morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-20
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Kate's entry: We got up early 5:30 am. It was COLD! It was actually cold until we got into town. We had 6.1 miles to get into Port Clinton - totally doable before the post office closed. The hike there was pretty uneventful - we booked it on in. There was one big ridge to climb and then go down. We got the post office and had 3 packages - 1) maps, 2) bday goodies from Sarah, 3) mail drop and bday goodies from Em, Lohr, Mom and Dad. Some of their cards and notes had us rolling with laughter on the sidewalk as we went through everything. We then walked a half mile each way to 3 Cs for breakfast. As we walked through Port Clinton, we found out the local train company was celebrating it's 25th anniversary that day...There were free train rides on a steam engine, food, presentations, etc. Matt was so excited for the trains - everybody invited us to eat and ride the train. He was geeked. We spent HOURS there. Maybe it's a guy thing - cuz all the other hikers (all male) were excited about the trains. It was 2:45 before we left - we only had 8 some miles to do for the rest of the day. The first leg was straight up. It was a 1000 ft climb and we were heavy with food and bday goodies. We pulled into the shelter about 6:30. Mr Nice Guy, Godzilla, Otis, Uncle Ben and Radioactive man were there. We hadn't seen Radioactive Man since Maine.Bad news though - the spring was low and were low on water...meaning a dry dinner - we at a lot of the sausage Dad sent. Then we found there was a rain barrel by the privy - not a great water source, but better than what we had so we filtered right out of that puppy. There was fire going when we got there. Godzilla, we learned, can play the harmonica - it was great. We told stories around the fire til bedtime - we plan to sleep in tomorrow in honor of Matt's bday!
Date: 2008-09-21
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

Matt's Entry: Well, it's my 31st Bday today. I slept in today, filtered some water, and saw some deer on the way to the privy . It seemed like bfast took forever, and since we slept in (there was some 80s cover band playing in the valley below us until 1:30 AM), it was about 8:30 before we left the campsite. That's really late for us.Today we talked a lot with Godzilla and Mr. Nice guy, 2 guys on the trail in this new "pack" we have caught up with. They are so nice and Godzilla is hillarious. We also met a NOBOer who is finishing his trail going south - he has to do a section he skipped to Harper's Ferry. His name is Bus Driver - nice guy as well.Beofre we knew it we were at the 501 shelter, which has running water, electricity, a caretaker, and a shower. There is even a nearby restaurant that delivers, so we ordered pizza. I ate way too much and then we split the cake Emily made for me. Thanks again, Em. You're sweet, and the cake was perfect.There were a lot of armed people on the trail with handguns today. I guess PA must allow handguns if they are exposed. About 4 people throughout the day were packing. It's cool but it's so wierd to see that after hiking for 3 months in the woods and seeing none of it. Bizzare.WE really seem to be moving along. I guess we'll be in Harper's Ferry before long. TTFN!
Date: 2008-09-22
From: 501 Shelter

To: 1 mile South of Sand Spring Trail
Miles today: 20.9

Kate's entry: morning came early today. We wanted to at least get 2 shelters up, but preferably further. Walking got easier today - a lot less weight with all the bday goodies consumed and less rocks for sure. Green tunnel today - not a lot of views, but some neat historical stuff. There was an old cemetary from 1854 we checked out and the ruins of an old coal mine village. AAll that was left was collapsed foundations. We saw a big black snake - 3 feet long. We just walked and talked about future plans - house, jobs, etc. We're pretty excited about all that =). The guys who were in 501 with us passed us throughout the day - damn these short legs. We decided we could pass the shelter, which we did by 3 miles - which was sweet. We want to get some reading in - it's nice to be just the two of us. ONe other thing... WE HIT 1000 MILES TODAY - almost 1/2 way.
Date: 2008-09-23
From: 1 mile South of Sand Spring Trail

To: The Doyle, Duncannon PA
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: clear sky

We are staying at the "honeymoon suite" in the Doyle Hotel. The room opens to the street (via windows of course) and is on the second floor, so there is a great view of the little town from up here. It's pretty neat. The Doyle could definately use some work, but overall it's an OK place to stay.Today was a very long day, but it was nice. When we finally got to Duncannon, it seemed like we had to walk forever before we got to the Doyle. I hear that they are thinking about rerouting the trail through the center to town, past most of the shops etc.; currently it does not - we walk past lots of houses.when we got to the Doyle, Radioactive Man, Godzilla, Euro-Trash, Mr. Nice Guy, and some other guy was here, as well as Otis and Uncle Ben. What a motley crew. We got our room and pretty much crashed. Zero Day tomorrow!!
Date: 2008-09-24
From: The Doyle

To: The Doyle, Duncannon PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Kate's entry: We slept in a little today...til like 6:30 am. We headed over to Goodies and had a nice tasty breakfast. Headed to the post office - our maildrop that didn't make it to Unionville hadn't made it either - I hate parcel post!! We headed back to the Doyle, started charging electronics, put on town clothes, etc. I got my bangs cut (for free)...but they are a bit lopsided - you get what you pay for?? (I can't wait for Dionne to get his hands on my hair when we get back) Matt got his haircut too...and the guy hacked his beard. At least it grows back. I cleaned out our hydration bags and scrubbed out the tubes with the brush we bought in Port Clinton. I don't even want to tell you how DISGUSTING that was - things came out of there that just shouldn't out of something you drink out of everyday. While I was doing that Dare came in (apparantly NOW he's The Red Fox)(that's the 4th name he's had out here - so Stovepipe, Tilly, Dare, Red Fox)...We havent' seen him since Hanover. He said he was just passing through, but over lunch and some beers, we convinced him to stay.Chores. Shuttle to the grocery store.Dinner. Then the boys picked 36 songs on the jukebox and began to drink. Then there was pool playing...I headed up to our rooms and made some calls. I'm tired - sleepihg in tomorrow - only doing 11 miles due to some camping restrictions so we don't need to leave until 1 or 2.This is also where Matt got his wallet taken by a local they were drinking with downstairs...and no matter what Sarah tells you - Matt didn't knock the guy out - Matt just grabbed him and got his wallet back. Then the guy spent the rest of the night apologizing.
Date: 2008-09-25
From: The Doyle, Duncannon PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Matt's Entry: Our stay at the Doyle this AM was rather extended; we really had to stop at the first shelter out of town, because you can't stay in between it and the next shelter - nearly 19 miles away. So the chouise was 11 or 19. We chose 11.So, we had a chance to sleep in, go to a late breakfast, and hang out with Redfox for a while. It is good to see him again; he came in yesterday.We left at about 2, and got to the shelter at around 6. Redfox and Busdriver were already there, and had a fire going. Also, there was a section-hiker namted Poppy. He was just in Iraq after doing some work for the state department. He was a really nice guy. Busdriver showed us some pieces of glass that he as picked up along the trail - one was a bottle cap of some kind, glass, with a clock on it. It was set at 8:22. We couldn't figure out what it was, but it looked cool. He has so much glass, it must weight about a pound and a half. At any rate, our company was good and we are looking forward to a great flat section tomorrow!
Date: 2008-09-26
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Kate's entry: It rained all night.Poured. In the morning, it was foggy and dark. So we didn't walk out at our usual time; we headed out about 8:30. It was still sprinkling when we started and it was misty most of the day and cold. YUCK! Luckily though, it was easy walking - down from the shelter, essentially flat into Boiling Springs. Picked up our package at the post office and found some lunch.Matt wasn't feeling well and didn't even finish lunch - makes me worried. A sick boy is no fun. He said he wanted to push on the 4 miles to the shelter. It was pretty smooth. We pulled up to the shelter and the Allentown Greyboards and 2 section hikers were there. They made room for us. It's supposed to pour again tonight. Shared some good stories. Matt's saying he's feeling better - here's to hoping. Tomorrow is HALFWAY day! =)
Date: 2008-09-27
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Matt's entry: I am officially sick. I had a fever ever since I woke up, and it's raining out, and I have felt progressively worse as the day has gone on.Redfox stayed and played Yahtzee, but other than that we have been alone all day. I slept, mostly. At dark, 2 section hikers came in: 'Dog Tired' and 'Wits End.' I hope I didn't offend them with my ATTEMPTS at humor. By the time they arrived I was pretty out of it. They were genuinly nice guys and I hope their trip was a great one.
Date: 2008-09-28
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Kate's entry: We awoke to Matt still being sick. He was hot to the touch and dizzy even sitting up. I was worried. I made a plan for tomorrow if he wasn't feeling better to get him out of this shelter. He slept most of the morning, but all of a sudden he broke into a sweat. I knew either things were going to get a lot better quick or a lot worse...His fever broke 45 minutes later. An hour after that, he was hungry again - it was impressive. We chatted, called some folks, built a fire. He was talking about wanting to walk today - he was feeling so much better. I put my foot down...and 30 minutes later he was sleeping again. We plan to walk tomorrow - just see how the day goes with how Matt is feeling.
Date: 2008-09-29
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Ironworker's Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 15.5

Matt's Entry: I woke up this morning feeling pretty good. Even last night I sweated something fierce, but only early in the night. I actually slept pretty well, for being in a shelter.We got going early and resupplied at the Green Mountain General Store. They had chaco tacos! We were so excited! I had my usual appetite back, and I was drinking tons of water - so much that I ran out today! That is pretty good I think; I must have gotten dehydrated being sick, even though I was slamming the gatoraide.Kate was a sweetheart today and took all of the heavy stuff from the resupply without me knowing about it. We had a good walk.We passed the 'official half way' marker today. Funny thing is, this year it's 2.2 miles south of the marker. Anyhow, it was happy and sad at the same time that we have walked 1/2 way. We were both so emotional.I think I was emotional mostly because it makes me think about what this trip has meant to me, and all of the people who I have met, and what I've learned about myself and about Kate. The whole thing has been really phenominal, and I think I have changed.This hostel is awesome. It's an old mansion that used to belong to the master of the iron smelting station nearby. It was owned by the man who sold war bonds for the Civil War, and the place was also a stop on the underground railroad. Very cool!
Date: 2008-09-30
From: Ironmasters Mansion

To: Roicky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Kate's entry: I slept hard last night - out like a light. We had a leisurely breakfast and were out by 8. We were going to push for big miles to try to have a light day into Harper's Ferry. Little did we know our plans were going to change tonight...We passed quite a few shelters - 3 to be exact. The trail was relatively flat - easy going. We weren't walking superfast - just steady. It was rocky and bouldery in some bits. We came across some beautifully maintained shelters with plants, landscaping - Quarry Gap's keeper obviously takes excellent care of it. We hit these shelters at 4:30 - it was hard to push on...BUT we figured we could walk another five to the next shelter. It was bouldery, but we got there shortly before sunset. We called Beetle to let her know we'd be in Harper's Ferry on Friday to meet up, but found out she'dbe leaving for her big bike ride then...Soooo we reconfigured and made plans to meet up with her tomorrow 15 miles up the trail at the PenMar Park and take a zero with her on Thursday. I'm sooo excited to see her. Then we realized it would mean messing up Harpers Ferry for our maildrops, hopefully, Beetle can help us out by driving us there or something. Sooooo tired tonight.
Date: 2008-10-01
From: Roicky Mountain Shelter

To: Beetle's Friend Susan's House, near Baltimore, MD
Miles today: 15.1

Matt's Entry: Well, today we kicked PA and stepped over into MD, where Beetle came to pick us up. There was no sign, no "welcome to MD" or "Mason Dixon Line" sign. Just a set of RR tracks to cross, and we were officially in the "South."Today we DID see our first sign that pointed out that the distance to Maine was farther than the distance to GA, which was a cool moment. Of course, Kate took a picture of it. The walking has been good. We were off early (2:45) but we got a lot done (15.1 miles). We got some Dunken Doughnuts (of course Beetle's favorite). We got showers and then we had dinner, and got to meet Beetle's lovely daughter. It was a perfect day.It has been great to see Beetle. She looks great. I have decided that I hate the barber's beard trim that I got in Duncannon, and I bought a real beard trimmer so I could do it myself and some foot pads for the metatarsal area of my feet. They seem to really help out and take some of the pressure off. Tomorrow is a Zero with Beetle 0 YAY!
Date: 2008-10-02
From: Baltimore MD

To: Baltimore MD
Miles today: 0.0

Kate's entry: I slept until about 7 this morning and worked on food planning and itinerary until Beetle and Matt woke up around 8. They were tired. We got organized, had a late breakfast. Headed to Harpers Ferry - it was a cute town and we'll pass through it again on Saturday. Got some cooler weather gear at the Outfitters. We registered with the ATC (halfway town!) and bought a crapload of AT goodies.Then we just hung out.Harpers Ferry was fun and it was great to hang with Beetle. It was an awesome zero. We played games at the house, got groceries and ate pizza. Started to get sorted to head out tomorrow.
Date: 2008-10-03
From: Beetle's Friend Susan's House, near Baltimore, MD

To: Anapolis Rocks Campsite
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: few clouds

Matt's entry: It was so great to see Beetle. She will pretty much be a "forever pajama friend," as Tim and Leah from MA would say. We had a great time, and got to meet Susan today at Breakfast. She seems so nice. We got a bit of a late start today, and so it was a longer walking day. We didn't quite make it to our goal spot, which was about 18 miles, but it was a town day for all purposes and besides, we did 16 miles! I think we can make up for it tomorrow.Had to tell Kate about the surprise B and B that Beetle and I cooked up for our anniversary. She wanted to stop and I had to spur her on, because tomorrow we still have about 25 miles to do to make it to Harper's Ferry. GRRRRR. But, it motivated her today and it will motivate us both tomorrow. I think the terrain is easy tomorrow, which will help.We saw a couple of deer today, the first one was a doe who didn't seem all that worried about us. The second was a buck I think. He didn't stick around. bow season opens soon here, if it didn't on the first, and we are both sportin' bright orange bandanas. Met up with lighteningrod and Songbird - they were here tonight. They are losing Rudy in Front Royal. TTFN.
Date: 2008-10-04
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

Kate's entry: In the middle of the night, these bums came in and were loud and running around the campground - apparantly rock climbers who came in about midnight. I wanted to be real noisy in the morning, but I resisted. BUT we got up early - it was CRISP! I was glad for my new pants (they fit) and shirt. Big day. It was BEAUTIFUL! The terrain was great, the trial was great and we were on the move. We hit the Washington Monument State Park. The monument was cool. You could climb up it and it had a nice view. We were walking fast. People were out in droves - weekend backpackers, day hikers, kids climbing trees in the state parks. We had lunch in Gathland Park - 14 miles already under our belts. We ate and ate...and then moved on. Within an hour, we had gone 4 miles - we were shocked. The last 6 went fast too, though the last two just hurt my feet. It was a gravel path with lots o hikers on it.We walked into Harpers Ferry via a bridge over the Potomac. It was weird coming into a town we'd already been at. The Town's Inn was practically on the trail. The owner Karan was very friendly. The building was built in the mid 1800s and our room was cute. It was a nice surprise! I had an amazing shower and we headed to the pub. We had a great spunky waitress. Dinner was quiet as there weren't a lot of people in the room where she seated us. That was awesome.We eventually made our way, per Karan's recommendation, to the Secret Six Tavert where a re-enactor type guy sings civil war and Irish songs. He sets it up like a sing-a-long. It was awesome to have a pub full of people singing together. I was bummed we were so tired and left after the first set. It was a perfect night and we plan to sleep in to get some breakfast tomorrow.
Date: 2008-10-05
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Matt's Entry: OK, so today we didn't walk much. We didn't feel all that motivated after our breakfast. Called Mom late in hte AM from a cliff overlooking the Shenandoah River, and talked to her for a bit for her Birthday. After that, we walked a while and just didn't feel up to walking. Not sure why, but the motivation just wasn't there. We finally got in to the shelter at about 5. I think it's only 9 miles in 6 hours. Good Grief. But, the shelter is rockin'. Finally, The Red Fox and Creeture caught us, and Uncle Ben and Otis were there too, along with Lighteningrod and Songbird and of course Rudy. We will hopefully see more of this group before we are off of the trail.I guess Creeture is getting off the trail to see his family soon. I am sure we'll see he and Redfox after the Shenandoah Park. Saw some more deer today - yes this is a big theme. We really didn't see much more after the morning because we were singing to stay motivated and we were inventing little games like "songs with the word 'love' in them." It was fun and it helped us keep walking. TTFN.
Date: 2008-10-06
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Reservoir Hollow
Miles today: 16.5

Kate's entry: Woke up early and broke camp quick - it was just getting light as we started. We officially crossed into VA for good - TEN states under our belt - WOOOHOO!! We'll be in VA for a long time - almost 600 miles. We were seeing deer all over the place; today we counted 18 - some bucks, does with fawns, etc.As of today, we have less than 1000 miles left...Weird to think about that. Along the way, we saw Lightning Rod and Songbird at the Bears Den Hostel. It was a beautiful building - an old stone Mansion. It was cool and tempting to stay - we hung in the hikers room for awhile. Then the four of us walked on together. I enjoy their company a lot. We started on this thing called the rollercoaster, which is exactly how it sounds. Up, down, up, down, up down. Bleh. We stopped at Reservoir Hollow by the waterfalls. it's a nice little spot. The four of us had a nice dinner and plan to hike together tomorrow.
Date: 2008-10-07
From: Reservoir Hollow

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

Matt's entry: We decided to stop a little early today, at about 3:15. We had a later start today, and we didn't hear the alarm. Songbird woke us up and we had to catch up to them this morning. We made good time though and we have been hiking with them today. Kate and I both really enjoy their company. This shelter has monopoly, and since we had time, lighteningrod and I built a fire for the evening. We played Monopoly, ate popcorn, and chilled out before bed. It was fun.Just as we were journalling, Juicebox and Superman came in late. Not sure who they are really, we have heard some stories and I guess they have been taking weekends off. Which, means they are going really fast. They are pretty hillarious guys; too bad they will probably pass us in a flash.Saw a squirrel hunter today. Not too many squirrels or deer today, maybe because we are on public hunting grounds and they are wise to us. TTFN!
Date: 2008-10-08
From: Manasses Gap Shelter

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Kate's entry: We woke up early with Lightningrod and Songbird this morning. It was cool, but not as cold as the day before. We got going quickly and were making great time. Songbird and I talked most of the way to the Front Royal road - it was nice to have girltalk on the trail again. I have missed that to be sure.We stopped by the Denton Shelter for snack and lo and behold, the "Damn AT" guy was there, getting ready to leave. He apparantly is now heading to Springer. Great. We left Lightningrod and Songbird and Rudy at the road and continued on. Matt was pouting about not going into town, but we were making miles and would have 2.5 days of town time with his family on Friday...We are low on food which is a new experience. We were going slower than expected so we are lower than usual. We'll have food until our mini-resupply at the Elkwallow Wayside in Shenandoah, but it'll be a stretch. We had eggs for dinner tonight, but I finally did figure out a better way to cook them than in a bag. I used the second pot as a double boiler. We left the road and climbed up and up to Shenandoah. It was a nice grade and a nice walk. We saw quite a few deer along the way. As the afternoon continued, it got foggy - no views. BUT the colors with the fog looked cool. As it was looking like rain and we were feeling pretty good, we decided to push for our "stretch goal" of Gravel Springs Hut - 24 miles. We pulled in there and there was a section hiker and "Damn AT" guy there. It's a long story, but he's still having problems with his jetboil and being attentive to it...there was water all over the shelter at one point - thankfully I was able to move our gear before it got too wet. I hope he doesn't talk in his sleep again.