morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Seely-Woodworth shelter.

To: Fish Hatchery Rd.
Miles today: 2.3

Stayed close by last night so it would be a short walk to where the folks from Dutch Haus were to pick us up for a free lunch at 11:00 A.M. Slept in and still arrived early at the pick up point which is the fish hatchery parking lot. While waiting, we toured the fish area which is a man made stram with dams, gates and falls. Thousand of Brown trout are there at several age groups. The Va Wildlife and Inland Fish Department stock the streams from. An interesting sign says something like, no admittance with fishing gear. We took a picture.Lois from the B&B arrived on time and shuttled us back for lunch which was very good. We showered first and after lunch got settled and relaxed the remainder of the day. I am staying in the loft of the bunk house up on the hill. What's interesting is that I am staying with 3 other hikers that I started with on March first at Springer Mountain, GA, even though I have missed 26 days of hiking since I started. They are in no hurry.There is a beautiful, very large bloodhound dog named Buford here. He doesn't live here but visits often. We were instructed not to feed him. He is friendly but drools all over everything he gets near.Getting to know Willing and Able better and really like them. They also hike sort of slow because that's the way Able wants it, and this is her hike. I will miss them when I move on.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Fish Hatchery Rd.

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 19.9

Up at six. Breakfast at seven and on the trail by 8:30. Earl with the B&B carried me to the trail at Reeds gap which made it nice. I then slacked packed back south from there with a day pack, about 5 pounds. Really helped my sore feet to have the light pack. Tomorrow he will carry me once again to Reeds gap with my pack and I will continue hiking north. Walking not too tough today except for one 3000' climb named the Priest. Got confused once and hiked about a mile in the wrong direction and had to turn around. Since it was rainy and overcast I could not determine south from north. I need to pay more attention to the signs and blazing however and this would not have happened. Arrived back at the B&B about 5:00 P.M. Stopped at the store down the road and had some ice cream and coffee first, and to let my feet rest.This is my second and last night at this wonderful B&B. I can't say enough about the hospitality Earl and Lois have shown us. Hate to leave.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Reeds Gap

To: I-64 Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: broken clouds

Trail not to difficult today. Staying at the Grace Lutheran Church tonight. The had posted a sign in the last trail shelter that they were opening the fellowship hall for a hostel on 5/19, which is today. I was the first to sign in and get my photo made about 5:30 P.M.   A young man "Pusher" was the first. I had not met him before today. We would in days to come become good friends along the trail before the leaves me behind. The hostel was set up by Woody and his wife Irma who is a hiker. They've been doing it for about 8 years. They provide a cot, shower, snacks and cont. breakfast. Very nice folks. Woody loaned me his Kroger discount cart and I discovered after leaving that I forgot to give it back.
Date: 2008-05-20
From: I-64 Waynesboro, VA

To: Skyline Drive mp 92.4
Miles today: 13.4

Made it out of town about 11:30 A.M. after stopping at the P.O. to get my supply box of protein drink mix which I am now taking. Before I was wasting away and I changed my diet to include more protein which now seems to help. I haven't lost any more weight.Also stopped by Rockfish Outfitters and purchased a few things that I need including water purification drops. I only use these if I am getting water from a source that I cannot see where it is originating. The store owner carried me the 3 miles back to the trail.Pitched my tent near Skyline drive and immediately 3 deer came to investigate. The were within 20 feet of me for some time. Almost out of water and there is none close by so I skipped cooking supper and ate something dry. Before pitching my tent, I piled leaves about 10 inches deep which makes for a soft place to lay.   Learned this trick several years ago while camping in the winter. It also insulates well. In the sack early for a full nights sleep.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Skyline Drive mp 92.4

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

This is my second day hiking through the Shenandoah NP and must say it is nice. The elevations and grading are much more friendly than some of those down south. Woke this morning to a turkey gobbling very near the tent. I yelped back to him in a very non turkey sounding voice but he must have been lonely because he really gobbled back for 1/2 hour before I exited the tent and he saw me at which he made a hasty exit. The deer were back again this morning also.Stopped by the Loft mountain Wayside/grill for a cheeseburger, fries and coffee. Ahh, coffee. I don't get much of that out here and relish it when I have the opportunity.Have seen many deer and other wildlife since entering the park. They seem almost tame like. Chipmunks are everywhere.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

On the trail before 7:00 A.M. Had three climbs today but none too tough. Beginning to love Shenandoah. The views are wonderful and all the day hikers are fun to talk with.Saw my first BEAR today!!!! It was not a big one but that doesn't matter. In fact it looked like a big teddy. Brown face and jet black body, galloping like a race horse. It smelled me and got confused as to where I was, so it ended up running across the trail about 50 feet in front of me. Met a nice family from Utah today when I arrived at the shelter. They have a son named Forrest who is about 13 or 14 and reminds me so much of my boys at that age.   He was trying to get a fire going with wet wood so after I rested a few moments I showed him how to find dry wood even when everything seems wet. I also showed him a new food which is peanut butter spread on a beef stick or Slim Jim. Try it, it is good. There are about 12 people in the shelter and several tenting close by including a father and son from Germany. I talked with them awhile and they are familiar with some of the places I was stationed while there in the Army.P.S. I do not have time to proof read or spell check these entries so I hope you can read this stuff.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Bearfence Mtn. Hut

To: Pinacle Picnic Ground
Miles today: 20.3

The trail was beautiful today. I recommend that if anyone wants some nice day hiking experiences they should come to Shenandoah NP. The trails are well marked and the views, rock formations, etc and great. Watch out for the Harley riders however. The Appalachian Trail crosses Skyline drive many times and almost every time you will see a group of motor cycle riders.Hiking with "pusher" today. We passed the Big Meadows Lodge, a beautiful old place. We planned to stop and have breakfast as the trail passes within a hundred yards of it. But, we arrived at 10:00 A.M. and they close at 10 and reopen at 11 for lunch. We settled for a coffee and pastry at the front desk. Talked to some people who were very interested in thru-hiking. They had lots of questions and can't believe we're walking the whole 2175 miles in one year. Can't believe it myself actually. It seems such a foreign idea. Pusher left me   behind from here as he has a 27 mile day planned. 20 is about all I can do and is actually more than I should be doing as my feet and knees really start beggin for relief at about 15 miles. May slow down more after I cross the half way point of 1085 miles.Caught up with "Peakaxe" at the lodge. Haven't seen him in 5 or 6 weeks. He is taking photos for the ATC to help in their documention of places along the trail. He has got new boots and new blisters to go along with them. The thing about boots are that it takes 2 or 3 pair to do this trail in its entirety. The rocks absolutely destroy them in a few weeks. I am on my second pair. And also, your feet get larger because your arch drops. The boots I am wearing now are much too small by days end and my toes feel like they are in a vise being squeezed.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Pinacle Picnic Ground

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

More beautiful scenery today. Climbs not too hard, but the down hill from Mary's knob was long and rocky. There are several eateries along Skyline Drive and the A.T. goes near them. This is nice as you don't have to carry too much food which is heavy. Stopped at the Elk wallow Wayside for another burger/fries and coffee. Also bought enough food for one day to get me into the next town. This eateries are pricey however and I dropped $22.00.Saw a mother grouse and chicks this afternoon. She play the broken wing act to lure me away. I saw one chick scurry under a log. I thought that it may be in more trouble under there than near me if a snake was near.A very nice spring near the hut. By the way, Shenandoah has huts, all others till now are known as shelters, but they are the same. Met a new person today at the shelter. His trail name is "Halftime" and he is from Tallahassee, FL. He is near my age and we have a lot in common. Later, "Vagabond" from IN came and we got acquainted. He is walking around the world raising awareness for the need of clean water and living conditions in Africa. I will post his website when I see him again as I have forgotten it for the time being. He is super nice.Have been sheltering and tenting for the last few days with Daniel and his mom Christie from Seattle. Like them a lot. Christie is a nurse which is good to have around if an accident or sickness occurs.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To:  Hwy 522, Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A very light day. Awake early. The birds are my alarm clock. I am up first normally and my rustling around wakes everyone else. Some start getting up and some lay there. One young man an woman have a small coffee maker. They offered to make me a cup but I declined as I would be in town soon and I would get plenty.Left the shelter at 6:45 A.M. and walked briskly exiting the north side of Shenandoah about 10:00 A.M. Earlier I noticed some people walking behind me so I stopped and let them catch up. They were a family wanting to hike up Compton Peak. Not knowing where it was as they had no map they were following me. I hated to break it them but it was about two miles behind us in the other direction. This didn't seem to bother them. They just said, Oh, and turned around. Before leaving they offered me water and snacks but I had plenty so I declined. Besides, I would be in Front Royal in a few hours.Arrived at the Tom Floyd shelter about noon. Vagabond, Daniel and Christie caught up with me. We rested awhile then sprinted the last 1.4 miles to the highway where we hitched a ride into town. Hitch-hiking is as much as this experience as the hiking is as some of the trips into town are several miles and h-h is the best way to get there. Actually people in towns near the A.T. are so used to seeing hikers that it is no problem getting a ride. Normally 10 minutes or less is all it takes.Our "driver" dropped us off at a shopping center where I immediately bought a knee brace a CVS pharmacy. Next, lunch at KFC, ice cream and coffee at McDonalds, and grocery shopping. Vagabond's ride to Washington, DC picked him up and Daniel/Mom disappeared. She is flying back to Seattle as she was only hiking for a week. This left me alone which not a problem as I do not need other people much of the time, but admit it is nice to have someone to talk with and experience things with. Phoned Mrs. Johnson who has opened her house as a hostel during the hiking season. She and her husband will not be back in town until 7:00 P.M. so I hung out and rested. Spent 2 hours at McDonalds! Phoned the family members while waiting. The afternoon passed and Mrs. Johnson arrived take me to their home. They have a beautiful place with a nice loft to sleep in, including shower and washer/dryer in the garage. I got acquainted with both she and Mr. Johnson, two very nice people. The also have a cute and energetic dog name Samantha, (Sam). Any hiker needing a place to stay overnight while in the area can contact them at (703) 615-5612. There is no charge but do ask for a donation to help pay expenses. I highly recommend them. The breakfast alone is an experience, including much fresh fruit. I even have a carry out.
Date: 2008-05-26
From:  Hwy 522, Front Royal, VA

To: Side trail to Sky Meadows Park
Miles today: 17.3

Left the Johnson's at 9:30 A.M. after a very nice breakfast. Tom drove me to the trail crossing on hwy. 522. After walking for about a mile I saw a large bear standing in the trail. After a brief standoff he split. It's a good thing he did, or I would have had he stood his ground. This was no teddy as the first one was that I saw in Shenandoah. This guy was big.A little while later I saw Tom coming down the trail with his dog Sam. There is a side trail which connects their neighborhood to the A.T. and he took that to me meet me so we could hike some together. Very nice of him. Tom is past president of the Patomac Appalachain trail club and has a wealth of knowledge of the trail and it's history. Today I saw Popeye and Lil Mak again after more than a month. They were present back in Bland, VA at the church for the AYCE breakfast.Pitched my tent in the rain late today. Had difficulty finding a suitable spot as the woods have turned into a jungle.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Side trail to Sky Meadows Park

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

Woke last night to heavy snorting which had to be a bear. They often walk the trail and my tent was within 20' of it. I made some noise and it stopped. Black bears want no part of humans, ordinarily. Entered the roller coaster this morning. The r.c. is a series of 10 ups and downs over a 13.5 mile stretch. Some were difficult and the humidity didn't help any. Only did 8 of them as the last 2 will be tomorrow.Arrived at the hostel at 4:00 P.M. No one here and the place is locked, so I spread all my wet stuff from last nights rain out in the sun and relaxed until the attendant showed up at five. Popeye and Little Mac showed up about six.The special hiker rate of $25.00 includes a bed, shower, laundry, large pizza, soda, and a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Not a bad deal!To bed early at eight, but others talking kept me awake for a long time. No use in me trying to sleep where others are present. We light sleepers don't make out to well on the trail and are always sleep deprived.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: ATC side trail, Harpers Ferry, WVA
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Easy walking today except for the ROCKS! I hate rocks.   My right shin and knee started hurting again today because of them. I guess I am going to have to back off on the miles or slow down or something if I am going to continue this hike. Made it into the ATC headquarters at 4:15 P.M. and signed the register. The make everyones picture for the album. I was the 165th hiker to sign in this year. Bad Hummus was the 40th. That's how far I got behind by being away from the trail for 26 days.Pusher was hear when I arrived getting ready to do the 4 state challenge. He ask me again to come along but again I declined. The challenge is to begin in VA then go thru the corner of WVA, cross MD and into PA in 24 hours. The total is over 40 miles. I can just imaging what that would do to my feet and legs. I've heard that Maryland is rocks, rocks, and rocks for almost 40 miles.Staying a the Town's Inn tonight. Picking up a couple of boxes at the P.O. tomorrow then heading into Maryland in the afternoon. Do not plan a big day as I need a rest badly.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: ATC side trail, Harpers Ferry, WVA

To: Trail to Bear Spring Cabin
Miles today: 13.7

Had a really nice breakfast at the Country Cafe even though it entailed a 1.5 mile walk. These stops in town are supposed to be relaxing but I always find that I have to do a lot of walking to get every thing done such as laundry, grocery shopping, P.O. stops, etc. Have you notice how grocery prices have increased lately?Picked up a couple of packages at the P.O. and caught a ride back to the hostel. Weighed myself at the ATC H.Q. and I'm at 152 pounds dressed lightly in crocks. Before I started the hike I would have been 165 dressed the same. My energy is holding up though.Took my time leaving town as Harpers Ferry is a neat and pretty town. It has many old buildings and lots of history. The trail was easy and I stopped at Gathland State Park to read the civil war plaques. Talked to some nice local people and killed about an hour. Saw a hen turkey and 8 or 10 chicks as I neared my camping spot. She was really clucking and warning them of the danger. In about 5 seconds they were all hidden and she lead me away from them. It is interesting how mothers of all species protect their young. In some species that is where the real danger lies when you encounter a mother and young.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Trail to Bear Spring Cabin

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Up early and on the trail by 6:30 A.M. I like this early morning hiking. It takes me about an hour to get warmed up but then I can really fly until noon and often have 10 to 12 miles by that time. But this morning I didn't have enough water to properly fix breakfast so I ate a couple of energy bars and tanked up on water at the first spring I came across.Mid morning I came to the Washington monument park and visited the museum, (free), then climbed the first Washington monument which was built in 1827 by the citizens of Maryland. Called Janice from the top of it. Wished she could have been there.   She, like myself is a history buff. A couple of years back we drove a rental car from New York City to Nashville in part so we could visit civil war battlefield parks. She felt honored to stand on the spot where President Lincoln gave his Gettysburg address.Arrived at the shelter at 5:00 P.M. to find some section hikers were having a vegetarian, stirfry cookout and they invited Pilgrim and myself. Of course I accepted and we had a great time socializing and eating with them. They gave me some fruit to carry with we. I've said it before, the hiking community is the most supportive I've ever been associated with.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: moderate rain

Last night was the most sleepless I've had lately. Pilgrim and I had the shelter to ourselves and he caved the walls in snoring. I was listening to classic rock on my radio all night to drown him out. I know it sounds like I pick on the guys who snore but I really don't, and I know they can't help it. About mid morning it started raining and I got soaked. I stopped at the Penn Mar county park for a soft drink and was invited to once again a meal by some people having a picnic at one of the pavilions. I spent about an hour with them and became acquainted, and of course filled up on food. Two days in a row!!!Lots of Boy Scouts out hiking this weekend. Talked to one group that have a hike planned this summer in New Mexico. These are fine young men and I always enjoy meeting them.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Stiff climb from the very start and I wasn't warmed up. Over all the trail wasn't very difficult however. Stopped at a snack bar in Caldonia Park and had a so so burger and fries. Not worth the $10. it cost me. On the way out of the park I did some "yogiing" near a large group of picnickers hoping they would toss me something but it didn't work. Oh well, my luck has been good lately so I just smiled at them and kept walking. I will keep trying this and maybe develop a system. I guess it would help if I put that hungry look on my face.Hiked with "Captain Jack Sparrow" some for the past couple of days. He is really fast so I probably won't be seeing him for long. Arrive at the shelter about 6:00 P.M. and a father and 10 year daughter from Philadelphia was already there. He was very interested in learning how to trim pack weight. Also showed him how to find pure water that needs no treating. He was also amazed that we can easily hike 20 miles per day but it doesn't seem so amazing to us. Actually, 20 is about my limit as my feet really start begging for relief at about 18.
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Campsite B4 Whiskey Spring
Miles today: 22.0

Made the halfway point today at noon. Pine Grove Furnace, PA is recognize as the halfway point but it could be off by 3 or 4 miles, plus or minus.Pine Grove Furnace is more of a village than a town. As I neared it there were two ladies working in the yard of a beautiful old log cabin. Naturally I stopped to talk and they told me all about the cabin. It was built in 1929 be one of the ladies grand father and is made of American Chestnut logs. He cut and hewed them himself. They took me on a tour including the upstairs to look at the timbers.At the General Store I took the "half gallon challenge". That is to celebrate making it half way to Mt. Katahdin, Maine, you eat a half gallon of ice cream and if you do it, you get one of those small wooden ice cream spoons that says, member of the half gallon club. I didn't have much trouble with it and actually ate it in less than 30 minutes. The record is 4 minutes, 45 seconds.Sleeping in my tent tonight which is good rest. The shelters are fun from the social aspect but the tent is better for sound sleep and I do this about every third night.Still keeping my left knee wrapped and taking vitamin I at the end of each day.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Campsite B4 Whiskey Spring

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

I was right, tenting is the best rest. I slept like a rock for 9 hours. Have I mentioned about the gypsy moths? During the catapillar stage they feed on leaves in the trees and they literally strip the foliage. While in the tent the droppings from them sound like rain on the tent and the ground is covered with small pieces of leaves. It actually smells like fresh cut hay. Arrived in Boiling Springs, PA about 11:00 A.M. and met my friend Derek from Hanover, Md. We had a nice lunch at the Tavern Restaurant. He also brought me lots of stuff from my food bag. He is a great friend and we have some hunting planned for this fall.Boiling Springs is named for the very large spring that feeds Yellow Breeches river and an incredible volumn of water flows from it. Left town at 2:30 and hiked 13 miles. Reached the shelter at dark and got soaked from a down pour. I was out of clean clothes so I changed into my cleanest dirty underclothes. Didn't feel too good but at least they were dry.