morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Calf Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.0

Started:Rockfish GapFinished:Calf Mtn. ShelterSleeping:TentMiles:7.0Total Miles:855.4Lisa and Scott got Rod and I to the trail head after hitting the post office in Waynesboro and doing a stop at the local outfitter. I had the best time staying with them. It was great to see their girls Emily and Ashly and oh yes..Ashly's BOYFRIEND Shawn!We took it slow and easy today. I remember what it was like the first day I hiked in GA. Rod did great. We put in at the first shelter after 7.0 miles and made plans to go for 13.0 miles tomorrow. Looking ahead...Loft Mountain Campground offers the 1st opportunity to purchase the famous Shenandoah Raspberry Shake!!!! We WILL veer off the AT at that time and indulge ourselfs. I may get a second to go!
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Calf Mt. Shelter

To: Black Rock Hut Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

Started:Calf Mtn. ShelterFinished:Blackrock Hut ShelterSleeping:TentMiles:13.0Total Miles:868.4Did 13 miles today with Rod. It was HOT day and there was no water source for eleven miles. We both ran out of water and Rod Yogi'ed two sodas from an unexpecting tourist on Skyline Drive, so we wouldn't expire. I can not explain how being dehydrated affects your ability to hike other than to say it does affect it. I felt tired, Rod felt drained, but still, we managed to finish our goal to the next shelter. Watching Rod helps me to remember how hard this was when I started out. I can appreciate my own effort in reguards to his effort to continue to put one foot in front of the other. I am reminded how difficult it can be at times and how far you an go if you are determined to stick at it. Go Rod. It seems that I am still in the wrong place a the right time. Bears have been (literally) dropping from trees around here. Two people and a family of three that are staying in the Blackrock Hut Shelter saw bears today. I feel my moment is coming soon. It's nice to be hiking with Rod. I pleasant change. Tomorrow we plan to go to the Loft Mountain Campstore and grab some hotdogs and buns to take to the next shelter and share with the other hikers. A little community trail magic.Early up tomorrow, so to bed.Tweet dreams all!Blubird
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Black Rock Hut Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Started:Blackrock Hut ShelterFinished:Pinefield Hut ShelterSleeping:TentMiles:13.2Total Miles:881.6Hot, hot, hot day. Many stops and lots of water to keep hydrated. Also a day full of neat surprises.Rod and I picked up 24 hotdogs, two loaves of bread, ketchup, mustard, onions and cheese at the wayside campstore. Hit the laundry and the showers then went to eat at the wayside.Bluebird Reports:The skyline Drive wayside stops have been popular with hikers for years. It seems they have beeN contracted out, in recent years, to money grubbing opportunists. The prices aren't high...they're scandelous and the portions are Happy Meal size. It was real let down to the thru hikers, especially the repeat thru hikers.Big news, I spotted my first bear and it was a great experience. I saw it off to my left and was trying to get Rod's attention without drawing the bears attention to myself. I'm whispering, "Rod! Rod! Bear! ROD, BEAR!" meanwhile Big Foot comes up the path beind me...this is a hiker, not a Sasquauch. Rod has already come down the path. I have my camera out to show proof of sighting and the bear starts to move towards us. It came within appox. 10 yards of the huddled hikers before going around us and across the path. That's when I got my picture. It Was too cool! We got into the shelter and Model T, Ranger Dog, Big Foot, LT and Grey Goose already had a fire going. We devoured all the hotdogs as the deer closed in.The Shenandoah Park have deer that are not hunted and never fed by humans, but have become acclaimated to humans presence and walk among us guarded, but unafraid. I had a doe follow me down the path from our tent to the shelter within 10 ft. of me. I came face to face with a buck as I exited the privy. Wild!I have decided that hanging the two loaves of bread on Rod's backpack on the day I finally saw a bear...entitles me to call him "Bear Bait!"
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Pinefield Hut Shelter

To: Hightop Hut Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: few clouds

Started:Pinefield Hut ShelterFinished:Hightop Hut ShelterSleeping:TentMiles:8.2Total Miles:889.8Another hot day...it's hard to believe that we were complaining about the cold only 3 months ago. We go to sleep at night laying on our sleeping bags to stay cool. Shelter sleeping at this time can be hazardous as the misquitos are out in force. It's worth putting up your tent each night to maintain your normal blood volume. No bears today, but plenty of steep climbs. I realized that the walk we did today was the hike my sister Dot and I did on the first day of our section hike in the Shenandoah Park back in 1999. I can remember that it was so hard then, I considered quitting the next day. It is still quite the up hill climb and I was concerned for Rod, but he found his pace and managed to get to the shelter without injury or complaint of hurting feet, knees, or ankles. Oh and imagine this, It's not the uphills that bother him the most, it's the down hills...go figure.Ran out of water again today, but only a mile out from the shelter. Fred came out of the woods along Skyline Drive, where the AT crosses the road and shared some shade and conversation with us before pushing on. Tomorrow we will be going 12.4 miles to the Bearfence Mtn. Hut. We plan to stop at Lewis Campgroud for fuel and general resupply.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Hightop Hut Shelter

To: Lewis Mt. Campground
Miles today: 11.7

Started:Hightop Hut ShelterFinished:Lewis Mtn. CampgroundSleeping:TentMiles:11.7Total Miles:901.5Another day in the Shenandoah Mtns. The whole place has turned into wildlife nursery. Baby everything, everywhere.Today it was a joy to come nose to nose with a mother doe and her new spotted fawn. Got a great picture.Rod's dealing with a sore ankle and my right heal has been really bothering me. When we got to Lewis Mtn. Campground we ran into MacKenzie, Mary, and Beer Nuts      they told us about aqua blazing...okay, long story short, Rod and I may possibly do a 28 mile canoe hike along the Shenandoah River with night camping, from Luray, VA to Front Royal.After stocking up on food etc. for 4 days (prices!!!!ouch!)We registered for a campsite along with a gazillion other thru & section hikers putting in for the night. We all hit one campsite for some ukalale (sp?) music, cold beer or wine and the usual strange dinner choices.We heard that the next shelter up (only a mile) was full due to the threat of unpleasant weather.Plan to hit the camp store one last time before leaving...you just can't beat those flush toilets!
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Lewis Mt. Campground

To: Meadows Wayside
Miles today: 7.8

Started:Hightop Hut ShelterFinished:Meadows WaysideSleeping:Best WesternMiles:909.3Total Miles:901.5Okay, a decision has been made. My heel is begging for a break and Rods ankle is in agreement. We got the stats wrong...it's actually a three day and two night aqua blaze on the Shenandoah River. The trip will be 40 miles long, compared to a very comparable 46.2 miles left on the white blaze AT, into Front Royal. This should give my feet some R&R and give me an opportunity to start the upper body workout needed to prepare me for the New England states. I have reconnected with Lonestar and it looks like I will see her soon,possibly this Saturday afternoon. Rod plans to drop us at the trail head on Sunday the 25th and we will once again be cranking out the miles toward West Virginia, Maryland and Harpers Ferry.Back out in humanity... I can't say I feel bad about separating myself from the everyday world. I feel protected by my AT experience, sheltered, but everytime I zero I sit with the world in my face and I am reminded that this experience is a priviledge and will only last till Katahdin. I hope I can bring my experience back to my world. I believe my world needs it. Editor's Note: Bluebird was confused on where she started this morning, so I made the correction on the website, but didn't change her journal. That's why you see a discrepancy. I calculated the miles from my 2005 Data Book. Will go back in later and correct if necessary~J.
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Front Royal

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Started:Front RoyalFinished:Dicks Dome ShelterSleeping:HammockMiles:15.1 Total Miles:970.6This morning Rod took me back to the trail head along with Lonestar, Black Snake, & Lead Foot. Rod has really turned into quite the trail angel. After a quick farewell...back to Pa, to take care of business, he went... and "Into the Woods" I went. It was raining lightly when I started, but it cleared of quickly to blue skies, heat and humidity. After my lunch break at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter, I headed out and promply tripped and fell face down in the mud. Great. My next break was at a creek. I sat down into the current and cleaned myself and then soaked my fet for 15 minutes. I saw a myriad of reptiles. I got a picture of a box turtle. It was digging a hole behind itself as if to lay eggs. I wanted to stay and watch, but I had 12 more miles to complete. I'll plan to check out the box turtle thing when I get to the next library. I finally remembered to take a picture of an orange salamander and when I pulled into the Manassas Gap Shelter for a rest and a snack, the big news was the copperhead out catching some sun...I of course HAD to have a picture!I was the last hiker to leave the shelter and move onto Dicks Dome Shelter. The sky become very dark as I was getting ready to go and then the rains came...The smell of rain came on the wind and the trees turned thier leaves belly up to take in moisture from the air, then the heavens opened and the rained poured down upon us. First the the very tops of the trees were soaked as they hung there leaves downward, the top of each leaf was washed cool and clean by water cascading leave over leaf then down upon my head, cooling and washing me clean. I began to laugh and laugh. I had no poncho or rain gear on. Only my pack was covered to keep clothes food and sleeping bag dry. I was wet, wet, wet! It felt wonderful!Two times the rain came and receded. The third time it stayed and as I lay in my dry hammock, in Rod's dry sleeping bag (Rod's sending my defective bag back to Lafuma for a replacement bag) and in some dry clothes, I am saying a prayer thanking God for the 3 ply garbage bag that lines my pack.I am thinking about going onto Bear'sDen Hostel tomorow night. It's an18.3 mile day, but it's an ATC hostel and it will allow me to dry out. Hope to see Old Chief and Christmas while I'm there!
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Started:Dicks Dome ShelterFinished:Bears Den HostelSleeping:BunkMiles:18.3 Total Miles:988.95:45am It' still raining and it's time to pack up and get on the trail by7:00am. This means putting cold, wet cloths back on my warm body (wet socks andshoes). Wet gear in a super wet pack (that's extra weight which means morepreasure on my tender feet) anyone got some cheese for my whine?The hike through the section of trail called the "Roller Coaster" was a kicker.I walked from 7:00 am till 8:30 pm. Exhausted just doesn't express how I felt asI entered the door of the Bears Den Hostel. Curcuit Rider and Queen Diva tookover and I was myself in short order. I dont know if it was the shower, dryclothes, pizza, Dr. Pepper or the Cherry Garcia Ben & Jerry's, but it worked!I walked with section hiker, Frank Michels, through most ofthe Roller Coaster.Thanks Frank, you kept me from going insane!I have recently received emails from mothers of "Miracle Children" forChildren's Miracle Network. I feel blessed beyond words. I am reminded of a reallife drama I once faced, that goes unseen by so many. Families and youngchildren that face life each day, praying, hoping and believing in a miraclethat might come from the research made available through funds raised throughthe efforts of CMN. I am so proud to be walking for this cause. I am even moreproud of the families for which I walk. God be with each and everyone of you, asI know He is!
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

Started:Harpers FerryFinished:Bears Den HostelSleeping:BunkMiles:19.9 Total Miles:1008.8RAIN, RAIN, RAAAAAAAAAAAIN, I've been hiking up waterfalls and it's actually theAT. We had less water canoeing down the Shenandoah River. Right now mytranscriber Journey, is mummbling "wimp" under her breath. (Editor's note: I would never do that. I have called her courageous, adventurous and when I found out she walked to Damascus with 52 pounds on her back, I called her an OX, but I would never call her a wimp!)She was a 2003 ATthru hiker that spent most of her hike in virtual bathtub/swimming pool/shower,conditions. I can say "my sympathies" now, and mean it because I have felt herpain.Today's hike was a slack pack North to South from Harper's Ferry back to theBears Den. A total of 19.9 miles. FYI: When it rains hard, for a very long time, water finds it's way into all thenooks and grannies of your pack (this is in spite of plasic covers,pack covers,etc.) and soaks whatever it can get to, adding pounds of weight to your load.Hense, I slacked. It still took me eleven hours!!! Over the last two days the skin on myfeet (callouses especially) turned white and sore from the constant soakingrain. A couple of my toes are particularly angry with me. When I say the trailwas a waterfall, that was an understatement. It was a stream, a creek, ariver, a pool, a torrent! You were in water up to your ankles, your calves, yourknees. It's maker poured down on you with the gravity of Niagra Falls. The last 6 miles before the hostel I became concerned that I entered a time warpto Moses and one of the plagues of Egypt. FROGS. Yep frogs. Every where frogs.They were just having a party out there in thst rain, but hey, do you blamethem.
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Started:Harpers FerryFinished:Harpers Ferry HostelSleeping:BunkMiles:2.2Total Miles:1011.0This was my day to go to the ATC Building in Harpers Ferry and get my picturetaken and added to the alblum of thru hikers still on the trail. I am offically#501, of approximately 1,100 hikers, that began hiking from Springer, GA thisyear.Most everyone is aware of the statistics concerning the number of hikers thatstart from GA & finish in ME. It can be frustrating to watch these statisticspan out before and behind you. You hear your inner voice crying, "NO, not so andso!" You ask why, but realise each have their reasons. The knowledge that yourhike could become fragile, boring, or endangered hits you. So you try to remainfocused and hike carefully...and on you hike!I left Harpers Ferry ATC building in the afternoon and took a short hike throughits old town. Loks like a neat place to visit and catch up on some history.(Itis pricey however) My short walk took me to Harpers Ferry Hostel for theevening.I will be heading into Maryland tomorrow and into PA by the 1st of July. They are STILL calling for rain over the next two days. I managed to stay drytoday till .3 miles from the Hostel, when once again THE RAINS CAME. I wassoaked and I emphasise WAS, as I am now in my nest ready to hit the lights andvisit LA LA Land.Night all!
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Harpers Ferry Hostel

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Started:Harpers Ferry HostelFinished:Dahlgren Back Pack CampgroundSleeping:HammockMiles:15.7Total Miles:1026.7A very solitary walk today. I met up with my first South Bounder, Pantheon.He was doing a zero at the Ed Garvey Shelter. Also had a moment with a nice fellow that had hiked the trail previously and was doing a section hike south. His trail name was Pipeline. There was a woman named Pat walking with her dog and a sweet couple out walking with their pooch. I must not forget the boy scout troop, 15 strong, going 50 miles in the opposite direction. Hey toldme to check out Deer Lick Shelter. Seems they left a little trail magic for the thru hikers.I had planned to put in at this campground because of the hot showers and a chance to charge my cell phone. I did not expect to be alone. The solitude is pleasant, but I can hear street noise in the distance. I watched a couple rabbits romp about in the field while ate my supper and hung my bear bag. As I write in my journal a deer is huffing in the distance to my right. It most likely can smell me and is showing its concern over my presence in the grove. This is more than likely a place they like to hangout in the evening. Pity, I seemed to have rined their sworia! (sp?)I have a small fire going but I'm ready to turn in.Before I forget, I wanted to mention the berry feast erupting slowly along the trail. First it was Mulberries, now it's Black Raspberries and I understand Blueberries are not far behind. I plan to keep an empty baggie in my pocket tomorrow and gather Raspberries for my Saurday morning, breakfast Shedded Wheat! Yum!
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter, MD
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: few clouds

Started:Dahlgren Back Pack CampgroundFinished:Ensign Cowall ShelterSleeping:ShelterMiles:13.9Total Miles:1040.6Tonight I arrived at the shelter with my little baggie of freshly pickedraspberries. I took five small packets of sugar from my food bag and sprinkledthem down into the baggie and let them sit while I prepared my dinner. Afterdinner I took my baggie and slooooooowly ate the best dessert I've had on theAT, since I started...yummmmmy!Today I had another solitary day of hiking. The woods were full of deer. Theywere bouncing all over the place. FYI: I'm in Maryland and it's flat walking until they drop rocks on top of rocksall over the trail. Talk about a balancing act. They should call the place Icame through today, "Hey, Break A Leg Pass." I'd just like to know why 'WingFoot' and the 'Thru Hikers Companion' don't warn you about these places...like"WARNING, WARNING 2 MILES OF ROCKS AHEAD!!!! DO NOT ATTEMPT HIS PART OF THE TRAILAT THE END OF YOUR DAY WHEN YOUR LEGS ARE JELLY"!! I have spent the evening having a fabulous discussion with a fellow that goes by"Jash" an (acronym for just a section hiker) about the Tora and the study he andhis wife have done and are doing. I got his email. I plan to do some follow up with him when I get off the trail. Now to bed! Tweet Dreams!
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter, MD

To: PenMar State Park
Miles today: 9.6

Started:Ensign Cowall ShelterFinished:Pen Mar County Park, MDSleeping:HouseMiles:9.6Total Miles:1050.2Today I hiked with new friend, G Man. He's from South Carlina. We had sunnyskies, breezes and good talk as we enjoyed some of the easiest trail, I feel,I've encountered since starting in GA. The nights have been cold in my hammock since the heavy rains, so I had called"Blue Eyes," in PA and asked if he could meet me at Pen Mar Park with my heaviersleeping bag. This is one of the perks of having the trail run close to homewhile thru hiking on the AT. When G Man and I arrived Rod was on the trailheading South. He asked if I'd like to sleep in a bed tonight and start myplanned slack pack through PA earlier than planned. It seems his trip fromDillsburg to Pen Mar only took 45 minutes. This was better than a strangerasking if I wanted a hot shower and a free meal. I had so many things that went ca-put on me yesterday...my phone died, my cameradied, my Sweetwater filter was acting up, the list goes on. It was 'an omen' orsomething. Home to regroup. We got to Dillsburg and it was great to see the place all green and lush. Wewent out to familiar places to purchase a new phone and camera and buy PORTERHOUSE STEAKS for dinner. On the trail tomorrow I will be crossing the PA border and heading toward thehalf way point.Planing on surpising 'Mama Bird' tomorrow evening. Rod invited her and Don overfor chicken dinner to discuss the upcoming slack pack for the group of AT hikerswho hit Pine Grove Furnace on July 4th (half way and half gallon challenge) andwant to base camp here in Dillsburg for a few days and walk with a lighter loadin the PA heat. Do not know yet if there will be any interest, but we'll see.Can't wait to see my mom' face!!!
Date: 2006-07-02
From: PenMar State Park

To: South Mt. PA 233
Miles today: 13.4

Started:Pen Mar County Park, MDFinished:PA 233 South Mtn. Sleeping:HouseMiles:13.4Total Miles:1063.6It felt like I ran the trail today. It is amazing how fast you can move when 30odd pounds are removed from your back. (Editor's note: It's my goal this weekend to get this crazy hiker below 30 pounds for the summer! I'll let you know if I succeed.)I love PA. The shelters are great and the trails are well maintained. Istopped into Antiedam Shelter and got to meet a couple folks from York, PA outcamping with two great kids (Jonathan and Koi) We talked together while I ate mylunch then they posed for their pictures. Hope you guys had a great hike.We stoped by the Pine Grove Furnace Hostel to see if Ranger Dog and Model-T hadstopped in yet. They hadn't so we'll check back tomorrow. Rod and I got back to his house about an hour before my mom and Don showed upfor dinner. When she came in the house I was upstairs and called Rod's phone. Rodpretended I was calling from the trail and asked mom if she wanted to talk tome. When my mother got on the phone she asked where I was. I walked down thesteps and said, "Behind you!" It was great!Now it's time to hit the sack cause tomorrow is a 16 mile day and my buddy Esrahis coming to hike with me.
Date: 2006-07-03
From: South Mt. PA 233

To: Shippensburg Road
Miles today: 16.0

Started:PA 233 South Mtn. Finished:Shippensburg RoadSleeping:HouseMiles:16.0Total Miles:1079.6Clipped off a couple miles today. The trail in PA has proven to be a bit soggyand still, in places, flooded since the monsoon rains of last week.Rod picked me up and we went looking for Model T and Ranger Dawg. Got some newsthat they planned to stay at Tags Campground and we headed in that direction tokidnap their sorry, tired butts and take them home to Dillsburg for a shower anddinner.We caught a glimps of them coming off the trail toward us and we cut em of atthe pass. We offered them a slack pack for tomorrow with a return back to thehomestead for Spaghetti and Meatballs. I now know the way to their hearts..LOTSof food!
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Shippensburg Road

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Started:Shippensburg RoadFinished:Pine Grove Furnace State ParkSleeping:HouseMiles:8.6Total Miles:1088.2Today I was joined by Ezra, trail name "The Wandering Jew" and Rod, "BlueEyes"for our short hike into Pine Grove Furnace for the celebration of the halfway point and to take the half gallon challenge.My mom and Don showed up for Bluebird's performance of "Stuff Thy Beak."Stuffing of choice, Cherries Jubilee Ice Cream! Yes Virginia, I met the challengeand 18 minutes later the bird dish was empty! I am officially a member of the ATHalf Gallon Club! and I have the wooden spoon to prove it!      We're off to the ATC Building in Boiling Springs to pick up Model T and RangerDawg for another evening at the homestead.I was hoping to see my son Jack today, but I guess he got busy with things athome. Love you Jack!