morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-25
From: daleville

To: jennings creek
Miles today: 28.2

Yesterday we got a call from the front desk that someone was there to see us. We went down and it was Mr. Fabulous. It was great seeing him again. After breakfast we headed out around 8am. We had a break at fullhardt knob shelter. we crossed the blueridge parkway several times today. The overlooks were beautiful. It was hot and muggy today. Not alot happened today we are pushing 20 or miles a day. I know we said short miles but we talked to a friend in harpers ferry and they have asked us to stay with them but we have to get there by the 9th of june. The reason is they have offered for us to play BINGO with them. Of course you know we love bingo. We got to jennings creek around 830. We pitched our tent and talked to a family who were camping next to us. They gave some much needed cold drinks. We retired to our tent and had a good nights sleep.
Date: 2012-05-26
From: jennings creek

To: petites gap
Miles today: 18.7

Yet another hot day. I don't think I have ever sweated this much. we hiked up to 4225ft from 951ft. It was a tough climb. We had to get to the parkway just before thunder hill shelter. There 3 ladies had brought out dutch ovens and had a huge feast for the hikers. It was great. While there they offered to slack pack us to petites gap which was another 5 miles. We gladly accepted. They picked us up and brought us back to the hiker feed and spent the night there. We took a bath in the creek and that felt like a million bucks. The water felt great after a day of hiking and sweating. I can hear troll and labrat laughing now. They are saying " see I told you all you couldn't slow down". We spent the evening eating and talking. We had a great time. It is so great getting trail magic. Also we stopped at cornelius creek shelter where BA Disciple had hiked in and put cold cokes in a stream for the hikers. They tasted great and that gave us the energy to get up the mtn to the hiker feed.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: petites gap

To: salt log gap
Miles today: 17.3

It was hard leaving the trail angels this morning but we have to get some miles in. We hiked over the james river today. We saw a 4ft rattlesnake as we were coming down gunter ridge. It was the first of 7 snakes seen today. We saw 2 black snakes, 1 black racer 2 green snakes, 1 garter snake along with 4 deer. We stopped at matts creek shelter and soaked our sore feet before crossing the james river. A lot of people were jumping off the foot bridge into the river but we were told that the river was a sewage runoff and recommended not jumping. As we entered the parking lot a guy offered to take us to town but was charging so we passed. We were sitting there and a lady pulled in and was waiting on her husband. His name is Go Man. He is hiking and she came to meet him. We had seen him at the shelter and told her that he was on his way. When he got there they offered to take us to town to eat. We had steak subs, onion rings and fries. After eating she informed us that the meal was on them. How sweet. We did not count on that. After getting our bellies full of great food and cold water we made our way up to saltlog gap. There we put up out tent and called it a night.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: salt log gap

To: hog camp gap
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: broken clouds

Last night was scary!!! We were camping in the middle of stinging nettles. Around 1am we heard like a growl. It was so loud that it woke us both. I asked what was that and he said it's a bear. I about flipped out. We kept listening but didn't hear it moving. I start hitting my shoes together thinking it would run but still no movement. He said lets get out and look. So we got our lights and stepped outta the tent. Looked around and saw nothing. So we found some wood and built a small fire hoping to keep it away. Then all of a sudden up above our heads there was this loud noise that scared us both. It was 2 tree limbs rubbing together..lol. Thats what it was that we had heard before. So we were scared for nothing. But afterwards it was funny. We were scared of trees..lol. It really did sound like a bear growling. Anyways, we hiked over bluff mtn where the ottie powell monument is located. He was a 4 yr old boy who had went out to get firewood and never returned back to school. there was a blizzard and he died. I can't remember what yr that happened right off. We went to the punchbowl shelter and had a snack. that shelter is suppose to be haunted by his spirit. We got to peddlers river and had a swim before heading out again. Right before brown mtn creek shelter we had a coke and cookies from 2 people that set up every year to give trail magic to hikers. From there we made it to US 60 and hitched into buena vista and had lunch at burger king. As we were hitching back out 2 trucks pulled over to give us ride. The guy that took us back is planning a trip to jonesville, va to help out less fortunate families with the baptist church. How odd thats where we are from. The trail makes this world such a small place. We made our way up to bald knob and cold mtn which is over 4000ft. We got to hog camp gap where we tented for the night. We met 2 section hikers who was married on the same day we were. Not a yr ago but even the same year. How odd is that? We picked wild strawberries that were all around our tent. They were so good.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: hog camp gap

To: montebello
Miles today: 10.0

We left camp at 530am. We had to get to our pick up by 11am which was 10 miles away plus an extra mile to the parking lot. I love hiking at daybreak and watching the sun come up. It is so peaceful and beautiful. We got to elk pond branch and ran into mr. fabulous, peach and overdrive. great to see them again. They decided to go into montebello with us. We stopped at seely woodworth shelter for a break before headed our last 3 miles. We got to the parking lot at 10am. that is our best time ever. This place is great!!! The dutch haus has a great rate for hikers. We get a free lunch and breakfast with our stay plus an awesome dinner for a small fee. Shower and laundry is included. Was a way to be pampered after so many miles. Thank you Doris and Big Al. We got our package. You guys are great. We love and miss all of you guys from cherokee bingo.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: montebello

To: maupin field shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Man it was hard to leave the comfort of montebello but the peace out here is so much better. We hiked up to spy rock and of course we scaled up it for the view. It was so worth it. The view was so beautiful. We hiked over the priest. We took a break at the tye river and soaked our feet. We then headed over the three ridges. We stopped at harpers creek shelter for a short break. Wow, the last ridge was tough. We had to climb up and over a lot of rocks. We then made our way down to the shelter where we saw a 3ft black timber rattlesnake. We set up camp, cook and hit the sack.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: maupin field shelter

To: waynesboro, va
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow we did 21 miles in 9 hours and that includes 1 and half hours worth of breaks. We hiked 6 miles to cedar cliffs where we took a 30 minute break. It was hard to leave because the view was so beautiful. We then hiked 1/2 mile to dripping rock on the blue ridge where we met a 1990 thru hiker and he gave us a coke and a water. From there we hit the trail and the rocks and made our way up humpback mtn. We then made our way down to paul c. wolfe shelter where we took another break. The shelter sets between two mountains beside a rushing stream. It would have been nice to stay and soak our aching feet but we were only 5.3 miles from town. As soon as we got to town even before a shower we hit the chinese buffet. We got our bellies more than full and then headed to the church hostel. We took a shower and now we are ready for bed. Oh yeah! I forgot to mention that a few days ago I saw a 400lb black bear. Ratman was ahead of me and I heard branches break and looked to my right and there it came toward me.I thought I was gonna die. I yelled for ratman and when I did the bear ran off. So glad he wasn't ready to eat.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: waynesboro, va

To: campsite by spring
Miles today: 7.3

We left the hostel at 8am. A trail angel from the church who's name is marge wanted to take us to starbucks for coffee and a muffin. We sat and talked for like 2 hours and she then took us to the trail. Upon entering the Shenandoah National Park we had to pick up a back country permit. After hiking 5 miles we took a break at beagle gap. There we met a husband and wife who were hosting a girl from over seas by the name of crissy. She was excited to meet us. She kept asking questions. We were like movie stars to her. We then made our way to calf mtn shelter where we took a break and filled up with water. We then hiked 1.5 miles and called it a day at 2:30. We were really lazy. Still hadn't recovered from 7 20 miles days.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: campsite by spring

To: frazier discovery trail
Miles today: 21.0

We left camp at 7:15. We hiked along listening to the birds singing and the warm sun shining through the trees. It's hard to explain the feeling and the peace that surrounds you as you are hiking along. Over the next 12 miles we crossed the skyline 7 times before making it to blackrock hut. We had lunch with spirit who is a lady from chatanooga, tn. She is attempting to do a thru hike for the third time. After leaving her we were hiking along and a 250lb bear jumped on a log and just stared at us. He then jumped off and headed over the hill. When we got to blackrock hut we needed water so over the hill we went even though it was a ways off the trail. Spirit was behind us and of course ratman was in front. We were almost to the shelter and he screamed and jumped back. There in the trail was a copperhead. He was about to put his foot right on top of it. He finally got it off the trail so that we could get to the water. We got our water and then made our way up to the blackrocks. There we saw 2 rattlesnakes hiding in the rocks. It was cold so they weren't active. We then made our way 7 more miles to loft mtn store before they closed. There we had cold drinks and lots of food with 2 hikers, overdrive and peach. After getting our bellies not so full. You would think we would be but hikers never get full. We went 1.2 miles and set up camp for the night at the overlook.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: frazier discovery trail

To: south river fire road
Miles today: 19.8

Man has it been cold. Last night at the overlook we had a beautiful sunset overlooking the valley and mountains that we have crossed. It was a good day for hiking. The weather has been real good for the passed few days. It has been cool but that makes for a good hike. Again we crossed the skyline several times. We hiked with overdrive and peach off and on all day. We didn't see any wildlife today. We are hoping to see more bear before we leave the skyline. We stopped at the south river picnic area and used the restroom. While there ratman as usual found someone to talk to. The lady was resupplying a friend and she gave us 2 bars. We then headed to find a campsite with peach and overdrive.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: south river fire road

To: campsite near skyland stables
Miles today: 20.8

After a night of owls hooting over our heads, we left camp at 6:45 with clouds promising us a rain shower was close. We tried to get peach and overdrive to leave with us in hopes to see some wildlife. They refused to get out of there warm sleeping bags so we headed out. We hadn't hiked 2 miles and we heard a rustling to the left and there was a momma bear and her 2 cubs. They were so cute. They looked like little fat puppies. Another mile down the trail we jumped another bear that was sitting on the side of the trail. We didn't even see him until he ran off into the bushes. As we were coming into lewis mtn campground it started raining. We got to the store and had sausage biscuits and starbucks coffee to warm up. While there we met squatch who is producing a film on the AT. He already has one for the PCT. He interviewed us and said that he may use our story in his film. We wont know until next year but that would be fun. After another round of coffee and rain shower we headed out. We made our way to big meadows wayside for lunch, bummer!! We got there and there was no electric. We got 2 overpriced sandwiches and a salad. Before we got there we saw another bear. WOW!! 5 already. Thats just today. We have seen a lot of deer as well today. After leaving big meadows we headed toward skyline stables. As we were hiking along we saw something black moving...BEAR. Nope momma bear and 2 more cubs. The cubs ran up a tree and all of a sudden back down they came to find mom and then ran off. 8 bears in one day. They are so fast its hard to get the pics that I want, but at least we see them.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: campsite near skyland stables

To: elkwallow wayside
Miles today: 0.0

Yet another rainy cold morning. We made our way to skyland restaurant where we had breakfast and AYCD starbucks coffee. While there we called the family and got caught up on whats been going on at home. After finishing our breakfast we still weren't full. The family next to us had 3 trays full and ratman made the comment that he should ask them if they wanted to see a magic trick. By that he meant watching the food disappear..lol. We hiked to marys rock. There was no view because of the fog. As we started down the mountain there was a helicopter flying over. We stopped to look at it and as we stopped we saw someone coming behind us. It was Mr. Fabulous! He was trying to sneak up behind me a scare me. I told him that he never wanted to do that because I would have stabbed him with my hiking poles. It was good to see him again. We hadn't seen him since waynesboro. He had been trying to catch us. We all hiked together and talked all the way to elkwallow. We got there hoping to eat supper..NOPE. Their grill was down so we settled on a loaf of bread and cheese so that we could make our own sandwiches. Triple decker sandwiches at that. The 3 of us had 3 each. After eating we found a flat spot and threw up our tents.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: campsite near skyland stables

To: elkwallow wayside
Miles today: 18.9

Yet another rainy cold morning. We made our way to skyland restaurant where we had breakfast and AYCD starbucks coffee. While there we called the family and got caught up on whats been going on at home. After finishing our breakfast we still weren't full. The family next to us had 3 trays full and ratman made the comment that he should ask them if they wanted to see a magic trick. By that he meant watching the food disappear..lol. We hiked to marys rock. There was no view because of the fog. As we started down the mountain there was a helicopter flying over. We stopped to look at it and as we stopped we saw someone coming behind us. It was Mr. Fabulous! He was trying to sneak up behind me a scare me. I told him that he never wanted to do that because I would have stabbed him with my hiking poles. It was good to see him again. We hadn't seen him since waynesboro. He had been trying to catch us. We all hiked together and talked all the way to elkwallow. We got there hoping to eat supper..NOPE. Their grill was down so we settled on a loaf of bread and cheese so that we could make our own sandwiches. Triple decker sandwiches at that. The 3 of us had 3 each. After eating we found a flat spot and threw up our tents.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: elkwallow wayside

To: front royal, va
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Left camp at 6am because we wanted to get to town by 2pm and rest. We hiked 3 miles and as we came around the corner there was a bear sitting beside the trail. He did not move and looked like he didn't plan too. We took pics and went on our way. We got to the bottom of the hill and passed a south bounder. We warned him of the bear up ahead. We stopped for lunch around 11 and realized that we were only a few more miles from town. We hurried and ate and headed on. We stopped at tom floyd hut for a privy break and then made a dash for the road. We hadn't had our thumbs out long and a local girl pulled over and offered us a ride to town. We are in for some much needed rest. We will be off the trail for 3 days to visit with some friends. We will post totals tomorrow. New pics are posted now. God Bless!!
Date: 2012-06-08
From: front royal, va

To: front royal, va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

UpdatesTrail magic..85money found..5.86extra miles walked..64.8wildlife:snakes..43deer..62turkey..10grouse..4bear..13wolf..1raccoon..1falls: 1 eachslack packs: 6Average money spent: 2.33 per mile for the both of us, not each.number of zero days..131-5 miles..55-10 miles..2010-20 miles..3720+ miles..8We have met people from 30 states and 7 countries.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: front royal, va

To: manassas gap shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After a great weekend of bingo, picnicing and lots of fun with friends we headed back to the trail. First a great big thank you to teresa, scott, darla and pete for everything you have done for us. You are great!!! When returning to the trail we hiked 10.7 miles to manassas gap. There we put up our tent because we were being threatened by rain and storms.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: manassas gap shelter

To: Morgan Mill stream
Miles today: 16.2

Left camp around 10. It rained all night so waited as long as we could before heading out. We hiked in rain most of the day. At least it was a warm rain and not cold. We stopped at rod hollow shelter for a break. After a snack at the shelter we prepared ourselves for the ride on the roller coaster. The roller coaster is 13.5 miles of up and downs. We made it 3 miles into the roller coaster and camped at the stream. We set up camp built a fire and got everything dried out. After getting everything dry we climbed in our tent and braced for the storm that was approching. Yeah..got everything dry for what? NOTHING!!! Lol..thats the trail for ya. We ate snacks and hit the bag resting for the remainder of the coaster tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Morgan Mill stream

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The storm last night wasn't as bad as we thought it was gonna be. Thank God. I don't like storms at home let along in the middle of the woods in our tent. Made it through the coaster. Alot of climbs that our bodies haven't been use to in a while. The weather was so nice today. We were almost to the bears den hostel and we passed a group on a short hike and we were asked to give a short talk on our hike. Of course we don't like to talk so we refused. JUST KIDDING. We love to talk so we shared our story with everyone. We made it to bears den hoping for pizza but they were closed until 5pm. So no pizza. We headed on up the trail and decided to stop at the blackburn center after the roller coaster kicked our butts.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Had a great time at blackburn last night. A friend of easy miles was there and he played his guitar and sang for everyone. The caretakers fixed spaghetti, salad, bread and brownies for the hikers. It was great. We left around 6:30 and headed to Harpers. We hiked over a lot of rocks. Which because of the shape our boots are in really hurt our feet a lot. New boots coming in 5 days. We got to harpers ferry around 11am. We had our picture taken at the ATC and then got a ride to charles town to the motel. Darla and Pete came to see us again. It was good to see them. Harpers Ferry is a beautiful town. A lot of history in this town. We would like to thank everyone for following us and all of yur support. Also, Connie we look forward to hiking with you and your family next year. God Bless!!!
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Harpers Ferry

To: rocky run shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After having lunch consisting of hamburgers and the fixings we headed north. We crossed the Byron memorial footbridge. It crosses the Potomac river and we walked 3 miles on the c and o canal towpath. We hiked up to weaverton cliffs where we took a break with a great view. We made our way to the Ed gravy shelter where we took a short break. We then hiked through Gathland state park and had a bite to eat before making our way to camp at rocky run shelter.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: rocky run shelter

To: raven rock shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Started hiking at 7am. We hiked 7 miles to I70 footbridge where we knew there was a hiker feed happening. As any trail magic the feed was great. We had eggs, bacon, fruit, coffee, orange juice and several other items. After getting our bellies full we set out. As we were making our way up to Annapolis rocks we met 2 ladies and their daughters. They asked us several questions. We hiked with them for quite a ways. They want us to come to their schools and talk about the trail. It was fun talking to the girls they told us several of there stories as well. From the we stopped at ensign cowell shelter for a break. There we talked to spirit and had a snack. We then headed 4.9 more to raven rock shelter. On the way we met a man who's grandfather invented the hay bell thrower. We met several boy scouts along the way as well. When we got to the shelter chees it was there. We hadn't seen him since waynesboro, va. We talked for a few minutes and then set up our tent and had noodles for supper. The shelter is only 2 years old. It is a nice 2 story shelter but we would rather tent.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: raven rock shelter

To: tumbling run shelters
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: few clouds

Today was a lazy day. We left camp around 7am. We hiked through pen mar county park. After leaving the park we hit the mason Dixon line. 6 states down and 8 more to go. We got to the road and hitched into waynesboro, pa to walmart. Afterwards I treated ratman to Applebee's for a fathers day lunch. Upon getting back on the trail we hiked to tumbling run shelters and decided to call it a day. We built a fire and had supper. Spirit, easy, and gravity came in later. We all set around the fire and shared stories from the trail. We had a great time socializing. As we were getting ready to climb into our tent ratman noticed a huge spider on the tree next to the tent. I was flipping out because I am terrified of spiders. But he wouldn't kill it. So we went to bed and I forgot about it.
Date: 2012-06-18
From: tumbling run shelters

To: birch run shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

I forgot to mention that the shelters in PA have snoring and non snoring shelters. Very nice. We left camp around 7 again and made our way up 2000 ft and ridge line walked for about 7 miles before our decent into caledonia state park. There we had lunch with spirit, easy and gravity. It sprinkled rain most of the morning. We stayed between 1800 an 2000 ft most of the day. It was a rocky walk. Out feet were killing us. We look forward to getting our new boots and trashing these. At camp we got a fire started and had again had noodles for supper. We fell asleep with the sound of rain hitting our tent.