morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Lewis Mt.Campground

To: Big Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 7.7

This morning I put on warm clothes, my rain gear, packed a few snacks and a water bottle and met the shuttler in front of the Lodge. He dropped me off in the back of the Lewis Campground where the side trail goes .1 mile to the AT, then he continued on to drop off Corn Patch and Jane at Loft Mt. Campground where they had gotten off to get out of the weather.I hiked with ease, having almost no weight on my back, and my feet and knees appreciated every step that I took. There was a chill in the air and it was quite foggy, but no rain so it was a perfect hiking morning. I didn't see a soul until Booten's Gap when I was passed by 2 thru-hikers.At 10am the sun came out and my raingear came off. It was so beautiful with the sun shining through the trees onto the wet rocks and foliage of the ground cover plants. I hadn't brought my camera because I expected to be rained on all morning, so wasn't able to capture the moment.I was happy to see Tater today. Idaho Tater is an older gentleman with a quiet, calm way about him and a easy smile. He has hiked the PCT twice and is now tackling the AT. He too had gone to Lewis Mt. Campground to get out of the storm, but finding no rooms available he had hiked on to the next shelter and gotten in his damp sleeping bag at 3 in the afternoon because he was so cold. He said that he had hoped I was out of the storm too.I saw Dutch on the trail today and took a picture of him using his camera when I came upon him at a vista. He was sitting on a large rock and looking out over the valley; it looked like a great photo opportunity, so I asked for his camera.We saw so many deer today. The bucks have started to grow their antlers and most of them are sporting 6-8" racks. Since they are not used to being hunted in the NationalPark, they are especially tame and usually don't run away when they see you.I got back to the lodge around noon so I did laundry and re-supplied my food at the camp store. That took most of the day along with my e-mail and phone calls home.Tomorrow is a big day, 18.8 miles.
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Big Meadow Lodge

To: Pass Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

I hiked all day today with Scubaman and Granite. The miles went quickly because the company was so good. We talked and laughed our way over 18.8 miles.The day started with breakfast at the lodge, pocketmail updates, and we hit the trail at 8:30. The weather forecast was for 70% chance of thunderstorms but we didn't see a drop until a half mile from the shelter tonight.We stopped for lunch at the Skyland Lodge only .3 miles off the trail. We got there right at noon when they opened and planned to be back on the trail by 1:00. We waited forever for our meals and when the waitress brought them out and set the big tray down, somehow it fell over sending our lunches to the floor with a loud crash. Apologies were made and the order put back in to the kitchen. We waited another half hour for the food and finally left the restaurant at 1:40 getting us to the shelter at 7:30 tonight. I didn't feel like cooking so dinner for me was a Harvest Bar and a package of crackers. I got and treated water, hung my food bag and journaled.It's 9pm and the birds are serenading us to sleep and it sounds wonderful.
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Pass Mountain Shelter

To: Elkwallow Gap
Miles today: 7.4

The mice crawled over me all last night. I awakened at one point and turned my head lamp on to see what the commotion was over my head and discovered a mouse eating a Starburst candy. Rats! I eat Starburst everyday and had obviously left one somewhere in a pocket, which means the mouse had chewed a hole in something to get it. I'm always so careful about such things. Anyway, the mouse just looked at me and kept eating so I shooed him, which resulted in him staying put, so I took his candy and moved it away from my head. I didn't mind if he finished it, just not over me.In the morning I found not one but two holes chewed in one of the side pockets of my backpack. The little buggers!We waited for the first wave of hikers to leave the shelter before getting up, then packed, ate breakfast and then waited while we watched the rain pour down. Finally after about 20 minutes, we gave up and walked out into the rain.We hiked a measly 7.4 miles and bailed out at Elkwallow Gap, Skyline Drive, mile 23.9. Alpha and Trench were already there with their dog Cadbury, Seebee and Morph were with them and they had called a shuttler to save them from the freezing cold, wet afternoon. We asked Bobby the shuttler to come back for us too and take us into Front Royal to a Motel. He said he would be back in an hour and a half (as it was 27 miles away on a winding, fog covered road) and off they went. Scubaman, Granite and I headed for the restrooms to put on whatever dry clothes were left in our packs after walking in the windy downpour all morning. We went to the snack bar, ordered lunch and I got a large, hot coffee to help bring my body temperature back up to normal.Bobby returned to us an hour and a half later, right on schedule, and drove us down the mountain to the Super 8 Hotel in Front Royal. The 3 of us shared a room, showered, and left to do laundry and go to the outfitter and K-Mart.Alfa, Trench and Seabee invited us to join them for dinner at The Village Idiot (stupid name, great food) and we accepted. Dinner with new friends was a nice end to a miserable day.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Elkwallow Gap

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

It's Naked Hiker Day on the trail and the temperature is so cold that we can see our breath! I got through the day without seeing any naked hikers or taking my own clothes off.It's difficult to believe that it's the first day of summer; what happened to spring?The highpoint of today was when Granite, Scuba and I met Warren from the Smithsonian Institution National Zoological Park Conservation & Research Center in Front Royal. Warren works in the bird division of the zoo, lives on the property, and happened to be out jogging just as we were passing by the park fences. He had a kind heart for thru-hikers since he was a thru-hiker himself back in '91, and offered to give us a ride into Front Royal when he returned from his run.While we waited at Warren's driveway for him to return, we met his partner Lisa who invited us into the house. Lisa has worked in the hospital of the CRC for 17 years. We had a nice conversation with them and they then took us in to Front Royal to the Hotel. Thanks guys! You went above and beyond the call of duty.We ate at the Chinese restaurant, stopped at the food store for a few items and hit the sack. Scuba's parents were doing trail magic Sunday at Manassas Gap and we were really looking forward to it.
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Front Royal

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Last night Scuba's parents who I've named Scuba Mom and Scuba Dad surprised us at the hotel. They slacked us the first 8 miles this morning and when we got to Va. Rt. 55 they were waiting with a thru-hiker feast fit for kings. I ate a bacon cheeseburger, hotdog, 3 cupcakes, salad, and strawberry shortcake, all washed down with Gatorade, milk. We spent 4 hours with them under the tent they had erected to keep us out of the sun. We were joined by Blaze and Face, Scott, a local trail maintainer, a trail runner, and several day hikers.When we finally said our goodbyes, we only had the energy to go 2+ miles to the first shelter. We had carried out (compliments of Scuba Dad) hotdogs, rolls and beer for our dinner later that night.It was a great day, good weather, good food, and good company. I can't ask for more out of trail life.Thanks Scuba Mom and Dad for your generosity to hikers, it is truly appreciated by the many who have shared in your three trail magic days!
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Red Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful morning welcomed me as I opened my eyes. I let the first wave of early birds leave the shelter before getting up. It was quite cold this morning, so I made hot tea this morning. I also made the Mountain House Blueberry Cheesecake which had been given to me by 2 section hikers at Elkwallow 2 days before. Scuba, Granite and I had helped several section hikers from Seattle unload excess weight from their packs when we were waiting for our shuttle ride and they gladly shared some of their deserts with us! Granite, Blaze and I loved it, Scuba did not. He prefers his Applejacks.We got on the trail by 8:15 and enjoyed the cool, clear morning. Even though it hadn't rained, the trail is very muddy and even has water rushing down it still in some places.We leapfrogged today with Dutch, Blaze and Face, Tree Beard and Super Star, stopping to chat every now and then.At the Sky Meadows side trail, there was an inviting bench in the middle of a clearing so that is where we stopped for a lunch of bagels, cheese and beef stick washed down with Gatorade.It is such a pleasure to look up and see blue sky, and be dry and warm instead of wet and cold. Tomorrow will be the 3rd day in a row with the sun shining in the sky. I don't believe that I've had 3 consecutive days of sun since I started the trail on March 15th.When we got to Ashby Gap, Scuba and Granite hitched to Doc's Bar-B-Q for a cold drink and I headed up the hill about 4 more miles to the shelter.With me at the shelter so far are 5 other hikers. I've eaten and am catching up on my journals before going to sleep.The birds are still singing and before long, I'll be dreaming.
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Red Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

The bugs ate us alive last night in the shelter, I wish I had tented.We were up early and out by 7:45. It's much cooler in the mornings and makes the hiking easier.This is a record breaking 3rd day of sun and the blue sky is such a nice change from the gray skies that we've had for the last 3 months.We're still walking in horrendous mud everywhere that makes a mess of your boots, socks and legs.Today Granite, Scubaman and I walked 9.9 miles of the "roller coaster" a 13 mile stretch of 700' ups and downs, 13 in all. We fully intended to do 20 miles today but after the Sawmill Shelter we were met by a fireman from the Homeland Security Office nearby. He and an employee of the Bear's Den Hostel were looking for a person that had dialed 911 in need of help. A cell phone had been used and they couldn't pinpoint where he was. Scuba allowed them to use his cell phone since they were out of range for their radio.They finally found the injured hiker, farther north, and we walked back to the Hostel to get something cold to drink and have a rest from the heat and humidity. Euro Trash and his friend Lisa gave us a ride to the Horseshoe Curve Pub for lunch. We were also joined by Tree Beard and Supastar.Arriving back at the hostel, we still hadn't decided what we were going to do with the rest of the day. It was hot, we were whipped, my knees were screaming from the 5 big downhill's that I had done and my feet were complaining too.We finally decided to stay for the night, do laundry, treat our boots, and get a good nights sleep.The Bear's Den Hostel is owned by the Appalachian Trail Conference and is in a wonderful stone home that was built in the 30s by a wealthy doctor and his opera singing wife. The grounds are lovely and peaceful and unfortunately we have to hike out tomorrow.
Date: 2003-06-25
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Campsite 6 miles from Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

At 5:30 this morning, someone in the hostel started their day by making coffee, banging around their pots and packing up gear. At 6:15 they turned on the lights and started talking, so my day started early.Granite, Scubaman and I hiked out in the cool of the morning. It's so amazing to be hiking in our 4th day in a row of sunshine and blue skies. No 2003 thru-hiker takes this beautiful weather for granted. Constant Motion's roommate from Seattle came to hike on the first day of good weather and after several days was given the trail name of Perfect Weather. No-one wants her to go home.We stopped at Crescent Rocks, a popular rock climbing place for the locals, and met brothers Anthony and Tyler who were about to climb down the 75 foot wall. I took a picture of them for my photos page and it'll be on as soon as I finish this disc.This afternoon we left our packs at the top of the trail and hiked down the .3 miles of switchbacks to the Blackburn Trail Center, which is owned by the PATC. Sarah, one of the caretakers, offered us drinks, fruit and trail mix. We sat on the wide, screened-in front porch and rested from the heat and the last miles of the Roller Coaster.The temps climbed into the 80s and the humidity was high. Was it only 5 days ago that it was so cold we could see our breath?Our next stop was only 3 miles later at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter. I almost wished that we were staying here for the night; it was a beautiful log shelter built in '91. It had sky lights, wood shingles, a great front porch with an Adirondack type chaise, and to complete the picture there was a pavilion with picnic table and a porch type swing.I found a second deer tick on me today, the first was yesterday. Luckily, I felt them the second they bit and was able to remove them immediately.We rested long enough to sign the register and put up our feet for a few minutes, then were off the 3 miles to Va. Rt. 9 and a pizza place where we planned to eat dinner and get water since there was none between us and Harpers Ferry. On the way we passed the 1000 mile mark of the trip and took lots of pictures. I never doubted for a second that I could do it, but it does sound pretty amazing to me still that I have actually walked almost 1000 miles. I walked into Virginia on May 1st and out today. Wow.The miles are coming easier for me now. My feet still give me trouble, but not to the extent that they once did. I'm enjoying the weather, the company on the trail, and tomorrow I will really enjoy walking into Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.After dinner we walked the .3 miles back to the trailhead and went only far enough to be away from the road and find decent campsites for four: me, Scubaman, Granite and Double Dare who had joined us for dinner.Four states down, ten to go.
Date: 2003-06-26
From: Campsite 6 miles from Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry, West Va.
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

I awakened for good at 5:50 this morning. In spite of the barking dogs, the crowing rooster, and the cat fight I was able to catch a few hours of sleep last night.I started packing up at 6:30 and awakened Granite and Scuba soon after. Double Dare was already up and packing for our short 6 mile hike into Harpers Ferry.We hit the trail at 7:30, excited about reaching the traditional half-way point of the Appalachian Trail. The temperatures soared early and we were sweat soaked and tired by 9:15 when we crossed the Shenandoah River Bridge and walked back into the woods, coming out behind the Appalachian Trail Center in town. Today's temperature topped off at 98 wilting degrees. I'm glad that we were finished hiking at 9:30am.We signed in, had our pictures taken, and enjoyed a cold soda while we looked at the 2003 thru-hiker photo album. I was the 453rd thru-hiker to pass through the ATC this year.My shoes came off and I used the Sharper Image Foot Massager on my yappin' dawgs. What a nice touch.From the ATC we (me, Granite, and Scubaman) went in search of a place to stay for the night and ended up at the Comfort Inn. You can tell by the price of a room that we're getting farther north.We walked to King's Pizza for lunch down to the Harpers Ferry Outfitter to get some needed supplies (I'm shedding some weight again---the heat does that to you), then stopping for ice cream on the way back to the Hotel. Going back we took the tow path along the canal.I'd like to spend some time here when I can browse the shops and take in the history of this beautiful little town.
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Harpers Ferry, West Va.

To: Harpers Ferry, West Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

My zero day was spent running around. First stop was at the Post Office, next stop Millennium Style for Granite and Scuba to get haircuts and beard trims. We had fun joking with one of the owners, Dee, while she took care of the guys. We stopped by the 7-11 for s few snacks to add to our packs and started walking the 1/2 mile down to the outfitters.Bonzo, a past thru-hiker and now owner of Miss Janet's old blue van, stopped and gave us a ride the rest of the way.I exchanged my second failed Platypus, Granite got new tips on his hiking poles and Scuba picked up some bagels and cheese.We toured a few of the historical sights and I headed back to the hotel while the fellows went to Charles Town.Tomorrow we have a 15 mile day planned. The temperatures should be lower, and the humidity non-existent, when we head back to the trail in the morning.
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Harpers Ferry, West Va.

To: Dahlgren Campsite
Miles today: 17.3

We were up and out by 8 this morning after taking advantage of the continental breakfast at the hotel.Scubaman walked back to the trail by Rt. 340 and Granite and I went into town past the ATC to drop Granite's trail shoes in the hiker box. Like me, Granite had had a bad experience with trail shoes and went back to his boots.After following the trail past the historic Jefferson Rock, we met up with Scubaman at the end of town, just before the footbridge over the Potomac River.I sat with the packs while the fellows walked for one last cup of coffee before heading out of Harpers Ferry. This is one town that I'd really like to visit again.As we crossed the river, we were treated to the sight of a freight train crossing on the train bridge next to us. After coming down from the bridge, we walked along the canal on the old tow road for several miles. It was pretty and peaceful.We stopped at a rocky overlook for lunch where you could look down on the Shenandoah River. Loser was there and serenaded us and played his backpack guitar while we ate. I really miss music, so it was a nice treat. Granite headed out first, then me, and finally Scubaman.We all met up together at the Gathland State Park and took a nice long break. That was when we decided to go the extra 2 miles to the free campsites instead of stopping at the shelter. The campground offers free showers and picnic tables for hikers.On the way we stopped at another great overlook about 3 miles from the campground. While we were resting, a man and his dog came around the corner. The man walked up onto the rocks with us, lit a cigarette, and said, "Watch the dog, he's liable to pee on your packs". The three of us just looked at each other incredulously, and I said, "How about you watch your dog so he doesn't pee on our packs"! Some things still amaze me out here.So...... I've had a good dinner, a shower, and I'm settled for the night. We have another 17 mile day planned for tomorrow.My brother John and niece Kylie are planning to meet us at Hawk Mt. in Pa. on the 13th of July so I'll be pounding out the miles for the next two weeks. I can't wait to see them.
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Dahlgren Campsite

To: Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 18.2

I got little chilly last night sleeping in my new fleece liner, so I added socks and a long sleeved shirt to my long underwear pants and sleeveless shirt, and was fine.The campground started stirring at 7am as one at a time the inhabitants of the 9 tents began to start their day.I made coffee this morning with a packet from the hotel and it just didn't taste too good. We drank it anyway though, with our breakfasts, and were on the trail by 8am.It was another beautiful morning; this makes 7 in a row for no rain!We stopped to see the original Washington Monument (I didn't even know it existed) today and climbed to the top of the winding stone steps to look out over the countryside and take pictures.Five miles out, Granite and Scubaman hitched from Rt. 40 into town for lunch. I moved on toward our destination for the evening, Devils Racecourse Shelter. I don't enjoy hiking on a full stomach, especially in this heat.Crash and I leapfrogged for the rest of the day, stopping at the water source for Pogo Memorial Campsites to eat our lunch.It was a steady uphill for the rest of the day, sometimes very steep and rocky. We also hiked on solid rocks for what seemed like miles today. I guess this will whip us into shape for the infamous Pa. rocks.I finally arrived at the shelter at 6:30pm, Crash was already here and setting up his tent. I set up my tent, collected firewood so that we could keep the mosquito's at bay while we ate, made my dinner, hung my food from the critters, and climbed into bed. It was another long day and the rocks are wreaking havoc with my feet. Buy stock in ibuprofen.Today was a great day for trail magic, we had sodas and candy bars at one road crossing, a state park employee that took all of our trash for us. There have been no trash cans in the parks these last 2 days. They have dispensers with plastic handle bags and signs asking you to pack out your trash. There was more magic at the Ensign Cowell Shelter; sodas and yogurt from Lost In Woods, a section hiker that lives in Conn. and is down here on vacation. Thanks to all of you that take the time and energy to help make our days happier. Nothing perks up a thru-hiker like trail magic!
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Tubling Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up and out this morning by 7am. The fellows never made it this far last night, so I knew they would catch up sometime today.The trail was pleasant and the chipmunks and squirrels kept me company while I walked. The mountain laurel is just about finished, but I'm seeing indian pipes everywhere. Not much color right now from the flowers, but the fungus is fantastic!I took the .2 mile side trail to High Rock and was so disappointed by the amount of trash, beer bottles and graffiti. Whenever there is easy access to the public, we find this. I've become spoiled by the pristine, wilderness views and become angry quickly by the blatant disrespect of public property.My next stop was Pen-Mar Park where I spent over an hour talking with other hikers and waiting for the Ranger Station to open so that I could use the phone. Granite and Scubaman showed up while I was there and we hiked out together for the next state line, Pennsylvania--only .2 miles away.We took the obligatory pictures at the "Welcome to Pennsylvania" sign and it felt good to finally be in my home state.The temperatures and humidity were up today, but that means that the blackberries are starting to ripen and we enjoyed a few while we walked. Mulberries are ripening also.When we got to pa. 16, a trail angel by the name of Frank Moore took me, Granite, Scubaman and Hopeful into Waynesboro, Pa. for lunch. Hopeful's ex-hiking partner Sprout met us there and took us back to the trailhead when we finished.We stopped several times to rest before arriving at the Tumbling run Shelters around 6:30. There are two shelters here, small and side by side. A sign on one says "Snorers", on the other, "Non-snorers".George, the shelter caretaker came up, offered us apples and sodas, then took Granite to town for hotdogs. While he was gone, Scuba and I gathered firewood and started a fire.Loser and Gumby played Loser's guitar and sang old songs. It could have been the 60s!There is a chance of rain but I tented because of the bugs. I hope that I don't have to pack out a wet tent in the morning.