morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Big Meadows Campground 

To: Pass Mountian Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Such a great morning. It was nice being able to have running water in the morning. We got an early start again. It was great hiking. The first 12 miles went went so quick and easy. It was fantastic. Plus we saw so much cool stuff. First we flushed a female turkey and her chicks!! Then while we were trying to get picture we noticed the Tom in front of a tree with his feathers all open! It was awesome! A bit later we came across the most amazing thing ever. We saw a bear!!!! He was sitting off to the side in the ferns. His head was poking out and he was just sitting there staring at us. It was amazing!! We took some pictures before he turned tail and ran off. Tons of wildlife here in the park! We hit another picnic area for lunch. Beautiful place. People were grilling and it smelled so good!! Papa and 61, Sunny and I ate lunch there. Such an easy hike so far. After lunch we had another easy couple of miles to camp. It's nice when the miles fly by. Just before camp we hit a horrible 2 mile decent. All rocks. It kills everybody. But other than that it was smooth sailing.Camp was great tonight. There were some decent camp sites that we were able to get. Our group showed up intermittently. Mr. Clean made the fire tonight. It was a pretty good fire, lol. It was Sunny, Mr. Clean, Pinnocho, Heisenburg, Mighty Mouse, Fireman and I sitting around and chatting until late into the night. A great way to spend Memorial Day!! So much fun.
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Pass Mountian Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

I slept in till about 7 this morning. It was great. We had planned short miles so it really didn't matter if we left early or not. It was a pretty nice morning. The hike went quick. The terrain was pretty decent and we made some good time. About .1 from the shelter we saw another bear! He was small so I'm thinking it was a yearling. He was just chilling under a tree and didn't care we were there. He kept looking around and looking up the tree like he was contemplating climbing it. Then he'd shuffle about doing bear things while we just stood there and watched. It was pretty cool.We eventually moved on and went to the shelter. Thankfully because by that time I was starving. It was about 130 that we got to camp I think and we only took 1 break today since we were doing short miles. so I was ready for Lunch. There was one other person at the shelter already. He was just hiking a small section. He was a pretty nice guy and we all chatted while I ate an enormous amount of food, lol. After sunny and I set up our tents. We had first choice since we were the first ones there.Sunny built a fire and we just chilled while other people started filing in at different times. We just hung out and chatted all afternoon. It was nice but wierd. I felt like I should still be hiking and not sitting about. Lol. Some new hikers that I met...Chip, Vulture, Wharton, Mile Marker, Cookie Monster, Hobbit and a few others I didn't get names or I cant remember. Headed into Front Royal tomorrow where I have to say bye to Sunny again.
Date: 2015-05-27
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: U.S. 522 Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 13.4

Good grief it was super humid! It was horrible. We packed up and headed on out. We hustled a bit because we wanted to get into town. We had some climbing to do in the morning but nothing too horrible. It was just so humid that you didn't want to move. At one point we came across a guy hiking with his dog southbound. He said just up ahead was a mama bear with cubs. Yay!! I was hoping to see some cubs.We moved on up the trail and found a few hikers stopped. Off to the right was a bear in a tree. We knew there were a few more lurking about based on what the southbounder said. That's why everyone was stopped. A mama and cubs were a game changer. You don't want to mess with that. The bear in the tree was fairly big so I'm guessing it was the mom. We werent sure where the cubs were but I really wanted to see them. We took pictures and just kinda stood there debating our next move. Mama was getting a bit stressed up in the tree so I said we really needed to get out of here. Sunny went first and I followed the rest of the group followed right behind. Lol, wimps. The guys were like " ladies first" The rest of the hike went quick. We made it to the hostel about 1230. It's a few steps from the trail which is super convenient. Mountian Home B&B is pretty awesome. They are currently renovating the main house but they have the cabin open for hikers. The house is on the registry for the historical society. It has so much history dating back to the civil war. In fact the road it's on was a pretty main road so the house saw lots of troop movement. Scott, the owner took us on a tour of the house. It's beautiful. It's not even close to being done but just the bare bones of the place is amazing. They are hoping to be done and open in 2018. I want to come back to see it when it's finished. After we showered and relaxed Scotton took us to town. I picked up my resupply, did laundry and a little grocery shopping. Then he dropped us off at Melting Pot Pizza. It was some of the best pizza I've ever had! I ate a chili cheese dog as an appetizer and then a whOle buffalo chicken pizza. It was so good!! A lot of food. But aside from that I only had 4 granola bars the whOle day. So I was pretty hungry. We called Scott and he came back to.town to pick us up. It's so awesome that he was willing to drive us around town. He did a thru hike in 2012 so he knows all about hiker needs and it's great. Such a great guy. We ended up getting one more hiker that night. It was Koz! It was great to see him again! We hung out and chatted for a bit.Went to bed way too late. I plan to hike 24 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: U.S. 522 Front Royal, VA

To: Mountian Home B&B
Miles today: 0.0

I got up early and showered again before breakfast. Scott made eggs and toast and it was amazing. I had everything packed up and ready to go. 24 miles today. But at breakfast I was easily persuaded to stay the day. Lol! Koz was zeroing here and Sunny was being dropped off at the train tonight. So I thought I would stay and relax for the day.It's hard not hiking and I feel guilty. You get in such a mode of go go go. That you forget to take a break and relax every once in a while. The trail isn't going anywhere. I have to remember that it's ok to relax and have a day off. The trail isn't going anywhere, I still have plenty of time to finish. I ran back to town get stuff for lunch and dinner while I'm here today. Now I'm just relaxing out in the grass. Going to read a book or 2. It will be a much needed break. And I couldn't have picked a better spot to chill.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Mountian Home B&B

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great afternoon with Sunny yesterday. We had some wine with lunch and chatted and laughed away. Some hikers came in for lemonade. Most left to get back on the trail but 1 stayed. His name was Cheatsheet. He's only doing a section from his grandparents house in VA to Kent, CT where him and his family just moved to. It's cool meeting people from CT.The afternoon went way too fast and before I knew it Sunny had to leave. We cried of course, lol. It gets harder and harder saying goodbye. I hung out with Koz for a while. Then we went our separate ways to read. Koz ate 4 pounds of candy and wasnt feeling too good. Lol. This morning I got up early again to shower before breakfast. Koz and I ate about 630 am. He was looking at the weather, chance of thunderstorms for the next 3 days. He's like we should stay, we wouldn't want to hike in the rain. Lol!! Too funny. I hit the trail about 715. It was a very humid day. The trail was pretty awesome! The miles just flew by! There were 2 ups but nothing horrible. At second breakfast I came up to the top of a field with a bench. It was a great place to stop and eat the giant cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting that I packed out from the grocery store. Super awesome.I had a hard time with breaks today. I took them because I needed to. Especially to eat or get/drunk water. But I couldn't stay still for long. I had such itchy feet I had to keep moving. I made it to camp about 630. I did really good on time today! There were a few people at the shelter already. I found a tent site off by itself and set up. I ate dinner with some section hikers and I met 2 other thru hikers. Mac and Beast, both female. We chatted for a bit. Once I was done I climbed in my tent to relax. It always feels so good to finally lay down at the end of the day. I stretched my legs and feet as much as possible. Tomorrow I have The Roller Coaster. It's a 13.5 mile stretch with 10 ascents and descents. It's going to be a very irritating day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 17.9

I slept in until about quarter to 7. It was great! It stayed pretty warm last night too so I left part of my rain fly open for some air. It was a very humid morning already and I was not looking forward to today's hike. I got on trail about 730. And I went up and then down and then up and then across a boulder field and then down. Anyways, you get the picture. It was very hot and all i did was sweat. However, I was looking forward to tonight. The place I was staying has a shower! That's all I thought about all day. About 11 am I stopped at a shelter for lunch. I was about half way through the roller coaster and I was ready to be done with it. Sometime after lunch I began to see a lot of people. Then I remembered it was a Saturday. Tons of people were on the trail today, which makes it difficult to take a pee break. Lol. Day hikers just pop up out of no where all the Time. Lol. Anyways, after a lot of breaks and a near tantrum I made it out of the roller coaster. I only had a few more miles to go till my shower. And those miles took forever. Mostly because it's all I could think about. I was pretty filthy by the time i got to the trail turnoff. The Blackburn Trail Center is a pretty cool place. They have camping and a hiker cabin that holds 8. They also have a shower and 2 privies! Picnic area and a lovely screened in porch at the main building. The place has a full time caretaker during peak months. It's pretty awesome, totally worth a stop. When ingot here there was no one here. Even the caretakers were off the premises. I grabbed a spot in the cabin and took a shower. The shower was outside but it was awesome and had hot water! After I organized my stuff and made dinner. While dinner was rehydrating the caretakers came back. I went over to the main building to chat. They are super nice people. They offered my cookies and a turkey sandwich which I enjoyed very much. I only ate part of my rehydrated dinner...it was a new flavor and I didn't like it. After I chilled on the porch for a bit I went back to the cabin. Bud and Bud Light were here setting up thier tent. Looks like I'm going to be the only one in the cabin! I'll have an easier get away in the morning since I don't have to pack up my tent. I want to get into Harper Ferry early! Plus I have a friend coming to visit!!! I worked with Holly in Tucson and she lives somewhat close (2 hours away) but she's going to drive to Harper Ferry to hang Out!!! Super excited!!And let's not forget... I crossed 1000 miles today!! And I crossed the state border. West Virginia here I am!! What a day!
Date: 2015-05-31
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: ATC Headquarters Harper's Ferry West Virginia
Miles today: 11.8

I woke up before my alarm, just like every morning. I wanted an early start anyways because I wanted to get into town. I was a bit stiff from sleeping on the wooden bunk, even with my sleeping pad. Everytime I would move my joints would crack. I packed up my crap and hit the trail about 7am. It was pretty easy going. I was able to make great time. At one point I flushed out a turkey and her chicks. She went one way and the chicks went another. She started freaking out, poor thing. I moved away quickly so she could find them. I also saw a snake and a racoon today. Lots of wildlife. About mid morning it started to rain. It was basically sun showers and it felt pretty good. The tree canopy kept me from getting too wet. I did have to cross an open field under some power lines. It was sketchy, lol. I love the smell of the ground during the summer when it starts to rain. I made it to the ATC headquarters at about 1130. I made rwally good time. Aside from being very rocky the trail was pretty flat. I was able to power through. It was so awesome to finally be here! It's the unofficial halfway point of the hike. I'll hit the mileage halfway point in a few days when I get into PA. I signed in at the conservancy. I ended up being hiker number 350 to sign in and get my picture taken. I was hiker number 442 when I registered at Springer Mountian. So awesome! I saw Papalu and Squabbler there as well. The rest of the gang were around somewhere. I went to my hostel and dropped my bag. Check in wasn't until 3 so I had a few hours to kill. I was super disappointed that I couldn't shower though. I walkyd back down to the historic district. This is such a cute little town! I wish I had more time to go around and look in all the museams. I went to the outfitter to get more fuel and bug spray. Very small and very expensive. Then I went over to the pub. Hip, Salmon, Papalu, Squabbler and Chimney were there eating and drinking mimosas so I hung out for a bit. They were staying over at the hostel on the other side of the river. I decided to stay at the one here since all my crap was already here and I really didn't want to move it. At about 2 I went back to the ATC and met up with my friend Holly. I worked with her in Tucson. She drove 2 hours to come hang out for a bit! It was great. She even took me to Walmart so I could resupply. It starTed to rain as we got back into Harper's Ferry but we walked back down town anyways. We grabbed lunch at a deli, I had an amazing Philly Cheese steak sandwich. Then we walked around town a bit. Took some pictures and poked into some of the cute little shops. So great. After she dropped me back off at the hostel and I checked in. First order of business was shower. I was dying for that shower and hated I couldn't take one the second I got to town. I did laundry and went through my food bag and the resupply I bought. My pack so going to be so heavy now. I hate resupply. Back on trail tomorrow after a waffle breakfast that I heard is pretty good.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Dahlgren Backpacker Campground 

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

It rained all night and was still raining when I woke up. I got up late hoping it would let up a bit. No such luck. I packed up as fast as I could, ate breakfast in the bathroom and moved on. It wasn't tok bad of a hike. Easy terrain. It got really rocky in spots which was pretty difficult with all the rain. The rain stayed steady all day. And the temperature dropped quite a bit. I had planned to go to a shelter 18 miles from the campsite but I wasn't sure if I would make it that far. When I got down to the road I called a few hostels but everything was booked. I went up to the next shelter and claimed my spot. It sucks stopping so early in the day but there's only so much rain a body can take. I changed into dry clothes (except my underwear and bra hoping I can get those to dry out while I wear them). I'm really wishing I had a heavier sleeping bag, lol. Oh well. I may do another short day tomorrow and see of I can find a hotel to dry out in. I only have 1 pair of dry socks left.A couple of other people stopped early too.
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Sleeping in the shelter didn't really go well last night. Snoring galore. Even with ear plugs it all I could hear. However the rain stopped sometime during the night. It was still overcast, cool and breezy when i got up. I left camp about 7. My clothes were still damp from yesterday but the worst was putting on wet socks in wet boots. Ugh! Hate it.The miles went fairly quick. It was pretty flat terrain. There was one rock scramble. It was a pain trying to go down the rocks, especially when everything was so wet. I slipped and fell of course, just like I always do. But no bleeding this time, lol.About 1130 I came into Pen Mar Park. Some day hikers told us about trail magic in the pavilion. Sure enough, there were some ladies from one of the local churches. Every Wednesday in June they come out and feed hikers. They had ham and turkey sandwiches, chips, fruit and brownies. The most amazing brownies ever! So freaking good. We hung out there for a bit. The food was just so good. I moved on eventually, lol, and i hit the PA/MD border!!!! I was so excited to cross into my 7th state! Whoot! And be back in the north! I made it to camp about 330/4ish. Super early. The miles went so quick today! Nice and easy. I contemplating moving on a few more miles to the next shelter but I didn't think my feet could take it. Hiking in wet boots for 3 days really sucked. Hopefully my boots will be dryer tomorrow.The shelter I'm at tonight is super cute. There are 2 shelters, a picnic table under a pavilion. The tent sites are beautiful and flat. It's nicely graded and there are wonderful fire pits. Someone even put a doorbell on the privy. Super nice. I hung out and made dinner with Salmon, Smokescreen and Duct Tape. We even had some blueberry cheesecake. Smoke Break came in a bit later and a few section hikers. There's also a group of middleschool kids here. I guess the teacher takes a few groups out every summer. They are over in the group tent site area, down behind the privy, but they are super loud. I got my tent mostly dried out. I'm glad to be sleeping in it tonight. No snoring. Planning on some big miles tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Tom's Run Shelter
Miles today: 25.8

No rain last night! Everything was mostly dry. Even my boots! I'm tired this morning, the kids down at the group tent site were really loud late into the night. I hit the trail a little after 7. We decided to try for the shelter at 26 miles today. Mainly because the terrain has been so easy we finish hiking and it's still way too early. Plus tomorrow we hit Pine Grove Furnace State Park where the half gallon challenge takes place. We wanted to do it early so we could in theory rest for a while and then hike back out. I wanted to be closer to the park as well because my parents are coming for a visit and they are meeting me at the park. It was still pretty cool and overcast all day. Nice hiking weather. I was just so excited my boots were finally dry. It was pretty easy going terrain. Mainly flat, a few rocky areas but we made great time. About 1130ish I made it to Quarry Gap Shelters. This place had hanging plants, a little fence with a welcome sign, little ducks and lanturn sconces on the wall. And it had a sun dial. Thsee shelters down here are the nicest ever. I could barely believe what I was walking into. Salmon and Smoke Break were already there eating. Smokescreen came in after I started eating. We sat around chatting for a bit. Excited for the half gallon challenge tomorrow. Then it started to rain. Gah, it threw off our plans for the day. Smokescreen headed off first. I followed soon after. Salmon and Smoke Break stayed for a nap not wanting to leave in the rain. I wanted to get moving because I was still going to try for the shelter at 26 miles. The next one was only 7 miles from the lunch spot so if the rain was really bad I would stop there. Thankfully the rain didn't last for very long. And I was able to cruise along. I made the first shelter by 3, took a quick break and moved on. Then I hit the half way point!!! 1094.6 miles down, 1094.6 miles to go!! I can't belive I'm halfway already. After that, it was a quick 4 mile hike to the shelter. My feet were getting sore. The rain causing my boots to get wet again. My pace was slowing down a bit but I made it to our stopping place about 530. I set up my tent on one of the tent pads and went to the creek to wash up. I'm getting some blisters and rub marks on my feet from wet, dirty boots and socks. Tomorrow I can shower and do laundry and hopefully dry out my boots again!Salmon, Smokescreen, Smoke Break and I sat around and chatted while we made dinner. Excited for tomorrow. The half gallon challenge is to commemorate reaching the halfway point. You have 30 minutes to eat a half gallon of ice cream. It's going to be intense. And we're probably going to bed the better part of the morning lying on the bathroom floor dying. It's going to be awesome!
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Tom's Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

My alarm went off a bit too early. And it was raining again. Good grief. I layed in my tent for a while. The rain eventually tapered off. At about 7 I turned on my phone. I got a text from my parents saying thEY were at the park. I guess I better get up. I packed up and hiked on. The guys were still sleeping when I left. I got to the park about 9 am. It was great to see my parents!!! I gave them huge hugs!! They told me I smelled. I didn't think I smelled too bad. I showered 4 days ago, lOl.On the advice of the woman at the general store, I got a breakfast wrap and ate something before the challenge. She said those that eat something solid have a better go of it.Eventually the guys made it down to the park. We got our ice cream and began. Dad and mom took pictures for everyone and kept the time. I started with a tub of strawberry cheesecake ice cream. The tubs were only 1.5 quarts so after we finished that we had to go in and get another pint. That about broke my spirit when I heard. My second flavor was blackberry. So the challenge...it's one of the most disgusting things I've ever done. I seriously can't believe I sat there and ate an entire half gallon of ice cream. I started off pretty good. But after a while you just want to stop. I finished all my ice cream in 46 minutes. It was such a struggle. Towards the end i just wanted to gag, lol. I am never eating ice cream again. Salmon plowed through his in 28 minutes. Smokescreen finished in 35, Smoke break finished in 42 minutes. And poor Ninja Geisha couldnt finish hers. Suprisingly I wasn't in an ice cream coma when I was finished. I fully expected to feel sick to my stomach, laying in the dirt and drooling. Nope, not at all. I felt pretty good...a little ashamed. Lol. After we finished and took pictures, Mom, Dad and I headed out. We drove over to Gettysburg, PA. We got a great room at a hotel right in downtown Gettysburg. I got an amazing shower and smelled so much better! My dad did my laundry. I washed everything I could. The rest of my crap was spread around the hotel room drying out. We went out to a pub across the street for lunch. I can't remember the name. But it was really good. I got a grilled ham and cheese with Cole slaw and ate all my dad's french fries too. I can't believe I ate after eating all that ice cream. After lunch we went and toured around gettysburg. It was awesome! The national cemetary was right across the street. It was so much fun. We went back to the Irish pub for dinner. This time I had a pulled pork wrap with a salad. So freaking good!!I skyped with my sisters and nephew. Then just relaxed in the hotel room. Great day!