morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Little Calf Mtn. Sheler

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0

We took our time getting out of our sleeping bags because the wind was howling. Mom eventually got up and started to boil the water for breakfast (with our guidance). It turned out to be the prettiest day we¢ve had in a while. It was sunny and would have been warm had it not been so windy. We had a fairly easy hike along the Shenandoah Ridge line. My mother, Lazarus, plopped down at mile seven for the day, at one of the many parking lots we passed by and we continued on to Black Rock Gap. We reached the parking lot at Blackrock gap just as Anna and Wes pulled in ¢ what timing! We drove back to retrieve Po¢ Lazarus who we found napping in the sun. After we figured out our meals for the next few days that Anna/Wes had brought we hiked a mile in to Blackrock Hut. We got a fire going, cooked some spaghetti, and enjoyed having such good company out on the trail with us. Then two boys on high school spring break showed up and provided more entertainment as we watched them burn a large portion of the table while trying to cook their dinner. It is so nice having almost my entire nuclear family here on the trail with me. I only hope that we¢re all up to the challenge. My sister decided on her own trail name (Rockstar) and that of her husbands.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Smith Roach Gap - Motel 6 - Harrisonburg
Miles today: 20.2

Rockstar was the first up. She surprised her family because she is usually the last up. She made us all some cider and had the water ready for some instant grits and oatmeal. There was a little sleet and snow falling but that quickly changed to rain. By the time we were ready to head out it was raining fairly hard. I (Slick shoes) walked back down to Blackrock Gap with Lazarus. We moved RockStar and her Sugar Daddies car to Pinefield Gap. On the way there I almost hit one of the many deer that line up along Skyline Drive. It was pretty foggy and this deer was about as decisive and predictable as a squirrel. I was dropped off back at Blackrock Gap and I bid farewell to my mom. It was great having her and we were proud that she was able to do what most her age couldn¢t. I cought up to RockStar and Sugar Daddy as they were climbing up Loft Mtn. we hiked the remaining 6 miles to Pinefield Hut together. It was rainy all day and the temperature stayed around 37 degrees. We reached the hut and decided we didn¢t want to stay out in this nasty weather. We put our packs in the car since it was nearby and the Good Fellas hiked six more miles to Smith Roach Gap. We were promptly picked up and all five of us drove down to Harrisonburg¢s finest Motel 6. We were all happy to be out of the weather to finally get dry. We ate at an exquisite Chinese buffet restaurant and then called it a night."Even though I stunk, I still kept my funk." -Rod Stewart
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Smith Roach Gap - Motel 6 - Harrisonburg

To: Don and Betty Allen's Home
Miles today: 0.0

We decided to take a zero day because the weather continued to be uncooperative with our demands. We also took the time to spend the day with family that we had in town. I (slick Shoes) have been having a slight problem with my lower shin. After talking to my uncle, a doctor, we decided that the best course of action would be to go to the hospital here to have an x-ray to make sure it wasn¢t a fracture. After spending only two hours in the ER we found out that it wasn¢t anything serious. I was happy to hear the good news, even though it was what I had expected to hear. Ant and Whateva meanwhile met up with Whateva¢s grandparents and spent the day with them. We all met up again at the Allen¢s, long-time friends of Whateva¢s grand parents. Anna and Wes said good bye and headed back home to Raleigh. We were welcomed in to the Allen¢s and had a very relaxing and restful evening. Thanks again to Anna and Wes, the Phifer's and the Allen's for taking great care of us.PS - to my big sis, sorry that you were only able to spend one night and one day with us on the trail. We were all proud of how well did and how you handled yourself in such crummy weather.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

We finally got back on the trail. It was a cold windy day which always makes it harder to leave the warmth and comfort of the indoors. We had lunch before we left at Jess' (a "Harrisonburg institution"). We drove back Shenandoah Natl Park to find that Skyline drive was closed which made getting back on the trail a little tricky. The wind was so bad that it had blown over so many trees in the area that they closed the road to the south. After we bundled up and convinced Whateva's grandparents we were ok to hike in the high winds, we took off. It was a bit scarry walking as branches would fall next to us. We made it to the shelter safely. Its the first night that its been just the three of us in a couple of weeks. We were shocked to hear about the Virginia Tech tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers were with all of our old and new friends there at school.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up late today and were slow moving to break camp. It was still really windy but at least it was partly sunny. We ate lunch at Big Meadows Lodge. That is we ate our lunch inside the lodge. It was out of the wind but otherwise cold because they had lost power and only recently gotten it back. They also weren't serving lunch because of the power loss. We are staying the night with over 20 Boy Scouts (I think coincidently from two seperate troops). They were all really interested in our trip and lots of questions. Going to bed early because we are planning on an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day. We did wake up early as planned despite snoring scout masters sharing the shelter with us. We made it into Skyland Lodge by 8:30 am. We had the breakfast buffet and sat and drank coffee and returned to the buffet line for 2 hours. I'd say we got our money's worth. We ventured up Mary's Rock after lunch and could see a 360 degree view of the area. We climbed up to the next shelter and were there by 3pm so we decided to push on to the next shelter. We were told there was a grill a few miles up so we tried to make it there for dinner. They closed at 5:30. Since we had arrived at 6 we cooked dinner at one of the pic-nic tables there. We spoke briefly to a park ranger who came by as we crossed a road. We then had to hike another five miles to the shelter and did so in the dark. We were glad to see the shelter and even happier to finally get to lie down. Long day.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton 
Miles today: 18.6

Tired and sore from the day before. It was a cloudy, foggy, and damp day. There was a drizzle for the majority of the day. We are thrilled that this is our last day in the Shenandoahs. We have had some pretty poor weather here and are ready to be moving on and seeing areas. We passed some section hikers one couple was carrying a verbal message from our former hiking buddy Groovasauras. The message was: "Hurry up!". THe sun finally came out while we ate lunch at Tom FLoyd Wayside. It seems that good weather was just waiting for us outside of the Shenandoahs. We also saw actuall signs of spring once we left the Park. FOr the most part the Shenandoahs were barren of anything green. We walked for 5 miles alongside the fence of a National Zoo but we saw no animals. Ant met the vice president for the PATC out on a day hike unfortunately he neglected to ask him what the purpose of all the (locked) cabins along the trail is.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Jim and Molly Denton 

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: few clouds

Bad day. Walked into Linden to get a mail-drop and new shoes due to no luck with hitching. Neither of the two boxes that we were expecting was at the Post Office. Our food box had been lost, and my (Ant's) box from SierraTradingPost had not been delivered because UPS won't deliver to a Post Office. Lesson learned. Had to hitch into Front Royal to the UPS hub to pick up the package with the shoes on. I had ordered 3 pairs of shoes. Two of the pairs fit, so I was in luck. I took the pair with more ankle support since PA is supposed to be rocky. Vasque Stealths. We then hit up a Mexican Restaurant and went to a grocery store to get food. After some time in town, we finally hitched a ride back to the trail with a crazy driver to say the least. Whateva was in the cab of the truck and felt it to be a bit bouncy. Slick Shoes and I had a similar experience in the truck bed. We were ready for the day to be over so we just hiked in to the closest shelter. Three older gentlemen spent the night with us at the shelter. The day eventually got better.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Bears Den/ Baltimore
Miles today: 22.7

We woke up to find Osprey (who had come in late that night) sleeping on the picnic table in front of the shelter. He had hiked 40 miles that day in an effort to catch up to Woodstock. We had to move pretty quickly because we had told Mary Devon McWilliams we would meet her that night at 7pm. The first ten miles went by without a problem. But the last ten miles is what is known as "the roller coaster". THe rollercoaster is a series of ups and downs. We climbed about 500 ft almost straight up and once you reached the top it was right back down the other side. It would probably make a great work out but made trying to hike fast in order to meet our time constrant hard. Fortunately we all survived the RollerCoaster and made it to Bear's Den hostel before 7. Mary Devon was already there and had food waiting for us. WE piled in her car and made the drive back to Baltimore back to Mary Devon's apartment. After showers and laundry we walked down to the Inner Harbor. The three of us were in shock with all the people and things going on. We had a great dinner and then hit the hay. The next morning we toured Federal Hill and some of the down town area as we tired to find a place to eat breakfast. We ended up eating down at the Inner Harbor again. It was a beautiful day and great getting to be by the water. Thanks again Mary Devon (my future step-sister) we are greatful for your generosity and willingness to help us along our way.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Bears Den/ Baltimore

To: Historic Hilltop House Hotel
Miles today: 20.5

1000 miles! Hung out/walked around Baltimore until 1 o'clock or so. Had Cheesecake Factory for a huge breakfast. Thanks Mary-Devon and Mr. McWilliams. Slackpacked into Harpers Ferry. Arrived around 11:45. Walked another 1.5 miles each way to a 7-11 to get some food and drinks. Well worth it. Showered and quickly crashed. -"Cause you know I'd walk a thousand milesIf I could just see you, tonight."-Vanessa Carlton (Ant's guilty pleasure music)
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Historic Hilltop House Hotel

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: few clouds

Slept in late due to exhaustion. Got out at 11 and did our town chores. Mailed ahead our tent and cold weather clothes to lighten our packs. On our way to the ATC Headquarters, we met-up with Woodstock and Osprey as they were leaving town. Hiked about 4-miles in the wrong direction with them then hitched back to the start once we realized we were in the wrong. It was 3 or 4 o'clock at this point in time. Was able to hike with Woodstock a lot and got to know him much better. Really cool guy. Was able to learn about his past, family, etc. Many great words of wisdom. We hiked late into the night due to our earlier mishap. Went by a Washington Monument around mid-night that was spectacular all lit up. Lost Osprey about 6 miles short of the shelter. He was having headlamp problems and probably decided to call it a night. Crazy day. Gotta keep things interesting I guess..."Q: How many thru-hikers does it take to get lost? A: 5."
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Slow start and day for that matter. We were all pretty exhausted from yesterdays length. Put in some quality miles and enjoyed all hiking together with Woodstock some more. Pretty uneventful day. Hiked...imagine that-The Maryland/Pennsylvania border is the Mason-Dixon Line
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Toms Run Shelters
Miles today: 29.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Covered a lot of ground today. We were all feeling refreshed and it was a beautiful day so the hiking was easy. Got up at 7, had a leisurely breakfast and started hiking. Made it into South Mountain for a resupply and HUGE Hoagie sandwiches at the local Mom's and Pop's Market/Deli. HUGE being some of us having trouble finishing it. We met with another hiker, DJ, who had thru-hiked in '02, and was doing a month-long section south to Harpers Ferry then buying a road bike and heading to California. We picked up our mail-drop and began to experience the "northern attitude": hard to get a hitch. Once back on the trail, it began to drizzle, but more of a refreshing rain than an annoyance. Good conversation with Woodstock continued. We were enlightened to the works of Adventure races and Ultra Marathons. We reached the shelter feeling good and pushing on to the next shelter would help the dynamics of getting into town a day earlier as far as mileage between shelters go, so we pushed on. Just shy of 30 miles. Still waiting for Scott to get in so we can cook dinner. (He has the pot)."If a thru-hiker can't finish it; it is too big" -DJ
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Toms Run Shelters

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

We were exhausted from our late night last night and 4 hours of sleep, but decided after collecting our thoughts and taking a break that we should stick to our hiking schedule. We hiked four miles, leaving Scott behind at the shelter to sleep, to Pine Furnace State Park. There was a youth hostel on the trail with an elementary field trip going on. We stopped to check out the hostel since George and Martha Washington supposedly stayed there at one point, and were offered the lunch leftovers. Mmmm. Sandwiches with watermelon. Hit the spot. We continued hiking and around 5 stopped for a big snack break. We realized that there was a store .2 miles off the trail in about a mile so we decided to stop there. They had half gallons of ice cream, and since the store where the "half gallon challengee" was supposed to happen was closed, We decided to go ahead and try it. Whateva was still behind us at this point, so it was just Ant, Slick Shoes, and Whateva. For background...the half gallon challenge is to eat a half-gallon of ice cream in a sitting at the half way point. Slick Shoes was the only one of us able to complete the challenge. Ant has his excuses, and Woodstock says, "I don't have to do anything." as far as finishing the half gallon is concerned. We finally made it into the shelter right as it was getting dark. LOTP, Leader Of The Pack, was in the shelter, so we were finally able to meet him. He is thru-hiking and started in Harpers Ferry. Interesting guy. Recited The Cremation of Sam McGee as our "bedtime story," pretty random. We are very exhausted, ready for bed. Whateva came in just as we were falling asleep. The Good Fellas are back together.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally got a good nights rest, about 13 hours of it. Left the shelter late, obviously, and got into Boiling Springs mid-afternoon. Cool historic town. The spring in the center of town produces 22 million gallons of water a day. Got our resupply box and headed to an Italian Restaurant and got two sicilian pizzas. Ate our fill and still had enough to keep for dinner. Got word that Osprey had passed us at some point, we thought he was still behind us, and Woodstock, who had left the shelter before us decided to push on into Duncannon to catch up. Hopefully we'll get into Duncannon in time to see Woodstock and Osprey before they head out. Easy hiking today as far as the terrain is concerned, but my feet (Ant's) and Whatevas feet are all blistered up. Mine from the shoe change a couple days ago and the big mileages put in without proper break-in.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Darlington Shelter

To: The Doyle
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up early so we could make it into Duncannon for lunch and to get our mail-drop before the post office closed at noon. It was a fairly easy hike in, aside from the worsening blisters. Passed a lot of weekend hikers on our way into town, including a boy scout troop wearing bright yellow shirts. Glad my scouting experience was nothing like this. Turkey season started today, so we saw some hunters as well. Made it into town at 11 as The Doyle was opening. Crossed paths with Woodstock and Osprey as they were heading out of town, so we were able to say our goodbyes. Doubt we'll be seeing them again. Pat, the owner of The Doyle, checked us in and as he was writing down our information, he asked to look at our IDs. Being that the first floor of the hotel is a bar, he was checking to see if we were "of age." Somehow, I (Ant), was two days away from being 21 and the other two were "of age." I didn't think it a big deal when he was checking mine because I was underage regardless and didn't think anything would come of it. However, when we came down for dinner, everyone in the bar called me either "the pup" or "the baby." By the end of the night, everyone knew that it was ONLY two days until I could drink and made sure that I was well aware of it. By this point, it was WAY TOO late to make the correction and I didn't want to ruin the fun for the other two. The food at The Doyle was amazing and cheap. Also, Sue Grace, a local artist played live music that hit the spot and made the night. We mingled with some local characters that kept things interesting. I was eventually dubbed "MacArthur" because of the corncob pipe I had with me for a short while. Tonight was definately a night that you have to be on the trail to experience. We would have never been put into such a situation and embraced in such a way in any other place at any other time. This is what is so great about the trail. It is just unique and special in that undescribable way.-"Help me out HIKER TRASH!"-"Sing along MacArthur!"
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peter's Mtn
Miles today: 0.0

(Entry by Ant's mom) Ant, Slick Shoes, and Whateva are in PA at Mile 1130!! Ant phoned today to report some milestones: They've passed the 1,ooo mile mark, and the halfway point, and will pass the "1000 miles to go" point this week. Last night was spent at the Doyle Hotel - - a historic hostel, which they recommend.They've had warm temps, with some drizzle during the day, and rain at night. All in all, "not too bad." Warm and rainy is better than cold and rainy. The terrain is becoming rockier, but not too bad thus far. They expect the rocky terrain that PA is known for as they continue on this week.Journal entries will be scarcer because of limited access to a computer. However, we will continue to update as often as possible. Please continue to send notes via the guestbook. I'll leave in what Ant's mom wrote- but here is the real deal from Slick. We were going to take a zero day in Duncannon but decided to head out instead. We were up rather early and all felt pretty rested despite the late night in the bar. We also were looking at the mileage for the next few days and because the next few shelters were so spread apart we were forced to do two shorter days or one really long day. We opted for the two short days and traded it in for the zero. PLus I think we had experienced all that Duncannon had to offer. We ate lunch in town, twice. Once at an Italian place and then again at the Doyle shortly after. After talking to our families and doing some maildrop business we headed out. THere were a lot of day hikers out again enjoying the good weather. WE had a short climb out of the gap and also crossed the Susquenha River. We are begining to see what everyone's talking about when they tell us that "Pennsylvania is rocky". We are sharing the shelter with Rogue, a section hiker.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Peter's Mtn

To: Rausch Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANT!!! He's finally 21. Or wait is he just 20? Ant spent his first day in twenties climbing and scrambling over fields of rocks that somebody (in a judgment lapse) decided was good as trail. Fortunately it is all pretty flat. We followed a ridge all the way with a short descent to a creek. We had lunch there and hoped to see some generous trout fishermen with more fish than they needed. No such luck. ANt tried to fish with some line and a fly that we found but even on his birthday he's not that lucky. We had a steep climb from the creek but once we were up on the ridge it was the same old story - flat and rocky. Cool shelter. Built into the side of the mountain with a spring right in front. We celebrataed Ant's day of birth with some delicious instant Lipton Chicken noodle dinner. Hmmmmm.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Rausch Gap

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

May Day. We got up early and did a ceremonial maypole dance. We hadn't brought our white dresses or ribbons and we didn't really have a pole so it actually ended up looking like three guys hiking. THe day started out rainy but it cleared up. We went down to Swatara Gap and across the river. Then it was back up to the Ridge. We ran out of water but made it to the shelter before passing out. The shelter is maintained by a man who lives in the house near by. THis means we had a faucet for water. We were also close enough to a raod that we were able to order a pizza and have it delivered. We also had a fire uuntil it started pouring. we went to sleep listening to thunder cracking and rain beating down on the tin roof.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton Pavillion
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rocks, rocks, rocks. I guess thats all part of the trail experience. We all moved at a hurried pace trying to get into Port Clinton before the post office closed. ANt took off with out us and made it in in time to get all the goodies from our support team. Most of the stuff were bday sendings for him anyway. We ate at the Port Clinton Hotel and had huge burgers and fries. We then headed down to the pavillion (a glorified gazeebo) and slept on some old couches. It was hard getting to sleep with the highway roaring right above us.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Port Clinton Pavillion

To: Eckville 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

GOt our things in order then headed down to 3 C's family Restaurant. It was good eatin'. they must deal with hikers a lot because the portions were proportional to our eating habits. In other words we were satisfied. We walked down to the Peanut Shop and ate candy while we waited for the post office to open. after mailing ahead a package we met Fred, a local, who took us into town to get some things we needed from a grocery store. We also ate again at Arby's. We kind of let the whole idea of "don't eat at corporate places" go. We were glad to finally hit the trail again. Being in town can get stressfull with all the logistics. The shelter is more like a hostel, or a bunk house in someones back yard. The man that lives in the house maintains the shelter and the grounds. However the hiking club owns the land and buildings. It was a neat little set-up and we were thankful to have clean water from a spigot and a real toilet.