morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-02
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 16.6

What a glorious day....we really are so lucky with this weather. We slept good last night but lots of dew on the tent. We got a call from Major Clean and Sweep this morning. They have made the decision to leave the trail. Major's knees are full of titanium and his knees were really starting to give him problems. They're an awesome couple that are so much fun....we will miss them. They are going home to their two adorable dogs. They are also planning a cruise (sigh), and looking forward to jumping in their RV. They loved the AT and I'm sure they'll be doing lots of section hikes. We're already planning a Damascus reunion.Hobo and I stopped after 4 hours of hiking. We had some lunch and dried out our tents. Hobo had to get on the phone and talk to a MSR representative. Her tent poles have broken in three places. It's a big defect and there have been other hikers with the same problem. We also celebrated reaching 700 miles!! It really is not a grind, we're having a blast.We reached McAfee Knob. It's one of the most photographed places on the AT. I'm glad it was a Monday, it wasn't that crowded. It was so great getting my picture taken at such a landmark, and it was perfect weather for it. This guy took off his clothes for his photo....hey, hike your own hole. I say hike your own hole instead of hike your own hike. I had an auto correct error in one of my first journal entries and I couldn't fix it.... so it's my saying now! Hobo and I got a little off the trail at Tinker Cliffs (not on purpose). It was 7:20 and I was getting concerned and a white blaze popped up. I was SO happy to see it! We did see a gorgeous deer, she allowed us to get very close to her. We arrived at the campsite at 8:00...a 12 hour day! We shared a Mountain House Beef Stew and called it a day. The owls were screeching and early in the morning the birds were deafening...a really cool campsite.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Lamberts Meadow Campsite

To: Super 8, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.0

We were hiking by 7:15. We hiked 9 miles....talking excessively about what we'll be ordering at Wendy's. I ended up eating a chicken/bacon sandwich, fries, lemonade, frosty, and a cashew salad. Honestly, I wasn't even full! When we were almost ready to walk into the town, I could hear the cars whizzing and I got a little scared! It's a bit overwhelming!! We're staying at a Super 8 in Daleville, VA. To us it's like a palace!   Ahh, I'm sipping on a Yuengling. Someone had left them in the bushes right as you get into town, the trail magic continues! They say the trail gives you what you need!!! Big decisions here, what's for dinner..Three Lil' Pigs, Bojangles, Little Caesars, Pizza Hut, or Rancho Viejo!! Check out my get the laundry done outfit!
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Super 8, Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek campsite
Miles today: 11.0

After a great breakfast, we went grocery shopping. It's a challenge to buy the correct amount of food to last five days. But we did just great. I love buying tomatoes, grapes and hard cheeses. We eat so good our first days after resupplying. We saw Groundhog at the store and he warned us to not come too close. He and his wife had been sick....vomiting and diahera. As the day progressed we heard that five other people had been sick too. We decided to stop right before the shelter to avoid any germs. On our way out of Daleville, we walked right into the railroad tracks. We just missed a train! We walked 11miles. At mile 10, we had a thunderstorm and all our nice clean and dry clothes got soaked (sigh) oh well!
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Wilson Creek campsite

To: Jennings creek campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Yup, we had quite a thunderstorm last night. I just had a little bit of water seeping in from the bottom, thank goodness. We were hiking by 7:15. Earnhardt and Rambler talked with us as we dried our tents during our 10:00 Cheetos break. We heard a fellow thru-hiker was hiking at night and a huge moth flew into his ear and got stuck! The kid ended up in the emergency room. I want to night hike--but moth in ear, yikes! We also heard of more people being sick--Norovirus has been mentioned but I'm not sure for certain if that is what it is. I do know, Hobo and I are avoiding shelters and privies. We then bumped into Catnip and Wheels. Catnip is nursing a stress fracture so she decided to show her dad what a shelter looks like and to hand out trail magic. I hope they don't get sick! Hobo and I plunked down right there after receiving our magic--Coors Summer Brew, oranges, apples, Dr. Pepper, and a Honey Bun. It was then time to get moving! We got to the Jennings Creek Campground before the snack bar closed. The owner's sons delivered our meal by golf cart---they came screeching up! We put our tents up, got an ice cream, swam in the pool (ahhh), put clothes in the dryer, took showers and powered our phones. It was fantastic! Also, Hobo picked up her replacement poles for her peppermint patty (tent). Fun day--gorgeous weather. The fireflies put on quite a show right outside my tent! Oh, you constantly have to keep your eyes glued to the ground while you hike or you'll trip, so things spotted today were 1 box turtle, 2 big black snakes, red lizards and 11cents!
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Jennings creek campsite

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up at our usual 6:00. Susan, owner of the campground, was whipping up French toast and egg biscuits.Hobo decided to have 3 chocolate milks with breakfast, she doesn't recommend it! We had a steep climb right away and she was feeling it. I was tired too so we gave ourselves Friday afternoon off. Hobo napped and I ate 2 bags of goldfish and pawed through my pack! We had Mac and cheese for dinner, tortilla wraps with hard cheese, apple and Fritos! Gin rummy tonight--wish me luck.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

7:15 up and out! We walked for 11 hours today and got 17.7 miles in. We went up Apple Orchard Mountain and we saw the FAA tower. It looked like Epcot! Then we came to the Guillotine and pretended the boulder was going to get loose. When we stopped for snack the flies were really bad...we didn't linger. We arrived at the campground right before Matts Creek shelter and made Asian noodles, we dumped a lot of bacon bits in it. I am not a 'foodie' at home, I basically eat whatever my husband makes for me. I guess I must really have the hiker hunger now....I'm thinking and writing a lot about food!! I found one tick on me and Hobo found two on her. None of the ticks had burrowed in but we're being extra cautious. Never a dull moment!
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.7

We loved this morning's hike along the James River. When we came to the longest foot-use-only bridge on the AT, we remembered that this is the bridge that thru-hikers have made it a tradition to jump off of. But we were the only ones there and we weren't quite sure where to jump off! Anyhow, I had just powdered my feet! We moved on. Hobo and I have only been seeing occasional section/day hikers lately. No thru hikers to be seen--we're all spread out now. So many are planning aqua-blazing in the Shenandoahs --that means they skip about 80 miles walking. Last week we saw a lot of hikers slack packing; they only carry a small pack with water and food, that helps them really move along. One woman who was slack packing, was moving so fast and her stride changed considerably that she ended up injured. Hobo and I have decided to keep it simple. We're not flip flopping when the terrain looks better going the other way and for now we're keeping our full packs with us---it's working so we're staying with it---hike your own hole! Someone asked me what my favorite part of this journey has been for me....it's meeting new hikers and trail angels and feeling a true sense of accomplishment. I'm also loving the time that I have to reflect on loved ones and friends that I have made in my past. I really enjoy reading your remarks in the guest book. Whenever I can, I sneak a peek, it makes me smile. It also keeps me motivated to keep my journal current because it starts to feel like dreaded homework at times! If you have my telephone #, send me a text or feel free to send an email. I'll never forget spring/summer of 2014!
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.6

The wind was incredible last night but it didn't rain. When I woke up this morning it looked like I had had a big party in my tent last night. I had pink ear plugs all strewn around. The plugs tend to slip out and then I just get a new one instead of searching for the misplaced ones. Also, there was white powder everywhere. It looked like I rolled in those yummy white powdered donuts. It was medicated foot balm. I had forgotten that it was MEDICATED...and decided to powder in all places---not a good idea. The day before, Hobo had really kneade in icy hot cream--she had quite a burn on her ankle. We're going to have to start reading labels! Somehow we managed to get 17.6 miles in. Hobo was chatting it up with some local hikers and had heard about The Three Springs Hostel. We had a great time there. It really had the feel of a B &B. Nancy, the owner, was so nice. She's only been open for 7 months. We called and within 10 minutes she was whisking us off the trail and bringing us to her unique home. She can handle 8 hikers but Hobo and I were the only ones there. We did laundry, took hot showers, used soft toilet paper, resupplied in Buena Vista. I had to wear my rain coat and pajama bottoms shopping at Food Lion! Hobo had boxers on from the hiker box! Oh, we hit the 800 mike mark......we've got this!
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: the Priest Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

We slept well at the Three Springs Hostel. Breakfast was delicious. It started with Greek yogurt/fruit/granola, pancakes and bacon! We then walked around Nancy and Marsha's property and checked out the spring house. We then worked on our trail journals and hit the road. Nancy had us back on the trail by 10:45. Hobo had a great big bag of Cheetos strapped on to her pack and I had kettle chips. We walked in glorious weather . Last night a bad storm with soaking rains had moved in, we were so happy that we made the decision to stay at the Hostel. 5 miles down the road was some awesome trail magic; with loads of candy bars. It's 11:00 pm right now, I'm definitely on a sugar high. We bumped into Survivor, Bamboo and Gotta Go. We all had heard that if you make it to Harpers Ferry before July 4th, you have a great chance to reach Katahdin, Maine before they close down for the winter. Things seem to be moving along nicely, hope I just didn't jinx myself!
Date: 2014-06-11
From: the Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Two hours after finishing yesterday's trail journal, Hobo's phone alerted us to a tornado warning. There was a mean thunderstorm happening but I was so tired, I just jammed my ear plugs in deeper to drown out all the noise. We were up at 5:30 and were ready to hike by 6:30. The first thing we did was go to the shelter. We were staying at the Priest Shelter. Hikers write about the sins that they've committed during their thru-hike. We were laughing so hard reading them. PeterPan's confession really made me laugh. He said that by accident he peed on his dog and shortly after that 3 section hikers came by and started petting his dog and he didn't say anything. Hobo and I had plenty to confess to but our pen was packed and it was time to hike. We saw a lot of hikers from the Youth Ministries. They're wonderful people. Pops shared strawberries, bananas, pickles, and donuts with us. He even took our trash. He is one if the coordinators for the ministry. Three Ridge Mountain was a bear to get up and over. Hobo and I planned to get more miles in today but we were beat. We had fluff and peanut butter sandwiches for dinner with trail mix for dessert. We played rummy. It is really storming right now. Got to pee, but don't want to get out of the tent!
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Maupin Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Up and out in our usual early fashion. Our packs felt heavier because our tents were pretty wet. Unfortunately, there was no sun or wind to dry them during the day either. Pops, with YWAM (youth with a mission), gave us serious magic before we went up Humpback Mountain; Oreos double stuffed and watermelon. We took it really leisurely today and still got in a little over 15 miles. We stopped to chat, stopped for photo ops, stopped for iPhone breaks, stopped for snacks on and on!! We enjoyed talking to Mad scientist andher dad, Popcorn. She only has her student teaching left to do, she's going to make a great middle school science teacher. They made me think of my Dad and how I would have loved to have hiked the AT with him.
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Paul C. Wolfe shelter

To: Quality Inn, Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.2

We were the first ones up and out today. We broke all the spider webs! I had my music blasting because I knew that I was going into town and that I could run down my battery! Thanks, Laurie, for downloading all that music. We only had 5.4 miles until we hit Waynesboro, VA. On the way down we saw an old chimney where cabin ruins were. We arrived in town and there was Jeboots (Nancy Frey) our trail angel. I met Jeboots in February when I hiked the Ocean to Lake Trail. She has been following my journal and decided to take some time off from work and join us hiking through the Shenandoahs. She is so cool and has told us that she does not want to slow us down. If Hobo and I are moving faster, she knows that we have to go! She arrived in Waynesboro a couple of days ago so she has been an angel to many! She knows this town like the back of her hand! Jeboots (retired Air Force) insisted on paying for our room---extremely generous. We then went to Weezies for an incredible breakfast. Jeboots then introduced us to a hiker named Cozy(retired FL police detective). Cozy helped me with the laundry and then helped me pick out a new outfit at the outfitters!!! I know, I know, you'll miss that green shirt of mine!! My shorts were really starting to get stretched out, I looked like Erkle with them jacked up! We finished the day at Ruby Tuesdays for salad bar and Rum Relaxers. But poor HoboNobo couldn't join us, she has an awful ear ache. I brought food home for her. I hope she feels much better in the morning. Talk about feeling safe....I'm hanging with retired navy, Air Force and police detective!
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Quality Inn, Waynesboro

To: Quality Inn, Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a zero day. Hobo still is not feeling better. When we arrived in Waynesboro, we noticed that posted was a list of trail angels. We called the first angel on the list, Miss Lady. She brought us to the EmergiCare. She told us to call her when we were done....she wouldn't accept any money. Hobo tested negative for strep. They gave her a z pack and said it was asinus infection. Poor Hobo is just not herself. I don't know if she'll be able to hike tomorrow. She did rally for a burger (but couldn't eat the whole thing, and had trouble swallowing). We enjoyed Little Bits and Oregon's company at dinner. Then Hobo treated us all for ice cream.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Quality Inn, Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut Shelter
Miles today: 20.5

Hobo could not hike this morning. She insisted that I should take off. As you could imagine, it was really sad. My confidence was shakey....I felt like I was back on Springer Mountain. I went to the Lobby and was eating the free breakfast and Dragonfly came in. She and Freckles are doing great. Rich, Freckles' husband, gave me a lift back to the trail. I pushed hard and got to the shelter by 6:45. I saw a huge deer and some cute bunnies. Lots of excitement at the shelter when I arrived. There was a bear behind the privy...yikes and at the same time Moonshine and Smartie candies trail magic were being delivered. Kind of a weird combination, I only chose to partake in one magic, which do you think? There was also a great group of teachers out for the week. Their husbands were driving support vehicles and they were having a blast. It was great catching up to Jeboots and Cozy. Dos and Sunsplash were there too. Sunsplash is hiking for Lyme Disease Awareness....she was very knowledgeable. She met Hobo at the beginning of her hike and she also knew Sweep and Major (miss those guys).
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Blackrock Hut Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: light rain

Jeboots and I shoved off at 8:00...don't tell Hobo, I was sleeping in! We walked at an enjoyable pace and took pictures of the Blackrock area. Loads of boulders as far as the eye could see, glad we didn't have to climb over them. We only walked a little over 6 miles to a campground. Our pace quickened when we saw a massive bear poop on the trail. We (Cozy, Jeboots, Dos, Sunsplash) got silly on the .3 walk down to the camp-store and Rambler took our picture. He's a great guy; Rambler and I walked into the Smokeys together and hiked out of the Smokeys together. We all sat on the steps and had some beers. I heard from Hobo. She had to go to the emergency room. She has an abscess on her tonsil. She needed an IV for dehydration. I tried to cheer her up and told her maybe it could be worse, a thru hiker was just bitten by a skunk and had to start all his rabie shots. A skunk...just so bizarre, you just never know what the day will bring. We're trying to figure out where and when Hobosicko and I can meet up and continue our awesome hiker partnership. Get well soon Hobo, you are missed by all (especially me). Oh, I wandered down to the bathroom and met this wonderful family from Chicago! They tracked me down( omg, they said they could hear my voice!) and brought the group steamed vegetables!!!! Yum!!
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

I was on my way by 7:30. Jeboots got a bit of a head start. Dos, Jeboots, Sunsplash and Cozy stopped at the Loft Mtn. Wayside Restaurant for eats. I wasn't paying attention and whipped right by. I saw a huge black snake, it looked like a garden hose. I couldn't tell which end was his mouth. I decided to leap over...yikes. Not far from there was a mother and baby deer...it was precious. They didn't mind I was there. The baby was getting milk from Mom. I needed to pass so I scooted sideways with my poles ready for action. I must have looked pretty foolish. Next, I went to the Ranger's Station for water. A bunch of Boy Scouts were there. They gave me quite a bit of food. Their trip comes to an end tomorrow....I scored some great goodies. I ate the Mountain House Lasagne tonight, that was one of the handouts. I made it to the shelter close to 6:00. It's crowded here. You can tell it's getting close to summer. I heard of more friends that are off the trail. Tomorrow I plan to hike my longest day....hope all goes well. Check out the picture of the sign I passed. It said that I walked 2 million steps to get there and that I have three million to go to get to Katahdin! Alrighty then, I guess I'll continue walking. I got spooked that there was a bear near so I screamed/sang Mary had a little lamb while I puffed up the hill!
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: few clouds

Today was Jeboot's last day on the trail. She enjoyed the experience but felt as if it was time to leave. Sunsplash had dog sitting issues so she's on her way home. Dos blazed ahead to Harpers Ferry and will hike north. Cozy is a faster hiker than me but I do more miles so....I hiked alone. I was so excited to hit the 900 mile mark a half an hour into my hike. I only took a total of 70 minutes for breaks/water resupply. I was out hiking for 12 1/2 hours. 11 hours into the hike I passed Big Meadows Campground. Their tents looked like mansions compared to my green weenie Seedhouse1! The smell of charcoal and burgers was so powerful....I hiked on. I was ready to take a left down the path that led to the hut (in the Shenandoah's they call shelters huts) when I saw a bear. I thought... Oh great, I ain't got time for this! I blew my whistle...sorry, Coffee, I know you were dying to blow your whithle (he wore it around his neck and mentioned that he really wanted to blow it!) The bear looked up with a what's up ass**** look and walked slowly down the hill...towards my campground! I was so happy to see Ireland laying in his hammock. He grabbed his harmonica and started playing because he heard that the bears don't like it. It didn't work, the bear did not want to leave. In the following hour 2 guys and another bear and a buck showed up. Bud said that I could put my tent near him ...I was at a wicked angle but I didn't care. I got up to pee in the middle of the night (actually it was only 11:30 and I unzipped my tent and 20 feet away from my tent were 6 green eyes! We stared at each other, I peed and jumped back in the tent and shoved my earplugs in deeper! Crazy!!!!! Yup, I wanted an adventure!
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

I got up and walked down to the shelter, only Train was there and it took me 10 minutes to discover that he was nude as he was mending his pants at the picnic table....what can I say..rough nite!Off I went to the Skyland Resort and Restaurant. They have a $9 all you can eat breakfast buffet. Also, my tennis pal, Peggy, left a treat for me there. I flew down the hill and spent a little time at the Skyland Stables. The sign said no feeding/petting the horses, they kept getting closer and closer to me, it was hard for me to keep my distance. I was biting into my 6th piece of French toast and I looked up and there was HoboNobo! She tracked me down! It was fantastic to see her. She will hike some and yellow blaze(hitchhike) until we get out of the Shenandoah's. She should be off most of her meds by then. We had a great time catching up. Then I retrieved Peggy's magic..she put goodies in a tennis can! She had been visiting the park the week before and thought of me!
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Hobo and I were up fairly early and headed for the Elkwallow Wayside. On our way there a bear was in the middle of the path. We clicked our hiking poles and told it to move...and it did!! I took out all my belongings and dried everything in the sun. Bud, Ireland, Floss, The Maine Sisters, Train, J-Rex , Sweet Tea were all there. I loved seeing what everyone purchased to eat...we are a hungry crowd! Hobo and I had fun taking pictures of ourselves in the phone booth...haven't seen one of those in awhile. Hobo did well hiking but was not quite up to hiking the total 13 miles in this humidity....but she's on her way, my partner's back!