morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Harrisonburg, Virginia

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: scattered clouds

First day back on the trail after two days at home. Spent the morning adding photos to Trail Journals and doing laundry. I had some severe anxiety about returning to the AT last night, so much so it ruined my enjoyment of a dinner at Outback. Mystery to me as to why I couldn't shake the "dread". Perhaps my body didn't want to do any more 20+ mile days!Headed back to Waynesboro at noon. Flash and I had lunch at Ming Garden buffet with our families (saw Secrets and Shenanigans, who gave me a cute photo from Quincy's in Damascus), then said our goodbyes at the trail head. I got emotional seeing Brian and Wendy say goodbye for the next the months. I'm not always a fan of being single, but I can't imagine the pressure of being separated from your spouse or partner for six long months.A few moments after we entered the Trail, we passed two couples, four sight-seers about my parents' age, walking south-bound to their car. They were excited to encounter "real" thru hikers and one of the men said "You're hiking for all of us!" While it was a simple statement, it carried a lot of emotion/meaning for me.Nothing else notable happened during our hike, other than passing the large communications towers. We were not sure if they were simply for the Shenandoah National Park or as a link between Central and Western Virginia. As we hiked, our conversation revolved around activities on our days off with family. Upon arriving the shelter, I saw that The One Who Shall Be Named Dubya was there. This is the first time I've seen him outside a hostel or hotel. Dubya, in my opinion, is a "yellow blaze"-r... someone who takes a car from point to point, rather than hiking the Trail. Some of these folks also refer to themselves as "road hikers", which is another word for homeless or hobo, if you ask me.After dinner, The Flash and I planned out the miles to Harpers Ferry. No more days off between now and then if I am going to make it in a timely manner. Our plan is to hike together until I reach Wind Gap to see my dog Oscar and his host family. After Wind Gap, I will be hiking alone, so I need to enjoy the companionship while I have it!Hoping the next two days fly!
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Frazier Discovery Trail
Miles today: 22.0

Up by 6:15 to start long day, goal of 20 milesLast night, we affirmed in one another that we make a good team. We don't leave one another behind. We are considerate of our fellow hiking partner. And we kick ass by sticking to the schedule!Met a former thru-hiker who completed the Trail seven times. He is doing an interview format documentary. He was serving bagels and cream cheese, cookies and juice, chips and salsa, beer and sodas. Trail magic to the extreme. (His interviews appear at youtube.com/user/kookiemoose, according to his business card).State park campground at Loft Mountain was packed. Had to stealth camp on ridge. But did stop at camp store for cold treats. Never skip an opportunity to use real porcelain! Some of the foreign campground guests drilled The Flash with fascinated questions about his hike!Met a foursome watching the sunset. Again, amazement expressed at what we are doing by them and sheepish humility in response on our part.Learned via email that BiPolar Bear published his article about me. Wow! International media!Hiked approx 22 miles with side trips. Bed by 9 pm. Home tomorrow!
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Frazier Discovery Trail

To: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Miles today: 16.6

Up early, out by 7:20. Goal of Elkton, to spend evening with my parents and to visit REI tomorrow for new pants (mine are way too big) and a tech shirt that does not make me sweat so much.Saw a bunny on the Trail and thought I had reached my wildlife quota for the day, since Shenandoah National Park seems to be very touristy and I would imagine the animals steer clear of the heavily traveled Trails. However, we saw a mother bear and two cubs, and luckily I was able to get a few photos! My very first bears in 900 miles!!Met Mom & Dad at the SNP entrance, then we drove to Harrisonburg for a quick dinner at CiCi's Pizza (a great place for kids, a nightmare for tired adults who don't need to hear "Welcome to CiCi's!" shouted whenever someone enters the building). REI tomorrow. They can yell whatever they'd like when I enter the building.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Harrisonburg, Virginia

To: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Memorial Day!Today I took a trip to REI with my parents and The Flash for big Memorial Day sale. Got combination poncho and pack cover so I can look like Igor as I stumble up the side of the mountains in the rain. As we stood in the extremely long line, we wondered how many people in the store were buying clothing for just fashion or actually for function.Did not see anyone else from the Trail but an employee (and 2011 thru hiker) could pick us out immediately. He struck up a conversation with us about our hike. It is interesting what a fraternity is created through hiking the AT.Afterwards, The Flash and I had lunch at Chipotle. There was a Ben and Jerry's nearby, too, so we were obligated to stop by. Note to self: Get a Vermontster for your birthday!
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Harrisonburg, Virginia

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 17.7

Still a great number of motorcycle riders from Memorial Day event in Washington, DC. It is said "You don't but a Harley, you buy a lifestyle." Unfortunately, the pipes on that lifestyle are loud and their noise ruins the "wilderness" effect the park labors to create through visitor rules and regulations. However, the gift shops are full of motorcycle-themed gifts, so you know the SNP is making tons of money off of that community. So, shut up, thru hiker!5:30 pm RAIN!! A VERY heavy storm forced us to seek shelter at the Big Meadows Lodge. Flash, Stingray, and I split a suite, which made it as affordable as most places on the AT. AND we will get a gorgeous breakfast for free in the morning.The lodge is very old-school, probably a CCC parks project (it is on the Register of Historic Places), with a large community room with games and puzzles, couches and armchairs in conversation-clusters, and rocking chairs by the windows overlooking the Valley. Yet, the Lodge has new amenities like wifi and facilities managed by Aramark. As the storm got worse, the lodge sold out. JUST made it in. Later, I saw Five Pair and Houdini while at dinner in the downstairs pub.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Late start from lodge at 9:15 am. Lodge provided a free breakfast.Stopped by Skyland Resort and Restaurant for an hour-long lunch. When I excused myself from the table, the waitress commented to The Flash at how surprised she was at the amount of tea and water I was consuming. Does she know how much we drink all day?!?In camp at 8:45 pm. That is just too late to wind down properly. Had to eat in the dark by headlamp while another hiker complained that headlamps make hikers look like lighthouses, preventing meaningful conversation. *sigh* Without them, I assume we are to sit in the dark imagining what the other person looks like.Trying to edit Trail Journal before bed at 10:00 pm. I think there is a bear in our campground. And I have food in my tent. Yikes!
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Compton Peak
Miles today: 20.8

Flash said there were bears in camp last night. Could hear a cub crying for mother in the morning and the mother crashing through the underbrush to attend to the cub. Stopped at Elkwallow Wayside for burger, fries, pretzel, muffin, and soda while visiting with Dog Whisperer, Five Pair, and Pedestrian. Learned that Five Pair is hiking this as a reaction to turning 50.The "health inspector" was there with the head of the Aramark food service (looked like a managing chef) and a park ranger... But the health inspector was in a khaki army uniform. Guess that is how the government oversees itself. Since I did not get food poisoning, I am assuming they passed inspection... Well, that and the fact that everyone looked relieved when he left.Bought a Shenandoah National Park pin with a black near on it to commemorate surviving last night's bear invasion. Maybe there is a SNP botulism pin, as well!Hiked to the top of Compton Peak and found a stealth campsite just past the Compton Spring.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Compton Peak

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Woke up at 6:00 am, while using the nearest log as a privy and singing "Smelly Cat" to myself, I heard heavy breathing and discovered a bear digging for grubs in a nearby log. Yikes! I hurried back to my tent, grabbed my camera, and advanced on the bear taking as many photos as I could until it snorted, pawed at the ground, and wagged its head back and forth. I think it was trying to tell me something. But what could it be?!?Blackberries! Passed the first mature berries of the season... Ate three ripe berries. Delicious!Crossed paths with a 4-H club. I think the Trail runs near a 4-H Center. The guide asked us to answer questions for the kids and their parents. "How long have you been on the Trail?", "How do you sleep?", "When will you be finished?", "Way time do you stop each day?" "What motivates you to hike?" and "What do you do about water?" were some of the questions. I remembered how beneficial it was to be in 4-H, as we worked on projects and learned valuable public speaking skills by giving presentations. And it reminded me of my favorite joke from The Simpsons about 5-H (look it up if you are not a fan!).Went into Front        Royal for McDonald's. Easy hitch both ways. While walking back to the main road, one guy rolled down his window and called out to us "Need a ride back to the Trail?" Perfect timing!Very heavy rain tonight. JUST made it to the shelter before it dumped rain. This is my third official night in a shelter. Unfortunately, we were sheltering with someone who snores. And earplugs are no defense. Argh.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Spout Run Ravine
Miles today: 22.7

Another 1% day (meaning, I hiked more than 21.84 miles, or 1% of the 2,184 miles of the AT)!!Trail magic for Dos. Butterfly landed on my arm, pics on camera, will try my best to upload very soon. Trying to get to Harpers Ferry on Sunday night!Found a campsite just about a mile past the Spout Run Ravine. Even though we are on the "Roller Coaster", we can still hear the traffic from the nearby highway.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Spout Run Ravine

To: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

Hiked from Spout Run Ravine to Harpers Ferry.Stopped at the Blackburn AT Center, operated by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, with caretakers Chris and Caroline, who shared watermelon, brownies, peanuts, fruit gummies, and a free soda with us!Finished the "Roller Coaster" today, but with some serious pain in my feet. I think my feet are starting to flatten out (a common malady with hikers), so I am starting to get blisters on the outsides of my feet. This really slowed me down and resulted in an 8:30 pm arrival in Harpers Ferry.Checked into the Teahorse Inn & Hostel, run by Laurel, who is wonderful. Started laundry (she offered to toss everything into the dryer), took a shower, and then went out to dinner at the Wal-Mart Subway with Guy Schafer, who drove up from Tennessee to film a mini-documentary on my hike.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

To: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night the hostel was SO warm, and I was in an upper bunk, so I only slept about four hours.After a great waffle breakfast prepared by Laurel, I checked out of Teahorse Hostel and met up with Guy to work on the documentary. He interviewed a few other folks associated with the hike, the Trail, and me. Then we went over to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy offices for the main interview.Ran into a number of folks I know and had my "official" hiker photo taken at the conservancy. So happy with the pic I had a few postcards printed up to mail to my beneficiary organizations.Met my parents at noon at the ATC and we went to lunch. This will be my last time to see them for three months, until they meet me in Maine at the end of the Trail. They have been so supportive of this hike and it was very emotional for me to see them go.Afterwards, Guy and I met up again to shoot some "B-roll" footage of me hiking on nearby trails for his project. Later, we said goodbye so he could head home and I checked into my hotel for an Epsom salt soak and a much needed evening of rest before hiking again tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Late morning... enjoyed some Morning Joe and Daily Rundown before having to check out of the EconoLodge... how luxurious!Lunch in Harpers Ferry hosted by Laurie Potteiger of the ATC. So happy to have a new friend who has hiked the entire Trail and has been with the ATC since 1988! Laurie seems to appear in all of the Trail autobiographies, but that would make sense, as she is the Information guru for the Conservancy.After lunch, hiked a half-day to Ed Garvey Shelter. Passed a few Harpers Ferry visitors who proclaimed (within earshot, as if I cannot hear them) "Would you hike the Trail?", "You mean, take six months off and hike? Sure!". I wonder if they really know how much it takes out of you.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pogo Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

BIG miles day... but now I am "hiking my own hike", as I no longer am working with The Flash. He and I were working together to make it to Waynesboro, then Harpers Ferry, but he had talked about pulling ahead so he could make it home by mid-August. I do not have to be off the Trail until September 6th, my 45th birthday. I am wondering why he has not passed me yet.At Gathland State Park, there were vending machines. VENDING MACHINES! Full of cold, refreshing sodas. When it is hot outside, and your water bladder is lukewarm, some cold, refreshing soda makes all the difference in the world. The park also has a War Correspondents' Memorial from the Civil War. Later, near Boonsboro, MD, I had a late lunch at Dahlgren Backpack Campground. The local parks department set up a backpackers' campsite, complete with tenting pads, bear poles, and showers in the restrooms. After leaving the park, I could see a restaurant from the road, but I was too early (at 3:00 pm) for dinner. Had I planned out my day properly, I could have camped at Dahlgren and had dinner at Boonsboro. I will "make do" with my Knorr Pasta Sides and packet of tuna.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Pogo Memorial Shelter

To: Falls Creek campsite
Miles today: 15.5

Rock scramble was frustrating, but it is getting me ready for Pennsylvania.Escaped a heavy rain & hailstorm by ordering pizza at Pen Mar Park. Could not hitch a ride to town which ended up being a blessing. The 80-year-old caretaker named Bill invited me inside the park's museum, where we sat out the storm. Dos made out to the park soon thereafter and offered a pizza too. When her delivery arrived, she say inside the utility room too and listened to Bill's stories about life and working at the park. Later, when Big Sky and Jaws arrived soaked from the storm, Dos and I shared our extra pizza with them. After a two hour break, the storm cleared, so I returned to the Trail, crossed the Mason Dixon line, then found a campsite by Falls Creek, where the rushing water masked any noses from the surrounding communities. Heaven!
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Falls Creek campsite

To: Quarry Gap
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

Ate dinner in nearby town at a local Italian joint. Had a Fanta Birch Beer from the fountain (a new flavor for me, but almost like root beer) which was refreshing. Got to sit inside with the air-conditioning and watched the evening (local) news, but it was on the Fox affiliate, so it was skewed to align with the cable channel Fox News. Argh.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Quarry Gap

To: Iron Masters Hostel
Miles today: 16.9

Half way point of the trail at Pine Grove Furnace State Park "officially". On my way to the "half gallon challenge" (more on that in a bit), I ran into some Trail magic by Float's family... lots of stuff from WalMart, but when you are starving, a bagel with cream cheese and tiny cinnamon donuts are amazing. However, I was less than half a mile from the half gallon challenge!Since you are halfway down the Trail, someone invented (as a way to sell ice cream, no doubt), the "half gallon challenge", where a hiker will consume that much ice cream in 30 minutes or less. The prize is a wooden spoon. When I arrived, they only had vanilla and chocolate, so I opted for vanilla. Additionally, I bought some orange juice and birch beer as "mixers"... I figured, if I got bored of the vanilla, I could have the taste of a Creamsicle with the orange juice, or a root beer float with the birch beer. No dice. This Hershey's brand ice cream was the most boring stuff they could sell. BUT, I did get to meet Float and his family and thank them for the Trail magic!Finished the challenge and claimed my reward. A wooden spoon. Oh, not the kind of spoon one uses to mix up a batch of chocolate chip cookies. One of those TINY wooden tongue depressors. I was gypped!Pine Grove Furnace State Park is home to the Iron Masters Hostel. Stephanie, our caretaker, checked us in and for $20 provided us with bunks, a hot shower, wi-fi, and dinner/breakfast. Nothing to write home (or Trail Journals) about, but we had chips and pulled pork BBQ for dinner. For breakfast, we will get Eggo Waffles. But, for $5, that is a bargain on the Trail... especially when you can take a shower or two during your stay.Five Pair, Pedestrian, Lee Bob, and Stingray were there, too. And I met Fiber 1 for the first time (which is a hilarious trail name for an older gentleman).
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Iron Masters Hostel

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

After leaving Iron Masters and my sumptuous Eggo waffle breakfast, I stopped to fortify my breakfast with two ham and egg sandwiches from the grill at the Park's General Store. Yesterday, I arrived at 4:08 pm, just after the Appalachian Trail Museum had closed for the day. I was aware that it was not going to re-open until noon, so I walked up to the building, took a photo of the Civil War-era building, and proceeded down the hill.A lady sitting at a picnic table reading a book asked, "Did you want to see inside?" I told her that I could not wait until noon, and she offered to open it up to me for a private tour, as I was a thru-hiker!Her name was Nancy, trailname "Slim", and she pointed out the various displays and exhibits... it was interesting seeing one of the very first shelters from the Trail, having been moved and reconstructed inside the museum. I even had her take my picture with one of the old Mt. Katahdin signs for good luck.Because she was so nice, and because I had learned that fewer than half the AT hikers were actually ATC members, I made sure I made a donation to become a member of the AT Museum. I'm an Underwriter! Mid-day, I ran into Five Pair, Pedestrian, and StingRay as they exited the Green Mountain Store, just about 0.2 off the Trail. I hurried inside, ordered a deli sandwich, and tried to cobble together enough for breakfast, lunches, and dinners for the next few days from the snack foods sold in the grocery area. Heavy on bottled beverages and canned products, lean on hiker-friendly fare.Later, I ran into Pedestrian and StingRay at Alec Kennedy, but I learned that Five Pair had soldiered on to Boiling Springs, as there is a resort offering an AMAZING deal for $40 (normally, their rooms go for over $100 per night). Again, wished I had planned ahead, but I am always happy in my tent. Unfortunately, a weekend hiker and his son were there with their (unleashed, barking) dog. I decided to camp down by the stream, where the son AND the father visited the water source, allowing their dog to foul the water not once, but twice. Charming! Then, after "hiker's midnight" (which is usually considered 9:00 pm or so), the son was making noises... I heard later that the father suggested he be quiet, out of consideration for the other campers, and the kid basically said that we could screw ourselves. Ah, the fruits of deadbeat parenting.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Pretty long day, considering my new hiking "range" is only 15 miles per day.Hiked to Boiling Springs, home of the mid-Atlantic ATC regional office (which seems odd, since they are so very close to Harpers Ferry). Bought thicker Darn Tough-brand "AT" logo socks from the very nice office manager, then I mailed home my thinner Smart Wool summer weight socks. Had lunch at Caffe 101 with Stingray, after Pedestrian disappeared. We learned later that he found a great grocery store (that also served fried chicken! D'oh!). Hiked final four miles to Darlington Shelter with Pedestrian, which gave us a chance to talk and get to know one another. He was a motorcyclist, too... "was" because of a terrible accident (the other drivers' fault), but the result is that he will never ride again. I consider myself lucky for all the years I have ridden without a serious accident.At the edge of the valley, just before ascending the hill to the shelter, we stopped at the Scott Farm Trail Work Center... this is a spot where the local AT volunteers will park and meet up for Trail work days. It provided a fresh-water spigot and the chance to meet Triple Crown (all three major US trails) hiker "Coach", who appears in the PCT film by National Geographic playing his trail guitar. Coach used to be a junior high school teacher, but now he works as a Ridge Runner for the ATC.After crossing VA 11 and US 81, while cutting through various farms, we made it to the top of the hill near Darlington Shelter, where a stone bench allowed us to rest and look back down on the flat valley. Virginia had wonderful valley vistas, but the hills were usually rolling. In Pennsylvania, the valley floor was flat, and the farms looked like checkerboards (or the similar view you get from an airplane). I was amazed to see highway 81 in the distance, and how small the tractor trailer trucks appeared, realizing I had only been there a few hours before.Trail magic at Shelter by two section hikers completing their 15 year goal of the entire AT by August 11th. They actually hiked up from the road to the shelter (one of their favorites) with Dunkin Donuts, ice cream, cones, and watermelon. Yum!