morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: few clouds

I got on the trail by 0700 while Road Runner and Tater Chip were out by 0600. Saw another doe and fawn and another doe before reaching Skyland where I had a second breakfast. This place is a ¢must¢ for out trip to/from NC. There is a big group of hikers here for breakfast. 1210 and I arrived at the Pinnacle picnic area for 9 miles in 4 hours. 6.5 miles left to go today.Stopped at Birdsnest #3 for a snack. The trail practically goes right through this hut. Stucco left some kind words in the Birdsnest log (wink, wink). Into Pass Mountain Hut at 1600. Doc and Stucco came by and hiked on. Tater Chip and Road Runner are here for the night, and Hoofit and Papa Smurf arrived before we finished supper. There is a box turtle trying to dig a hole in gravel to lay eggs. She was unsuccessful as there were no eggs in the morning.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Got on the trail at 0715 this morning and played leapfrog with Hoofit most of the morning, which looks to be a hot one. The Wayside is 7.4 miles away, so I should be there by 1030. Took a 1.5-hour break at the wayside for re-supply and a Bacon Cheeseburger, fries and a Blackberry shake. Then hiked the remaining 5 miles with Road Runner and Tater Chip to Gravel Springs Hut. I have a couple easy days coming up, being 10.7 and 8.8 before doing the PO on Monday morning.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Terrapin Hostel
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Had a totally full house last night with one sleeping on the ground in front of the hut. Actually, he and another were tenting about 100 feet away when he got bit, probably by a raccoon. They then moved up to the hut. Ghetto Sheep (AKA Awesome Girl, etc.) and Patch were also here last night.Most hikers are not doing real big miles. Brian came to the hut last evening, totally exhausted, after doing 30 miles, and he will continue at that pace as he is planning to be in Gettysburg in 4 days.Found out today that when ¢Mrs. Joy¢ got help from another hiker in reporting the passing of Island Boy, the hiker was Road Runner. He was subsequently listed in the local paper, as the deceased and had to request a correction in the next edition of the paper.I got on the trail by 0645. Got to Tom Floyd Shelter where Road Runner, Tater Chip, and Doc were arranging for a ride to Terrapin Hostel. I was given the choice of staying at the shelter or hiking the 3 miles to the road where we would be picked up, taken to the hostel for a shower, laundry and a trip to a restaurant. Not much choice there!We all hiked to the road where we found Thorny serving cold drinks and he took Ghetto Sheep to Quantico for the night. The ride to the hostel soon arrived and we loaded up for the up hill ride. Now, at 1420 I¢ve showered and waiting for the laundry.Looking at the log book here at Terrapin, I found the following hikers entrys from 2009:Bon Bon ¢ 6/15/09Phoenix Rising ¢ 7/6/09Snot and Piss ¢ 7/10/09 (last to sign log in 2009)Went to town and had a full rack of ribs that were very good. Talking with Mike (owner of Terrapin) he remembers Phoenix Rising and SnP.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Terrapin Hostel

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: broken clouds

Had a quiet but somewhat late night. Made oatmeal for breakfast as I only have one Raisin Bran left, which I want to use tomorrow to get a quick start into Linden. Said goodbyes to Road Racer and Tater Chip (again) and they left first with Doc. I will leave next, in the second car full of hikers. Got shuttled to the trailhead and was on my way at 0815. By 0845 I could wring out my shirt on this hot, humid day. Stopped for a long break at 0945 and then on to Jim and Molly Denton Shelter.At the shelter at 1030 were Half Elvis (¢08) and a friend doing trail magic. They had brought the food in on Saturday and had more, so they continued on Sunday morning. There were hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, beer, watermelon, and cookies. When they left, they left the beer, watermelon, and cookies for hikers that came along during the day. So how did I spend Fathers Day 2010? Hamburger at 1030, cookies till 1200, beer at 1215. Studied the trail guide and concluded I could cut a day off the hike by doing 20.4 miles tomorrow. I¢ll have to decide when I reach Dick¢s Dome Shelter whether to do another 10 miles or not. Doing the long hike could beat up my legs just in time for the roller coaster, so that may not be a great idea. Superman arrived and is staying. He has lost 50 lbs and is getting off the trail in Harpers Ferry. He is expecting Ghetto Sheep to stop here tonight. It continues to be very quiet here this afternoon and the shelter is only 50 yards off the trail. Casper and ¢No Longer Chef¢ passed through. Hoofit is here. Ghetto Sheep has arrived. Now it¢s getting busy. There are 11 or 12 of us so far, including Stucco, Little Foot, Power and Russell, Power Pack and others I do not know.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Dome Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

Everyone seemed to get out of camp early, and I was no exception, at 0645. I hiked to the road and met Slowpoke who was being dropped off by her husband. He gave me a ride to the PO so I got there at 0711 and had to wait until it opened. I talked to Sheryl and listened to voice mail from Sheryl and Ricki. I went to the store next to the PO and got a bottle of Gatorade, both for the drink and the new bottle. After getting my PO drop and packing it up, I walked back (up hill of course) to the trail and hiked back down to Rt. 55, the road the PO is on, only a mile away. There I met Peanut Butter and Jelly headed for the PO then onto SNP. Got to Dicks Dome at 1320 over some easy trail. Ghetto Sheep, Hoofit and 2 others are here, but going on to Red Hollow shelter, but it¢s hot and I¢m sticking to plan. The shelter is a modified Geodesic with a funny roof arrangement. There is a lot of wasted space. The beef Jerky was spoiled in the mail drop. I must remember not to repackage it in the future. I¢ll simply add a zip-lock to the package. It¢s 1900 and there are 3 of us in this 4-person shelter. Georgia Warrior is tenting nearby. I¢m noticing the tall, straight hardwood trees (Ash, Hickory) in this forest, quite different from the forests at home.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Dome Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Well, Naked Hiking Day was a disappointment. Had 7 hikers in/around Dick¢s Dome last night. Got out at 0720 and made it to the spring at the top of the hill at 0800 where I met Hedgehog. Good to have clean water, as the stream in front of Dicks Dome just didn¢t taste good. Crossed Rt. 50, and took a break and called Sheryl. It¢s very hot today and I¢m glad I got good water at the spring. Made it to Rod Hollow Shelter at 1200. Hedgehog and ??? were there but soon left for the roller coaster. There is a nice, cool piped spring here.Georgia Warrior arrived and took a nap, then went on to the next shelter. It¢s looking like a storm, and we need something to break this heat. Evergreen is here for the night after doing 13 miles. Doc arrived after a zero in Linden. Romulus and Baseball (father/son) as well as 3 hikers that look like 60¢s hippies also arrived. The rain seems to have dissipated and it¢s clearing. Guess that means no relief from the heat, but I only have 10 miles tomorrow.Well, it¢s getting crowded now, with 11 hikers, and time for more to arrive. One guy, Nails, was at Terrapin Hostel and is on my schedule to Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

There must have been 20 people here last night, but only 5 in the shelter and the rest in tents. I¢m all packed up and waiting for someone else to be first out down the trail, clearing out the cob webs. Today is roller coaster day, with the first hill starting almost immediately after leaving the shelter. It will be good to have a shower and clean clothes tonight, as it¢s been so hot that everything is sticky and smelly. Well, the first hiker is out ¢ it¢s time to do the roller coaster.Got to Sam More Shelter at 1100 and mixed up a Qt. of Gatorade to help over the 2 12 - 3 up hills to Bears Den Hostel. I don¢t recall sweating quite so much before. I heard that Klarity is planning on being at Bears Den tonight. Maybe I¢ll finally meet her. Made it to Bears Den at 1400. Took a shower and feel good! Looking at last years log, I see:Pork Chop ¢ 6/9Strider ¢ 6/28Y-Knot ¢ 6/29Ramble On ¢ 6/29Kage ¢ 7/1Butchinz ¢ 7/4Nordic ¢ 7/6Phoenix Rising ¢ 7/8 and 8/30Jungli ¢ 7/9Fiddler ¢ 7/9SnP ¢ 7/13What fun to read the log of these folks I hiked with last year!So it¢s now 1900 and we¢ve had salad, spaghetti, and a pint of Ben & Jerry¢s. The phone is charged and clothes washed and dried. Just 20.4 miles to Harpers Ferry footbridge and 2 days to get there!
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a very quiet, restful stay at Bears Den. Great place and highly recommended. I got up at 0615 and out at 0700. The climbs were moderate considering we¢re still in the roller coaster. Made the first VA/WVA border at 0900 where I called Sheryl and took a picture. The majority of the trail to Harpers Ferry follows a ridge where the state line is on the top of the ridge. Will likely cross back and forth many times.Completed the roller coaster and now have a gradual up hill to the Blackburn Trail Center. At 1100 I reached the 1000-mile (from Springer) mark and took a picture of the small stones writing out 1000 in the trail. Got to the Blackburn Trail Center at 1130 and made myself at home in the bunkhouse. Had a coke and took a shower in the solar heated shower. Two showers in two days - Woo Hoo!I watched hikers come and go all afternoon, but I was content to stay put, as there were strong thunderstorms predicted with a significant change in temperature. Tomorrow should turn out to be a nice day.So I¢m sitting here on the porch of the trail center thinking about what this trip has meant. Certainly there is the accomplishment, the completion of 2 more states, and the change of lifestyle though temporary. But more so are the people I¢ve met, Whamo, Blue Meanie, 7D and Gray Wanderer, Red Lobster, Road Runner, and Tater Chip, Stucco, One Life, and a host of others, who I probably will never see again. Then there are the helpers, from the start at Springer, RIP, Megan, the hostel keepers, Phoenix Rising, all contributing to the success of the hike. I keep wanting to make comparisons to last year¢s hike, but shouldn¢t. The people were a different set, one not better than the other, just different. It must be that each hike, like hikers, is different. This one was better weather wise than last spring, although the heat was certainly becoming a factor. Not sure I want to do PA in this kind of heat. It¢s now 1445 and I¢m hearing thunder. All others have left, some for Harpers Ferry and some for the next shelter 3 miles away. That shelter has poor water, 14 mile down hill. Nails has arrived as has Spoons. Time to put in the ¢aids¢.Well, finally Klarity has caught up and I met her. She was Phoenix Rising¢s supervisor at one job, and gave her name. Had great spaghetti and home made bread as well as splitting a bottle of wine with Nails.
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Keep Tryst Road
Miles today: 16.4

It's my last morning in the woods. I just need to get water and I¢m off at about 0710. At 1030 I ran into Warren Doyle again (met him yesterday) returning to his van. He is a legend out here, having hiked the trail 7 times. Think it's time for a break and some food.Got to the ATC center at 1130 and had pictures taken. Also there were Romulus and Baseball, and Scatter. Took a picture of myself at the center as well as a picture of my official picture, #150 Section Hiker.Met up with Sheryl, Evie, Tom, Beth and Payton. Tom and I hiked the 3 miles to Keep Tryst Road in 70 minutes. On to Tom¢s house and clean living.
Date: 2010-08-06
From: Lexington, MA

To: Wawayanda Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sheryl and I started driving from Lexington, MA at 0700 and arrived at the trailhead in Vernon NJ at 1115. There was trail magic at the trailhead, with a log that contained an entry from Mrs. Joy (see 6/7/10 journal) who is a week ahead. Ma and Pa Red Lobster had done trail magic here as well. I ate a snack, camel¢ed up, took pictures and started hiking at 1135. The first half-mile was flat, going through several old fields. I reached the base of Mt. Wawayanda and the rock-climb began. I passed several (10?) SOBO day hikers including 3 guys with instruments. Reaching the summit, I stopped for water and to tweet my new location.Reached the Barrett Road crossing at 1330 where I met a Scottish fellow who cautioned me about the rocks when entering NY. This was not the first caution I had heard about the entry into NY. I piled up some large logs to make a place to sit and had a snack. The trail to the shelter was mostly rock and dirt with some PUDs (pointless ups/downs). I haven¢t seen a NOBO yet today. When I reached the shelter I grabbed the logbook and opened it to the page Stucco and Scatters had made entries on. Also noted several entries with good words about Red Lobster¢s parents trail magic back at Rt 94. Red Lobster passed thru here on 7/18, 7D on 7/18, and Stucco and Scatters on 7/21. The log contained directions to get water that I copied, and headed off for the water, a round trip of 0.7 miles. Returned to the shelter at 1552 and snacked. Reviewing my plan, I found a one-day error that will extend the hike a day. Making it up doesn¢t look probable. I see ¢Phil from Maine¢ got here the day I got off the trail in Harpers Ferry. I had met him on 5/15 just outside Atkins VA.I was joined by Yoda, a SOBO from Arlington VA. He told me there is no water for the last few shelters. Ridge runner came by about 7 and stayed until 8 talking about all things AT.
Date: 2010-08-07
From: Wawayanda Shelter, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

I got out of camp at 0700 and I¢m now at the Warwick Turnpike at 0745, making 2 mph. I¢m going to have to look carefully for water today, and probably throughout the hike. The weather seems warm while hiking, but there is a cooling breeze when stopped. The cooler weather was great for sleeping last night. There are no hikers ahead of me right now so I have to break cobwebs on the trail. I have run into several hikers: Dan and Bobby who are out for the weekend, and 5 day hikers probably up from Greenwood Lake, NY. It is a real clear day with a nice breeze, making the hike along the ledges delightful. It¢s now 1345 and I¢m at the ice cream stand with Dan and Bobby. Great view so I took a couple pictures. I made the shelter at 1515 after climbing over two rock piles on the trail. A blue-blazed trail was available but I stayed with the white blazes. Don and Bobby are tenting here at Wildcat shelter for the night along with a number of scouts. Reading the log, I see Deja Thru was here on 6/25. That means, if we met near the start of my spring hike (it was 5/18) she did 50 more miles per week than I, or about 140 miles per week, which is constant 20-mile days. Boundless was also here on 6/26. There are entries in the log from Croft, Ohibro, Trashman, Draggin Tooth and sherpa, Avatar, Rabid, Stix, The Canadian Geese, Eric the Red, Tattoo, 7, Ugly Tuna, Red Lobstah, Beaver Chief, Deetz, Power Pack, Dr. Rock, and Stucco. (Note to self: Got to stop the above.)Aboo, a SOBO came into the shelter after seeing a bear and 2 cubs. We talked about water, and there is just none on the trail. I will have to get off the trail to find it. Aboo is from MA and going to Bowden collage. She had breakfast with Boundless in VT. Big R, a NOBO is now here.
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Got out of camp at 0705 while everyone else was still sleeping. Humidity is much higher today for my 14.3-mile walk. Water will only be at road crossings by trail angels. This section has more PUDs than I expected, certainly more than yesterday. However, I¢m making good time, keeping up the 2 mph rate. My new socks, size M vs. size L is working out much better. Found trail angel water at West Mombasha Rd. All my AT friends have signed the log here! Hiked up and over Agony Grind and its no mystery about the name. Trail angel (Capt. V, Air America, S. Vietnam 66-74) supplied 17 gallons of water at Rt. 17. Well, made it to the shelter at 1645 and I¢m now looking for the trail to the water, 12 mile away. Took me 20 minutes to locate it (I told many SOBOs where it is) and considerable time to hike down/up. Have the shelter to myself tonight.
Date: 2010-08-09
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: West Mountain
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

It was a quiet night at Fingerboard shelter. As I only know of one additional NOBO in the area, that¢s not surprising. This is much different from the spring hike where most shelters were busy. Looks like a 0730 start. This is a HHH day, with only a breeze on the hilltops. Ran into Big R tenting near the water tanks near Arden road. He is planning to get passed Bear Mtn and to the zoo today. I talked to Sheryl and wished her a happy birthday.It¢s 1500 and I have found a nice place to camp, with an overlook of the Hudson River and bear Mtn. I can also see the trains on the east side of the river going back and forth to NYC. I had played tag with Big R all day until I let him go ahead at the top of West Mtn. Now I¢m camped on a ledge with a great view. I¢m planning on a cowboy camp and hope the weather holds. However, talking to Sheryl again, she tells me there is a chance of showers, so I have put up my tent. Scattered and broken clouds here so I can see the possibility of showers.Took a nap here on the ledge, which turns out to be right on the trail, with a blaze on a tree not 20 feet from my sleeping pad. Not real stealthy. Made supper from 1800-1900, cleaned up, and read about tomorrows hike. Two SOBOs came through about 1845 headed for Tiorati Circle, which is a real long ways away, like 9 miles.
Date: 2010-08-10
From: West Mountain

To: Ft. Montgomery
Miles today: 6.7

It did rain about 0300 this morning. I grabbed all my stuff and jumped into the tent, which was set up and ready. It didn¢t rain much.Got on the trail about 0710, heading for Bear Mtn and then Ft. Montgomery. Long road walk up bear Mtn, then it started to rain when I reached the top. Spent some time in the tower, which has a lot of interesting pictures of building the road to the top. There would be some great views if the weather were good. As I started down I slipped on the wet rocks and scratched up my knee. A little first aid and I was back on the trail walking down a newly opened stairway to the bottom. The park at the bottom was a typical city park, dirty and just not a great place. The Zoo wasn¢t anything special either, and I didn¢t stop for a swim in the free pool. Although I¢ve heard it is worth the time. The walk into Ft. Montgomery seemed long and when I stopped at an auto repair garage Al offered me a bottle of water and then a ride to the Holliday Inn.It¢s now 1208 and I¢ve checked into the Holliday Inn, showered, got laundry in, cleaned my gear, and I¢m about to sort and count my food. I ate lunch (Swiss Burger) and supper (ribs) at the BBQ/Steak house one door away from the Holliday. Watched TV in between and re-supplied. I will eat breakfast in the hotel and try to get on the road by 0700.
Date: 2010-08-11
From: Ft. Montgomery

To: Dennytown Road
Miles today: 16.0

I got on the road, literally, at 0645 and walked the 1.5 miles to the Bear Mtn Bridge that crosses the Hudson River. On the way out of town I stopped at a convenience store and purchased 2 sides to cover the 2 dinners I was unable to procure at the store near the hotel. Now I¢m carrying additional food, so I will simple eat well. While sitting on a bench on the west side of the bridge, I sent a Text message about the Perseid Meteor Shower which could be a great take for hikers away from city lights. Took a picture of the bridge directly into the sun and observed the camera software eliminate ant glare. I love this new camera.It had been a quiet day for hikers as I¢ve only seen one and that was near the top of the hill just north of the Bridge. I drank a 20 oz. Gatorade at the store on Rt. 9 and refilled my water bottles. I¢m currently at a stream where I have drunk 1 Qt of water and will refill so I leave with 2 Qts of water. The availability of water is dictating the execution of this hike. This stream is the first one that I have seen that wasn¢t dry. There are even some small fish in the water.I passed the 1400-mile point on the trail, so now I¢ve done 1515 miles. It¢s 1430 and I just met Easy, a SOBO thru hiker. He tells me the water situation gets better as I go north, which I seemed to sense. Looks like, with the 2.7 miles to go, I will reach camp at about 1700, which is what I figured first thing this morning. I just can¢t seem to improve on the 1.5 mph.Made it to the Dennytown Road Campsite at 1645. There is a convenient spigot on the side of the stone pump house, but the water does not taste that good. Planning to cowboy camp again tonight as I want to watch the Meteor shower, and there doesn¢t seem to be any chance of rain. Won¢t even put up the tent, as it¢s just too warm to be inside. Besides, I don¢t like the way it sets up, being unable to get it tight. I really need to wash up my legs so I can put medicine on the scraped I got at Bear Mtn. About 2230 three hikers came into the field with headlamps on. They are Turtle, Grizzly, and Ramble. After introducing myself, they knew I had gotten a ride in Ft. Montgomery from Al and stayed at the holiday in, as they did also. It¢s too bad we didn¢t meet there.
Date: 2010-08-12
From: Dennytown Road

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Sometime during the night another hiker came into the field and set up a tent. I only saw one shooting star last night due to the clouds. I¢m a little slow getting going this morning due to watching for meteors, people coming into the field, and more bugs than I expected. Before putting on my boots I had to drain the blisters under both big toes. This worked well.I left the field at 0750 and made it to Skunk Mine Road at 0800. I¢m wondering if the 3 guys who camped across the road last night are following me (turns out they weren¢t but Turtle, Grizzly, and Ramble are). It¢s very humid again today. How can each day get worse?I met Monarch, a SOBO section hiker on top of Shenandoah Mtn. and had a nice conversation. She finishes this section tomorrow. Made it to RPH shelter at 1445, over fairly easy trail with considerable flat sections. No one else was at the shelter when I arrived. Turtle, Grizzly, and Ramble who stopped to wait for a pre-arranged ride soon joined me. They picked up beer and pretzels at a roadside drop which we all enjoyed. They knew many of the hikers I was with in VA, so I texted Stucco telling her who I was with. Reading the logbook, I see Gray Wanderer was here on 7/15. Biscuit and Gravy came in with their dog, and later left for the nearby campground. They are doing a short SOBO and then returning to Kent, CN to continue NOBO in a couple days. I expect I will run into them again. They said they remembered me from VA, but I do not remember them. Ripple came into the shelter late and kept me awake with her smoking.