morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Spy Rock Road

To: US 60
Miles today: 17.0

Slack Packing = borrowing a day pack + carrying only essentials for one day (water, water filter, snacks /lunch, camera, cell phone, raincoat, and sticks. This means a faster and longer than usual hiking. Today my miles would be 17. And as I mentioned yesterday I would be hiking south. Into the wind so to speak of most others who today will be covering the same route but north. Doc 13 was shuttled to US 60 to head north. After a 30 minute or so ride, Uncle D and me were dropped off at Spy Rock Road. We had a mile hike up to the AT from the drop off. Once hiking I guesstimated that Doc and I would connect during hour 4. One advantage of me walking south was that the long uphill from US 60 would be a downhill for me and theoretically faster. What I didn't account for when estimating my pickup time was meeting almost everyone I had met over the last two weeks as they too, like Doc, we're heading north. So a 20 minute lunch with Doc and a few minutes with many others added up. I ended up arriving about 40 minutes late.The hiking was sweet! Amazing how light I felt and how much I didn't get fatigued. Just shows how much pack weight means. Trail wise today's route was nice. Not very many views out of the Tunnel but pretty nonetheless. The one large bald, see picture, was reminiscent of those in Tennessee and North Carolina. Nice views and since it was Sunday a lot of day hikers were out too. After arriving back at Three Springs Hostel I was able to shower and wash my clothes again. Doing so two consecutive days may not happen again on this journey. Due to being busy today with shuttles Oma brought in pizza. She made a salad to go with it and of course the homemade dessert. Enough food for all.This night at the hostel there were 4 new face in addition to Uncle D and me. Splash and Smoke, a mother and son duo from Indiana, Ghost Hiker from Tennessee and Mama Moab and her so called service dog from Ohio. Smoke is a recent "retiree" from service to our country with the Army. I don't think the dog being paraded as a service dog is one. Stories abound about hikers getting such certificates so as to be able to take their dogs through the Smokies and other places dogs are not allowed. Thankfully the dog was well behaved.Tomorrow I will "bounce" to Waynesboro for a zero and to assure that I make my much desired meet up with Jeff, Sandahl and Aubrey. Doing this will make the second section I will be making up before completing the AT. Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-08
From: US 60/ Three Springs Hostel 

To: Waynesboro 
Miles today: 0.0

I have decided to skip forward today. This is the second time since starting my journey to hike the AT that I have done this. I now will have two sections to make up. Moving forward any additional skipped sections north of Harper's Ferry become problematic. I think getting back to Tennessee (my first skip) will be easy. This skip will be more complicated but not too bad. Any others north an issue. During this trip I have met many hikers, mostly about my age, who had plans altered and took longer to complete the trail than initially anticipated. At this point I'm in that boat too. I skipped today to remain on my time schedule primarily due because my miles per day is well below what I thought they would be. And as you have read there have been days of rest that I needed over and above what was planned. Tomorrow will be another one of those. All this gets to me learning what it takes to "hike my hike" and continue to enjoy this experience. And that my friends is most important. As my friend Charlie Boles said before I started this year "It's the journey, not the destination." He is so right. And others in my age group are focused on that also. If this journey takes me longer so be it. I enjoy the wilderness, seeing what I see as I hike, and just being in the natural environment created for us.Right now I want to rest and be prepared to enter the Shenandoah National Park and meet up with Sandahl, Jeff and Aubrey in a few days. Wow, I am really excited to see them. We will spend about a day and a half together before they head on home from their vacation and I continue north.I really don't have a lot to do today in town as clothes are clean. The main thing is mail. I have items in my bounce box to mail home and then organize food for Shenandoah. And I would love to get a haircut! In closing this city is fantastic to hikers. Local citizens have created a network of volunteers to pick up hikers from Rock Fish Gap about five miles from town for FREE! A list is provided at the gap and many local businesses. They will also provide taxi service in town. A very nice touch appreciated by all of us.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Waynesboro 

To: Waynesboro 
Miles today: 0.0

Before embarking on the leg through the Shenandoah National Park and the visit with family, Ben Jolly and I decided to take a second zero in Waynesboro. After my little meltdown several days ago I want to be careful not to push too hard too fast. Looking back at my journal, the handwritten one I keep, I discovered I had gone 17 days without a day of rest. Bad idea. I should probably not go more than 7 or 8.Anyway today I rest and with only one chore...get a haircut. Barber Shop was just across the street from where I was staying. Does that feel good. And with the heat rising I should be more comfortable. Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Waynesboro 

To: Calf Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

A bit of a late start today as we headed into the Shenandoah. Today would be short so no rush to get going early. The next campsite after the first one was too far anyway so our first day would be short. .The trail today was very unexciting. No views.Seems a lot of us took aim at this Shelter tonight. Shelter full when we arrived and just a few tent sites available. Taking most of the space was a scout troop out for a week. Nice young men and leaders from Lutheran Church sponsored troop.Also in camp tonight was a couple from New York...Dr. Pickles and Mockingbird whom we had become friends with. Together we hatched a plan for the next few days. The plan as one might guess was based on food and showers. Ben Jolly had prepared a schedule for the two of us that got me to Big Meadows by Sunday to meet up with Sandahl, Jeff and Aubrey. To do this he had a twenty mile day on Friday. That would be my longest ever on the AT. The new plan had us doing twenty tomorrow getting us to Loft Mountain Campsite the location of a wayside (restaurant) and showers. And for me that would be the twenty mile challenge early versus later when I would likely be more tired. Plan done...bedtime early. Really big and long day tomorrow.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Calf Mountain Shelter 

To: Loft Mountain Campsite 
Miles today: 20.0

Another day in the green tunnel. At least one view. See picture. Throughout the Shenandoah the AT criss-crosses the Skyline Drive rather frequently. The trail either seems to come down to it then it's back up the mountain or vice versa. Being a week day we hear traffic but see little at the road crossings. We left early and the first ten miles were not too bad for me. More of the green tunnel. As the day wore on and the heat rose and I tired...ugh. And of course Loft Mountain Campsite was on a mountain. Go figure it was a climb up. Mission accomplished...as I popped out of the forest using the trail connecting the AT to the campground, I saw none of my group waiting my arrival and no idea where or what to do to find them. Dead tired and just wanting my pack off, I summoned enough energy to find a camper and ask what to do. He guided me in the direction of the ranger station. About 1/4 mile away...ugh. Upon arrival I was greeted with "You must be Logman". The ranger was watching out for me...and hiking friends too. That's what the AT community does...take care of each other...even complete strangers. He told what campsite to go to...back another 1/4 mile and that he would be there shortly to take down yo the wayside and showers. Waysides are restaurants. On the way he stopped to shoo a rattlesnake off the road. They are protected here and the authorities are serious about it. $500 fine for killing one, including running over one in a car. About every hiker in our bubble was at the wayside eating and showering. Food was great but expensive, shower great and free....ok tradeoff.After eating and showering it's a hike back up to the campsite. Probably about a mile, maybe more like 3/4 mile. After setting up tents it was to bed. We will rise again early tomorrow and be off. I'm ready to see family at Big Meadows on Sunday.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Loft Mountain Campsite 

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was antsy upon waking up today. Fifteen miles following a twenty mile day might be very tough. That said an early start was the best bet. I typically get started no later than 7. Today I was up, gear packed and hiking just after six. Slept real good last night after that long day. Cool breeze into tent all night was soothing. With good rest getting up and going early was easy.This morning I was hoping to see wildlife which would seem logical with an early start and everyone else still in camp, most still sleeping. But no, our friends Dr. Pickle and Mockingbird, who left after us saw the bears...two cubs and the mother and later on a large male. Oh well so much for leaving early.Another good reason for leaving early was that storms were forecast to move through in the early afternoon. Getting to the next shelter by 3 was another of the day's goals. Again the green tunnel carried the day, but by and large the trail was nice. Immediately after one of the several crossings of Skyline Drive I stopped to wait for Dr. Pickle and Mockingbird. Just off the road about 100 yards, I heard a car stop and offer them trail magic. Out of the woods I came. A couple driving north was giving Gatorade. Wow! Great trail magic on this hot day.After trail magic it was back to trying to beat the almost for certain storm to the next shelter. That this was a 15 mile day preceded by my longest ever meant pacing my speed so as to conserve energy. That was going ok until the weather got dicey looking and a storm imminent. Thankfully as both the storm and shelter closed in, the terrain got better too. The result was that while fatigue set in during the final mile or two, I could still keep a decent pace. Whew! Arrived at the Shelter literally 10 minutes before the rain came. Many others, including our friends Dr. Pickles and Mockingbird. Preceding me there was Ben Jolly and a PATC ridge runner, Blistful.Thankfully the rain while a mighty downpour did not last long. Tomorrow we get to another campground in Shenandoah, Lewis, where we can again resupply and get hot food at the camp store. And then from there a short 8 mile day to Big Meadows and family time. Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bear Fence Hut 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Another early start today. For me being anxious to be with family for almost 2 days gets me moving. Hiking early seems to pacify the anxiety and while no closer than if I left later it seems like it.Today for the first time I really experienced the "You can make good time in the Shenandoah." comments we've heard for weeks. It was a fast 12 miles today. Still not a lot of views but nice trail nonetheless.After we reach the Lewis Campground it is only a short distance to Bear Fence hut. Less than a mile. We plan to hang out at the camp store a while and make a leisurely day of it. Again the trail allows for making good time today. We get there just as it looks like a storm is coming. We were on the store's porch when it rained just briefly. It didn't take long for a dozen or so hungry hikers to arrive and begin eating and resupplying. On the way today and almost at the campground I was passed by a young hiker from Switzerland. Out of the blue he said he would have a soft drink for me when I arrived at the store. And he did.At the camp store we found good eats for lunch and good resupply. We also found Randy the store manager. Talk about a passionate Park employee. Wow! He provided us tips galore on everything from what to buy food wise at other park restaurants to trail and water supply information. At the next shelter where we would stay he advised not using the spring. As a result we maxed out our water at the store. Enough for the day and for tomorrow. Thankfully I only had 8 miles before the next wayside and more. One could really get spoiled here in the Shenandoah with so many chances for food and drink and lighter pack weight that comes with convenient resupply.For the last several days Ben Jolly and I have been hiking with a young couple from New York City, Dr. Pickles and Mockingbird. I really like them very nice, fun and interesting. Again tonight we will all be at the Shelter. Unfortunately for me the last time as I meet Sandahl, Jeff and Aubrey tomorrow for two days of family time.Bears had been frequenting the Bear Fence Hut recently. Thus the name is appropriate. We sure hoped there would be no visit tonight. We made sure everyone properly stored food and other scented things for the night.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Bear Fence Hut 

To: Big Meadow Lodge 
Miles today: 8.0

One is always skeptical when told a day of hiking will be "easy". And that is especially true given my age and recovery requirements. Today was however easier than I expected. A very nice and fast hike into Big Meadows. I arrived about 30 minutes earlier than expected. And let me tell you breakfast was great! Yes I got to the Wayside before they stopped serving breakfast. As Ben Jolly and I were just finishing in came Dr. Pickle and Mockingbird. And as before it was great to see them again and especially on this day. I will zero tomorrow with Jeff, Sandahl and Aubrey here so they will all now be over a day ahead of me. And it's quite possible we will not see each other again. That's how it goes on the AT. Instant friends but often short term too. We have exchanged email addresses and phone numbers.I had about 2 hours to wait for Sandahl and Jeff to arrive. Having to wait at the Big Meadows Wayside was not a bad deal at all. Lots of people to watch, other hikers stopping in and several I knew and then of course food and drink is readily available. Once family arrived we would eat lunch before checking in at the lodge. I was talking to a couple of non- hikers, answering their questions when my family quietly snuck up behind me. What joy getting hugs and kisses. It would be a great next couple of days.Unfortunately after lunch and check in, I had some necessary business to take care of...first a shower and then laundry at the campground. I wanted to get this stuff done and out of the way so as to not take more time away from the visit. Before dinner we did a little sightseeing but most of that would be tomorrow. We had light dinners at the lodge and then settled in for the night. Aubrey, in my opinion, did great. And what a joy for granddad to see her. Good night.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Big Meadow Lodge 

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

A great day from wake up to bedtime. Our group got going pretty quick given we all were in the same room. Aubrey slept good...in my opinion but ended up in bed with mom and dad most of the night. I was totally unaware until the morning. Sleeping on a mattress was enough to keep me occupied all night.We ate breakfast at the wayside and then went site seeing. First we checked out the views along Skyline Drive north of Big Meadows. Interesting that there are much better and more frequent views from this road than from the AT. We then embarked on a short hike to Dark Hollow Falls. It was an easy route suitable for Jeff to carry Aubrey. See picture. We took photos, hung out there a while and then back to the car. Next stop was for a picnic lunch back at Big Meadows near the campground.After lunch it was back to our room and naps all around. Dinner was back at the wayside. After dinner we went to the lodge to use WIFI and call Cathy. Nearly dark by then it was back to our room, showers and bed. Everyone slept good. Even Aubrey stayed in her own bed. Good thing because mom and dad have a long drive tomorrow.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-17
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Thornton Gap/Luray, VA 
Miles today: 14.1

Already have found new friends to hike with. These guys, old college friends from LSU, are my age and I think we will get along fine and hiking paces should be compatible. The plan today is to make it to the road into Luray by about 3:30 or 4. Bad Hat had called and made arrangements for a local guy to pick us up.The hiking today was typically Shenandoah...no or very few views from the trail but nice trail and good time made. The highlight was the long and potentially treacherous downhill leading to Thornton Gap our destination. This is where Ben Jolly had ended his 2007 hike due to a fall. And here we were doing it late after a 14 mile day.Hiking in a drizzle much of the day we arrived at the appointed time. No shuttle waiting. Bad Hat called and the guy was still coming. That took darn near an hour as we waited on the cold mountain.We were delivered the 9 miles to town at the motel the driver worked at. Very convenient to all we needed, but too late to get any chores down today. He also secured a more favorable room rate for us.After showers it was dinner at a very good pizza place next door. It by that time for bed and up early to get laundry and resupply done before lunch so we could rest off our feet the rest of the day. Enjoyed watching a bit of the college world series before falling to sleep. Tomorrow night Bad Hat and Mr Magoo's Alma mater plays. I might also,watch some of that.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-18
From: Luray, VA 

To: Luray, VA 
Miles today: 0.0

If all goes well today will be the last zero on this 2015 AT journey. I substituted a zero here with one I planned two days from now in Front Royal. I could only because I still have enough food to get to Harper's Ferry. That was one advantage of hiking in the Shenandoah...advantage is lot of food available that allowed me to conserve mine. Since we got to town late in the day all zero day tasks had to be done today. That is not the preferred way. The best is to get that done the day one arrives thus saving the zero for rest only...sort of like a sabbath day.Luray is a nice small town surrounded by the mountains. Dollar General and the laundry mat were almost next door to one another about 1 mile down Main Street. On the way we stopped by the local outfitter. The clerk there was totally useless...could not answer any of our questions. One thing that would really help this town would be to set up a volunteer hiker shuttle service like what we found in Waynesboro. Being 9 miles from the trailhead makes it really hard for hikers to get in. Here a lot skip and move on two more days to Front Royal.At the laundry we tossed our clothes in the machine and headed next door to Dollar General. By 11:30 I was headed back to the motel while the other two guys went to the PO. A nap was on the horizon. Lunch would be a snack and dinner would be large.Dinner at another local place called Bucks, a restaurant bar combo. I don't drink much beer while hiking but one tonight with my reuben sandwich was good. It was then back to the room, pack for leaving and then some college baseball before sleep. Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Thornton Gap/Luray, VA 

To: Gravel Springs Shelter 
Miles today: 14.3

The motel we were staying at had a great breakfast restaurant. And with great prices too. It opened early so we could actually eat real food before heading back to the AT at 7:30 am. We arrived at the trailhead and we're hiking by 8. Today would be long but would also included our last Wayside in Shenandoah. Eating lunch today will make dinner a snack.The trail again in Shenandoah was nice and good time was made. Even with long miles and the late start we arrived reasonably early and had first choice of spots in the Shelter. It seems that for this section in the Shenandoah I have used shelters more often than planned. The advantage is early starts and no issues with wet tents if it rains.Our current "bubble" of hikers includes many who have made stops in either Luray like we did or Front Royal. And most everyone want to reach Harper's Ferry within the week. I certainly do. This will be a rather long stretch without a break, showers or food stops...5 days. That stop will be at one of the most popular hostels...Bears Den Hostel. Bears Den is owned by the ATC and run by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. And before Bears Den is the start infamous "roller coaster" a 13.5 mile section of one climb immediately followed by a downhill total of about 13 such beasts.Tomorrow we will leave the Shenandoah National Park behind as the journey continues north to Harper's Ferry. Harper's will be the next National Park as most of the town is a national park. Six more hiking days left now before I head home. I'm hoping for rain, which is forecast for the next several days to entail afternoon storms. That scenario allows me to get to camp and stay dry before they hit. My bet is that like tonight, I will be sleeping in shelters mostly.Toward the end of the day we passed a falcon recovery area in the Shenandoah. Fortunately a ranger was there to explain to me what was going on. Young birds are being brought from Washington DC where falcons were introduced to help control pigeons and other urban pests. Here they are being reintroduced to the wild. I guess there must be am over population thing going on in the city.Arrived at shelter set up in it for the night.Blessings,