morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-25
From: campsite at Hogpen Gap

To: Harpers Creek shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The sun was just rising above the mountains as I left camp this morning at 7:00. Either the dew, or condensation has the tent and rain fly wet most mornings. I try to dry it out at lunch, weather permitting.   Wally said he wanted to hike alone for awhile. Something appears to be bothering him. I hope his mental part of this journey is ok. He camped with me tonight though.   I saw and photographed two different rabbits this morning. One was really close at 10 feet.       I passed Spy Rock today. If my memory serves me, the Confederates kept watch on the valley below, for the union army. Mainly, the gap and road leading to it, while Stonewall Jackson wintered, and rested, and resupplied his army in a protected valley beyond the Blue Ridge. You could definitely see anything going on in the valley below from Spy Rock, even with a naked eye. And they had telescoping lenses.   I left the 88 miles that the Natural Bridge AT Club was responsible for. I must say that their trail maintenance was very, very good. I haven't seen it that well since Georgia. The previous trail, which was the responsibility of the Roanoke AT Club had to be the worst trail. Overgrown, and no water bars.   Stopped in at the Priest shelter for lunch. What a great spring flowing right out of the ground! And probably the coldest water I've encountered. I soaked my hurting feet in it, and could only leave them in for 15 seconds at a time.    I am at Harpers Creek shelter tonight. The creek is 25 feet from the shelter.    NO RAIN TODAY!    The Priest shelter is where you confess your sins in the trail register. Usually it's a trail related sin. Mine was exactly as follows: "Moondoggie confesses that he has pooped right beside the trail. Hey, don¢t judge, there were Stinging Nettles, and I left no trace!"   While on the subject on trail registers. I have attained somewhat of a rock star status, with my entries. I usually draw a cartoon-like stick figure dog, most always with tail wagging. And the picture or saying usually has something to do with what happened that day.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Harpers Creek shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

I got up and left at 6:45. That was breaking camp with tents, which takes about 5 minutes longer. I started up Three Ridges Mtn. It is further and forevermore called 'The Beast'! Once you get to one false summit, or ridge, there's another.    I got to Maupin Field shelter, for break. As I came by a guy going South, he looked like he had very short pants on. Then I realize he has no pants on. A hat, boots, and a daypack, that's it. Thank God I was not real close.   There's not a lot to tell today. I just hiked and hiked. Lots of rocks, and 22 miles. I am at a very nice shelter tonight. Anytime there's a front porch, with covered picnic table, it's nice. There's a waterfall upstream, a sitting bench, bearbag hanging pole, and a fire ring.    Treebeard is here tonight! I haven't seen him since the Smokies. If Bob Peoples is like Myron Avery, then Treebeard is like Earl Shaffer. Daydreams fell behind today to hike with someone she met earlier in Georgia. Tippy left and went ahead to get to Harper's Ferry earlier.
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Paul C Wolfe shelter

To: Waynesboro via Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Town day! Left the shelter at 7:15, and did the five miles in two hours. Good trail into Rockfish Gap. Walking Wally and I immediately got a shuttle into town from a trail overseer, Bill Gallager, who gives hikers rides for free. He took us to the Quality Inn, after showing us around Waynesboro. We met 'Shutter there, who started the same day as Wally. He was meeting his girlfriend for a couple of days, and went with us to breakfast at Weasie's Kitchen. I split off on the way back, and headed to the post office to pick up packages. One was a food resupply, and the other was a goodie box from my friend Larry Riggan. Thanks Larry!    I got a shower, while Wally went to retrieve his hiking poles he left at the trailhead. And then I went to a barber for the first time since beginning the trail. I also got a beard trim. I looked quite handsome, if I say so myself. When I got back, Wally had found his poles. He was lucky! Then we went to do laundry and resupply. In between showers we went to Mings China Buffet. We were not making the owners happy nor profitable by eating so much. It was all you can eat (ayce), at only $10.99.
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Waynesboro via Rockfish Gap

To: camp 2.3 miles past trail to Calf Mtn shelter
Miles today: 9.3

We had the free breakfast at the Quality Inn lobby. It was decent, and I filled up. We weren't going back to the trail until afternoon, but got 'antsy', so we called Bill Gallagher, and was back on the trail at 9:55.   I am not impressed with the Shenendoah National Park so far, but I will give it a chance. We are camped on a summit of some unknown hill, after carrying water about a mile uphill. That, and a full pack from resupplying, made our load quite heavy.   I saw a snake today. Wally thought it was a Garter snake. It struck at my pole when I put it close. Mean little sucker!
Date: 2011-05-29
From: camp 2.3 miles past trail to Calf Mtn shelter

To: Loft Mtn campground
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Did you know the moquitos up here can light on your arm at 55 MPH, as you hang it out the window of a car?    It was almost 90 degrees today. Absolutely nothing exciting today. Hot, no views, just doing some miles. Wally fell today, but no injury. Just a close call.    Got to Loft Mtn campground, and went directly to the camp store for ice cream, root beer, and chips. Then we find out that's not where we register for a campsite. A lady, Randi, gave us a ride up the hill a half mile to find a site. Then I walked down a ways to register and pay. What? It was the first time I paid to camp the whole trip. But it had a bathhouse right at our site. But no shower, as they were at camp store down the hill, and coin-op. Too far! And all these people make alot of noise! So, I put in my earplugs and slept well.
Date: 2011-05-30
From: Loft Mtn campground

To: crest of unnamed hill 1 mile before US 33
Miles today: 16.1

Again, very few views today. Just hot, and 80% uphill. I have been seeing at least one deer every day.   We cross Skyline Drive many times a day. It follows mostly the old AT. Then the National Park Service took it for their road, and most of the AT was rerouted. I will say that the road (Skyline Dr), brings the NPS a lot of revenue. Eight dollars for two-axle vehicles, and I think a per person fee as well.    I fell today. A small root caught my boot and I went flying forward. I was down faster than I could blink. Thankfully the ground was mostly dirt and grass, because I hit it hard. Just a little skin off my left knee.
Date: 2011-05-31
From: crest of unnamed hill 1 mile before US 33

To: .1 mile before Fishers Gap 
Miles today: 19.6

We have been leaving camp around 6:30 to beat the heat. We crossed US 33, and pushed hard to Lewis Mtn. Campground store. I spent around $10, and consumed 2060 calories. That's more than the average person should consume in a day. I met Gobblers' wife, who is supporting him as he runs the AT. That's right...runs it, in 70 days or less. Then, a little later, I met Gobbler. He did stop to talk. They are a nice, young couple, originally from W. Virginia.   Then it happened! I saw my first bear of the trip! I had seen a deer, and watched her until she went out of sight. Then, as I looked up the trail, I saw something really black, and it was moving. It crossed the trail, so I eased up quietly, and was 30 yards away. I got some decent pictures, and it never knew I was there. Yet. I walked up a bit as the trail curved around, with the bear still in sight. Then I decided to try something I have been hearing since Georgia. I barked at it like a hound dog, and it took off running, wasting no time in the process.   Awhile later, I stopped and talked to Tiptoe. She was headed South on a section, and seemed to be having a great time right by herself.   I saw two deer at a road crossing. I was taking a break on the grass next to a cemetery, when a buck in velvet came right through the middle of the cemetery.    Then I pushed on to Big Meadows Wayside for a meal. I got a cheeseburger (the Shenendoah Burger) and fries.   I am in the tent early again tonight because of the bugs. Mainly those biting bull gnats. There is a doe that won't leave our camp this evening.
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Pass Mtn. shelter

To: .2 miles past Compton Spring
Miles today: 19.9

I was awaken in the middle of the night by what I believe was a bear. Heavy footsteps, that were distinctly different than a deer. By the time I unzipped the tent and shined my headlamp, I didn't hear it anymore, other than something quietly easing away.   I left camp at 6:45, and went 7.3 miles to Elkwallow Wayside. I had breakfast, then a snack, and then layed in the grass on the lawn and sunned and relaxed.   What a difference a day makes! Very cool and windy today. A high, gusty wind all day. I saw another deer. I actually slipped up on it as it was walking down the trail. I believe it was following Wally, who was ahead of me.   After supper, I walked and additional 2 miles trying to get a signal to call or text Kelly. I needed to tell her where to pick me up in Front Royal. But could not find a signal. I can't wait to see them, for a whole week! I have had the Virginia blues for a couple of weeks. Seeing them will definitely cure that.
Date: 2011-06-03
From: .2 miles past Compton Spring

To: Inn at Long Last - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Wally and I got into town around 9:00. We left camp at 6:20, and began the long decent to US 522, out of the north end of Shenandoah National Park. After leaving the boundary of SNP, we saw the most magnificently, large trees that I've seen on private land. Oaks, hickories, cherries, populars, and pines. Then we passed the National 4-H Center land. Then, along a stretch of National Zooilogical land, which had a very high chainlink fence. It almost reminded me of Jurassic Park. And just as I'm thinking that, I come to a breech in the fencing, where a tree has fell across it. There is a trail in and out, where something has obviously worn the ground bare. And I'm looking for...perhaps a hybrid cross between a Kangaroo with two Jackal heads, to come charging out of the gaping hole at anytime. Does anyone know what they keep in there? And why?    We find trail magic right before US 522, in the form of ice-cold sodas. I had an orange soda. Unsure from the note who left, but thanks! Then it was on the 522, where we scored a ride in about 5-10 minutes, from a nice young man who works in the local organic foods store.    Wally got a room at the Quality Inn, so I bought him breakfast in exchange for showering and waiting there on my family. L'Dees Pancake House, where I again have two breakfasts. A stack of blueberry pancakes with bacon, and a sausage and cheese omelette with great potatoes and onions.   Went back to Wally's room and got our laundry together. I went to do that while Wally went to the Post Office to retrieve his mail. I took a showere while waiting on clothes to wash. Then dried them while Wally got his shower. All I had to do then was wait on my family to get there. While waiting, we watched a doe and fawn across the street, browse in a large lawn.   My family arrived around 2:30, and I bade Wally a temporary farewell (I should catch up to him when he has a couple visits later this summer, from his family). We drive up to our cabin, in Charles Town, on the outskirts of Harpers Ferry. It is just below the ridgeline, that the trail is on. We unpack, and go out to Ruby Tuesday's, where I have a ribeye, lobster, steamed brocoli, and grilled zuchinni, and bread. Then we brought groceries for the week (we thought...man, those 3 boys can eat!), and we all went to bed exhausted. Me from hiking; and the rest of the clan from the 17-18 hour drive from LA (Lower Alabama).
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Inn at Long Last - Harpers Ferry

To: Inn at Long Last - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day of rest today! My feet are awful looking. They have taken a beating. I soaked them in Epsom salts a few times. They also swell up horribly during a day off.   Kelly and I leave the kids, and drive into Harpers Ferry to the outfitter to get new hiking boots. Mine are starting to leave me with blisters after any long mileage day. There's not a very good selection at all. So, I chose to wait. But, I do get a new NeoAir mattress! Expensive, but I haven't been sleeping well on the Z-lite pad. So I'm giving up approximately 6 oz. I had cut off 2 or 3 sections of the z-lite, which weighed 9 oz. at first. The NeoAir medium length weighs 14 oz. But it inflates to 2.5 inches thick! Ahhhh...comfort. I also picked up a couple more rubber tips for my poles. I have custom diamond carbon shafts, not the heavier metal ones Leki and others make. This makes them much lighter. They have held up well. I can remove the rubber tips if needed, but haven't bothered yet. We also bought all the kids AT tee shirts. Hey, they even have the politically correct direction of the trail on them. Georgia to Maine! Since 95% attempt it from that direction.   Then we go back to the cabin for more foot soakings, and I settled in with a good book ("The 50 Greatest Battles That Changed the World"), while they watch a movie.
Date: 2011-06-05
From: Inn at Long Last - Harpers Ferry

To: Inn at Long Last - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had breakfast late, then drove into Washington, D.C. (that's our nation's capitol)(said in the voice of Forrest Gump) First, we go to Arlington National Cemetery. Kelly's father, Major Thomas Michael Carpenter, is buried there. He did 3 tours in Vietnam, and is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for an act of valor or bravery, and 2 Purple Hearts from being wounded in action. I would have liked to have taken the boys to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was crowded being a Sunday, and the next change was over 45 minutes away.    Next, we went to the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool. The latter had been drained for renovation. We then viewed the Washington Momument, Jefferson Memorial, and White House from our car. There was obviously some big event going on at the White House, because many streets were blocked, or barricaded. Security and police were everywhere. Marine One, or a decoy, flew over. Then, a D.C. Gunship helicopter came over.    We worked up quite an appetite with all this site seeing, so we went to Legal Seafood. I had the fried sampler, with clams, calimari, shrimp, scallops, fish, and fries. Also a Greek salad which was delicious.    Afterwards, I stopped by Hudson Trail Outfitters. I settled on a pair of Keen Targhee II's. A hybrid between a trail runner and a hiking boot. They had the best fit in width. The Vasque and Asolo, which I liked, were too narrow. Lots of good ratings from the Keen users on the trail.    Kelly made yummy taco salad for supper, after we got back. On the way, I routed us through lower Maryland, and I got to see the ridge I'd be walking there.
Date: 2011-06-06
From: Inn at Long Last - Harpers Ferry

To: Inn at Long Last - Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A day of rest. I never knew how wore out I was, or how wore down my body was and is.   I cooked my famous BBQ sauce on the stove, and later, smoked ribs on the grill. We had corn and salad also. Spent valuable time with my family today.
Date: 2011-06-07
From: Inn at Long Last - Harpers Ferry

To: Inn at Long Last
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Birthday to me! Spent just the way I wished, with my family. It is quite comforting to just sit and listen to them. Jace and Zack playing at something, or Brooks and Tilly watching a movie, and my Kelly, who I am usually not very far away from. And I almost forgot the four Boston Terriers, who are always competing for attention.    We went to Harper's Ferry, and ate at the Town Inn (I think that was the name), which has a great setting and great food. Kelly and Tilly went to a few shops. Then, I drove us to Antiem, or Sharpsburg National Battlefield (depending on which 'side' you were on). The South named armies and battles after rivers and creeks, and the North usually after states, cities, or regions.    We stopped at a couple of antique malls, and then more groceries before going back to our cabin. A truly wonderful birthday!
Date: 2011-06-08
From: Inn at Long Last

To: Inn at Long Last
Miles today: 0.0

A quite morning, as well as can be quite, with 3 boys, 1 girl, and 4 dogs. Then we decide to go to the movies. Us four guys were 'out voted' by the two girls, and we got to see the comedy 'chick flick', "Bridesmaids", which was pretty funny actually.    We got back and I grilled steaks, while Kelly made her famous and yummy 'smashed' potatoes.
Date: 2011-06-09
From: Inn at Long Last

To: Inn at Long Last
Miles today: 0.0

Today we went on a picnic and swimming excursion to the Shenandoah River. We were actually swimming right under the AT. That's right, directly under the AT. That's because the AT goes over the US 340 bridge, and we were under it. I saw 3 hikers go over while we were there. The river was mostly shallow there, with a few swift current channels. The boys had fun swimming and skipping rocks. I mostly rested and ate our picnic on the rocks. It was a hot and humid day, and I was glad to not be hiking.    Back at the cabin, we had movie family night, and watched 'Jurasic Park'. Last night with my family. I had been in a kind of funk, most of the day, realizing that I would soon be separted from my family again. If anybody out there with family is thinking of hiking the trail, that will be your hardest part of it. The mental part of being away from the ones you love. It's almost overwhelming at times. Some days it's all I think of all day long. The physical part of the journey is tough, as your mind can will your body into doing things it can't or shouldn't do. But, the mental part is the key, and it is always there. You can 'shade' it, but it never goes away.    In a week or two, after I pass the official halfway point, I will leave a top 5 or 10 best and worst of the trip. Along with some of the gear changes I've made, and why.
Date: 2011-06-10
From: Inn at Long Last

To: Dicks Dome shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Up sometime between 5 and 6, and finished packing and cleaning up. We left around 6:30, and I drove to US 522, where I left off a week earlier.    I bade a sad farewell to my kids and wife. Much, much different than the goodbye at the start of the journey. Then, there was the excitement of what I was about to experience. Now, it was enduring 3 more months of being without my family. I know I feel even closer than ever to my wife Kelly. We have been through long distance before, dating two years and married for one, from a distance of 560 miles. But something about this trip has 'out-distanced' that. I believe this trip has and will make me a better man, in so, so many ways. And that I will bring these newly learned skills home to my family and wife. I am definitely more patient (which everyone knows I could use), and the trail has taught me that little insignificant things don't matter, and therefore don't waste time on them. I have been asked numerous times already if I would do this again, or another long distance trail. And my response each time has always been, 'not without at least one member of my family'. I love Kelly and the kids dearly, and my thoughts as I was leaving was to hit the trail and 'knock' this last half off, so I can return to them. It is very important that I finish this. To finish what I started, no matter the obstacle. I want my kids to learn that from me, that it's important to finish, to not give up on things in life. Life is a mental journey, with constant distractions and influences, and we ultimately choose our own direction.    So, I walk away with a sad dejected heart. Just walking, not really paying any attention, for a long while. Miles go by. I happen upon two coyotes on the trail, and surprise them. They were hunting something and had not seen or heard me. Five miles had gone by before I knew it, and I stopped for a sandwich that Kelly had made me, just past the I-66 underpass at a picnic table. I wish I had one of those sandwiches everyday for lunch...talk about good! Some thru-hiker was there, and told me he had heard there would be trail magic here today and tomorrow. I waited about 45 minutes, and then pushed on. Later, when I saw him again, he said it came rolling up 5 minutes after I left. Oh well, I was full from the sandwich, but could have used a cold soda.    I walked to Manassas Gap shelter and had another long break. Then on to Dicks Dome shelter where I 'quit' early around 4:15. I had already done over 15 miles, and was thinking of doing a couple more, but sat awhile and talked myself out of that notion. I ate my 2nd sandwich, and settled in the geodesic shaped shelter for the night. The shape is not condusive to sleeping hikers. I didn't think you could fit as many in, as in the same square footage as a square or rectangle shaped shelter. There was just wasted space. Very tired, from heat, and thoughts of home all day.
Date: 2011-06-11
From: Dicks Dome shelter

To: Bear's Den hostel
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Left at 6:25 this morning, hiking most of the morning through a jungle of overhanging bushes, shrubs, and vines. The trail needed trimming up very badly. I pulled 5 ticks off today, thank goodness none were the dreaded deer tick. They were dog ticks. When I got to the hostel, there were others who had pulled off both varieties of ticks as well. Trimming the overgrowth along the trail helps alleviate this problem.    I stopped at the Rod Hollow shelter for an early lunch and a short nap. Then after an hour, I started the famous 'Roller Coaster'. A section of 13 steep ascents and decents in as many miles. These are 'hills' of 250-600 feet in elevation, and very rocky for the most part. Tough in the heat of the afternoon. I heard thunder in the distance, and it was clouding up, so I ducked into Sam Moore shelter to wait out the storm. It passed to the southeast of me, so after about 45 minutes, I decided to make a run for it. I was really wanting to get to Bear's Den hostel, as I had heard great things (they're all true) about the place. I had been dreaming of a cold soda all day! I got one minutes after arriving there. First I chose a bunk, then took off my shoes, and put on crocs. Then a coke and a shower. AAAHHHH! I went upstairs and checked in (got the hiker special), and got my maildrop. You get bunk (comfortable), laundry, shower, linens and towel, tombstone pizza, pint of Ben and Jerry's, and all the 50 cent cold sodas you can drink. They have lots of 'trail magic' food people or organizations leave. And I had pancakes and coffee this morning! Use of computer and internet, this place has all the comforts and necessities. Bears Den is a stone inn or palace, owned by the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy), and operated by the PATC (Potomac Appalachian Trail Club). Hopeful (not sure of the year) and her husband are the caretakers. Nice couple.