morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-28
From: on Ridge below McAfee

To: Troutville
Miles today: 0.0

Catawba...had the AYCE dinner with 16 others and then hiked out, after a phone fiasco in which my own brother did not accept a collect call from me (when have I EVER called collect? hey, this just might be important.) Anyway, Deb was flying out the next morning, I had no phone card, the phoone wouldn't take coins, my cell had no service and I needed to make sure her and I were on the same page.Anywho, got that cleared and hitched back to trail head where there were Trail Angels handing out beer...so I had to have one. Need to get going to catch the McAfee Knob for Sunset. I had it mostly to myself for awhile and got a great signal from there to call Deb (again), this time from my cell. It was neat knowing I was talking to her and just 16 miles from town where we would meet tommorrow and probably arrive at the same time. She, however, was a thousand miles away. Intersting. Camped this night just below at a site with FIDO (a photographer artist, go figure, and a few other guys, for the shelter was overrun with boyscouts.Sunday, the 16 into Troutville SUCKED. No redeeming qualities. I mean...you're supposed to be going down, yet, you go up, up, up...MORE ROCKS...are you sure we are not in Penn? Virginia is not, I repeat, is NOT FLAT!!!!I have been reflecting on the matchbook I was given at Springer by Gizmo the Ridge Runner. It says: WALK ON SOFT PATHS. Hmmmmm "Walk on soft paths...." "Well, WHERE THE HELL ARE THE 'SOFT PATHS' of this mythical lore?" The trail is Seldom soft. Seldom.Anyway......tune in for Adventures with Debra on borad the AT. I am curious of her perspective so I will let her enter the next weeks of journals and then add my side of the proverbial story later. I will say that she did amaze me, as well as other hikers.That is all for now."...who's gonna steal the peanut butter? I'll grab a can of sardines. Running up and down the aisle of the minimart sticking food in jeans. We never took more than we could eat, there was plenty left on the rack. We all swore if we ever got rich, we would pay the minimmart back. Yes sir, yes sir...we would pay the minimart back." Jimmy Buffett- PEANUT BUTTER CONSPIRACY
Date: 2005-05-29
To: Troutville
Miles today: 0.0

Deb's Account:I get on the plane at 11:00 am. The three hour flight seems as though it takes eternity, but that's nothing compared to the drive to Troutville that awaits once I land. After driving through lovely northern Virginia, I pull off at the exit and arrive in Troutville/Daleville (it's not completely clear where exactly I am). I find my way to the Comfort Inn and pull into the parking lot. My heart races as I glimpse a row of hikers sitting on a low wall just outside the lobby. As I park I know that Domino is already halfway to the car from where he was waiting. There he is, just arrived after a hard week of 20-mile days to get there on time. Here I am, after a few weeks of nine and ten-hour days. Yippee! He smells of campfire, dirt and sweat, just like everything he has been sending home. It takes a minute to associate this scent I've been used to associating with lifeless clothing with the person I'm hugging that I've hugged so many times before. It was familiar, yet new. It may be hard for some of you to believe, but it was nice. The next thing I notice is of course the new 'do - seeing the mohawk for the first time. It was obviously starting to grow out, and not quite so shocking, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how well Domino can pull it off!!After meeting each other again for the first time since March, Domino helps me unload my bags and we make our way toward the audience of hikers who were looking on. I have the pleasure of meeting Freedom, Brownie and Soulman, as well as Firefly and Hazy Sonic. A double dinner date is in the works with Brownie and Soulman after everyone takes time out for a short nap.Later on, the four of us hop in the rental car and go in search of some good FOOD (the hikers' favorite pasttime). After a short tour of Daleville to scope out our options, we decided on Country Cookin'which was right across the street from the hotel. This place supposedly came highly recommended by another hiker. It turns out that Country Cookin' has a coveted All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) salad and "sides" bar with soups, bread, etc. We all enjoy the salad bar (hikers a few times) and it was great hearing Trail stories from Domino, Brownie and Soulman.After dinner we grab some beer from the nearest gas station minimart and cruise back across the street to the hotel. Domino takes me on the hiker hotel room circuit and I get to meet Serenity, Feelin' Free, Bassline, Gypsy LuLu, Touk, Stilts, Anchor, Troll and Oblivious. Quite an eclectic and wonderful bunch of people who I will see a lot more of in the coming days.
Date: 2005-06-10
From: between Blue Ridge and Skyline

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Ah, the most rediculous and boring part of the trail thus far...those Mtns between the PArkway and Skyline. No folks, Virginia is NOT FLAT. It HAS rocks and lots of the little ankle breakers and it has a few sections where even the trail crew dont go there to maintain it...it's that bad. Some, dont even claim the section...and with good reason. Slack it. Take the Road WITH views or anything, just dont hurt yourself or get so bored you quit here. It gets better, at least that's what I hear. Then again, "Virginia is Flat." they said.Where will I be a year from now? I am taking predictions on the Guest Sign page. Please, be realistic and if you are offering me a job, make it worth my wildest dreams.P&L INC."keep pushing on...Christmas will get here someday even if Katahdin seems to keep getting further."
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Aquablaze on the Shenandoah

To: back to Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0

Domino has survived his aquablaze trip! He called to say that he was back in Waynesboro after doing a week and about 65 miles in a canoe on the Shenandoah river with a group of other hikers. On the first day Domino and Bassline hit a rock in their canoe that sent Domino overboard. His knee impacted on the rocks and he had a scary experience in the water as the rapid tried to keep him under. Thankfully he made it out and back into the canoe, but his knee did not fare well. He has cuts in a few places and pain on the side and directly on the front of his knee. He kept going though, and just about everyone else that went through that area lost something to the river.Injuries aside, he said he had a good time and got to know some of the other hikers a lot better. Troll, Anchor, Oblivious, Bassline, TDS, Hotcrotch, Stilts, Apple Pie, Scholar, Poet, Serenity and Feelin' Free were all involved and I'm sure a few others I may have missed. The trip was deemed "adult summer camp" and consisted of rope swings, 20+ cases of beer, aquatic cow tipping, and camping to name a few of the highlights. Once it was all said and done, I think the majority of the hikers decided to take up the trail where the canoe trip left off while Domino and TDS rode back to Waynesboro with Hotcrotch to continue where they left off on foot.Domino rested his knee one more day today, and tomorrow he will begin again.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: back to Waynesboro

To: more Shen Aqua talk
Miles today: 0.0

Deb did the trip and experience alot of justice. Wow. I want to add that I DID break down and buy a fishin pole and then resumed to catch about 60 fish over four days. Cool huh? Jealous are ya?Yes, the trip was pretty good, and I did get scared about the knee, but, I made it through and then made it through the Shenandoahs (see entries to come about that).I will be doing some "special" entries as the next few months go by. Look for: The AT Food Critic; Privy or Private; Frowns in Towns; The AT '05 Thru-hiker Matching Quiz; and other entries like "What I worry about while I walk" otherwise titled "Did I forget to flush... I mean FLOSS?"Keep on reading and watch for the BEAR pics coming as well as the stories behind the BEARS, Wine Tasting and new friends. Peace and Love Incorporated.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Waynesboro

To: Shenandoah's
Miles today: 0.0

Back on the trail leading from Waynesboro to the "Shennies". Very strange feeling being so far behind the people that simply "aqua blazed" and are probably in Harpers Ferry. Or the people who didn't and hiked on and are there too. i will be battling my feelings I am sure...there is still SO MUCH trail left, it is hard to believe. Lonely, I miss Deb and Jeff (JP) and the thought of them coming here. Friends are great motivation. Get some! I'm out.
Date: 2005-06-21
To: Summer Solstice
Miles today: 21.0

The handwritten journal entries Domino sent home somehow got wet between the time he left them at Weasel Creek Outfitters in Front Royal and the month it took for me to actually receive them. This entry has several portions that are illegible, and I will improvise on them as best as possible! -DebSummer SolsticeAlso Hike Naked Day. Hiked from Blackman(?) Hut in Shenandoahs (illegible). Left at 9 AM a little later than I wanted. Last night was COLD, believe it!! Could see my breath big time when I went to pee. Anyway, I wanted to be able to say I hiked naked on this day and there was nobody around,the last thing I wanted to do was get a ticket in a National Park when my friend is the Director for our great nation and I am a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional. So i was very cautious. At 10 I stripped down and hung my shorts in a fashionon my backpack as to be able to pull them ouver in case of emergency. Crossing Skyline Drive was quite interesting too...(illegible) it 3 times across. First there was (illegible) (except when I wanted to cross a road crew(?) were there and I'd have to (illegible). Then, hiking Southbound, was a lady in her late 60's. I did the "pull over & cover" trick and it worked. After about an hour and a half I was getting close to the Loft Mountain Campground and was getting more cautious when all of a sudden there was a young kid on the trail with four more and a Dad following back a ways. I quickly covered and said "hello" as I (illegible) I think he was passing the first couple of kids and waited until they went off the trail. I had my front covered, but on a long straightaway when I tured around to wait for the rest, I am sure my caboose was showing. I just smiled as Dad and the rest went by. I saw one kidwhisper to another and point. That's it, shorts back on! Sarong later in the day. I did, earlier have and "experience" witha Doe Deer "sniff'n" the air and heading towards me as I was trying totake a picture of my butt and a sign at BROWN GAP until(?) the deer came out of nowhere sniffing the air and (illegible).For lunch, I hit the wayside and had a cheesesteak and shake, OK, not the best. Hiked on for my 21 mile day seeing lots of deer. Sarong'ed it the last 5 miles. Hit camp at High Top mountain hut and set up tent. Overall I have been trying to get my head right and thinking way too much. This trail stuff can really get to you. Sometimes it is very hard to be mindless and just walk. I miss everything. Sleep time now. 10:14 pm.
Date: 2005-06-24
To: Skyland Cabin
Miles today: 0.0

(with the Honeymooners and Fester)Wake this AM with a slight hangover, hit breakfast with Fester and then messed around at the lodge. Hiked out at 11 AM. A Hot Day already.Visited Stoney Man and chatted with some folks from Vermont and continued hiking. Got to see Hughes Gap (cool JP) and Mary's Rock (Hello Bug'n). It was truly a day for nature, at lunch with the Sequin Sisters and the Honeymooners, butterflies were landing on me and STAYING for a while (pics). It was very cool. We were surprised by my first up close encounter with a bear; as I was filling my water, Birdie said she heard something behind this shed under construction. I walked around and WOW!! Sure enough, here came a bear (pic). Someone had left their garbage in a bucket and the bear had found it. Damn contractors! Anyway, it really was exciting and the fist of about 4 bear encounters today. i was leading the hike down the trail and we rounded a bend and there he was, one just staring right at me, eventually he went off his way, but it was crazy. We hiked hard to hit the wayside before it closed, but missed it by 45 min. We had din din on the picnic tables there watching deer stroll by. A Jeep pulled up and I heard my name. It was Low Gear and Jake Break (I hadn't seen for over a month). They were off trail and heading to Newfoundland. The gave me advice (they hiked in '02) and us all Snickers (and me a Twix). We hiked in the dark and finally used our "Backcountry Permit" to camp. It was a great night.
Date: 2005-06-25
To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Domino called from Front Royal today. His knee has held up really well since the canoe incident, but his feet are aching worse than ever. Once again shoes are becoming an issue. He is staying one night in Front Royal and then setting off again Sunday afternoon to continue on. He should finally arrive in Harpers Ferry on Tuesday.So far the Shenandoahs have been wildlife heaven. Domino has had several bear sightings and encounters, as well as having breakfast with a doe and many more deer sightings. He's even had a flock of butterflies that took a liking to him. He's seen some treed baby bears with the mama bear standing guard, and apparently lots of hikers are having some pretty close encounters with bears. There will be more to come when he sends some journal entries home this week. Until then, cheers!
Date: 2005-06-25
To: Front Royal
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

Ah, leaving the Shennies today. 18.5 to go in. Had breakfast with a deer. She visited as I was eating and walked around munching the vegetation. Today is HOT!!! I heard in the 90's. First off, I encountered Mama bear and cubs. The cubs climbed a tree and Mama Bear looked at me as if I was her breakfast. I made fast to get out of there. Hey, there is a deer looking at me from the woods as I write this at noon. I am at Jenkins Gap resting my feet and getting a picture of the sign. I want to honor my friend "Rob Bob" Jenkins and his service gift to our country, his life. He was one of the first people killed in Iraq. A Navy Seabee, he was there to build schools for their people - he was killed for this. This world is full of craziness called Man. Thank you Rob Bob! you were walking with me today. Now, on to Front Royal for the night, then I will make the final push to get out of Virginia on into Harpers Ferry. And then the halfway pont by the weekend - Wow.
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well well, I got out of Front Royal Sunday at 4PM and got 10.7 miles in heading towards Harpers and eventually the half-way point. Last night in Front Royal I got the BEST soup on the trail (Veg. Beef) at The Village Idiot as well as a pretty damn good Chicken Marsala. Met a bunch of Bikes that had just rode the Shannies and one was quite serious about trying the AT thru someday...and he bought beers to congratulate me. Yum!Anyway, as I walked out, the real feel of the Civil War started conjuring up in my mind. There were rock walks and hard terrain. I could imagine what a harsh life it must have been. Mosby's Confederacy held the line along this part of the trail. My destination was the Manassas Shelter. As I approached, I heard the great sound of a harmonica playing. Dark was settling and I looked into the camp and there was Tree Trunks. He and I have been crossing paths since we first met in Helen, GA. We chatted about the Civil War and he played SHENNANDOAH and BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC, and I sang along to the best of my ability. It's good to think I will be leaving Virginia soon.We got up and got out for a 10 mile hike to the gap and then into Doc's Rest. for a BBQ lunch. We got a pretty easy hitch from a Professor of Spanish at Shando University. (THANKS!) Food was OK, not great pricing. Anyway, the out hitch came from A guy that was eating next to us. Ah, back on the trail with a full belly and the infamous ROLLER COASTER and 14 MORE miles to go before this day will be through. In hindsight, which is always the case, I am glad I did the miles. 9 of the 13.5 coaster miles behind us. The Bear's Den Hostel is FABULOUS, a Castle of sorts. You can see it at bearsdencenter.org. The trail has some amazing things. Queen Diva had made the Hostel Breakfast for Dinner (FlipFlop Dinner). Fester, upon getting out of the shower and doing his clothes, donned a Red Windbreaker Suit and some "fly" shoes...he was now Pimp'n with Fest. I donned a blue sweatsuit and a white cardigan. I looked like my Hiking poles should be Golf Clubs.... I was now Skip or Biff or something. Great "washing your regular stuff" wear. I talked with Deb on la phone and got on this. I am going to try to do some of the other updates that I missed. It's late though. Always think of a million things I want to say while hiking and then get tired or draw a blank in front of the screen. Wish I could paint a better picture for you all. Oh, here is one, MY FEET HURT!!!
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Harpers Ferry

To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.0

Today Domino checked in at the Appalachian Trail Conference and received his hiker number: he is hiker #503. Before setting out from Harpers Ferry today, Domino purchased a new pair of Vasques and some new insoles in the hopes of solving his feet problems. He sent the Salomon's home, as well as Naked and Turkey, and purchased some poles to help him navigate a little better through the upcoming rockbeds of Pennsylvania. Before long the Vasques were already working hard on creating extremely painful blisters on his heels, much to his chagrin. It is difficult to change shoes out on the trail because you don't really get any break-in time without the pack weight to mess things up. Before long he had to switch to his "nothins," and hiked the rest of the day in those.He continued on all day without seeing any other hikers. Because of the pain from his blisters, Domino ended up having to hike for about two hours in the dark this night. And what an area to hike in the dark. He ended up passing an old abandoned house and realized that he was in the exact area where the Blair Witch movie had been filmed. In the darkness he could see the eyes of many wild and unknown animals reflecting back at his headlamp. It was very eerie, and by the time he reached the shelter everyone who was there had already buttoned down for the night. The next morning he would notice that some sort of feline creature had walked on and left prints all over his shirt that he had left out on a table to dry.Over and out...Deb
Date: 2005-07-03
To: Iron Masters Mansion Hostel - HALFWAY!!
Miles today: 18.5

Domino called tonight from the Iron Masters Mansion hostel at the halfway point in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA. The Iron Masters Mansion is a historic site that was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today marked the halfway mark of the AT. There is a tradition called the "Half Gallon Challenge" where hikers are put to the test of eating a half gallon of ice cream as fast as they can. Domino downed his half gallon of chocolate ice cream in 21 minutes 17 seconds. His goal was to finish under 20 minutes, but plastic spoons don't play well with fresh-from-the-freezer ice cream. Nonetheless, he was only three minutes off of the record time of just over 18 minutes that had been set earlier in the day.As of today, Domino's nothinz have gone a whopping 66 miles of the trail. However, they are in a very sad state, one completely blown out in the front with duct tape struggling to keep his foot in and the other not far behind. He tried hiking in his new shoes only to be reminded of why he wasn't hiking in them to begin with, and consequently folded the heels inward and walked in them "clog style" for as long as he could handle. He got some looks of disbelief from other hikers, but whatever it takes to get you to Maine...On a sadder note, Domino found out that his friends Bruce Spruce and Bruce Moose are getting off the trail for good. He said he is definitely affected by this sad news.
Date: 2005-07-04
To: Ironmasters Mansion
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the 4th as a zero and stayed at the "Mansion" that was once a locale for the "Underground Railroad". I even went into the secret rooms below it. I did get bit by some kind of spider while sleeping there, though nothing came of it, thank goodness.The Fourth, well, there were no fireworks to be seen but shared some laughs and beers and food with Birdie, Muskrat, Swamp Donkey, Mustard Seed, Fester, Piker, Mileage, Warlock and Squid Jerky. Oh, the Bruces WOULD have been there had they not gotten off trail.We hiked out and all weathered a storm (big one) in a shelter, my first time in over a month to stay "inside" a shelter.
Date: 2005-07-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked to Rt 11 and met up with Piker, Mileage, Squid and Warlock and Piker's parents (Mama and Papa Piker). They got us some nice Trail Magic, a room AND an unbelievable dinner at Olive Garden. Mmmmm, Gorganzola Steak Linguini - Ah Yes! I even played "Hackey Sack" for the first time, all was OK.I left at 9 AM the next day for my 19 miler to Duncannon (AKA Drunkcannon). It lived up to its Rep. The Doyle, a "Beer House" with rooms, was interesting thanks to all of the staff there!!! We were there in town for "Billville" - the hiker feed.
Date: 2005-07-08
To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

I slacked 8 miles Friday to avoid 2 zeros and planned to zero Saturday. Was very pleased when I returned at about 2pm and there were my friends - Sunshine, Stilts, Gypsy LuLu and Touk, they had just hitched back. It has been 3 weeks since I saw them all; after much hugging and chatting up the adventures, it was drinks and food. The Feed was great that night up at the Ball Park; Trail Angel Mary CAN COOK!! (Chili cookoff next year) but, the party strolled back down to the Doyle for some live music and jukebox jammin.The night had all the makings of a reunion party of thruhikers, then some a-hole (NOT a thru-hiker, at least not this year) came in with an attitude. I had a run-in with him and then he went off and started something with a hiker who was very drunk. Well the place got shut down, and rightfully so, by the owners shortly after these guys were sent out the door. i was staying there so I just went up to bed. It was about 1:15 AM. At 3:20ish I was woken straight up by the piercing sound of the Civil Service Alarm. It sounded like an air raid or doomsday alarm. I took a look out the window and then the alarm stopped. Went backt o sleep thinking nothing of it. Saturday AM I went to the store and learned of the tragedy. A hiker was killed by a train, just 200 yards from where I was staying. it was the drunk hiker that the attitude guy started a fight with. So many things could have prevented this from happening. He was not a hiker I knew, but I had met him earlier. I still don't really know how to feel about it. He's gone and that is very strange as I hike along."Then in the land's heart shalt thou win thee Friends." -Athena, The Furies
Date: 2005-07-09
To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Saturday at the Feed we (Ken Doll and I - GATOR) hosted the first ATHHH (ATH3) Ap Trail Hash House Harriers. There were about 25 hikers who are now hashers. We had a river beer check, train track crossings (near the scene of last night's tragedy) and a beer stop at The Pub. I served as GM and RA and held a fun, frolicky circle. After the beer was gone, we split up into teams and played Ultimate for 2 hours. Wow, we hikers know how to rest and zero!!! ON ON to All (If interested: www.half-mind.com).