morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Loft Mtn Campground
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up at 5:45... it's a miracle! Or I just really had to go to the bathroom. That's about the only thing that can get me out of the tent that early. Last night was the first night I was hot in the tent. I tried sleeping on top of my sleeping bag but I feel like I need something covering me to be comfortable.We got an early start because its supposed to get in the mid 90s today and we wanted to beat the heat. We realized this morning that we had camped with a crazy guy that we had been warned about last week by a couple of section hikers. When we got to the shelter there was a hiker by the name Maple Cheese who was wearing blue jeans and a long sleeve henley shirt. The clothing choice was a dead give away that he was not your normal hiker and he had mentioned that he had taken a zero at the shelter. Jon and I thought that was really strange but we didn't think anything of it. This morning at around 6 am we saw him leave camp and soon after we heard him yelling at himself. At that point we knew he was the same guy we had heard about. Apparently he is schizo and has been off his medications. Park rangers have already been out to check on him, but there is nothing else they can do. An hour later we passed him on the trail, only half a mile from the shelter. After hiking 6 miles my shin started to flare up. We decided that when we got to Loft Mtn we would take a break and visit the campstore for some ice for my shin. When we got there we met Lance, a past thru hiker who told us the electricity had been out since last night's storm. No ice for me, not even a cold soda. But the breezeway of the building was very cool and we sat there for about 5 hours talking to Lance and Squid, a hiker out for the week. The shin pain did not subside so we decided to call it a day and stay here for the night instead of pushing it and possibly making my leg worse. Lance offered us the use of his campsite that was already paid for... awesome trail magic! Before we left the campstore some employees were going in and got me a bag of ice for my shin. Yay for more trail magic.While we were sitting in the breezeway, a couple of park rangers asked us if we had met a hiker name Maple Cheese. We told them of what happened this morning and they said they would be on the lookout for him. He showed up a few hours later and the rangers talked to him pretty extensively. They came back to ask Jon and I of our direct contact with him and we told them that we thought he was strange but quiet. They said they probably wouldn't be able to do anything to keep him off the trail. He seems more of a harm to himself than to others.
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Loft Mtn Campground

To: Newport News, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Last Friday morning I woke up and still had shin pain. Jon decided we should take his mom up on her offer to come get us for whatever reason so he called her. I cried. I didn't like the idea of getting of the trail, again. We had only made it 27 miles in 3 days since she had dropped us off. I knew it was the best thing, better than staying at a campground where everything was overpriced (although a can of Yuengling is only 89 cents, but coffee is over $2). I had an appointment this morning with an orthopedist and had ex-rays and luckily I do not have a stress fracture so it really is just shin splints. We are going to continue resting and elevating my leg for the rest of the week and then get back on the trail.On the bright side of this situation is that I've been able to spend time with Jon's family which is always fun. We've been spoiled again by Mary... we had to eat spaghetti and meatballs this time. Sunday night we went to his dad's house on the island and ate fresh steamed crab... darn! Last night we were able to watch his nephew Matthew play his championship soccer game. His team didn't win, but it was one heck of a game. On a darker note, I have a friend back home that is going through a terrible situation. Her husband's vehicle was hit by an IED overseas, but he is back in the states recovering. She was able to go to DC to see him this weekend only to find out that her mother's health was deteriorating so she is heading back home. I really wish I could be there for her right now. The hike continues...
Date: 2008-06-19
From: Loft Mt Campground

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We are finally back on the trail after 2 weeks with Jon's mom. We arrived at the campground where we left off in the Shenandoah National Park and had a picnic lunch with Mary and at 1 pm she saw us off. I was really nervous about getting back on the trail. I was worried that my shin pain would come back and that would be it for me on the trail. Luckily, no pain today after 6 miles. We got to the shelter pretty early and met tons of new people. We met Banjo, Bar Fight, No Amp, Butterfly Moon, Buck, Fleur, Frocs, Poles, August, and Poppins.Its cool to see hikers again, but so weird to be in such a big crowd of them. Some have started around the same time as us and others in April. We just explain that we have taken a month of while in Virginia.It looked like it was going to start storming so we went to our tent early but it never rained so we probably seem unsocial.
Date: 2008-06-20
From: Pinefield Hut

To: South River Picnic Grounds
Miles today: 14.6

Jon was up before 6 am and for some reason woke me up too! I don't know why because we are not hiking big miles today, still trying to take it easy on my leg. We had to stealth camp (tenting off the trail, but not at a shelter) which is hard to do in the Shenandoahs because they have tons of restrictions of where you can tent. It has to be .25 miles from a campground or picnic area and 20 yards off the trail. We got to the picnic area pretty early so we sat at a picnic table and read. We decided we would just hang out there and then find a place to tent 1/4 mile from the picnic grounds. We made dinner and then set off to find a tent site. We actually found one that met all the regulations!
Date: 2008-06-21
From: South River Picnic Grounds

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I got my first blackberry milkshake! In the park there are places called Waysides that are restaurants/stores for tourists but are near enough to the trail that hikers can get to them and spend some money. These places are pretty pricey so we have tried to limit our visits. The milshake was awesome. Unfortunately we spent too much time there and we didn't make it too far past the campground before the rain started. We found a tent site and got out of the rain.
Date: 2008-06-22
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: few clouds

Last night we hid in the tent to wait out the rain but it never stopped so we didn't even cook dinner. I fell asleep early reading, I think I got about 14 hours of sleep. Its weird how I can sleep in when we are in the tent but when we are in town in a real bed I am up at 6.We stopped for water at the next shelter and met Sweet Potato and her husband Brahma Bull, Longshot, and Thinker.We stopped for lunch at a horse stable. Only when we left did we realize we were sitting right next to a pile of horse poo!At the end of the day we got caught in a thunderstorm 2 miles from the shelter. There was lightening and hail. I have the bruises to proove it. We were both soaked through. My shoes and socks were soaked and I could feel blisters forming on my heels. Argh, my first for the hole trip!
Date: 2008-06-24
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was our last day in the park. We made the 13 miles to Front Royal, VA by linch time and I got to test my hitching skills. I stuck my thumb out and the next truck that came by stopped. Score! We ate Chinese buffet, stopped at Rite Aid and Food Lion for resupply and got back to the trail by 3. At the trail were Banjo, Barfight and Matthewski. We hiked 5 more miles to the next shelter. The blisters on my heels really started to bother me so I hiked the last few miles in my crocs. Big difference. This is one of the nicest shelters with a cooking pavillion, adirondack bench and a solar shower. Camped here with us are The Animal, Vegas, Samson, Holler, Pixie, Keychain, and Orion.Not nearly as crowded as the Shennies.Today was a good day, we got in and out of town and still hiked 18 miles.
Date: 2008-06-25
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

The weather has been pretty hot. We bought a canister of Gatorade yesterday. It makes 9 liters and weighs a lot, but it is nice to have on a hot day and we go through it quickly. At the shelter tonight are Animal, vegas, samson, holler, pixie, and new faces Y and Vigilauntie, and half elvis. Tomorrow we begin The Rollercoaster.
Date: 2008-06-26
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

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

The Rollercoaster is a series of 10 climbs in 13 miles. Luckily we are only doing 10 miles today since we have a maildrop going there. Today was hot and these climbs were hard. We haven't had to work this hard since TN. Most of the other hikers we have been around are going on to the Blackburn Visitors Center, a free hostel run by the Potomac ATC. The bears den hostel is also run by the PATC. We sat and talked with the caretakers, Hopeful and Redwing. They hiked in 2005. For dinner Duck and I walked to a bar called the Horshoe Curve. They had great burgers and onion rings, and great atmosphere. After we ate the owner drove us back to the hostel.
Date: 2008-06-27
From: bears den hostel

To: Campsite past Keys Gap
Miles today: 16.0

This morning we reached a new state, West Virginia. VA was nice but we were there for too long!We stopped at the Blackburn Visitors Center for water and a lunch break. We met the caretakers, Eric and Tina, and they gave us sodas. They met when they thru hiked last year and are getting married this fall. They get to live here for free and receive a stipend but also work part time. I told Duck that is something I would like to do and he agreed.We came to a road crossing at Keys Gap and walked to a gas station for some food. While we were sitting outside eating a nasty storm passed through. I'm glad we were under cover this time. After eating fried chicken and splitting ben and jerry's it was tough hiking another couple of miles. We are camped just a few miles from Harpers Ferry, WV so that we can spend most of the day there but not pay to stay the night.
Date: 2008-06-28
From: Campsite past Keys Gap

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

We got up early to hike the three miles into Harpers Ferry. Last night I heard a couple of hikers roll in to our camp at midnight. Later I heard what sounded like a tree falling. The past couple of nights have been pretty hot in the tent. I try sleeping on top of my sleeping bag but I still need the feel of a cover so I draped a tshirt over my shoulders.We got to town by 9 am and stopped at the ATC headquarters. They have a hiker room with couches and a computer so we spent most of our day there. We also went downtown a bit, definitely a place I would like to visit again with more time. I bought a tank top and an inflatable pillow at the outfitters. We finally left town at 4 pm to hike the 7 miles to the shelter. We made it just in time before a storm rolled in.
Date: 2008-06-29
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Today we passed a lot of picnic areas. We are being spoiled with all this running water and flush toilets. We came across the original Washington Monument. Not very big, but from the top we could see the line of showers coming our way. When we came down it started to sprinkle so we ran back to the covered shelter we had just passed and waited out the rain.We ran into Matthewski and Johnny Thunder and they told us of this bar that was .3 miles off the trail so we made plans to go. Before that we had to cross a foot bridge over the interstate. Everyone was honking and waving at us from their cars, we felt like rockstars.The Dogpatch Tavern was definitely a biker bar but they had good food and cold beers. The bikers seemed intimidating at first but they were really nice and interested in our hike.We had less than a mile to the shelter where we camped with Weatherman, 2 Mile, and Matthewski.
Date: 2008-06-30
From: Pine Knob Shelter, MD

To: Deer Lick Shelters, PA
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was cloudy and threatening rain all day. We stopped at a shelter for lunch and saw that we had just missed The Animal and Samson. They hiked 37 miles from harpers ferry, most of it at night. Crazy.There were lots of rocks today which really slowed me down.We stopped at Pen Mar State park for a break and a soda. Then we saw Animal and Samson walk up. They were going to order a pizza so we decided to get some subs. We stayed at the park till 7pm and then decided to hike 5 more miles. We got in at 9 with enough light to set up our tent. Today we crossed the Mason Dixon line into Pennsylvania. We are officially out of the south.
Date: 2008-07-01
From: Deer Lick Shelters, PA

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Many of the shelters here consist of two smaller shelters. We stopped at Tumbling run shelters. One was marked snoring, the other non snoring. There was also trailmagic, sodas and apples.We stopped at Caledonia State Park for lunch. There is a public pool here and it was tempting to jump in but it was cloudy. We got to the next shelter and we were talked into staying by Matthewski. First this is one of the nicest shelters, with hanging plants. Second, tomorrow is the half way point and its tradition to eat a half gallon of ice cream and I think I want to do that at the end of my day. I definitely won't feel like hiking after that. Seems like everyone has the same idea, this place is packed.
Date: 2008-07-02
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 24.5

Today was the big day. The day I get to eat half a gallon of ice cream! We kept stopping for breaks this morning and everyone was getting themselves pumped up for it. Well when the time came I nearly failed. My game plan was to take it slow so I didn't get sick but 1 1/2 hours later it was hard to put down that sludge. Everyone started humming the Rocky theme song and I turned up the carton. A few minutes later I threw up, but only a little. I still got my wooden spoon (more like a tongue depresser) that says Member of the Half Gallon Club. The other ladies representint were The Animal and Banjo. Their times were much more impressive than mine.After recovering slightly Duck decided we should hike 7 more miles. I said no way unless you carry my pack. Well he did! I can't believe my own boyfriend slack packed me.We rolled into camp just before dark. Half Elvis, Animal, and Samson were there and were very surprised to see us. Then they all took pictures of Duck carrying two packs.
Date: 2008-07-03
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: broken clouds

We got up early and headed out of camp. It was a hot day. We passed a group of young hikers and I heard one say, Didn't they just walk by? I know, we all look alike, or smell alike at least. Before we reached Boiling Springs we were passed by Half Elvis, Holler and Pixie.
Date: 2008-07-04
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Actually slept well in the shelter last night. It was still raining when we got up and continued to drizzle on us all morning. Everyone has been hurrying or hitchiking to Duncannon for a hiker feed but now we feel like we just want a true zero away from all the commotion that goes along with that. We decided to stay at a motel a few miles outside of town. When we hiked into Duncannon we saw The Animal so we walked through town with her. We took a peak at the Doyle Hotel, a landmark on the AT, but decided like it looked like it belonged in a horror film so we decided to stick with the Stardust Motel. We walked through town and got to a truck stop and called the Motel for a shuttle the rest of the way. Despite the outward appearance the room was neat and clean. After shower and laundry we decided to make plans for dinner. Since it was the 4th, the restaurant next door and the pizza delivery were closed but Jon got a ride to the truck stop with one of the motel residents and picked us up Subway. We then watched "The Birds" on AMC on tv. What a crazy movie.
Date: 2008-07-05
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We had breakfast at the restaurant next door, Ranch House. Because it was a Saturday they had a buffet, score! Our waitress was very nice and the food was great. Here in PA, instead of biscuits and gravy they serve toast and creamed chipped beef. Not the same, but good enough. There are no biscuits in the north.We tried to get a hitch into Duncannon but we were on a busy highway and no one was stopping. Our guidebook said the motel offered free shuttles to town but I guess that means when one of the residents is around and heading there. Oh well, it was a very restfull day, a true zero. We ate dinner at the Ranch House, again, great service.
Date: 2008-07-06
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

The zero day seemed to help the blisters on my heals finally dry up. They will probably leave nasty scars forever. My modeling days are over.We ate breakfast at the Ranch House again. The ladies there now know us by name. They were all so kind and very interested in our hike. The shelter tonight was packed. This hiker feed/4th of July celebration really seemed to bunch everyone up. Hikers here tonight are: The Animal, Vegas, Perigrine, Ravon, Zephyr, Brushstrokes, Matthewski, Ulura, Slayer, Serial, Bear Bait, and many many more. The next shelter is almost 18 miles away so it seems that we will be with the same group tomorrow night.
Date: 2008-07-07
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light intensity shower rain

Today was a fairly easy hike so we took lots of breaks. We still got into camp at 3:30. We could have pushed on but my pack has been killing my shoulders so I feel like taking it off about every hour.It was a long way to the shelter so we left our packs on the trail and headed down to get water. On the way back to the trail we saw The Animal who was waiting for Vegas to show up and see if he wanted to hike any more. We decided we would camp across this stream by the trail so she left a note for him on the trail. We had our camp set up and she was looking for a place to hang her bear bag when she yelled, "Holy #@$%, there's a huge rattlesnake." Jon had been in the tent and grabbed the camera and ran over leaving the tent open. This was the first rattlesnake I had ever seen and it was huge, at least 5 feet long. Vegas showed up while Jon was tossing sticks near it to get it to rattle. What a great idea.I walked back down to the tent and saw something furry running out from under the vestibule. I screamed, There's a ferret in our tent!Of course there are no wild ferret in Pennsylvania. It was a mink! It stayed around long enough to take its picture while chewing on my boot. Just your everyday wild kingdom out here.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: PA

To: NJ
Miles today: 0.0

This is just a quick update to let everyone know we are doing great. Daily journals will be updated... sometime.We are now in NJ, our 8th state! So far it has been great. Much better than PA, but there are still rocks. The border between the two states on the trail is Delaware Water Gap. While we were there we decided to have a little fun, so we got a group together and tubed the Delaware River. It was definitely fun but because my ankles haven't seen sunlight in 4 months they were badly sunburned which makes hiking in boots not fun!The past couple of days we have been hiking with our friends Half Elvis and Banjo.   Yesterday while swimming in a lake trying to beat the heat he remembered that a friend of his told him to call him when he got to NJ b/c his parents lived right next to the trail. He called and at our next break he had a message that they lived at the next road crossing, only 3 miles away! That only cut our day short by 3 miles so we were still productive. These people are amazing. They did all our laundry, let us shower, cooked us hamburgers... we were officially spoiled. Hopefully we will be able to leave this morning and hike, but I know it will be hard.In a few days we will be in NY. Hopefully I will get to update more thoroughly soon. We love and miss everyone and thanks to all the friends and family that have been sending care packages and letters. It always brightens our day.
Date: 2008-07-21
From: NY

To: NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Wow, NJ has been amazing. So many views and so many cooling lakes to swim in. The people here have been so hospitable as well. We are currently in Unionville, NY at the mayor's house. He is the real mayor of this town and last year started taking in smelly hikers and turning them into almost presentable citizens. He also feeds us dinner and breakfast and expects nothing in return. This couldn't have come in at a better time because I have sun poisoning on my ankles from tubing and haven't been able to hike in boots. Hiking in crocs is not good, so I took today off and have been slathering aloe on my legs every hour. The Animal and Vegas caught up to us today so we hope to hike out with them tomorrow for an "easy" 16 mile day.Oh yeah, our mail drops are all screwed up. We are about 14-20 days off our original schedule so add that amount of days to the ETA on the package. As always if you are mailing anything let us know in advance.
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Sorry it's been so long since the last update. So much has happened and cell service and computer availability aren't so great up north. We are officially in New England which has been interesting. We keep saying how "northy" Vermont sounds. Since our last update I saw my first bear in the wild and since then have seen 3 more. Just in the past few days we have started seeing signs of moose but despite Jon calling "Here Moosy" we haven't seen any.The biggest news of all is that while on the trail we have decided to get married. And soon, we have officially put a deadline on our hike. We our getting married Oct 4th on a small island in VA with just our family and having a reception back in TN the following weekend for our friends and family. We are enjoying our hike but after 5 months we are ready to be done and back to "the real world". (whatever that is...)
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Glencliff, NH

To: The Whites
Miles today: 0.0

Two states left! Today we start hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire, something that has been built up by all hikers. Everyone is worried about being able to hike more than 8 miles a day or how to handle the expensive hut system. I've tried not to think over it too much and just take it each day as it comes, but because of the wedding we have put a deadline on ourselves. I feel pretty confident that we can finish this hike in a month. We can't wait to get home and see our family and friends and of course... our dogs!