morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was good. We rain into more trail magic around 11:30 this morning. We found a Budweiser, Swiss Roll, and a Rice Crispy Treat (the cornerstone of any nutritious snack) that hit the spot. The terrain was pretty nice for a change. We've been walking along and near the Blue Ridge Parkway so the grades have been easy. Made it to this mansion of a shelter (it fits 20 people) by 6:50 but couldn't find a flat spot to tent. Oh well, no worries.Tomorrow's going to be pretty tough so hopefully I'll get a good night¢s sleep. Peace.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

Today wasn't too bad. Started walking around 8 a.m. and arrived at tonight's shelter by 6 p.m. The weather has made a drastic change from where it was three days ago. It was 82F last Saturday on McAfee's Knob and today it was mostly snow and sleet. Towards the end of our hike today we could see down to the James River and it was gorgeous. I could even see back where we hiked into Daleville a couple of days ago.We've been knocking out some miles lately and my feet can definitely tell that we have. This week we've hiked about 147 miles! Tomorrow, One Flop Trippy Eagle Balls and I, have decided to NERO into Glasgow and my feet are ecstatic.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Buena Vista, VA 
Miles today: 2.2

Today didn't exactly get started out on the right foot. Before I explain, let me go on record saying that I am an idiot! After I ate last night, I was feeling lazy and decided to roll the dice and sleep with my foodbag instead of hanging it. I thought, in my irrational and tired state of mind, that if I wrapped my funky smelling shirt around my foodbag that the odor alone would deter all forms of wildlife. Wrong. At 3:30 a.m. I awoke to what I thought was a frog trying to jump out of my tent. Turns out that frog was a mouse. That little varmant had chewed through my tent, t-shirt, food bag and finally into my trail mix. So, I grab my gloves and almost snagged the little bastard but it jumped out of the hole it chewed thru my tent. I will also go on record saying I wasn't going to kill him...I was merely going to dangle him by his tail into the creek a few times for punishment:-)Now, back to the day. Ah, a NERO, the 1st one we've had in a while. After we left camp this morning, we met this nice guy named Jay who offered to drive us to Glasgow, VA. However, when we got to Glasgow, the place where we were planning on crashing was full. Jay, being the nice guy that he was, offered to drive us to Buena Vista, VA which was over 20 miles roundtrip out of his way! If there is one thing I've learned from this trip, it's that there are lots of great people out there.Currently, OFTEB (**Editor's note** - (Pronunciation: Ah'F'teb)), and I are chiling here in the lovely town of Buena Vista looking out at the rugged mountains of central Virgina. It's 3:00 p.m. and we've already resupplied, washed laundry and had a nice shower. It's the simple pleasures in life, right?!
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Buena Vista, VA 

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday we met a guy named "Legs" who hiked the trail in 94. He offered to take us back to the trail today; nice how things work out.Virginia showed a different side today. Central VA is definitely living up to its reputation as the "Toughest Part" as people have been saying. There has been lots of "ups" but there have been lots of vistas, too.On our hike out today, we were rewarded of an awesome view of the James River which was awesome. We even could see Apple Orchard mountain which is where we were a couple of days ago. Later on, we ran into Alex who we haven't seen in a while. It's been a great day.I'm in my tent tonight...but not with my foodbag...and I've got a good feeling like a good nights sleep is coming my way!
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: clear sky

We were up and on the trail by 8:00 a.m. Hiked along Brown Creek River which was along an old freed slave community. Making the 2.5 mile climb up to Bald Mountain was rather tough. Hiking across Cold Mountain, supposedly the last true bald going North, was just gorgeous.The heat is starting to be a factor out here...I drank 6 liters of water today. At least it's not raining.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Seeley-Woodworth

To: Maupin Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

This morning we hiked by a huge rock named, Spy Rock. It was off the trail but well worth the detour. I took a mini bath in the Tye River. Tye River + Dr Bronners = A new man. After my cleansing, I ate lunch right on the Tye. After lunch, it was up to Three Ridges. At the top there was a great view of the Priest which will be the last 4000' mountain until NH. Tonight there are some cool folks here at the shelter. There was a couple, Dave and Cindy, who hooked us up with some food. Snack packs, Whole Wheat bread, Cheese - Twas mighty fine indeed. We also met a guy who thru hiked in 93 who went by the name of The Duke of Earl. He was a nice guy that was full of good stories. And he had a fire going, too. Today was tough but very enjoyable.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Maupin Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was great except for the fact that I walked the wrong way for about a mile! It was a little frustrating, but you know a bad day out here is better than a good day in the real world. Once we reached Rockfish Gap, the southern boundary of the Shenandoah¢s, there was a list of people posted on a bulletin board who shuttle hikers around. Pam Bennet, a very nice lady, came and picked us up but wouldn't except the money we offered as a way of saying thanks. Currently, I am about to destroy 5 Roast beef sandwiches and some curly fries.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Waynesboro

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Had an awesome breakfast at Weasies. They had an all you can eat pancakes special for $5. We pigged out.Went to the laundry mat after breakfast and saw something that reminded me of why I'm going to college, and why you should drink responsibly. Saw a guy there, who was absolutely sauced, stumbling around the place looking for his cigarettes. He had a ridiculous mullet, a wife beater on, and a tattoo on his arm that said, "Mama Tried". It was pretty hilarious.Afterwards we met up with our good friend Trailfoot. He was in town visiting his family and he hooked us up. He took us to the outfitter, where I retired my Asolo boots for a pair of Vasque trail runners, Kroger, Subway and then back to the trail. Great guy!It was pretty nice being in town but it's always great getting back out here!
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: light rain

Today was soggy. Lot's of rain. The "Shennies", as people call them, have been great as far as the terrain goes. These new trail runners; however, are hurting my feet pretty good. The insoles are cupped in the heel and putting pressure on the bottom of my heels -- causing some weird pain. But then again, 26.2 miles right out of the saddle with new shoes would probably hurt anyone's feet. I guess they just need some breaking in time.A couple of things that are good about the rain...no bugs and you don't drink as much as opposed to when it's sunny and hot. No rain no Maine.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was better than yesterday for sure. It's so nice to walk in shorts and a t-shirt. We really took our time today and made it to the shelter around 7 p.m. 5 of a King and Duct Tape were at the shelter when we arrived. They are going Southbound from Harper's Ferry, WV. Glad to have dry clothes on. Walking in wet socks and new shoes for 20 miles really put the beat down on my feet. I'm developing blisters on the bottom of my heal -- the first of the trip. I know that if I get new insoles my problem will be solved. Looking forward to getting to Front Royal, VA.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Bearfence

To: Pass Mountain
Miles today: 26.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today I believe was a test -- a test to see if we still had a pair. Hiking 26+ miles with busted up feet makes you dig down...dig down deep.We hit the ground running at 8 this morning. OFTEB decided to go to Big Meadows, a restaurant which was almost a mile of the trail, but I decided to pass on the opportunity.Later into today's hike I paid a visit to Skyland Wayside which is a little restaurant just off the trail. And I'll say it was well worth the detour. Made it into the Shelter around 8 p.m. where I met back up with Spencer and several other hikers. We all had a great time; real funny group. I need humor. Humor keeps a man sane. OFTEB had to walk the last 5 miles today in his flip flops because of his blisters. Both of us are getting new insoles when we get to Front Royal.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Pass Mountain

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Lower mileage today is just what the doctor ordered. I took my sweet time today. I even had two cups of coffee this morning. Went to the Elkwallow Wayside today and enjoyed a few Yuenglings and soaked this chill day in. Plan to make it to Harper's Ferry by Monday. It's so crazy to think we're almost 1/2 way through. I also reflected on this journey - we've walked through rain, sleet, snow, sub freezing temps, rain, rain, more rain, and now heat!Tomorrow brings Front Royal, VA and a hot shower. We thought about hoofing it in today but our feet disagreed. They said, and I cannot repeat verbatim, but slow the ____ down.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a nice and easy. Made it into Front Royal around lunch today. These two easy days in a row were just what my feet needed.I picked up some Dr Scholls for my shoes and that fixed my problem. Those insoles from the manufacture were made by the Devil himself.Going to feel great to be out of VA soon and 1/2 way through. This is good as I know I got that much more time out here in my element. Keepin' on keepin' on.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Dick's Dome
Miles today: 15.1

Didn't have the 1st problem getting a hitch out of Front Royal today. A nice man named Lonnie just asked us as were walking out of McDonalds if we needed a ride back to the trail - perfect timing!Hiked through a pretty big storm today. It didn't last too long...thank goodness. Rolled up to Manassas Gap shelter to a Korean Soiree. That makes it twice for good timing today. They had a huge spread of food. We ate, chatted, thanked, left and life was good. The rain just started again but I'm in my tent just chilling by a creek and hoping for a good night¢s rest.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Dick's Dome

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't see the sun all day today. Didn't have to worry about sunscreen. But we'll be out of Virgina tomorrow! Meeting up with a friend tomorrow and can't wait to be in Harper's Ferry, WV. We plan on zeroing maybe even for two days...we'll see. Our bodies deserve it. If we do zero, this will be the 1st one we've had since Pearisburg.It's supposed to thunderstorm tonight, so OFTEB and I elected to stay in the shelter. Oh, yeah... Happy 70th Father! j/k Happy Birthday!
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: moderate rain

Today was another wet day. Felt pretty stupid by about 10:30 a.m. because I hadn't put on any rain gear this morning. I was totally drenched and freezing. Thankfully, I made it to a shelter by 1:30 and changed into my cleanest (dry) dirty shirt and applied the rain gear. After lunch, I was comfortable again. The rain stopped about 3:30 today and we made it into Harpers Ferry by 6:30 p.m. It feels really good to have some distance between Springer Mountain. Katahdin is on my mind hardcore.Bill Sugrue, a family friend of my brother's SOBO thru hiking partners, picked us up in Harpers Ferry, WV this evening. Bill entertained my brother's thru hiking posse when they came through back in 2005 and offered to treat us once we made it this far. So, he drove us back to he and his wife Leslie's place for some R & R. It's so amazing to be around people like this! Yet again we are overwhelmed with the amount of hospitality we have encountered out here. We've got shower, a hot meal in us and a bed tonight. Unreal! Bill and Leslie are great people!Even received a care package from one of my best friends and his girlfriend (Eli and Alyssa) from back home. Thanks guys. Now I've got a Mountain House meal and some very interesting literature. It should easily get me to Maine!
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Hapers Ferry, WV -- Falls Church, VA - Sugrue Hse
Miles today: 0.0

I had almost forgotten what it felt like not to hike. Had a nice cup of coffee this morning and a HUGE bowl of cereal. After that we just watched TV and hung out with Bill and Leslie. They have just opened up their house and have offered to take us into Washington DC tonight for some sight seeing. Truly unreal.
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Hapers Ferry, WV -- Falls Church, VA - Sugrue Hse

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

Cannot thank the Sugrue's enough; just a wonderful stay! D.C. at night was great. The White House, Vietnam Wall, Lincoln Memorial, Einstein statue, and the Korean War Memorial were really impressive! I almost felt like I was in a movie yesterday...Today was nice -- real easy hike out of Harpers. The Weaverton cliffs...wow...just awesome! Met a cool guy named "County" who gave us a ride from the AT up the hill to the outfitters. He hiked the trail back in 04. Nice to be back out here. I've also realized that I'm just not trying hard enough to find cooler spots to camp. My goal for this week is to get a great sunset and sunrise.Have the summer gear in the old pack -- 35 degree bag, shorts, etc. Still pretty heavy but I would say that at least 75% of that weight is from food. I just can't eat enough:-) Loving the lifestyle; loving the living.
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 18.2

Today kind of started out a little iffy. Was up with the sunrise and the drizzle -- wasn't sure what the day was going to bring.This section of the trail is chocked full of history! Walked across a few battlefields and a museum. Also, walked across the Washington (mini) monument. From it¢s top you could see where the bloodiest single day in the Civil War took place, The Battle of Antietam. Went off trail after that to the Dog Patch Tavern and scarfed down a bowl of chili, 10 hot wings, and some liquid calories which, amazingly, didn't put a dent in my hunger! After my snack, I hiked on where I met Spencer at Annapolis Rocks where we decided to camp. That decision proved to be wise as we had a SWEET sunset. Days like these just make you feel great to be out here! Just finished up a snickers bar, string cheese, and a few handfuls of trail mix which I chased down with a Lipton side. Going to bed hungry:-)
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Well ladies and gentlemen I'm doing ok. I believe I can go without sweet tea and y'alls for a couple of months. So we're in PA! And for the first time in my life, I am above the Mason Dixon line. Terrain has been nice and the Pen-Mar State Park was beautiful. High Rock, another highlight of today, was sweet, too.Looking forward to tomorrow!
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Pretty nice day today. Great for hiking as I never seemed to get hot or cold. Hiked across a few rocky patches but nothing to complain about. It's mostly been nice and flat. Arrived at the shelter around 5:45 this afternoon. This one is nice as are the rest of the other shelters we've seen thus far in PA. We hear that it's supposed to rain, so we're crashed inside this one tonight.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Ironmaster's Mansion
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Great day today. Just took it easy into Pine Grove Furnace State Park. So, we had the 1/2 gallon challenge today. I was thinking all along that I could do it. Sadly I only finished about 3/4 of my vanilla ice cream...just wasn't feeling it.Met a really nice older couple today, Ralph and Deb, who basically just gave us everything in their cooler.Tonight we're staying at the Iron Masters Mansion and wow is this place nice! Well, 33+ miles are on the agenda for tomorrow so I'm headed for bed.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Ironmaster's Mansion

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 33.7
Weather: broken clouds

Left the hostel this morning at 7 a.m. and was in Boiling Springs, PA by 1:30, a little over 18 in. Had to get my school straightened out for the fall and that took me until about 3 p.m. Thanks to Jessie that burden is behind me now. **A little side note here: I have been trying to get this school stuff worked out for about a month now. As soon as I tell Jessie about it, she makes one phone call and it's all settled which is why I dedicate this journal entry to her. So great to have her by my side. Great friend and an even better girlfriend. How I miss her so...**So we left Boiling Springs around 3:30 and made it to camp around 9 with our gas tanks on E! This will be the last time we hike this far...at least until our bodies can recover. Was a good challenge though! It was flat for a good 13 miles today which made the miles fly by.
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA - campsite
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a well deserved chill day. Was sitting down at the Doyle Hotel, built around 1900 by Anheuser-Bush, by 4 p.m. What a great place! They gave us a free shuttle to the store which was about a mile away. They say the Doyle is like a Vortex that sucks people in. Well, it almost did but $3.50 for a campsite on the banks of the Susquehanna River pulled us a way from its strong grip. As I right this entry I know why this site only costs $3.50...the damn trains coming whizzing by here blowing their loud whistles about every 15 minutes!!! Nice campground though...just looks like I'm going to have to throw in the earplugs for this one. All part of the experience I suppose. Still loving this adventure every step of the way!
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Duncannon, PA - campsite

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: few clouds

Today was nice. Nice not to hear trains any more either:-) Had a beautiful view of the Susquehanna River on our hike out of Duncannon today.They're calling for rain tonight and One Flop, the shorter version of OFTEB, and I decided since this was such a nice shelter and the next one is 17.3 miles from here it would be cool to post up here for the night. Really like tenting more than sleeping in the shelter, but taking it down in the rain is something I try to avoid if I can. Hoping for a good nights sleep!
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 30.8
Weather: moderate rain

Today it rained just enough to get me and my gear soaked. Perfect. PA thus far has just been pretty easy terrain similar to parts of VA in my opinion. Just long easy ridgelines for miles. We would have stopped sooner in the day and tented but this rain, and prediction for more, inspired us to come to this shelter.Hoping to catch up to our buddy Chuck (Laser Chuck) tomorrow. He's a 58 year old ex-Navy man who we've been chasing since Atkins, VA! The man can move! More miles and more smiles manana.
Date: 2008-05-09
From: William Penn Shelter

To: 501/Pine Grove Furance - Econo Lodge
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

Woke up this morning to pouring down rain. Had originally planned on hiking to Port Clinton but this crappy weather and the fact we did 30+ yesterday made going to town today seem logical. When we got to Rt 501, it was still pouring down rain and it took about an hour before we got a hitch. Thank goodness for the guy in the dump truck that picked us up. He took us straight to the Econo Lodge. It feels crazy to ride in a car/truck these days. Everything seems so fast...Once in town, we stormed into Arby's and assassinated five roast beef sandwiches for $5.95. Makes me laugh to know that I'm in here warm and dry with a full belly knowing it's raining outside. This hike has given me a new perspective.
Date: 2008-05-10
From: 501/Pine Grove Furance - Econo Lodge

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

We had a tough time getting a hitch out of town today, but finally got a ride from a nice lady who owned a hostel here. On our way out she took us to re-supply. I am thankful she did, however, the store she took us to...let me put it this way...if it had fifty cents it would have been half way to a dollar. It was an Amish store, slim picking for sure, which was something we definitely weren't planning on especially before this next 100 mile push. So, for the first time, and I never thought I would say this, I will be missing my Lipton Noodles for the next few nights.This part of PA wasn¢t a bad hike. Didn't even break a sweat getting to the shelter. Once at the shelter we were happy to see our good friend Harriet who we met in Duncannon. She is 69 years young and is doing a section hike to Connecticut by herself -- amazing! She is really nice and has a witty sense of humor coupled with an interesting accent as she is from Quebec.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Our good friend, Harriett aka Yetis, last words to us this morning was, "Make the sunshine come" in her Quebec accent. I'll see what I can do:-)I kind of hit a low today; however, I think there would be something wrong with me if I wasn't a little home sick. Walking consecutive days on end in the rain doesn't help either. Oh well, just part of GA-ME. Port Clinton was a nice little town we passed through which lifted my spirits. Stopped at the Port Clinton Hotel & Bar for a burger and refreshments. Then reached the Pinnacle which oddly enough turned out to be the pinnacle for the day.Met a nice guy, Seattle Sailor, at the shelter tonight. Speaking of the shelter...this one is a masterpiece with a caretaker.
Date: 2008-05-13
From: George W. Outerbridge

To: Wind Gap, PA - Travel Inn
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was more rain and lots of rocky patches along the trail. The latter put the beat down on my feet and knees. Looking forward to getting out of the rocks:-)We're in town now with a chicken sandwhich and five jr bacon cheesburgers. Gots to go.
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Wind Gap, PA - Travel Inn

To: Deleware Water Gap - Church Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

Loving the rocks baby -- kidding. We've actually gotten attuned to walking on them but when they last for about 1/2 mile stretches of softball size rocks they get old quick.We caught up to Laserchuck today! Been chasing this man since Atkins -- walked with him off on prior to Atkins since GA! Great to be together again here at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain hostel.Walking into Delaware Water Gap was awesome. Can't believe New Jersey is tomorrow! This journey is flying by! Chuck, Indian Summer, One Flop and I are out the door for some good times and pizza.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Deleware Water Gap - Church Hostel

To: Somewhere past Blue Mtn lakes Rd
Miles today: 19.0

Late start once again out of town. Walking into NJ by hiking across the I-80 bridge over the Delaware River was a lot of fun, but getting a warm welcome from two rattlesnakes and rain really wasn't what I was hoping for. Sunfish pond was beautiful and walking along the ridgelines today was nice. Currently, I'm chilling in my tent hoping that it won't rain tomorrow. It feels like, and probably has been (hard to keep track of days and time out here), two weeks now that I haven't been dry for a day. Oh well, got a nice flat spot on the ground and sleep is calling.