morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Front Royal Hostel

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

My shin was kind of sore as I flexed it back and forth in my sleeping bag this morning, so I decided the right thing to do was to zero. By the time I got up and was moving around it felt good, and ultimately I couldn¢t see myself sitting around all day. When everyone went to re-supply with Mike, the hostel owner, I went also. I got packed up and ready to go. I left around 11:00 and as I headed out my pack felt heavy after not having it on for almost 24 hours. It also could be the fact that I re-supplied when I was hungry, which lead me to packing out a package of black & white double stuff Oreos, and a container of bakery chocolate chip cookies. They won¢t last long, so my pack should lighten quickly. I finally left Shenandoah National Park today, but that didn¢t mean the wildlife stopped. Within the first hour I came around a corner to see a deer come out of the woods and start down the trail. I¢d seen so many I figured I wouldn¢t bother to get a picture. Of course wouldn¢t you know, right behind mom was a little, wobbly, spotted fawn. I quickly reached for the camera, but they both trotted down the trail. I left the camera out and followed quietly. As luck would have it, they stayed right on the trail and I was able to get a good video of them looking at me then trotting away. I followed again, but when I caught up to mom the fawn was nowhere to be seen. It was just starting to rain so I packed my camera away and put on my pack cover. I¢ll just be happy with the short video I got, but it was nice to see them trotting around. I had just gotten my boots totally dry again, but that didn¢t last. It rained pretty hard and the trail was slippery, slimy, mud that covered my boots, legs, and kicked up everywhere. To top it off the poison ivy and poison oak was everywhere, hanging from the trees and nearly covering the trail. It was warm today so I didn¢t put on my rain jacket; the rain only lasted about 1 12 hours. But when the rain was finished the sun came out and the heat and humidity were awful. When I got to the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter I took a break. I would have liked to stay at this shelter as it has a deck complete with lounge chairs and a covered gazebo picnic table. I was feeling pretty good though, so I pushed on. I actually hurt more in other areas today, but I¢m not ready to call the shin healed, but it is a good sign. We¢ll see how it feels tomorrow. When I got to the shelter I found Breeze, Spoon, Padre, Downhill, Fuzzy Navel, and Tiger Lily already there and the shelter was looking pretty full, so I decided to tent nearby. I¢m sure I¢ll sleep better in my tent, but I might get rained on. I ate at the shelter and caught up on the latest trail gossip. I don¢t know if it was the heat and humidity, the heavy pack, or the hills today, but I¢m pretty tired. Maybe it is a combination of all, but what I do know is I¢m heading to bed early tonight. It is 9:20 now, so I guess it is time to hit the hay.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: clear sky

Of course it rained last night, not just a light shower, but another big thunder & lightning storm. I stayed dry from the rain, but everything is damp from the humidity and the fog in the air. When I got up I packed a wet tent and I was off about 7:15. It was warm and foggy and the trail was wet and muddy again. Where there was no mud there was tall grass and weeds to soak everything some more. Around 10:00 the sun came out, so then it was just hot & humid. I hiked fast feeling pretty good; stretching every time I took a break. After lunch today I entered what they call the "Roller Coaster". It is about a 13.5 mile stretch that has a continuous series of ups and downs. They did make you work up quite a sweat, but they aren't anything to fear. It was so humid today that the sweat was pouring off my forehead, nose, & chin. When you add all the mud on the trail from the rain we had lately it made for a sloppy day of hiking. My boots were caked with mud; consequently my legs were covered with mud. I raced a thunderstorm into the Sam Moore Shelter only to have it pass by, and when I arrived the sun was out. Everyone was there, and there was plenty of room in the shelter but I wasn't looking forward to a clammy night in my sleeping bag with the amount that I had sweat today. I had read in the guide that the Bear Den Hostel offered a hikers special - bunk, shower, laundry, pizza, soda, and Ben + Jerry's ice-cream. This all sounded good so I pushed another 3 miles on the roller coaster to the hostel. It had some tough climbs, but surprisingly after nearly 20 miles I still felt good. When I arrived I felt even better; this place is a don't miss. It's a stone castle built back in the depression. It is very clean and organized, and has a big upstairs community room where you can sit and relax. It is definitely the best hostel I've stayed in so far. Today was another 1% day, and I really feel good. I may push on to Harpers Ferry if I feel good in the morning. I'll definitely be going over the 1,000 mile mark tomorrow anyway.For those of you asking, Earl Grey has done over 1,100 miles as of today, June 4, 2011. - Mary
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Four days ago I was sitting with a couple of thru-hikers and a Shenandoah ridge runner having lunch at one of the waysides. The ridge runner said to us ¢you guys are in almost land.¢ Almost finished Shenandoah, almost finished Virginia, almost past 1,000 miles, and almost halfway. Well, I finished Shenandoah a couple of days ago, and today I broke 1,000 miles and left Virginia for good and moved on to West Virginia and Harpers Ferry. The Bears Den Hostel was great last night, but I was up early and hiking by 7:00 because I needed to get the almost 20 miles done by 5:00 because that is when the ATC Headquarters closes. I must say I was pretty excited when I came to the 1,000 mile blaze and even more excited as I approached town. Harpers Ferry, even though it is almost 90 miles shy of the true halfway point, is considered the psychological halfway point. When you arrive they take your picture and number it, this represents the number thru-hiker you are as you came through. I was # 164. When I left Amicalola State Park I was # 256 to sign in, so I¢ve moved up a little. I hiked into town with Breeze, who caught up to me about 1 12 miles out of town. When Breeze and I arrived Humdinger and Estero had just registered and Rocket and Spaceman arrived shortly thereafter. After we checked out all the photos of the hikers in front of us, rested, and looked around, Breeze, Humdinger, Estero, Humdingers sister and I all walked down to the outfitters to check some things out. Afterward we walked across the street to eat and have a couple of beers to celebrate. Bacon cheeseburgers and Oatmeal Stout were just what I needed. I checked into the Hostel across the street. It seems like a big accomplishment to be here, but now I must get down to business and start planning for the second half of the hike. I had hoped to be able to change out of my boots here, but they didn¢t have my size, so I¢ll just hike on tomorrow. For the next couple 100 miles re-supply doesn¢t seem that easy so I¢ll have to get creative. All in all it was a very good day, and I¢m starting to think I will overcome the odds and make it to the end.AlanWhen Alan calls I read him the latest guest book entries as he is not often at a computer. So he would like to thank all of you again for following along and for the nice entries in his guest book. I will add photos to the recent journal entries once I receive the next set of photos from him. That will be after he reaches Delaware Water Gap. - Mary
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

It is kind of strange, you work so hard and push to get to Harpers Ferry, and then once you get to Harpers Ferry it is like, what now? You realize you still have over 1,100 miles to go and you better get going. Unfortunately Harpers Ferry doesn¢t get going until 10:00, that¢s when everything opens. I was waiting at the outfitters at 10:00. After much hemming and hawing, I purchased a pair of trail runners and will see how they go. I needed to go to the post office to mail my boots and heavy socks home, so I didn¢t actually hit the trail until 11:45. It was very hot today, and the trail goes right through historic Harpers Ferry. Because there were so many tourists out it was both good and bad. I felt like a rock star walking through town. Everybody was asking questions about the trail; how far are you going, how far do you go each day, what do you eat, where do you sleep. It was definitely a big morale booster, but that first mile took a long time. Once I crossed the bridge I walked the towpath that runs along the old canal. It was nice, easy, flat, walking. It was fun to watch the hundreds of turtles in the old swampy canal water. With such a late start and it being so hot I wasn¢t sure how far I¢d go, but once I started the new shoes felt good. I got to the first shelter about 2:30 and took a late lunch. I saw Enzed had signed the log today, so I was hopeful I would run into her. I pushed on feeling good over nice, easy terrain passing through Gathland State Park. I finally got into the shelter about 7:30. As I arrived I heard several shouts of ¢Earl Grey¢. As I got closer I saw Breeze, Estero, Downhill, Fuzzy Navel, Tiger Lily, and Enzed. I wished Enzed a happy belated birthday and caught up with everyone about their time in Harpers Ferry. There was a big group of high school kids in the shelter so most of us decided to tent up on the hill. There is a breeze blowing and I don¢t think it will rain, so no fly on the tent tonight. Should make for great star gazing and a great night¢s sleep; another state down, West Virginia is done and I¢m well into Maryland.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: haze

I left camp early today because it was supposed to be so hot. I made it to Washington Monument State Park around 9:00. The guide at the museum was giving me the tour when Enzed arrived. We both went up the monument and took some pictures, then pretty much hiked together today. It was sure nice to have someone to talk to while we hiked. It was brutally hot and humid and the trail went through some wide open hay fields which were just oppressive. We didn¢t eat lunch until 2:30 and then we pushed on the final 5 miles arriving at the shelter about 4:30. The last mile was a steep uphill and it really took it out of me. The shelter is brand new and really nice, but the water is .3 miles back down the steep hill. Fortunately I got all settled in, ate dinner, and ready for the night before a huge thunder and lightning storm hit. Once again it brought hail, heavy rain, and wind. Hopefully the rain will cool things off and it will be nice tomorrow. I¢m not sure where Breeze, Estero, Downhill, Fuzzy Navel, and Tiger Lily are. They didn¢t make it to this shelter before the storm, but I think they may have been going into Smithsburg, MD for re-supply. I¢m going to try to re-supply in Waynesboro, PA tomorrow. According to the shelter log Mammoth took a zero day and he says he is going to slow down so people can catch up; we¢ll see. So far the trail runners are going good, no blisters, but they do feel quite different on your feet than the hiking boots.
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: few clouds

After the storm last night the air dried out, so I slept like a rock; the 20 mile day may have helped. After a quick breakfast of oatmeal and a double shot of tea we made the 5 miles to the road crossing to town quite quickly. My brother, his girlfriend Deb, and our longtime friend and co-worker came down by motorcycle for a trip and were going to try to catch up with me in town. I had told them the night before we would be going to Wal-Mart for re-supply and that would be a good place to meet. After just a short walk we were able to pick-up a hitch from a nice couple that stopped and were headed to Wal-Mart. It always helps to have a female hiker with you when you are hitching. When we arrived they were waiting, after a quick catch up on the latest events they watched our packs while we re-supplied. I got to chat with them for about an hour while we organized our supplies. It¢s Deb¢s birthday, so I know she didn¢t want to spend it talking to two smelly hikers, and we had some miles to go. We did joke about ¢hiker trash¢ meeting ¢biker trash¢. We parted ways, and as always it was good to see family and friends when you are so far from home. Thanks to all of them for making the extra effort to meet up with me on their trip south. Just as we were saying goodbye a guy in a pick-up truck stopped and asked if we needed a ride, of course we did, and he dropped us off right where we left the trail. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful except that I had a bloody nose, and by the time I realized it and stopped, got baby wipes out of my pack, and got the bleeding stopped it looked like something had been killed in the woods. I¢m sure until I got cleaned up 5 miles later at the park people I met were probably shocked to see me coming with blood smeared on my nose, moustache, and beard. We did cross the Mason-Dixon line today. Once at the shelter I got cleaned up, ate, and got ready for the night again. Another thunder storm rolled in again drenching everything, actually as I write this we are getting round two. The shelters here are very nice, and in fact we met the caretakers as they came by to check on things. They have two shelters; one has a sign ¢snorers¢ and the other ¢non-snorers¢. They also have two picnic tables, one covered. The floors are recently varnished, and there are two full clothes lines out back complete with clothes pins. It¢s only 8:30 but it¢s time for bed as there is talk of a big 25 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Tom's Run Shelter
Miles today: 25.8
Weather: light rain

We got up early and got going because we had a big day planned. We hoped to hike over 25 miles which would put us just shy of the official halfway point and just a short hike into the half gallon Challenge on Sunday. We left at 6:30 and made it the 10 miles to Caledonia State Park before lunch. We saw Spaceman and Rocket there meeting some relatives for the Memorial Day Weekend. We grabbed a cold soda and hiked to Quarry Gap Shelter for Lunch. That means we had 12.2 miles done before lunch with 13.6 more to go. By late afternoon my legs were getting pretty tired but we pushed on an arrived at the shelter about 5:40. We were so excited about our big day, about being .5 from the halfway point, and nearly doing a marathon that we dropped our packs and actually jogged the last 12 mile up to the halfway sign. This gave us the halfway point, and 26.3 miles for the day. We¢ll walk the .5 again tomorrow and pass the 12 way point for good, but it was fun to get those milestones today. This also made for another 1% day. I still feel my shin a little when I really stretch it, or stub my toe, but it¢s doing awesome now. I¢m mostly just sore from the mileage, but I still try to stretch every break. I expect after attempting to consume 12 gallon of ice cream tomorrow there won¢t be many big miles hiked. After today though I¢m planning how I might be able to do a 30 mile day. I¢ll let you know if I decide to attempt it. I do know that I¢ll attempt it on a day I¢m ready to re-supply so my pack is lighter.
Date: 2011-05-30
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: broken clouds

While yesterday was about ice cream, swimming, and goofing off; today was all business. It was a horrible, sticky, sweaty, buggy night so I didn¢t sleep well in the shelter. There was talk of another marathon or possibly pushing on to 4 miles outside Duncannon, which would make a 34.5 day. We left at 6:30 this morning and were all business; we didn¢t even stop at the first shelter, but pushed on 12 miles to Boiling Springs. The temperature today was mid 90¢s with high humidity which made it stifling walking, but the lure of ice cold drinks in Boiling Springs motivated us to push on. This section of the trail, once you hit Boiling Springs, is very flat but is exposed with a lot of walking in open fields and hedgerows. It¢s the Cumberland Valley, and there is no camping for about 14 miles once you hit Boiling Springs; then you have to make the next shelter 14 miles away. I have never drank this much water on the trail, what normally would last me all day was gone when we hit the Getty Mart in Boiling Springs. My first stop was a cooler where I purchased chocolate milk, and ice tea, and a Gatorade. I drank the milk and ice tea in one fell swoop and saved the Gatorade for the road. Enzed and I both had lunch at the picnic table out front with our shoes off, my the strange looks you get. Prior to setting off again I got one of the skinny Glacier one liter bottles; this gave me a little more capacity. On the way out of town we filled everything with water at the Regional ATC Headquarters. The sun was relentless, especially when we were out exposed for long stretches. Ultimately we conceded the first 30 mile day was not to be, and were happy with another marathon and 1% day. Tomorrow it is on to Duncannon and a much needed shower, laundry, and re-supply. With temps in the 90¢s, high humidity, and no shower in 6 12 days; believe me the hiker stink factor is at an all time high.
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA (Doyle Hotel)
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Another hot, humid day; we hiked a rocky section with a big downhill into Duncannon. Actually we missed a turn and came down to the road and were unable to find any blazes. We hiked back up and found that coming down we had missed a turn that went back up over a rocky section and then down to the road. When we did this we realized that when you come out you then road walk right to the point where we had come out the first time. We walked down to the Doyle Hotel which is an iconic trail stay. After getting into the air conditioned bar and having a pulled pork sandwich and an IPA we decided that we might as well stay as we still had to shower, do laundry, and re-supply. We ended up relaxing with Legion, Pyrite, Steady, Wobegon, Calf, and College Grad for a while in the air conditioning. It was still brutally hot when we did our town chores, but another meal in the air conditioning was great. The Doyle has great food and beer and is very reasonably priced. The accommodations at the Doyle are a little rough, with no air conditioning, and one common bathroom per floor, but again, we are smelly thru-hikers. I did top the evening off with a pint of Ben & Jerry¢s Brownie Cheesecake, this I ate leisurely, not timed. Hopefully we will get out of town at a reasonable hour, although it is still supposed to be hot.
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Duncannon, PA (Doyle Hotel)

To: Peter Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We didn¢t get a super early start, but that¢s because everyone went to Goodies for breakfast. It was a great breakfast with blueberry pancakes that took up the entire plate. I only had one, but that was in addition to a bacon & cheese omelet with home fries and toast. We left town at around 9:15, as you leave you walk the length of town and across the Susquehanna River, all in the blazing hot sun. We did have an encounter with a Peregrine falcon that dive bombed us as we started across the bridge. As I looked over I saw a pair of falcons that must have a nest either under the bridge or in the nearby trees. As we stood and watched one of the falcons continuously dive bombed us and screeched over our heads until we finally left their area. Once we crossed the bridge we immediately headed into the woods and a steep uphill. I heard this crashing that I thought was a big limb coming down. As I looked up I saw the hind end of a bear tearing up the hill, knocking over everything as it went. It was a quick sighting, but it was definitely a bear. The rest of the day consisted of hauling our way too heavy packs, with five days¢ worth of food, to the second shelter up. Unfortunately the water source is down 300 stone steps, most hikers have made a game of it, as it takes about 20-30 minutes to get water. The best time was 12 minutes by Legion, in his Crocs. A storm just missed us, but the air is drying out, and it¢s breezy; so hopefully tomorrow will be nice.AlanJune 13, 2011 - Earl Grey has made it to NJ, and will soon be in NY. I¢ve added photos to his journals from May 16 until today¢s journal for June 1. ¢ Mary
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Peter Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

After a strong, steady breeze all night with no storm, the heat and humidity were pushed out. We awoke to a cool, breezy morning. I was loving it, many were putting on their coats, but everyone was up earlier and felt lots better. The next shelter was 18 miles away, so many were anxious to get going. The terrain was nice today with only one small up and down; even the Pennsylvania rocks were nearly non-existent today. At about 10:00 in the gap we came across some trail magic left by some past thru-hikers; it was cans of soda bobbing in the ice-cold stream. Steady and Kayak were already there partaking, and we quickly dropped our packs to join them. Nothing like a Mt Dew to get you jump started on the impending hill. The weather was ideal today, dry and breezy and just warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt. Even though I hiked fairly fast and almost non-stop today, not once did sweat run off my nose or drip in my eyes. This weather is the complete opposite of the last 5 to 6 days. I think it is going to last at least one more day. Even though we arrived at the shelter by 3:00, very few felt like pushing on. Tonight we have Legion, Steady, Enzed, Pyrite, Tortoise, 3 section hikers, as well as Amish and her mom and aunt. Tomorrow it is about 18 miles to the 501 shelter where pizza can be ordered. Everyone is looking forward to that. Hopefully tomorrow we will do the 24 miles into Port Clinton, which will put me at under 1,000 miles to go.
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Today most thoughts were on the 501 shelter, where we can order pizza. The terrain today was similar to yesterday, but some of those Pennsylvania rocks started to show up. Most of the day was spent up on the ridge with a few overlooks down on the valley below. Again the weather was near perfect, dry and cool with just a little less breeze. The 501 shelter is a neat place, being an old potter¢s barn it has a Plexiglas skylight in the center to let in lots of light and you can see the stars in the night. It¢s an enclosed building with windows and screens and has two large picnic tables in the center under the skylight. Once everyone arrived for the night we gathered the pizza order. It was a large one coming to over $150. In addition to pizza Amish¢s aunt had brought some family and all the fixings for tacos, plus chips, soda, and cheesecake for dessert. They willingly shared and everyone ate way more food than they should have, but boy was it good. In the middle of all this a Boy Scout troop came in for a visit, so we chatted with them for a while. I¢m sure they got their eyes opened a little. Tonight we have Enzed, Steady, Legion, Pajamas, Bud Heavy, Pond Hopper, Amish, and 3 section hikers whose names I don¢t know.