little to go meet Carrie at a parking lot. She had decided to hike a little of this most famous footpath with me and it was an AWESOME day. Her sister Lindsey followed her down and dropped us off at Pen Mar park. So today I SOBO'd. But I didn't slackpack today. For you purists it was even worse!!! I had my very own Sherpa, Carrie! She carried everything. I felt naked As I lay here writting this I can tell you that I am just as tired as if I had that pack on all day. It was some pretty rough amd rocky trail with some steep hills. Carrie truly got the full AT experience: carried pack, steep hills, pouring rain, thunder, lightning, hot and humid, signed a logbook, had ants crawling on her, walked thru a meadow, posed on a vista, forged a stream, saw Cooper act the fool, saw two deer, shreeked at a big fat old snake, and peed in the woods. Oh and her feet hurt at the end of the day. On the way back to my drop off point we stopped at Sheetz for some snacks and a milkshake. I think it might have been the best milkshake EVER!! Then I got back on the trail at my last point. About .3 miles into the hike I see a sign. I am on the darn Mason/Dixon Line!! WTF!? I had totally forgotten I was so close. So 6 States down. 8 to go. WOWWIE. Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 18.6 Completed: 1061.1 Remaining: 1124.2 Start Point: Pine Knob Shelter End point: Falls Creek Campsite (tenting) States Completed: 6 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), States Remaining: 8 PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) (9 photos)
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Falls Creek Campsite (tenting)

To: Tumbling Rug Shelters (tenting)
Miles today: 7.7

Day 83, May 23, 2014 I forgot to mention yesterday that Carrie also got to chase the white blazes. She was not very good at it at first but was an old pro by the end of the day. I also forgot to mention I found a MD geocache and now have a MD souvenir. This morning I woke up to find two other campers not a 100 feet from me. I thought I heard voices last night. Coop is a crappy watchdog. I believe that the trail talks to you. I don't wake up any day with an exact agenda. Today was no different. I knew waking up that I had a pleasant gift in my future. I was going to get to spend time with a high school classmate, Leslie, whom I hadn't seen since HS graduation (don the math) So, I hiked a couple miles to our reoudevou point. As I was waiting Deep Blue showed up. Always great to see him. I wasn't sure what Leslie wanted to do so I asked blue if he would wait a bit to see if we needed a shuttle. He waited around for a little over an hour. Then headed out. Not ten minutes later Leslie and her husband, Doug, showed up. No 18 mile hikes in thier future like Carrie the day before. The universe had other plans. Well, they had a car full of food and drinks. And when I say car full I am not over exaggerating. I knew then I was going to get to hang out with my old friend and get to know a new one. We went to a local park and spent the whole day reminiscing of old and sharing the new. I fell love with her husband. He played the guitar for us. It took everything I had to not openly flirt with him. lol!! It was so great to see Leslie, words would fall short trying to explain it. She was our HS salutation. No joke. I think thats cool as can be. Leslie also had a package for me from Sharon. Full of fresh backed rolls, hiker food and gobs of Scooby Snacks. I packed up Sharons goodies and left overs from Leslie and Doug. My pack weighed about 500 pounds, full of yummy goodness. Well then, just like Bev and others before, they abandoned me by the road and speed off..... So I hike a few more miles and came to this fancy shelter. The privies actually have toilet paper. I met this Mom and her two teenage cubs. One girl aspires to play hockey in the Olympics. As always, I love seeing the youngsters out enjoying nature amd dreaming the big dreams. Why not her? ! Well, that sums up this day. Who's the luckiest girl in the whole world? Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 7.7 Completed: 1068.8 Remaining: 1116.5 Start Point: Falls Creek Campsite End point: Tumbling Rug Shelters (tenting) (8 photos)
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Tumbling Rug Shelters (tenting)

To: Birch Run Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 19.6

Day 84, May 24, 2014 Today I hit a personal milestone, Caledonia State Park. When I first decided to take on this adventure my friend Richard introduced me to King Krawler, a successful 2010 thru hiker. We went out to dinner with him and he shared his adventure and advice. Then he allowed me to tag along one weekend when he was providing trail magic at the Caledonia Park. Today I took a picture of that exact spot and remembered meeting all those hikers. I smiled as I passed the picnic table wishing a little King Krawler was there again. Alas he was not but they did have a snack shack. So I went and had some snacks and 3 Mountain Dews. I wanted four. Today's hike was pretty cool in that we went through lots of vegetation areas. I know there is a better term but can't think of it. One area was full of ferns, then pine trees and then rodadendrun type plants. I took pictures of each and I hope they do the beautiful areas justice. I also passed another beautiful shelter, Quarry Gap Shelter. It was so nice I thought one should pay to stay there or I could have just lived there. I met a lot of nice people today but two stand out. Heartstrings and Squatch. Heartstring was retired and walking alone. Her family is worried she will be eaten by bears. I told her the most dangerous thing we do these days is cross highways. Its like real life Frogger. Squatch was a nice guy who wanted to film Cooper. Of course I said. Who am I to deny Copper's uber cuteness This shelter area is full. I counted at least 35 tents. I am pretty pooped. But it was another great day on the trail. Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 19.6 Completed: 1088.4 Remaining: 1096.9 Start Point: Tumbling Rug Shelters End point: Birch Run Shelter (tenting) (10 photos)
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Birch Run Shelter (tenting)

To: James Fry Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 17.1

Day 85, May 25, 2014 Well, Cooper and I are now officially halfway done (Harper's Ferry is the unofficial halfway point) and we also walked past the 1100 mile point. The trail changes every year in length so I had to guesstimate the halfway point. But I celebrated by taking a selfie of me representin' 50%. I would probably not be a good gansta. As we walked on we came to a totem pole that was donated by the Class of 85 marking the halfway point. Next we stopped in at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. This is home of the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge. Leslie and Doug had just brought me a pint the other day that I couldn't finish so I knew this was futile. So I made an 1100 out of ice cream bars, bought one and ate that in honor of the challenge. Next I headed over to the AT museum. As luck would have it a ranger was doing a lecture on Myron Avery. So I went to that. In a nut shell Benton Makaye was the visionary of the AT and Myron made it happen. Then I went and toured the museum. The off we we went for a few more miles. Furnace park was teaming with people. BBQimg, swimming, sunning, hiking and biking. I so wanted to be invited to a picnic and eat potato salad. But not enough to yogi or even make eye contact for that matter. But hey, a girl can dream. People on the trail seemed in a great mood amd more talkative then usual. Maybe because we were so close to the museum. I answered more questions today about thru hiking then all the days combined. One last story. This morning I was walking down the trail and these two guys are coming the other way. They say hi and tell me thier names are Kevin and James. Ok I think. They ask to pose with Coop and then tell me this story. The are part of a Boy Scout troop and always bring up the rear. Everyone makes fun of them. But really the joke is on them. While everyone else has their nose to the grindstone Kevin and James are posing with cute dogs, playing cornhole, went to a picnic and who knows what else and still make it to camp with hours of daylight. They plan on doing a gag reel. I found this extremely funny and there is probably a good life lesson in there too! Fun fact. According to the ranger 2/3rds of the US population are with in a 1 day drive to the AT. Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 17.1 Completed: 1105.5 Remaining: 1078.8 Start Point: Birch Run Shelter End point: James Fry Shelter (tenting) (6 photos)