morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Tye River, Va. 56
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: moderate rain

Yes! It rained, but amazingly not until the wee hours of morning. Typically, we had a difficult time rolling out of our bags, and Mr. Clean Jr. got a head start on us. Not only did it rain today, but it was a cold rain...a little unexpected since it is the 2nd of June. The temps were in the low 50s when we started out, and we couldn't stop moving if we wanted to for fear of getting too chilled. We crossed Tar Jacket Ridge, another bald, but never saw more than 20' into the distance because of all the fog.The morning was not much to talk about as Bug and I just hiked as fast as we could to stay warm. We had agreed to meet up with Jr. at the shelter if we didn't catch up to him before then. Bug and I hiked at a pretty good clip, because it was so cold, wet, and dreary. We met him there at the shelter and only stopped very briefly for snacks. However, it was long enough for the chill to set in and I was so cold, my fingers wouldn't work and my teeth were chattering. My husband is so wonderful! He agreed to take me to the B&B about 2 miles off the trail that night.Earl and Lois Arnold of the Dutch Haus were such gracious hosts. It took Bug and I just over 30 minutes to hike the 2 miles to where the AT crosses the Fish Hatchery Road. We were able to get a faint signal to call the B&B, and they agreed to meet us at the bottom of the road. Just as we reached the crossroads, there sat Earl who had just arrived, ready to drive us in.We had tried to convince Mr. Clean Jr. to come along with us, but he was pressed for time to get to Waynesboro in order to meet a buddy from back home. When we arrived at the Dutch Haus, Lois provided us with lunch, free, as she does for all thru-hikers every afternoon. We had double cheeseburgers, cream corn, and baked beans. We were shown to our room, given linens, a basket for our dirty laundry, and handed plush terry bathrobes to live in while our laundry was being washed.Our only question for them was if they provided slack-packing opportunities. Bug and I had only walked 10 miles and we felt as if we should walk further today. They agreed, and we walked an additional 9.4 over "The Priest" mountain and back down to the Tye River. We finally got to meet Red Wing and Hopeful, 2 hikers we had been corresponding with before starting the hike. They arrived just as Earl was dropping us back at the Fish Hatchery Road.   The Dutch Haus has never seen a house so full...all in all there are 21 hikers here this evening, and no one is without a bed. Kudos to Lois and Earl for their grace in handling such an influx in guests. This evening we dined on BBQ chicken, rolls, green beans, baked potato, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Afterwards, we sat around the tv watching the original Star Wars trilogy. Now I am freshly showered, sitting in my bathrobe, and most importantly dry and warm. I will finish up now, it's been quite a day!
Date: 2005-06-04
From: I-64 overpass; Waynesboro, VA

To: Rockfish Gap, US 250, I-64; Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well, we finally woke around 2pm, and went to KFC for the AYCE buffet. We came back to the motel and vegged the rest of the afternoon. Mom and Dad arrived around 8pm and Bug and I were a little nervous that Pima, our Maltese, wouldn't recognize us. When they pulled in though, we were thrilled to see Pima pulling at his leash and wagging his tail! Mom has the cutest haircut and it is so good to see all of them!!!We got them settled in the room, and they brought good Southern Memphis BBQ from Corky's. We are about to go to bed again...I know they say you can't make up sleep but we are sure going to try. NOTE: We want to hear from everyone out there reading our journals! If any of you have questions for us, regarding what we do out here, how we handle certain situations, or things we haven't addressed....please drop a note in our guestbook and ask. We will try to get back to you individually or write about it in a journal. Thanks!
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Rockfish Gap, US 250, I-64; Waynesboro, VA

To:  Loft Mountain Campground/Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We slept in a little this morning, and then headed out for breakfast at Weasie's. We weren't however, up for the AYCE pancake challenge, so we just had a normal bg breakfast. All of us headed back for the motel to pack things up and head for the campsite. Mom and Dad dropped Bryan at the laundromat and came back to get me before heading to Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park. We found a nice spot about 10 feet off the AT and Dad and I left Mom to set up camp while we went to pick Bryan up back in Waynesboro. After picking him up, we drove to Staunton where we finally got our cellphone upgrade. Our old phone holds no charge and we were in desperate need of a phone that works. We headed back to the campground and helped Mom finish setting things up. On our way into the campground we spotted a bear. Our first! But I am not sure it counts since we were in the safety of the car. We just finished eating some of Momma's yummy beef stroganoff and now it's off to bed, since we will continue to hike tomorrow.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Skyline Drive, mile marker 88.9

To: I-64
Miles today: 17.4

Today we finished the distance between Rockfish Gap and Loft Mountain where we are currently camped. We continued to do mobile trail magic today, and it was such a joy to see people's faces light up when we pulled out the fresh fruit and soft drinks. Today we saw Slow-n-steady, LB, Patch, Cycle hiker, Snowbunny & Hairball, Eagle Eye, Maniac, Bubble Toes and Rawhide, and many many others. We saw quite a few deer today just hanging out and none that were scared of us. They just had stare down contests with us. A good many chipmunks were playing along the trail, and the birds were all out singing their songs. The day was long but the time went quickly and we met my parents around 3. Off to Arby's we went for a late lunch. We had the dogs with us, so instead of eating at the restaurant we went to the local park on the river to eat. We went to CVS and made discs of our camera memory cards. Not to worry though, we aren't carrying them on the trail with us (we learned our lesson coming out of Hot Springs).On the way back to the campground we had much excitement when Mom thought she saw a bear on the side of the road. She was hollering at all of us to take a look at this bear, and then on closer inspection discovered it to be a wild turkey. Needless to say, Mom provided much comic relief for the evening!Things settled down as we returned to the campsite and we had a quiet evening playing with the dogs and talking with each other. Bedtime has arrived again, and tomorrow we will hike northbound from our campsite.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: I-64

To: Powell Gap/ Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 11.2

It was a little tougher than what we anticipated this morning. We didn't start hiking until 9, so the sun was good and up by the time we left. We packed up camp before leaving, and Mom and Dad moved up to Lewis Mountain Campground. We saw LB when we headed out and shared somemore grapes with him. We felt bad because we had told him and some others we would have breakfast waiting for them there. We would have, except for a mishap with the camp stove. Mom went to light the stove this morning and get breakfast started when a minor grease fire erupted. It burned a hole through the fuel hose and was shooting fire. Bug saved Mama Priss from certain death by detaching the propane from the stove and thus, stopping the fire. So alas, no breakfast trail magic this morning. We saw lots of wild life today: several deer, a pair of grouse, a snake peeking out on the trail (probably just a king snake although fellow hikers have spotted rattlers), and a woodchuck shuffling down the trail. It has been a beautiful day with great views, but so warm that it has been almost miserable. We had planned to meet Mom and Dad at Smith Roach Gap around 2, but knew we weren't going to make that deadline. So we called from the top of the mountain to have them pick us up at Powell Gap.When they arrived we headed for the campground. Mom and Dad said they weren't nearly as friendly here as they were at Loft Mountain. They had managed a spot right off the AT though, and we had a great setup with our own water spigot. Bug built a fire for us, and we reheated beef stroganoff for dinner while Dad finished off the BBQ, also my sister, Christy was sweet enough to make us a squash casserole (yet another favorite). We finished up the cherry coke salad for dessert and I have to say we have been soooo spoiled this week! We enjoyed time around the campfire and time to kick back and relax a little. Pima hasn't been sleeping in our tent. Even though he did recognize us and was so happy to see us, he has buddied up with Bonny. We tried one night to keep him in the tent with us and he looked out the tent so forlorn because he wanted to be with Bonny. Ohh, they grow up so fast. Well, it's off to bed for us. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Franklin Cliffs campsite
Miles today: 9.9

We were on trail by around 8 this morning. There was a tough little bump over Hazeltop Mountain and then it was pretty much downhill. Bug and I saw Bottle and Skillet taking a respite at Milam Gap, and we walked a little ways into the woods where we sat for a spell. I felt like Goldilocks looking for a rock that was just right. Some were too pointy, others too low, but finally we found a nice big, flat, moss covered rock, perfect for sitting and eating Snickers and Snack crackers.When we got up to continue hiking, the trail was good to us. It was a little hot and muggy, but hey, I'm from Memphis and it just felt like home. The trail to Big Meadows was gradual, and a light rain fell to cool us off on the way there.Bug and I arrived between 12:30 and 1. We are trying to be budget conscious so we sat at a picnic table and cooked up a delicious dehydrated meal. MMMM! After we had finished eating and cleaned up, we walked over to what we thought might be the campstore. It wasn't, as it turns out, the campstore was another mile away, so the ice cream will have to wait. What we did find, however, were showers and laundry! In fairness to the complaints I had yesterday about heavy packs, we did have some wet clothes that we packed away. Bug and I unloaded everything wet, dirty, and smelly and threw it into wash. We pulled out our detergent that we had carried for 8 miles along with the wash-in waterproofing solution. When everything had been washed, we went and indulged in another shower. The ladies that worked here were so nice and even told us which shower to get into to get the most time for our money. Once we were clean and presentable, we hiked on over to the lodge where we ate lunch and enjoyed time relaxing and watching a bit of tv. We were able to fully charge the cell phone battery, but had no signal. Bug and I put on our packs and headed back towards the trail. We came to an area with open cliffs and stopped to see if we had a signal. We did, so Bug made a few phone calls. By the time we were ready to continue on, it was already 8:00. We hiked another 15 minutes and found a perfect campsite across the trail from Franklin Cliffs. Bug and I debated whether to keep going or stop, since it was already late and we had another 1.5 to go to get to the shelter, we decided to stay. Otherwise, we would have had to set up in the dark. We've set up camp and hung the bearbag. I talked to Mom a bit ago and they are back home safe and sound. It sounded as if Pima also had a hard tme yesterday when they left, but is doing better now. Bug is talking to Linda regarding mail. I'm feeling a bit queasy from the greasy food I had earlier, so I'm about to roll over and go to sleep.
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Franklin Cliffs campsite

To: Campsite between Neighbor Mountain Trail and Thorn
Miles today: 20.1

Bug and I woke up early as planned, but the campsite was so comfortable we couldn't bring ourselves to move. Therefore we missed the "famed" breakfast at Skyland Lodge. It was a 6 mile hike and there wasn't much chance of making that in two hours. Instead, we lingered over poptarts and Oatmeal Berry Muffin Bars while taking in the view from the cliffs.The 6 miles didn't take long to hike, except that we kept pausing to look for bears. A family and a boyscout troop told us that they had seen one about 200 yards ahead of us. Well....no bears and no hardy breakfast. We did see, however, a doe and fawn! This time we got close enough to see the spots. Again though, I was unable to grab the camera in time. The small fawns are so skittish.Bug and I decided to bypass Skyland Lodge, but we did stop at the horse stables long enough to check the coke machines. I pressed the button for the fruit drink I wanted and out popped a water. I still can't believe I shelled out a $l.25 for water. C'est la vie. We had our snack crackers and Snickers and watched the horses for awhile before moving on. As we headed down the trail towards Thornton gap and Panorama Wayside, the trail became very rocky. We had read in the AT Thruhiker handbook that they baked sweet rolls, but alas they appeared to be closed for good. After an hour or so of breaking for nap and dinner, we decided we had better get moving. Bug and I decided that since the shelter would put us at over 16 miles for the day, we decided to do 4 more for a 20 mile day.It was a fairly easy afternoon, and we stopped for water at Beahms Gap. Just beyond as we climbed our next hill, Bug heard a noise up to our right. When we stopped to look, we received a real treat....there was up on a ridge, a 450ish lb. black momma bear with 2-3 cubs. Bug did manage to get a picture, but I don't know how well it will turn out because of distance and lighting. We walked a few yards further and heard a noise down below us. Somewhere between 25-50 yards below us, was what we think to be a young male bear (around 200 lbs) foraging around for food. We stayed to watch him for about 15 minutes, and I worried because the bear could smell us (who can't these days?) and Bug kept creeping further towards the bear for a better picture. We got quite a few pictures, although all you can really see is a black blob in the midst of green, and we escaped the bear unscathed. We continued to hike further, far enough so that I was comfortable that we wouldn't be attacked by a bear. Finally, just as dusk arrived we settled on a campsite just beyond Neighbor Mountain Trail. We are settled in for the night and plan to get an early start in the morning.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Campsite at North Marshall

To: Chester Gap/ US 522, Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: scattered clouds

To all those who think we are incapable, I want to let you know we DID get up this morning and we were on trail by 5:45am! It was cool and the wind was blowing fierce, but it was an unknown blessing since it turned out to be a heat advisory day with a heat index of over 100 degrees.We hiked like crazy this morning trying to get out of the Shenandoahs and it was such a good feeling to enter some place new. We did manage to see one more bear before we left the park, albeit the hindquarters as he ran away.On a sad note, before we arrived at Tom Floyd Wayside, we saw a very young fawn laying on the side of the trail. Bug thought it wasn't alive at first, but upon further inspection we saw that it was still breathing. I wanted to see a fawn upclose, but not for these reasons. He looked as if he had been attacked on the rear and there were flies swarming near him. It made me incredibly sad, because he looked so scared and helpless. I felt helpless. Bug and I took out the cellphone and amazingly had a signal. We called the local hostel to ask if they knew what to do or who to call. They gave us a name and number to call, but told us not to get our hopes up. Their thought was that since it happened in the wild, they would let nature take its course. I suppose, intellectually, I understand, but it angers me! The way I see it is, the fawns wounds didn't appear bad and could be treated easily, but everyone says, "Oh, it's just another stupid deer...who cares." We heard la! ter today from others that came by there that there wasn't anything there. So either someone went to rescue it, the mother came back, or the bear/coyote/etc. came back. We have heard that the primary source of food for bears this time of year are the fawns. It makes me so sad, but I guess it is part of nature.The last bit of a walk into Chester Gap was quiet. When we got there, someone immediately pulled over and offered us a ride into town. We first went to the outfitters and bought a couple of random items, and they let us leave our packs while we went to the grocery. We bought everything we would need until we arrived in Harper's Ferry, WV and then headed over to McDonald's for lunch. Hareball met us in the grocery store shopping plaza and offered us the extra bed in her room. We turned her down as we felt the need to get back out on the trail, but after Bug walked an extra 2 miles to and from the post office he really didn't feel inspired to hike. Bug and I were able to contact her and she was still willing to give us the extra bed! Yay!!! We spent the afternoon in the pool cooling off and then took the opportunity we were given to go see Star Wars, Episode III. We've been hearing about it for so long from others who have gone to see it that it was good to get to see! it on our own.We're back in the hotel now and trying to organize things for the trip out tomorrow. Ahh, my shower was so nice, and I look forward to a comfy bed tonight.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Harpers Ferry Hostel

To:  Dahlgren Back Pack campground
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, today has brought lots of frustration! Bug's kilt won't arrive until Tuesday (so much for 2nd day air), so we called and had them intercept and reroute the package to Pine Grove Furnace State Park where we will be sometime this next week.I won't complain too much though, because Skipper (runs the hostel) made homemade berry pancakes, all you can eat. After a great breakfast and some time on the Internet, we packed up and headed on out.We stopped and snacked at Weverton cliffs, a really pretty spot looking back on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Bug and I decided to bypass Ed Garvey Shelter, which we were told was a big mistake since it was so pretty there. That's ok, because had we stopped, I probably wouldn't have seen the amazing sight that came next. I heard a noise coming from the left side of the trail, and as I looked up to see what the noise was, a stark white deer came running out of the woods and across the trail! I had such a hard time believing my own eyes, I turned around to get Bug's take on it, but he was looking down, fiddling with the IPOD. By the time I was able to grasp his attention, the deer had long since moved on. It was pretty surreal though....I kept looking for wings and a horn coming out of its head. In all my life, I have seen albino squirrels, mice, rabbits and people, but never a deer.We continued to hike, but weren't making very good time. There is so much history in this part of the country. We were unable to walk 5 miles without seeing some interesting tidbit (usually relating to the Civil War). At Gathland State Park we saw the memorial that wwas erected to honor all war correspondents who have lost their lives. We took the time to cook our dinner here and call our dads to wish them a Happy Father's Day before hiking on.The rest of the day went fairly quick. Although, ever since I took my medicine last night, it feels as if something is stuck in my throat. If anything, that has made the day a little slower for me.We made it to the Dahlgren Back Pack Campground where there is hot showers and flushable toilets (provided free by the state). I feel so refreshed! We are here tonight with Fig and Just Visiting and 2 guys that just started in Harpers Ferry, Sooper J and Mule. Time for bed!
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park (Ironmaster's Mansio
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

We are HALFWAY there!!!!! It is hard to believe, but Bug and I have already covered half the mileage to Katahdin. I was a bit nervous about even taking on the half-gallon challenge with the way I hav been feeling. For those not so familiar with thru-hiking traditions, it is customary that when a hiker reaches the halfway point in the trail (Pine Grove Furnace State Park), they attempt to eat an entire half-gallon of ice cream as quickly as they can.Our morning went amazingly fast. We accomplished over 6 miles in 2 hours time. The terrain and landscape went by unnoticed as Bug and I dreamed of the flavor ice cream we would take on.When we arrived at the park, we were greeted by fellow hikers: Patch, Buttah, Proteus, High Noon, and Mouth. Mouth is being followed by his local newspaper, and they were there to witness the momentous occasion as he finished his 1/2 gallon of Peanut Butter Swirl in a little over 1 hour. Bug and I went inside to attempt the challenge and decided on flavors Cherries Jubilee and Chocolate (respectively). We sat outside to begin the task at hand....minutes went by as Bug and I continued to eat ice cream. It didn't look like my box was getting any emptier. We have heard that the key is to eat as much as you can in the first 20 minutes because your body fails to realize how full it is. It may sound like a cop-out but I think I could have finished had I been feeling 100%. As it turns out, after an hour I threw in the towel with a pint to go. Bug nearly accomplished the challenge with less than a pint left, but decided it just wasn't worth it. The good news is that out of ! all things I could have eaten, the ice cream was probably best for my throat.While there at the Pine Grove Furnace General Store, Bug and I were able to witness history in the making. A fellow hiker/Memphian/South Carolinian by the name of Buttah, became the first ever 1 gallon challenge champion. If you have never seen someone eat an entire gallon of ice cream, it is quite amusing! He ate his first 1/2 gallon(Chocolate) in just over 23 minutes, drank a 20oz. coke, took a nap, and then had his 2nd 1/2 gallon in 25 minutes.After the challenge, Bug and I couldn't fathom hiking any further in the heat, only to have the milk curdle in our stomachs. Instead, we walked next door to the Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel. This mansion was built in the mid-1800s for the ironmaster at the furnace. The house has so much history behind it and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was once used as a stop on the underground railroad. Another legend is that there is rumor George and Martha Washington stayed in the original structure that sat there. The house is fascinating and where we have decided to call home for the night. It doesn't look as if we are the only ones either, since Leviathan, Sooper J, and Mule just walked in. Until next time....