morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Campsite at Nicholson Hollow Trail Jct.

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: few clouds

It was off to a good start this morning after a super night's sleep. Once the deer departed, the woods were quiet. The air temperature proved very conducive to sleeping and I felt full of vigor for our 17-18 miles today.An hour's walk brought us to Panorama Picnic Area and Shelter. Even though "camping is not allowed", for a while last evening I thought we'd be spending the night here as we weren't spotting anywhere to set up our tents in the woods. We'd have laid out our pads and bags on the ground or on a picnic table if necessary and then have hoped for a dry night. But that proved unnecessary for us. However, T, Baby Blue, Rally, and Matt did put their feet down at this locale, tents and all. The ranger came through as we paused there this morning, checked our SNP permits and then spotted the others. Fortunately though, their tents were packed; they were nearly ready to move out. Whether the ranger knew and let it go, or simply had no proof and thus no choice I don't know. I must say that thru-hikers are the least probable to break the rules, leave a mess, destroy or harm the environment. When the sun is set we need to stop walking. I'm certain there were no signs of an overnight stay when they left the area. We leapfrogged with them most of the day, all of us wanting to reach Elkwallow Gap Wayside before the grille closed at 5:30. We succeeded. Once again food (this time blackberry milkshakes) served to be a grand motivater!Thinking we'd travel only .8 mile further to an area with a cabin we lollygagged for an hour and a half. Unfortunately, we found the cabin occupied, rented out for a week to a family. We were welcome to stay in the area but we would hve been in their view and in a grassy, sloping area. So Ursa Minor and I moved on feeling confident we'd find a good stealth site soon.We were wrong. We traversed a ridge giving us spectacular views of the valley below and the terrain was flat and easy, fortunately. As the sun was setting my hiking tempo increased but I still enjoyed the dash to this shelter. We passed one signpost reading "launch area 100 feet". I presume this is an area used by paragliders. With the winds picking up and the sky becoming overcast we kept on trucking. The unintended additional 5.7 miles and 2-1/2 hours brought us to this shelter at 9:00 with just enough daylight remaining to find our way. There are three or four in the shelter. After a zero day, Pacemaker was dropped off at a parking area 3.5 miles back and found his way here just a tad before we arrived. We are happy to have made it with no major aches or pains. Tomorrow¢s miles to Front Royal are a mere 13.6 so we'll be in no rush to get up and out of camp. Larry and Judy are set to pick us up at 7 p.m.Today is the summer solstice. It was perfect timing to have it occur on our longest mileage day; we needed every minute of daylight today! Traditionally, June 21st is officially "Hike Naked Day" on the AT ......... Don¢t ask!
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Home of Larry and Judy - Delray, WV
Miles today: 13.4

It was a lazy start this morning. We arose at our leisure and were nearly the last to leave camp. Only Pacemaker remained. What a great surprise to see Blue come up to the shelter from the tentsites. We hadn't seen her for quite a while. She joined us for our day's hike, her companionship and conversation very welcomed. My mantra out here has become "the Lord will provide" or "the Universe is perfect". Both were applicable today. I had phoned Larry and Judy from Elkwallow yesterday and given them our estimated rendezvous time of 7 p.m. Added mileage last evening changed that scenario. It was yet another Godsend to see Blue as she carries a cellphone! So I was able to reach my dear friends and bump the pick-up time to 4:00.Two minutes after talking with Judy and telling her we weren't in rain, the skies opened up and we got swamped! After an hour or so it stopped. We were drenched but right on schedule; we walked out of the woods precisely at 4:00.They met us with chardonay in hand to celebrate immediately completion of 954.7 miles. We sit here now in their lovely home in the mountains of West Virginia looking forward to soft beds, laundry, non-trail cuisine, showers and a hot tub!! We are blessed.
Date: 2004-06-23
From: Home of Larry & Judy Haase, Delray, WVA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Words are inadequate to express properly our gratitude to those who give us so much as we travel on this somewhat outlandish journey. This evening I gave to Larry and Judy the one gift I possess, a little after-dinner piano music. It was rather rough and clumsy, but they didn't go running out with hands over their ears, so I guess it was tolerable.Ursa Minor and I whittled the day away in a very leisurely fashion. I sorted some journal pages and picture documentation, made a couple phone calls, ate, and soaked in the hot tub. Tonight we enjoyed the delightful company of neighbors Jan and Ernie over an excellent evening meal. It will be difficult to leave tomorrow. There's such warmth and beauty, peacefulness and love here. But for another 14 weeks and 1200 miles our job is walking. We are right on schedule for summiting at the end of six months. At 13 miles per day we can take a zero day every other week. At 14 miles per day we can zero once a week. Up until New Hampshire where the toughest mountain climbing resumes, such daily mileage should not be a problem. However that can well change and we may be struggling to pump out 10 or 12 daily miles. So we don't dare get too comfortable, just say our misty goodbyes and stay on task.Every person, every encounter, each bit of trail magic becomes a treasured memory in my heart. I shall never forget and I never will be able to repay my indebtedness to all. But be assured all of you are in my daily prayers and when this trek is ended, when I remember, I shall smile. God's blessings to all.
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Home of Larry and Judy - Delray, WV

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: few clouds

Goodbyes are very difficult, especially after the host and hostess have treated us so well and shared so generously with us their home and love. Larry and Judy, brother and sister-in-law of my dear friend Pamela Haase, contacted me a couple years ago when they learned I was going to be out here. They offered to pick me up, open their home to me for as long as I cared to stay, and return me to the trail. From the moment I took my first step on the AT, I've been looking forward to this landmark in time. For me Front Royal, VA has been a major goal and the emotional halfway point. (In actuality Harpers Ferry, WV, 50 miles from here, holds the honor for most thru-hikers. (We'll be there Monday.) Three months ago it seemed so far away ~~ I guess it was ..... 954 miles to be exact! I knew that I had to get at least this far regardless of any hazards or impediments. After all, there was a chilled bottle of chardonay waiting for me beside the Steinway!So I made it! The wine was enjoyed and the Steinway was subjected to my noodle fingers. The hospitality was exceptional. Judy's talent and finesse in the kitchen was extraordinary, and the warmth and kindness extended to us will never be forgotten. The hot tub wasn't too shabby either!And so, goodbyes are very difficult. After a quick stop at the outfitters, we parted ways at 5 p.m. They headed back 65 miles to their lovely home in West Virginia and we to our lovely tents here on the AT. After two days of being pampered I'm filled with contentment, relaxed, and ready to resume my journey.Thank you Larry and Judy; greetings to Jan and Ernie and Postmistress Debbie. You are loved and we are blessed.A short two-hour hike, 5.2 miles, brought us to this very nice shelter. There's actually a porch with a garden-type bench, a separate pavilion with picnic table, and a shower!! There were episodes of MASH on TV, which showed this type of configuration: the water barrel above, partial wooden walls comprising the enclosure, and a chain to pull to release the water. True -- it's cold but it's a shower nonetheless. It must be one-of-a-kind out here.In camp with us tonight are Rob and Radio. Red came running in for a short stay. His companion, Powderfinger, had to leave the trail because of tendonitis in her feet. Red has been staying at an organic farm about two miles from here, doing some farm work and gorging on fresh veggies. Lucky boy! I understand T is camped out at a hostel close by, tending to a very sore shin. Ursa Minor and I must take this news to heart and remember to pace ourselves during the day and keep our daily miles manageable. We do not want to be amongst the 90% who are unable to finish. These nearly two days' rest were beneficial; we must continue to hike smart.Before I close this episode of journalizing, I've a little advice for my fellow hikers: don't squat over an anthill. It gives a whole new reality kick to the phrase "got ants in your pants?".
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

If ever we've had an uneventful, run-of-the-mill, quasi-boring day, today was it. Last night's short hike from the southern to northern boundaries of the National Zoological Park was gorgeous with lush growth and a wide path. Today we walked through lush growth also, but it was more weedy and overgrown onto the trail. Although it didn't rain enough to have to don rain gear, it was sufficient to saturate the trail and the greenery alongside. Our boots are soaked. The temp was up, the humidity was high and, had the sun been beating down on us, it could have been a miserable day. But the sky stayed overcast.Our anticipated mileage was 15-16 miles, but we passed what we thought looked like a bit of a seedy character. Of course, out here we all look a bit seedy! But we followed our gut reaction and intuition and decided to tool on to the shelter versus camping alone along the trail. Froggie Pete thought us wise and slowed his pace to "escort" us. Thank you for your thoughtfulness Froggie! The three of us are camped a short distance from the shelter; six hikers are using the shelter.Supper consumed, bear bags hung, sore muscles massaged, and we're calling it an end. Tomorrow we attack a 13.5-mile section called "The Roller Coaster". Gosh, I can hardly wait ..... ugh! (Pushing Up Daisies: saw your note to me from a month ago at Jim and Molly Denton Shelter! What a surprise -- you still out here??)
Date: 2004-06-26
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

"You are entering the 13-1/2 mile Roller Coaster section of the AT. Enjoy the ride. See you at Blackburn AT Center .... if you survive!"Such was our welcome to the day's hike. There were 10 hills; that means 10 climbs and 10 descents. We were feeling pretty smug and cocky on #'s one through eight, thinking the infamous Roller Coaster simply didn't live up to its reputation. Then came # nine and # ten. I haven't seen so many false summits since the Smokies. There was a huge reward in the midst of the final two miles though ~ the VA/WV state line!! Four states completed, 10 to go. We were in Virginia for 535 miles.Beyond the 13-1/2 miles of ups and downs we enjoyed flat terrain, giving us a quick direct route to Blackburn AT Center and Hostel just in time for the 7:30 dinner bell. Salad, garlic bread, spaghetti and brownies smothered in peanut butter frosting awaited us. Food is always a powerful motivater. Paradox and Froggie Pete were our pleasurable hiking partners today. Here tonight in addition to the four of us: Aswah, Daytripper and cousin, Radio, Statler and Waldorf, Alistair and Adam from Scotland, and another unidentified couple. We rolled out our pads and bags and slept on the screened-in porch. A most delightful evening ended at 10 p.m. with "lights out" as dictated by caretakers Bill and Trail Boss. Great place! Thanks ATC.
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Hilltop House Hotel - Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

And here we are -- the psychological halfway point for AT thru-hikers. Today we walked over the "Congradulations 1000 mile" rock. Regardless of the mis-spelling, we whooped and hollered and celebrated with the token photo opportunity. Nine miles further we repeated the celebration as we crossed the Shenandoah River entering Harpers Ferry, WV. First stop: the AT Conference Headquarters where we each had a Polaroid picture taken to be included in the photo album of the Class of 2004. I'm # 461. My maildrops have not yet arrived at the outfitters so we may be forced to re-evaluate our departure tomorrow. Meanwhile, next business: food. We toasted our hiking progress with glasses of beer as we waited for our to-go sandwich order. Hotel, showers, phone calls, all-you-can-eat buffet in the hotel restaurant brings us to the 10 p.m. hour once again.This evening I've been jarred back into reality and the reassessment of life's priorities. I learned tonight of the death of my beautiful 22-year-old niece Ashley, a victim of cystic fibrosis. She had been suffering greatly from complications of the disease and lived a full, active life in spite of it. Ashley and her family are the epitome of courage and bravery. I shall walk the month of July in her honor and celebration of her life. A second phone call this evening informed me of the surgery and hospitalization of my dear friend Ann. In spite of the serious nature of the illness she is home and doing well.And, of course, bad news comes in three's. Although now a month past, I was just told about Pastor Gary and Mary Sue Drier's daughter's car accident and the serious injuries suffered. I'm relieved to know she is in recovery.I am often in major discomfort with sporadic aches and pains in my feet, ankles, legs and knees. But I'm doing this to myself -- voluntarily! I am not the victim of circumstances, or of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was not born with a hereditary illness. I am no one's hero nor am I exceptionally brave or courageous. I've embarked upon an adventure replete with physical and emotional challenges, but it's a very safe journey with minimal calculated risks. It's the Ashleys and Anns and Driers and Pamelas, the Walls, the ill, the homeless and the downtrodden who have my greatest respect and empathy. I keep you all in my prayers and ask that all who pray for my welfare include you in their prayers and spiritual consciousness as well.
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Hilltop House Hotel, Harpers Ferry

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As I expected, we were forced to take an unplanned zero today. It was nearly noon before we received our maildrops. By then I had committed to a second night here. Aw shucks!Momma's Boy re-entered our world, having just returned to the trail after a brief period of time with family and friends. The four of us, Momma's Boy, Froggie Pete, Ursa Minor and I, made the most of the day. We lunched at Mountain House Cafe (portabello mushroom salad), stopped by a coffee shop (iced turtle cappuccino and biscotti), and paused at a deli (mocha ice cream cone). Our evening meal was the AYCE buffet in the hotel restaurant. Oh, we did do some trail business today too: small resupply at the outfitters, sorted through maildrops, and did laundry.About 6 p.m. Rooney Tunes showed up. We made a spot for him for the night and enjoyed his company as well. He entertained us as he attempted and eventually succeeded to create a new Pepsi can stove.The guys are zonked out; Ursa Minor and I have stayed awake until a TV movie's end and now it's time to sleep and prepare ourselves mentally for returning to our task -- walking to Maine.I've chosen my New Balance all-terrain shoes as my footwear for the next 120 miles. The feet feel great tonight after walking in town in them all day. We'll see how they feel on the trail tomorrow. Fingers are crossed as my boots are being bumped forward to Duncannon, PA. This is risky but it's worth a try. My boots will never last another 1200 miles anyway.Lights out -- 'nite.
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Hilltop House Hotel - Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: few clouds

Happy Birthday Clayton!UPS just made some money off us today. Having had bad luck with two packages through USPS, we decided to give our business to UPS, especially since we are coming up on the July 4th weekend. My boots went out so my New Balance had better work.We lollygagged out of Harpers Ferry enjoying the touristry features as we walked. It was uncertain how far we'd go today but Jovo, Thumper, George the Ox and wife Cheryl settled it for us. At Gathland State Park they had set up some terrific trail magic. An hour and a half later, after gorging ourselves on great goodies and marvelous conversation, we finally got back on the trail. A short .4 of a mile later we ended our day.
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Higher mileage today to make up for yesterday's low miles. It all averages out in the end. It truly has been a marvelous day. The bottom of the feet and toes are always tingling but I've no aches or pains anywhere else. Perhaps the worst in the injury department is behind me. The Dahlgren Backpack Campground 6.8 miles into our day provided us with a place for rest and a source of fresh water. Showers were also available but we felt it a futile effort with 13 miles still to go. Besides, we had our weekly shower in Harpers Ferry just yesterday morning!Two more miles of hiking brought us to the Washington Monument -- the first one: circa 1827. Although not a structure of beauty, it stands stoic and proud as a tribute to the contributions of George Washington, our first president and Father of America. It also provided us with a superb view of the valley below and a pleasant location for lunch. Aswah and Daytripper appeared and entertained us briefly in their usual witty manner.Onward to Annapolis Rocks, .2 of a mile off the AT but well worth the diversion. No, Annapolis was not in view but the vista was spectacular and we engaged in the requisite Kodak shoot which such moments inspire. We had an option to stop at Pogo Memorial Campsite five miles back but rejected the early end, pushing on to this shelter.
Date: 2004-07-01
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

It's a beeline to Pennsylvania! This puts behind us six states, eight to go. West Virginia and Maryland hardly count I suppose but it feels so good to be checking them off.Pen-Mar Park is a bustling place on weekends, quite a large and lovely park with picnic pavilions and its own expansive vista across Maryland and Pennsylvania. Today was a bit hazy but our delivered pizza tasted marvelous even without a spectacular view! After the elongated lunch break we moved northward.I'm very bummed right now. Somehow overnight my camera decided it had enough of the trail and has refused to operate today. I've an extra fully-charged battery but that couldn't coax it into operation. So I've no idea what's wrong or the best way to remedy the situation. My concentration on this has been all-consuming since the discovery of the malfunction at Pen-Mar Park. We will be in Fayetteville tomorrow. I'll deal with this problem then.
Date: 2004-07-03
From: Rite Spot Motel - Fayetteville, PA

To: Ironmasters Hostel - Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Blessings and gratitude to Anil, proprietor of the Rite Spot Motel, for awaking early and getting us back on the trail by 8 a.m. We were headed for Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 20 miles up the trail. I've had a few mileage landmarks I was anxious to reach since I began my hike. Firstly, it was Larry and Judy Haase's pick-up at Front Royal, VA. Then we crossed the 1000-mile rock. Harpers Ferry is considered the emotional halfway but today was the real honest-to-goodness halfway point on this journey.....time for celebration. Traditionally, a thru-hiker attacks the half-gallon challenge. That's a half-gallon of ice cream. Today's winners were Froggie Pete (third year in a row), Hank, Chef, and Ursa Minor! Losers were Blue and Swan. Blue came close, Swan said "no way!"   Someone in the group has to exercise self-control and be the epitome of maturity. So I nominated myself as the "designated abstainer of gluttony" and I'm feeling great at 10 p.m. I know of at least one person who is still very uncomfortable. Today was a walk in the park -- the easiest, flattest, softest, widest section of the AT we've traversed. The 20 miles was done in record time as I was clocking 3.2 miles per hour without any effort whatsoever. Potentially it could have been a much higher mileage day, but why continue when there's this glorious hostel begging us to come in for the night? The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. We were just given a mini tour of the basement area, a myriad of rooms interlocked with small passageways eventually leading to the outdoors. This was part of the underground railway in use during the slavery abolition era and is pretty astounding to see. 'Tis a sad expression of man's horrid capability to inflict pain and injustice upon other members of the human race. Sometimes I believe we are the most barbaric, inhumane, and insane species on this planet. I pray the day will come when we all can let go of our fears and learn to love, cherish, and respect all of life, especially our sisters and brothers of every race, religion and nationality. When are we going to wake up?The night is cool. We had hoped to be in the campground but it is full. So we were forced to sleep indoors on soft beds with pillows, take a shower, and write and read by lamplight instead of headlamp. Truth be told, I'd really rather be in my tent. But I still have 1087 miles and many camping opportunities between here and Maine. So I'll suffer and sleep indoors tonight. At least I chose a bed by an open window so I can see the night sky.