morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: US 52 Bland
Miles today: 11.7

Up at our normal time but slow to get started because of yesterdays long trek. Our feet could use a rest. Hiked to Bland and got a shuttle to the Big Walker Motel, just what the doctor ordered. Had a Subway for lunch, resupplied at Dollar General, and pizza delivery for supper. What could be better? Big thunderstorm in the evening, felt sorry for any hikers on the trail.
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Ribble Trail/ Honey Spring Picni Area.
Miles today: 18.7

Mother's Day and sunshine from morning to night. The first day since Damascus the we didn't need to cover our packs from rain. Long day but made great progress. Streams are still swollen and there are springs sprouting everywhere as the mountains drain. Makes for a damp, muddy trail at times. Saw two snakes sunning themselves today. Camped with Wendy and Matt after a long hard day. Clear skies and what feels like a cold front moving through. I can't believe that we did over a hundred miles in the last week, it took us eleven days at the beginning to do as much.
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Ribble Trail/ Honey Spring Picni Area.

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Surprised yet not surprised by the sound of raindrops on the tent this morning. Hustled our things into the remains of an old cabin - ate breakfast and hiked out into a drizzle. Saw Slagline and two friends slack packing. Our hike was OK as we tried to ignore the weather. Steep long down into Pearisburg. We were so happy to see the Rendezvous Motel next to the trail.Met Yogi and Double Shot who borrowed a car and took us to a Mexican Restaurant, what a treat! Saw Matt and Beth with Almond Joy at the restaurant and Mr. Ed and Lightweight in the parking lot. Vickie got a Mother's day card and box of cookies from Pam. Forcast is good for tomorrow and then so so for the rest of the week. We'll take five days of food with us out of here, the most we've had to carry at one time, will make for some heavy packs.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Campsite Mile 634.3
Miles today: 8.4

Had a great stay in Pearisburg. The motel owners couldn't have been more helpful. Had breakfast at Hardee's, surprising good egg sandwich. Mailed some things home and got on the trail by 11:30. Some ups and downs and great views of the Virginia country side. Camped at a remote campsite with Hot Pants and Icy fingers.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Bailey's Gap

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Overcast and windy but pretty good for hiking. Wind Roch viewpoint was nice (and windy also). Made the first shelter by 12:10 for lunch. Flies are out in full force, but strangely enough they stay out of the shelter. What does that tell you about them?Only one other hiker (south bounder named Spiderman) at the shelter with us. He's got a big German Shepherd with him.Thunder showers around 1:00am lasted for a couple hours, will be a muddy wet trail tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Campsite Mile 679
Miles today: 15.3

Celebrating 2 months on the trail. Hike was difficult due to many rock faces and an up and down ridge line. However the weather was great. Passed two shelters and ended up at a lonely campsite close to a memorial to Audie Murphy who was killed in a plane crash near it.Bugs are still our in full force. We really pushed today and are proud that we did. More rain could be arriving tonight but we're all set in the tent. Traildays are happening in Damascus and lots of hikers must be going because we haven't seen anyone else all day.
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Campsite MIle 679

To: VA Road 624
Miles today: 13.5

Still great hiking weather. The trail was again difficult due to the long rocky-rock faced ridge. It seems that the trail could be located just a bit better, does it have to hit every peak? We're hoping for better trail but there's no reason to expect it.We ended the hike at a road crossing where we went about a half mile to Catawba Grocery for drinks, snacks, and two days resupply. Spent about $50 for it all. Will be in Daleville in a couple days where we will get a mail drop and resupply other things we need. We'll stay at the Howard Johnson Express to revive ourselves.
Date: 2009-05-17
From: VA Road 624

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Excellent day for hiking though the skies kept us guessing. It's cooling down as the day progresses. The trail wasn't as bad today but it was also a shorter day for us. We passed the 700 mile mark today, just about one third of the way finished. had to believe we're walked that much. The view from McAfee Knob was wonderful. We hiked a mile into Catawba for and All You Can Eat lunch at the Homeplace Resturant. It opens at 11:00 on Sundays. We got there before 11:30 and within 15 minutes there was a waiting line. Stopped at Campbell Shelter to assess the rest of the day. It has gotten colder and windy so decided to stay rather than press on.Only one other hiker (southbound) was there when we arrived so still haven't seen anyone in a few days. All of a sudden three others came in then two more (Mr Ed & Lightweight) then one more who continued on and finally two more. So we went from famine to feast.
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Up and on the trail by 7:00. Cold night and morning. When we arrived in town found out there's freeze warnings out. Not what May is supposed to be. Hiking in the sun all day but bundled up. Once again crappy rocky up and down ridge line walking. It could be so much nicer with just a little rerouting.Went by Tinker Cliffs, really nice views, like you're on the edge of the world. Long day today to get into Daleville. Got into the HoJo Express by 3:30. Had pizza by 4:00 and Mexican is right across the street.Not sure if we'll leave tomorrow or take a Zero day. We're tired from all the rocky ridge walking but hate to waste a day not hiking even though you need it now and then.
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

1/3 of the trail completed!Nice night at the Ramada Express. Walked to Kroger for resupply. Ate lunch and packed up and hit the trail about noon. On the trail the mountain laurels are in bloom with pink and white flowers. Made it to the shelter about 6:30 and set up the tent to try to stay warm, it's been chilly recently.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunderhill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Pleased with our hike. Three difficult ups but still a total of 14 miles in 8 1/2 hours including breaks. Beautiful day with abundant sunshine. Trail was friendlier today. Enjoyed our breaks - extending them a bit. At 4:30 we're the only ones at the shelter but expect more.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Thunderhill Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Sunshine - on my shoulders.... On the trail at 7:00. Good weather and good trail. Took some nice breaks again today and handled the heat pretty well for the number of miles we did. Crossed the James River on a long foot bridge.In camp with Bookworm, Scout, Pyro, Turtle, Muscrat, and Tinman.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Lakeside Campsite
Miles today: 14.7

Sunshine again! Out of camp by 7:15 and up we went, twice. It was steady and steep but we paced ourselves and again took advantage of the break to revive ourselves. Saw a lot of long weekend hikers. Camped in a tent site at the end of a nice man made lake. Finished our hike about 4:45. Had a nice campfire and then early to bed.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Lakeside Campsite

To: Greasy Spring Road
Miles today: 15.7

Huge Rattlesnake on the trail today, stopped Vickie in her tracks. It wouldn't move so we detoured around it.Started out a little after seven. A few more difficult ups made for slow going but we still had a good day. Passed the 800 mile night. WOW! Looking forward to the Dutch Haus B&B tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Greasy Spring Road

To: Fish Hatchery Road (Dutch Haus B&B)
Miles today: 6.1

Short day today to the Dutch Haus B&B. Long mile and half steep down to the parking area when they pick you up. Won't be fun to start tomorrow with. This place is wonderful! Earl and Lois give away a free lunch and shuttle you both ways to the trail at no charge! We're staying the night and looking forward to dinner! For sure a place a stop.
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Fish Hatchery Road (Dutch Haus B&B)

To: Reeds Gap (Dutch Haus B&B)
Miles today: 20.0

Everyone should stay at the Dutch Haus. Lois and Earl are amazing. Yesterday they had 22 people here and handled everything to perfection. Today we took advantage of a slack packing opportunity. Slack packing is when you have less than a full pack for your hike. Today we went 20 miles with one pack and a bit of food and water. At the end of the day Earl was there to pick us up and take us back to the B&B (only $10 extra charge!).It worked out that today was a perfect day for what we did. The trail was hard, a couple thousand foot climbs and a three thousand foot climb. We had rain last night and it continued into the morning. We had a bit of a break but in the afternoon the skies opened up and we got soaked for a couple hours. It was so good to see Earl and the van after our 10 hour day.I highly recommend the slack pack option to anyone and this is a great place to do it from.
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Reeds Gap (Dutch Haus B&B)

To: Rockfish Gap (Tree Streets B&B)
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Had another nice evening at the Dutch Haus. There were far fewer last night than the previous night (6 vs. 22). Weren't sure how far we'd go today. The shelter was 15 miles and Rockfish Gap (gateway to Waynesboro) was another 5. The day started slow, the trail was very rocky and we couldn't get a good rhythm going. We also got a late start from the B&B (8:45). The day was overcast all day with a few sprinkles but nothing major. We got to the shelter at 4:15, which was about an hour earlier than I had predicted in the morning. After a short break we decided to push on the Waynesboro and spend two nights. One with no hiking at all. We got to the raod about 6:45 and at a nearby parking two other hikers, Thinmint and Ziggy Stardust, were just loading their packs into a car. We hurried to catch them and it ended up that a woman Sarah and her husband and brother had just finished an afternoon bike ride. We asked if we could get a rid and they said yes. So we loaded in and took the 5 mile drive into town. What a joy being able to be picked up like that. Getting into town is always a problem, especially since Vickie is the worst hitchhiker ever. We're staying at another B&B (Tree Streets). We need to cut those down some, it's getting costly. Rain is forecast for tomorrow so we'll be happy to be in town. We're also getting new lighter weight sleeping bags for the summer months. Leaving Waynesboro we'll start walking in the Shenandoah National Park. It's rumored to be the easiest part of the trail.
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Rockfish Gap (Tree Streets B&B)

To: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro, VA)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Vickie's UpdateFirst off I want to thank our dear friends and family (and others) who express continued interest in our journey. I especially appreciate any messages that are sent...even though I am not able to answer them as they come in. We are finishing our 11th week on Saturday and by now this trail has become a way of life. We went for 7 days without a shower and bed and I think that has been the longest span of time since the Smoky Mountains. We are so rested now that we have had a good night's sleep, real food and have cleaned up. I was happy to discover that I have lost (somewhere on the top of the ridges) another six pounds. Often, along the trail, I dream of home and getting together with good friends and just enjoying life. But I must admit that the time is flying by and it is hard to believe that soon we will be into June. We are now hopeful that we will complete our hike sometime in early or mid September. The friends that we continue to make here on the trail help pull us along mentally and lift our spirits at the end of a long day. Tim is the best hiking partner I could ask for...he is ever positive and encouraging. Me? Well, I am a bit testy at times - but I get over it as soon as the hiking day ends and I can settle in for the night. Bug bites are still a problem and will get worse as the warm weather approaches, I'm sure. Until my next entry, best wishes and good health to all.Love,Vickie
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro, VA)

To: Campsite Mile 863
Miles today: 10.5

Nice day to leave Waynesboro mid morning. Some sun with only a hint of a shower. Hiked a leisurely pace and quit along the trail about 4:00. Saw a deer on the trail directly in front of us. Lots of bugs are visiting us all too often.
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Campsite Mile 863

To: Loft Mnt Campsite
Miles today: 18.7

Great day today. Over eighteen miles, stopped at a camp store in the Shenandoahs for a snack, and saw two bear cubs and their momma. The cubs were coming up the trail towards us and when they saw us scampered up a tree. Momma came by a few minutes later past the tree and down the trail. We weren't sure what to do so talked loudly and continued on our way. Didn't see them again. I got a good picture and will post it when I can.We camped beside the trail on the top of Loft mountain. We were close to a viewpoint so I got to watch the sunset behind the mountains. I think ones over the Gulf of Mexico are better.There was a thundershower overnight but it was gone by morning.
Date: 2009-06-01
From: Saddleback Mountain

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Crossed the 900 mile mark and are into June! Hurray!! We were a bit short on water this morning but there was a picnic area with a well about a mile away that we stopped at for breakfast. Then seven miles further we stopped at Lewis Mnt. campground for a shower and clothes washing. How nice the Shenandoahs are. Finished the day with ten more miles and another successful day. Our mileages are more than we had expected and I think they are tiring us out a bit.Weather was cool and sunny but we were in the shade of the trees most of the time. Actually the forest is getting so dense that it's hard to see any views.Saw another bear on the trail. He was about 25 yards in front of us. He stopped; we stopped; He looked around and decided to head into the woods.So so many deer that we almost stopped looking at them. They don't seem to care at all about humans and continue as if we weren't there.The hike today was probably one of the easier one's we've had.
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Thornton Gap (Shadow Mountain Escape)
Miles today: 14.1

We didn't have a very good campsite last night, it was downhill and slanted so neither of us slept well. We were up early and stopped at the Skyland Restaurant for a mid morning breakfast. Sunny and breezy all day with rising temps. We were both sluggish today, whether it was our distances of late, the extra breakfast, or our poor night's sleep we struggled to finish. We have a friend in Luray who also runs a cabin rental (http://www.shadowmountainescape.com/). We mailed a food box there and she picked us up about 3:30. She offered to let us stay the night which of course we didn't turn down. She took us to dinner and breakfast and back to the trail the next day (actually Emily who works for her took us back). It was a great stop that we really needed after a steep rocky decent on the trail. I don't think we can thank her enough for being our trail angel for the day. If you ever need a place to stay in the Luray, VA area check her place out.
Date: 2009-06-03
From: Thornton Gap (Shadow Mountain Escape)

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: few clouds

After a great night we were on the trail about 9:30. We went about 8 miles to the Elkwallow Wayside for lunch. The Hut (shelter) is crowded tonight with Mr. Ed & Lightweight, Check 6 & Old Goat, Motor, Redleg, and two others who tented. Thundershowers moved in just as we went to sleep.
Date: 2009-06-04
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter.
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Oh what a day today turned out to be. Woke up to mist and light rain. By 12:30 it was a steady rain. We left the Shenandoahs and will miss the extras that it had to offer. We resisted the urge to stop in Front Royal and continued in the rain to the shelter. Hike was moderate and we finished by 4:15. Redleg, two section hikers from Chicago, plus Tinman and Stretch who arrived after we were already sacked away for the night are in the shelter. The trail today was dark and dense like a jungle since there was no sun.
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter.

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: moderate rain

Another long day to get to a good shelter. Rained all day from morning to night. We were soaked through and through. Fortunately the temperatures are moderate so we're not too cold. Made it to the shelter about 4:30, Hot Pants & Icy fingers, Chance, Dixie Dog, and two others are in the shelter with us. Hike again was through tall grass and small overhanging trees; not conducive to a pleasant hike, especially when combined with the weather. Vickie had a spill into a stream we were crossing when her foot slipped. She ended up sitting backwards into a stream of water. She didn't get too wet but I'm sure it bruised her self image. Will go ten miles tomorrow to the Bear's Den Hostel. Hopefully the weather will improve.
Date: 2009-06-06
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to no rain, what a relief. Ten miles today over what's called the Roller Coaster but it's really nothing different than we're seen all along the way. Ups that take you to the top of a ridge for no reason and down again. The elevation was between 700 and 1500 feet so I guess they added the ups and downs to make it seem that you were really on a mountain.Got to the Bear's Den around 1:00 and had a chance to shower, dry wet things, and do laundry. Pizza and ice cream for supper, Hurray!Tomorrow we'll cross the 1000 mile mark and be out of Virginia. Harper's Ferry is a day or two away, then 40 some miles in Maryland and we're in Pennsylvania. Now that makes it seem like we've come a long way.
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Bears Den Rocks

To: US 340 Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: clear sky

Whoa, we outdid ourselves today. We hadn't planned on such a long day but things fell into place. The trail was good the weather excellent and our bodies were willing. So we made Harpers Ferry WV! Hiker numbers 260 & 261 of the year. Tomorrow we'll be in Maryland. We're blowing the budget and staying at the Comfort Inn here. There really aren't any cheap places even the Hostels are costly.Last night at the Bear's Den was really nice, it was a great place to stay (http://www.bearsdencenter.org/).Not much more to say tonight, we're going to try and cut back our mileage a bit for a while to rest our poor old bodies.
Date: 2009-06-08
From: US 340 Harpers Ferry

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Out of Harpers Ferry and out of West Virgina and into Maryland! Bought some new shoes in HF, same as the old ones, lightweight but they don't last long under these conditions.Great sunshine and a moderate trail. Stopped at a state park for supper and then on to our campsite. Blue Steel joined us for dinner and the evening.
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Ensign Cowal Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: few clouds

Up with the sunshine and on the trail by 7:00. Warm so we had lots of water. Maryland is great, it seems like you're in a state or county park every few hours. They even have a backpacker campground with a free hot shower. I stopped for one in the morning. Had a thunderstorm with some hail in the afternoon. We were by a camp spot that also had a privy so we took shelter in it until the storm passed. Just as we started out on the trail again we heard a loud CRACK and looked up ahead of us to see a huge tree come crashing down 30 feet in front of us onto and blocking the trail we were about to walk. Quite a sight. Arrived at the shelter about 7:00. Dixie Dog, Chance, and a couple others were already there. Oh by the way another 20 mile day.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Ensign Cowal Shelter

To: Antiettam Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

On the trail by 7:30 and finished at 5:00. And just like that we're out of Maryland and into Pennsylvania! Aside from a two mile rocky stretch today's hike has probably been the easiest so far. We stopped at another great park in Maryland (Penn-Mar http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=58692&format=html). The shelter we're at is really old, built in 1940 but cozy as we were the only ones there.
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Antiettam Shelter

To: Fayetteville PA
Miles today: 11.8

Mail drop pick up today in Fayetteville so the day was short. Just as we got off the trail it started to sprinkle. We had an OK but expensive lunch. We werre leaving just another man, Bob was leaving I asked him for a ride to our motel (about 2.5 miles) and he agreed. Our box wasn't there so we worked out an option where we would stop along the trail and resupply as we go. Walked 1/2 mile for laundry and snacks. On our way back we got caught in another sprinkle. We ate dinner but were stuffed from all the snacking and went back to the motel not felling well. When we returned the clerk called us and said the box was there, the mailman had left it between two mail boxes and they didn't see it at first. Since we had already made our plans we decided to stop at the post office tomorrow and forward it up the trail.
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Fayetteville PA

To: Tom's Run Shelters
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early as usual, ate in the room packed up and hitched a ride to the post office. We wanted to go to the Fayetteville PO but for some reason the woman, Tina, who picked us up went 15 miles to the Chambersburg PO. I thought we were in trouble because we'd have a hard time getting back. However she was returning home and offered us a ride back to the trail. So it all worked out fine but took a little longer.The weather continues to be great (a brief overnight shower) and the trail is still kind. We aren't looking forward to the PA rocks that we'll encounter soon. Angry Beaver, One Pint, Prairie Dog, O.G., Yuki, and a host of section/day hikers were at the shelter area tonight.
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Tom's Run Shelters

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: few clouds

We crossed the halfway point today (1089.1). Woopee!! The trail continues wide smooth and fairly level (except for one nasty stretch ant the end of the day). We stopped at a store for lunch as well as a breakfast snack. Good weather continues, we camped along a stream so had the sound of water moving all night. Had a fire we shared with 1 Pint, O.G., Angry Beaver, and Prairie Dog.
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: US 11
Miles today: 11.9

We've got 30 miles to go to get to Duncannon, our next mail drop pick up. We could go 18 miles to a shelter and then 12 to the Doyle Hotel (http://www.doylehotel.com/) or 12 to a Super 8 motel and then 18 to the Doyle. Guess which we choose? Yep another motel tonight. Just finished a great salad from the restaurant across the street and I'm updating the journal while Vickie does some laundry. Weather is still good the trail was the best yet. Will relax this afternoon and back on then trail tomorrow.