morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light rain

Took a while to get ready this morning. Finished packing up then walked to the P.O. to mail off my bounce box. Ran into Hopalong and we decided to call a free shuttle to get us back to the trail head. Got on the trail at 10:40. Took it real easy and still got here at 2:45. I brought 16 hot dogs (2 pounds) Buns (1 pound 7 oz), 1 onion (7 oz), mustard (8 oz), and cheese (8 oz) total 4 pounds 14 oz for everyone here to eat. That will definitely make a difference tomorrow as I have a 19 mile day planned. The terrain should be decent as long as it doesn't rain hard. Temps have been unusually cool this past week but will get hotter as we near the weekend. Entered the Shenendoah National Park today. Like the Smokies we had to register again. Looks like resupply will be easy through here. Suppose to be plenty of bears in here. We will see. It's dark now so time to sleep. Goodnight.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campgroud
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Off to an early start. Crossed the Skyline 10 times today. The terrain has been fairly decent again today. The Shenandoah hasn't had too many views so far. I have gotten some pics though. Most of them are panoramic shots. Got to a place called Black Rock. It's a cool place. I didn't climb to the top but it is on my return list though. Great views from here also. When I got to the campgroud I ran into Dewey and we went to the camp store. I had a pint of Cherryliscious Ice Cream and bought a couple of dinners for tonight and tomorrow. We then went back to the campgroud and set up camp. I stayed here 3 years ago on my road trip. We then hiked the 1 mile around the campground, without our packs, to the camp store where I had another pint of ice cream and a soda. I had dinner at dark and am now off to bed.
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Loft Mountain Campgroud

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: few clouds

Off to a late start today at 8:20 am. No rush as I only had the 14 miles to do. My feet really feel those 20 miles yesterday. Got a few pics today as the weather has been great. A little warm in the afternoon but not too bad yet. I passed up the first shelter and got water at the ranger station instead. I then had lunch and started to climb again. I stopped at a view of Powell Gap Hollow and found a bandana hanging from a tree. I grabbed it and tied it to the back of my pack. When I got to the shelter Rambling Man said he had left one behind so I told him that I grabbed it. I had an early dinner and plan for an early night. Grundle Hammer and 310 just walked in. It's been a couple of weeks since I last saw them. Time to get ready for bed. Hope everyone is doing well.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

DOn't know what it is about 7:20 am but that seems to be the start time usually. Looking at an 18 mile day. Hit the 900 mile mark early today. Hard to believe that I have walked that far. The day went very well. Had a nice view from Hightop Mt. Got a great pic there and moved on. Walked by myself all day but met up with the others for lunch at the Lewis Mt. Campground. I had 2 spicy chix sandwiches and a chocolate milk. Man that was soooo gooood!! It is starting to heat up in the afternoons so I am drinking more water. When I got to my destination I decided to go a little bit further. I found this great view with room for my tent, but then I looked at the park regulations and found out it was too close to the trail so I hiked all the way to here. It was 8:00 pm so luckily I had already had dinner so all I had to do was set up my tent. I then went and talked to Longstride and Silver Girl for a while. I am now getting ready for a well deserved sleep.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Byrd's Nest
Miles today: 10.9

Had an easy 15 mile day planned and it got easier. Left at 8:30 this morning and took my time. Saw 2 deer early as I climbed up the first ascent. Saw a lot of good views today but they were all of the same valley. I saw 2 more deer about 9:15 am. Then I got a great pic of my first bear in the Shenandoah National Park. I even got him to pose for me. I was walking along thinking that everyone else is seeing bears and I won't see one and lo and behold there he was. Right after that I saw another deer. All by 10:40 am. When I got to Pinnacle Picnic Area there was trail magic. Ragweeds parents were there making hot dogs in their RV and handing them out to us through the window. They also had sodas and watermelon and apples and cantelope. It was all great. I filled my water bottles then thanked them for the magic. I got about 2 miles up the trail and ran into Hot Feet who asked me if I left my bottles back there. By this time I am hot and thirsty and realize that I did leave them there. Luckily he said that Dewey, 310 and Grundlehammer were bringing them and were right behind me. Thank goodness for them guys. A little later we got here and it is a wonderful shelter so Blurg, Sitcom and I decided to call it a day seeing how we knew how crowded the next shelter was going to be. There are only 5 of us in the shelter and 1 tent. Should be nice and quiet. If all goes as planned I should be in Harpers Ferry on Friday.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Byrd's Nest

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow!!! Got an early start at 6:15 am. Got to the last wayside in the S.N.P. at 11:15 am for lunch. The morning just flew by as I hiked with B1. I had a cheeseburger, Dorits and a banana nut muffin and the best blackberry milkshake I ever had. When all that was gone I bought a Dr. Wham to finish me off. It's hard getting started after a meal like that. B1 caught up to me and we hiked the rest of the way to the shelter. It started to rain just before we got here but we were pretty dry when we got here. He went on and I stayed. Will try for another early day tomorrow probably in the rain but oh well!
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: US 522 Front Royal VA
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: moderate rain

Started in the rain at 6:45 am. I didn't stop the whole way. Neither did the rain. I made good time though. Here at the Quality Inn. I have had lunch, got my mail drop and am now waiting on laundry. 4 Trees is here also so I will probably have dinner with him. I am going to finish this up as I need to get this in an envelope and mailed off. Hope all is well with everyone.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: US 522 Front Royal VA

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Had to wait until 10:30 for a shuttle back to the trail. Had a good breakfast though while waiting. The weather is great and the terrain wasn't bad. Took a break at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter which is a really nice shelter with a porch, chairs and a solar shower. Just after that I crossed I-66. I run into many stone walls which who knows when they were built. I then stopped for lunch at the Manassas Gap Shelter then headed here. This is an octagonal shelter which only sleeps 4 but has a nice stream out front. There are 4 of us in the shelter and 3 people tenting. It will be a nice quiet night.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Early start today at 7:10. Planned on heading through the Rollercoaster which is 12 descent and ascents tightly packed in a 13.5 mile stretch. I first entered Sky Meadows State Park in the morning which was absolutely fantastic to walk through those meadows. I then stopped at the Rod Hollow Shelter to take a break before hitting the Rollercoaster. I had 8.8 miles in already. As I went up I was hallucinating as I saw 2 women day packing in their bikinis. I am used to seeing bikini clad women at home but not on the trail. I then came across Thin Pilgrim who was having trouble with his heart rate. Was it the trail or the bikini's? I think it was both. On the top of the 5th ascent was the Sam Moore Shelter where I took another lunch break. Thought about going to the Bears Den Hostel short of the end of the Rollercoaster but decided to finish it. Ran into Passionflower heading South and she told me everyone that was at the Blackburn Center so I went for the marathon 26.4 miles as it is .2 off of the trail. Got there at 8:00 pm just in time for spaghetti. Got to see Sparky, Ranger Bill and Roboticus which I hadn't seen since Trail Days. After I ate I set up my tent and collapsed so I am actually writing this in Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

I forgot to mention that I hit the 1000 mile mark yesterday and entered West Virginia. 4 states down, 10 to go. Woke up sore this morning but not as bad as I thought. It was slow going though. I did see a large doe today as she slowly walked away. Wasn't planning on going into the AT Headquarters right away but I did. Got my picture taken for the album and was the 499th thru-hiker that registered. Got 10 postcards that I will be sending soon. I saw Venados picture on the wall. I hiked with him and his father in 2010. Venado was the youngest person to do it that year. When Thru told me that he saw his picture last year I thought it was with a ton of others, but no, it is 1 of 8 8x10 photos on the wall. I then came here to the Teahorse Hostel. Laurel, the owner, is one nice woman. I wanted to stay tomorrow night but its booked so I will have to find someone to split a motel room. I will stay here Sunday and Monday though. Lazy day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Harpers Ferry KOA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The cheapest way to go was to stay here in the campground. Grundlehammer, 310 and Boots decided to stay 1 more day so we are splitting this campsite . We are camped along a Civil War trench that was used to defend the city during the war. My little sister Michelle, I call her my little sister as we have known each other so long, gave me her father Jerry's phone number and he and his girlfriend Claire drove an hour to pick me up and take me to lunch. I explained to them that they were indeed trail angels and thanked them for their magic. We had a great time together and I was able to answer many questions for them and show them the pictures I have on my phone. I am now back at the campground and am going to take a dip in the pool. Two more days of rest and relaxation, I hope my body can handle it.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Harpers Ferry KOA

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 0.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 7 am at the KOA and went to the free pancake breakfast. After that the 4 of us packed up and just sat around until after 10. On our way back to town I dropped my gear off here at the hostel and walked with Grundlehammer, 310, and Boots as they headed for the trail. I said goodbye to them and just started to check out the historic buildings in this small town. It is really cool to see so much history. I took a few photos then had lunch and decided to hike the .6 of a mile back to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters and see who else has come through as compared to over 30 on Friday when I came in. I came back here and got a shower and just sat around chatting with others. Time for some sleep. I don't think I will go into DC tomorrow after all. Some other time I guess.
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Just a lazy day. Laid around here after that great waffle breakfast that Laurel serves here each morning. I then took a walk to the ATC Hqts. again then came back and am reading a book as I wait for Passionflower to get here. Been raining off and on all day with some more possible tomorrow. Maybe I will stay dry, maybe I won't. We will see. Will go out for dinner after she gets here then I will call it a night.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Hard to leave but Passionflower and I got out just after our waffle breakfast. As we got to the historic part of town we ran into Hopalong and Slims, who is from Barbados. Slims was heading out also so he joined us. We then met up with Cheddah and hit the trail real easy at first as we hiked along a tow-path, a road which was used to pull barges up the river in the old days. We have decided to do easy days to Boiling Springs for 2 reasons. 1 - the heat and 2 - we want to get there on Monday to get our mail drops. We made a lot of stops. Most notably the War Correspondents Monument in Gathland State Park. I thought it was built after WWII but it was erected in the 1890's. Passionflower, Slims and myself are in this new shelter all by ourselves. It is hot so I will sleep on top of my bag tonight. It's going to be 10 degrees hotter tomorrow than it was today so lots of water. I left West Virginia today and entered Maryland. It only took me 5 days to get the 4 miles of West Virginia done. Will be done with Maryland tomorrow. Man those 2 are fast.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

It did finally cool off last night so I slept well. We had breakfast and headed out. Temperatures will be around 97 degrees. We walked slow and drank lots of water. Our big place of interest today was the Washington Monument State Park. We checked out the museum then hiked up to the original Washington Monument. From the top we could see West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Man was it hot. It's going to be hot again tomorrow. I have my tent set, had dinner and am now waiting for dark. Hope everyone is okay. Goodnight
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter

To: Antietam Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Another scorcher today. All we can do is take it slow and easy. Lots of water again today. I hope the rain comes tomorrow to cool things off. I was really looking forward to reaching Pan-Mar Park where we ordered a pizza and just hid out in the shade for a couple of hours. We also got some bananas and oranges for trail magic from another hiker. Unfortunately we still had 7 1/2 miles to go. After leaving the park we entered Pennsylvania. 6 states down 8 to go. We just do it one step at a time as the heat is boiling. I feel like I am back in Naples. We ran into the hiker who gave us the fruit and he said he has more at Old Forge Park .1 away so we went there and he gave Passionflower and I 4 oranges, 4 bananas and 1/2 gal of O.J. I am looking forward to breakfast. Setting up my tent in the dark and my headlamp is dead. Will have to buy a new one!
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Antietam Shelter

To: PATC Milesburn Cabin
Miles today: 18.4

It was a hot, humid night. Slept on top of my sleeping gear. It sprinkled a little but my tent was dry this morning. There is a 50% chance of rain today. Broke camp and went to the park for our breakfast. Oatmeal with bananas was a treat. Saved my oranges for later in the day as we have a 12 mile stretch with no water. Still hot and muggy. The gnats are starting to get annoying also. I took a short side trail to Chimney Rocks which was really neat. Our next stop was Caledonia State Park to hit the concession stand and maybe the pool. As we get close there is a sign announcing trail magic so we head there. Great time there. I had a couple of hamburgers, a hot dog, a bag of chips, a Hershey Bar and a couple of sodas. Unfortunately we don't make miles by sitting around so off we go. Before we get our packs on here comes Chameleon which I haven't seen since Trail Days. Then she tells us that Ranger Bill and Roboticus is behind us. We finally get out of there and head for the cabin site. A couple are there that rented the cabin but allow us to tent there and share their fire. This is the second night in a row we get to tent right next to a stream.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: PATC Milesburn Cabin

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

What a difference in the temps last night. I actually got in my sleeping bag. Short day into the park and the Half Gallon Challenge which is a tradition after reaching the Halfway mark. Most everyone stops at this store and tries to devour 1/2 a gallon of ice cream. I did it in under an hour. This is a real nice hostel/bed and breakfast. It has a history with the underground in the slave days. It is called the Ironmasters Mansion. After the ice cream we checked out the AT museum which was really cool. Got to touch an old sign that sat on Katahdin. Had dinner and am calling it a night.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Pine Grove Furnace S.P.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to stay another day to let Passionflowers blisters and my toes get a rest. We went down to the store to watch the hikers come in and attempt the Half Gallon Challenge. Most fo them only do the 1 1/2 quart container and blow off eating the 1 pint afterward. I know I did a full half gallon. The AT museum had a picnic and they asked us hikers to share some of our stories of the trail with them which we all love to tell our stories to anyone who will listen. Never did make it to the lake though. Got to see a few people I hadn't seen in a while. This hostel is filling up fast tonight. Just waiting for dinner and am going to catch up on my camera listing.
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Pine Grove Furnace S.P.

To: Little Dogwood Run
Miles today: 15.6

Left the hostel and hit the trail at about 8:30. Picked up Bobby who is a friend of Roboticus and is section hiking, and the three us of hiked together most of the day. Saw a tree with a smiley face in it. Took a few pictures here and there but not really much else. Will leave the Blue Ridge Mountains tomorrow on our 4 mile hike into Boiling Springs PA which is also where the original centerpoint is of the A.T. Found a nice place to tent with a stream and plenty of firewood. Going to enjoy the cool nights while they last.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Little Dogwood Run

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 4.0

Woke up to a very cool morning. Packed up and headed to the shelter trail to meet Passionflower. We had a nice easy hike in. What a beautiful little town. Children's Lake is awesome with plenty of ducks and some swans. It's fed by 30 springs that are 53 degrees so the water is cold but feels great on my feet. Couldn't check in to the resort until 3 so we got our mail drops and sat at the Regional Office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. I spread my stuff out on the grass and took care of it there. Then I packed up my bounce box and sent it off. I almost forgot about the trail magic when we first got here. It was early so we went to the 101 Cafe for breakfast. When we got to our table outside we started to talk to the people next to us. They told us we needed to go inside to order. I started to place my order and as I was reaching in my pocket to pay she said don't bother, that was already covered by someone outside. What a great trail angel. This resort goes for $154 for the room we are in but as thru-hikers we got it for $40. Croc Hunter was stuck with no where to go so he is staying with us. We will have breakfast in the morning and head out.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

Woke up and went to the breakfast buffet. For $6 we couldn't go wrong. Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, waffles, home fries, sticky buns and apple fritters is what I had. They also had cold cereal, yogurt and a few other items. We went back to our room, packed up and hit the trail at 10:10 am. Nice flat ground and no rocks. Walked through grassy fields and alongside plenty of corn, wheat, and what we believe to be soy fields. With about 5 miles to go we hit a huge patch of blackberries. I picked a whole quart of them then started to pick more to eat. My hands are stained and then I rubbed my nose and got that stained too. Here at the shelter had dinner and a cup of blackberries for dessert. This place has a huge privy called The Taj Majhal. I have pictures of it to view. I have to go find a tree to hang our food.
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannan, PA
Miles today: 11.3

Short day into town and the Doyle Hotel. Really hot today. Took our time still made it by 1 pm. The terrain is still really nice so making time is relatively easy. The Doyle is an early 1920's building that really shows it. Pat and Vickie are trying to fix it up but that will take a lot of work and time. There is no A/C or television so we sat in the bar most of the day watching T.V. and eating, great food by the way and of course drinking. I can't remember when I drank that much Coke in one day. At least there is a fan in the room so it helps. Don't know where Passionflower went so I will be heading to bed which is my air mattress and sleeping bag on the floor. A lot like sleeping in a shelter.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Duncannan, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Found out a bunch of people went to the strip clubs and that Subway and Croc Hunter got thrown out of one of them. Slept in pretty late, then we packed up and went to breakfast at Goodies across the street. Had French toast, eggs, bacon, toast and home fries. We hit the trail at 10:10 a.m. Got to the Clark's Ferry Shelter with temps around 98 degrees. I drank about 3 quarts of water and we just sat around for 2 hours then we took off for here. I was drenched all day. The rocks aren't bad yet but know they are coming. This is a nice shelter. More warnings about procupines so maybe I will see one tonight. Going to try to get up early as we hope to do 18 miles tomorrow. It will be a few days before we see a town again. Time to clean up my mess and set up my bed.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Peters Mountain Shelter 

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

It was a long haul to get water at the Peter Mt. Shelter. I counted 298 steps to get to it, That steps as in rock steps not paces. Got a real early start at 5:50 am to beat the heat. There isn't really many views to speak of so I just walked. Met NOL. It stands for New Orleans, Louisianna. Hiked most of the day with him if you can call it a day. I was done at 1:50. Nice place to camp right next to the Rausch Creek and plenty of firewood. I got in the creek for a soak and to wash my shirt and sweaty clothes. Got some reading done also. The weather wasn't as hot today as I was able to put in the miles. It's cooling off out here so I think I will be able to sleep in my bag.
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Great night last night. Nice and cool. Got out of camp at 7:30. Had a couple of small climbs today and it heated up fast this morning. It was most definitely much hotter today. Had a long stretch without a water source today also. Hiked with Passionflower today. We moved slow and took many breaks. We were all looking forward to a shower and having food delivered. I had fried chix with fries, a salad, and dinner rolls. The restaurant even threw in a couple of extra pieces of chix and a 2 liter bottle of soda. The shower was a cold shower but in this heat it felt great. Going to get caught up again on my photo list now. By the way, as of today we have less than 1000 miles to go.