morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

I wrote a long entry in my journal for this day but I will keep it short now because I am trying to catch up on two weeks of my entries. My partner made his one really dumb decision that he is allowed to make today. He had us hike out into the rain at 1100 instead of taking another zero. It rained hard on us for three hours and we stopped at the first shelter we came to, cold and soaking wet. We shared it with 8 other people.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: campsite
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: light rain

Slow day. Got started late because it takes awhile with 10 people in the shelter and all of their clothes and boots wet. Got going by 0840. Went from mile 27.5, just short of War Spur shelter. No rain during the day but it is raining hard while I am writing this at 2130. Can't win them all but this is a nice campsite right by the trail.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Niday shelter

To: VA 624
Miles today: 16.6

Rough freaking day. Got started by 0800 and was making good time. Even got a couple of cokes in the morning for trail majic. Then unfortunatly we hit the Dragons Tooth. It was a disheartening, leg draining rock scramble that sucked the life right out of me. We were so drained when we hit VA 624 that we went straight to the grocery and called it a day. First time that I was seriously dehydrated. Drank three 32oz Gatorades and 60oz more of fruited water and still only went to the bathroom once. Even had some muscle cramps going on. We caught a ride to the Catawba General store and tented for the night behind it. Ate a superb pizza at the store and had a great breakfast of sausage biscuits in the morning.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: VA 624

To: Lambert Meadows campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Hot day in the 90's. Caught a ride back to the trail and also got slackpacked for about 6 miles by a couple of ATC workers. Beautiful day. a lot of pictures at Mcafee Knob. You know the usual, hanging over the edge, with friends, etc. I also saw a bear cub for about a second as he went ass over tea kettle down a steep hill. We stopped early because there was no camping for the next 7 miles and we did not have time to hike farther. Tented by a nice campsite with Radar, Rex, Candyman and Swamp.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Lambert Meadows campsite

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

My usual sprint into town. Up by 0530 and rolling by 0640. The trail was not super easy but I made it into town by 1000 and was at the Shoneys for the all you can eat buffet by 1030. I ate my bodyweight in about 30 minutes. To keep a long entry short I stayed 3 days at the Howard Johnsons. Best motel I have hit on the trail. First it is right next to the trail. The rooms all have a fridge and a microwave and a bunch of other amenities. Plus the place had a pool and a laundry and a free breakfast. Hiker heaven! The second night there we had a huge cookout, because the HoJo's also had a barbecue grill.Gary and I bought the food and I did most of the cooking. We had burgers and brats and two or three sides. Saw a lot of people while I was in town, Candybar, Swamp, Radar, Rex, Glen, Blackfoot and a whole bunch of others. I even got a resupply box from my sister; miracle of miracles. Took the second zero because I wanted to see one NBA final game. Candyman left the trail for 3 weeks on Sunday. I will rejoin him in PA.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Left out of town at 0915. This was my first day without Candyman with me. It was a beautiful day for hiking, not to hot. I lost an hour an a half hiding out in the shelter waiting for a storm to pass but still made pretty good miles. I took some great pictues of a baby box turtle that was about as big as my thumb. I stayed in a shelter with a true fast tracker, a guy named DQ who had left on 16 May and already was over 750 miles in less than a month.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Bobblets Gap shelter

To: Bryant Ridge shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: few clouds

2 months on the trail today. This was not a good day. I woke up with a stiff neck that hurt like hell so I popped two Advil and went back to sleep until about 0930. Did get rolling until 1050. The weather was good until I stopped at Jennings creek to take a swim and then a thunderstom came in and drove me out of there. It chased me up Fork Mtn. with some lightning and some rain and then went away. Got to the shelter at 1720 and decided to call it a day because the next sheter was 6 miles away and 3 thousand feet up. Also this is one of the nicer shelters on the trail. Stayed there with Glen who is now called "G" and one other guy.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Bryant Ridge shelter

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

Got up early and was out by 0810. Not to hot but the threat of rain most of the day. I finally got around to taking some good pictures of the last blooming Rhododendrums because I was back over 4000 ft. App le Orchard Mtn. was very pretty. Shared the shelter with G.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Matts Creek shelter

To: Brown Mtn Creek shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: light rain

Went from Matts creek to Brown Mtn Creek shelter. It rained off and on during the day but the temperature was nice. I missed trail majic because I was not paying attention and walked right by it but because of that I got a spot in the shelter. Oh well. Such is life. Caught up with a good group at the shelter and we had a great time sitting around the fire and drying our clothes on our hiking poles. The group included Blackfoot, Ronin, Dirty, Bognish, Moose, and Talking Man. Had smoked brown bread. It is an acquired taste.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Brown Mtn Creek shelter

To: Montebello
Miles today: 17.1

Up and out by 0815. It rained off and on and was cold and dreary all day. My boots were soaked by 1000. My big toe continued to get worse. Went to the fish hatchery road and walked into town and got a short ride to the Dutch Haus. Another great hostel. Robe, basket for your laundry, great food and the nicest host, all in a beautiful house. Stayed in the bunkhouse the first night and then moved into the "big house" for the next two nights.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Reeds Gap

To: Montebello
Miles today: 19.9

Had the world's best breakfast and got taken to Reeds gap with the Talker Man to slackpack back over the Priest Mtn. to Montebello. Talker Man is a retired Army E-8 who is 68 years old and he put me to shame. He is in superb shape for any age. We started after 0900 and finnished by about 1800. Priest Mtn. was a bitch of a 3000 ft. climb going from north to south. We had another superb dinner meal of lasagna.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Montebello

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero day after doing 113 miles in 6 days. Called my dad for Fathers Day and spent the rest of the day cleaning the gear and updating my journal. My box from my sister was here and had most of the stuff that I needed. (Thanks Tina and Liz) Rosie hiked in today. I havn't seen her for awhile. Will move out in the morning hopefully. If you need a peaceful place to take a zero this is the place.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Reeds gap

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Managed another slack pack from Reeds gap into Waynesboro. Earl took our packs into the Quality Inn and Talkerman and I slacked it on in. Got a ride into town from a Trail Angel named Tom who used to work for Interpol. Had dinner at Applebees and pigged out. Called Twyla, who was not doing well and called my Mom.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero in Waynesboro. Made some picture CD's over at the local pharmacy and then had lunch with Talkerman at the Purrple Foot. Great place for a sandwich. Persistant and her fiance Eric shaufered us around. Nice people. A ton of hikers in town, I saw at least 30 people that I knew.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Dropped off at about 0900. Went from Waynesboro to Blackrock hut. My freaking pack weighed a ton because it is full of way to much food. I started with Talkerman but hiked alone for most of the day. Tented at the shelter with about 20 others. This was my first day in the Shenandoahs. The weather was hot but not to bad.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Blackrock hut

To: Hightop hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

Got a good start in the morning and stopped at Loft Mtn. wayside to eat a $10 hamburger. It was still a good hamburger. I stopped for the day at 1700. I could have done more but the next shelter was a way out and there was not much camping on the trailside. It looked like it might storm all day and it is now with heavy winds and rain. I saw a bear today go crashing thru the woods and when I stepped to the left and put my hand on a small tree to get a better view I realized that the cub was going up the tree that I was leaning on. My camera was not out so I quickly retreated. At least 25 people camped around the shelter.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Hightop hut

To: Rock Spring hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I was the last one out of the hut in the morning at 0930. I did the first 10 miles in 3 hours without stopping at all. It was a beautiful hiking day. I took a lot of pictures of the scenery. Made a stop at the camp store for lunch. Later in the day as I was heading for the hut I saw another bear. It was rooting around in the woods and was not concerned with me at all so I took a couple of pictures. Bears do not photogragh well, being big black indistinct blobs. I also saw 8 billion or so deer. Met "Mutant Feet Cutie Pie" who was definitely a cutie pie.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Rock Spring hut

To: U.S. 211
Miles today: 14.1

Good days, bad days. Not sure which one this was. Got on the trail by 0545 because I needed to do the miles and hithch into Luray before the Post Office closed at 1200. I did the 14.1 miles and was standing on the road by 1100 but then could not get a ride. I had the ass at the town of Luray and the state of VA in general, but it did not do any good. I finally started walking. I walked 6 of the 8 miles into town on a hot busy road. Finally got a ride from a nice old guy who dropped me off at the fleabag Budget Inn. It is a cheap place to stay though. After I crashed for a couple of hours I had a excellent meal at the Artisan and saw Pirates of the Caribbean at the movie theatre. The Artisan serves the best sandwich that I have eaten on the trai.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: U.S. 211

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Zero in Luray while I waited on the Post Office to open on Monday. Ate a good breakfast at Vicki's diner and another good lunch at Artisan's with Rosie, Melk, Ronin, Young Eagle and Persistant. I bought new trail runners at the outfitter to replace my boots which had expired. Rex and Loose Bruce moved in next to me at the hotel. Had ice cream at the Tastee Freeze at least twice during the day.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: U.S. 211

To: Jenkins gap
Miles today: 20.0

Ran around like a chicken all morning. Went to breakfast, Post Office, Food mart and back and forth in the town between 0700 and 1100. Finally got done and left town with the outfitter and the rest of the guys at 1100. The outfitters in Luray are super nice people. Please buy something fromthem so they can make a go of it. Did 20 miles between 1130 and 2030. Set up in the dark by the side of the trail in a great spot.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Jenkins gap

To: Dicks Dome shelter
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: light rain

Went from Jenkins gap to Dicks Dome shelter on a hot muggy mid 90s day. The terrain was not difficult but the heat made it rough. Dicks Dome was an odd pentagon shaped shelter covered with roofing tiles. Spent the night with Chaco, Grizzle, Sagbutt and Luna.
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Dicks Dome shelter

To: Bears den hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Did not get started until after 0900. Another mid 90's day, but this time over very rough terrain. The infamous "roller coaster" lived up to it's name. It was a series of steep rocky hills that covered about 13.5 miles. None were over 1000 feet but togather in the heat the group of them sucked the life right out of you. I did not get to the Bears Den until after 1900 and I was thru. Bears Den was a great hostel. I showered and then ate my pizza and my pint of Ben and Jerry's. After that I checked my email and found that my good friend had lost her battle with cancer and had passed on. It was a sad end to a hard day.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Bears den hostel

To: Blackburn center
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: broken clouds

Slow to get going. Not sure whether it was the 60 miles in 90 degree weather in 3 days or whether it was the passing of my good friend. My heart was not in the hike today. I left after a good breakfast that a youth group cooked for us, but not until 1030. Only went 7.9 miles before I stopped at Blackburn for water. Moose was there already. Hopeful, the caretaker for the place with her husband Redwing, came out and told me that they served dinner there. That was all it took to convince me to call it a day. Nicer people you will not meet than Hopeful and Redwing and their daughter Hikelet. I spent the rest of the day sitting on the worlds nicest porch, contemplating life and thinking about my friends passing. I needed a day to process and recover. We had a marvelous dinner on the porch with Hopeful's family and Moose, Chaco, Ten Bears, Luna and a ridge runner who's name I have forgotten. He had some great stories about Uncle Johnny and Miss Janet. We ate huge amounts of pasta and fresh salad and garlic bread. The day helped set my "mind right." Everyone should stop at Blackburn.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Blackburn center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Did a very gentle and easy 12 miles from Blackburn into Harpers Ferry, WV. in a gentle cooling rain. I hit town just behind Chaco. There was a definite since of accomplishment as I strolled across the bridge into Harpers Ferry. I felt the thrill of hiking over a 1000 miles and being in historic Harpers Ferry. Got my mug shot taken at the ATC Headquarters and put in the book with the rest of the 2007 thru hikers. Wooly was there and we got rooms at the Hilltop Inn which is an old 1800 hotel. Later I caught a ride into Walmart and had a huge meal at Ruby Teusday's. Also got a hold of Candyman and told him I would zero in Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Harpers Ferry

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Zero in Harpers Ferry. Took the easy walk with Wooly down to the cafe and had a good breakfast. Then we went to the library and I spent a couple of hours updating my Trail Journal and finally putting some pictures on there. We started back through town and stopped at the Anvil for a tasty lunch. Harpers is a beautiful town to walk around in because of the history, and it is a good thing, because to get anywhere here you have to do a lot of walking. Everything is in a different direction. We spent the rest of the day sightseeing the historic part of town. Back to the room for a nap and then at six we went to a free jazz concert in the park. They had a local group paired up with a couple of old jazz legends from the 50's, Curtis Fuller and John Handy. It was a great time setting on the grass listening to some good music. We stayed about an hour and a half and then went and ate the last meal of the day at a pizza place. Then to bed.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Pine Knob shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: few clouds

Headed out of town at 0830. First few miles along the Potomac were very scenic. Beautiful weather in the high 70's. The trail went thru a couple of Civil War battlefield sites and a park for war correspondents. At lunch time I got some great trail magic from Jedi. He had ham sandwhiches, mac and potato salad and fresh fruit and vegetables. Despite thes unauthorized stops I still managed to do the 23.6 miles to the shelter where I found Candyman drinking a beer and reading a newspaper. It was nice to see my hiking partner again. Luna hiked in also and we all had a beer togather.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Pine Knob shelter

To: Deer Lick shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Got started at 0840 and didn't finish until after 2000. The weather was good but the trail was rough and rocky. We also stopped at Pen Mar park and ordered a pizza so we didn't have to cook dinner when we stopped for the night. After we hiked out of the park we hit two trail magic spots. One of the them was from the great and wonderful Chaco and his parents. Cool drinks and excellent cherries. Just five of us here at the shelter. Good old Tortuga is here.
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Deer Lick shelter

To: Quarry Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A short day on purpose. Going on Candymans plan we decided to just hike to Caledonia State Park because we heard there was some trail magic going on. They also had a pool and a snack bar. We had the best trail magic ever! A family, headed by Jim and Stephanie have did trail magic on this spot for ten years. They had a full blown cookout with hamburgers, hotdogs, and all sorts of goodies. It was awesome and they were the most gracious host. We stayed for at least three hours before we hiked up to the next shelter. The shelter was the best one on the trail, with games and flowers and all sorts of little homey touches. This was the day that my right foot started to come a part, big blister on the bottom.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Quarry Gap shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Quarry Gap shelter to Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the Iron Masters Mansion Hostel. I got a late start but it was an easy hiking day. Rolled in to the mansion just before it started raining. The mansion is from 1827 and we got to take pictures of the secret room that they used as part of the underground railroad. The lady who runs the place made us a good dinner and we also had some good food from the store next door. I did not participate in the half gallon challenge. I love ice cream but not in that large of a helping. I gave Brisk my watch so she could time her attempt. She made it, and most of it stayed down!
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: light rain

Started around 0845. Can not seem to get my ass in gear in the mornings anymore. We hit the official halfway point after the first mile in the morning. This was the high point of the day and it was all down hill after that. From around 1530 until 1730 I was hiking in a huge thunderstorm. It was raining so hard that I could only see a little bit in front of me. I did not know it but Candyman laid up at the first shelter while I hiked on. I was soaking wet and miserable when I hit Boiling Springs. The people at the ATC were not very helpful so I left them a nasty note in their journal, probably because I was in a bad mood. My partner did not show up for another 2 hours. By then I had checked around and found that there was no place in town to sleep because of a stupid car show. While we were at the convenience store calling around to hotels in other towns, a trail angel showed up and rescued us. She and her husband gave us a ride back to their house and let us sleep in the childs playhouse in the backyard. After a meal at the Italian place I was out like a light.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Boiling Springs

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The beginning of the end. I was sick as a dog all day. I took a zero on the floor of the Playhouse. Candyman waited until about 1530 and then hiked on. I told him I would catch up in Duncannon. Laid on the floor of the Playhouse all day until I finally walked down to eat a meal at 1930.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Boiling Springs

To: Cove Mountain shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Got started by 0700 so that I could avoid the heat of the day. I made good time and could have went all the way to Duncannon if I had not of felt so weak. I took an hour nap in the middle of the day and still hit the shelter by 1800 with only 4 miles to go to town. But when I hit the shelter I was through. Wooly came in later and tented nearby. I went to bed early to try and regain my strength. Woke up in the middle of the night and took the pictures of the porcupine who was chewing on the picnic table. I went back to sleep and he went back to chewing.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Cove Mountain shelter

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: broken clouds

Still weak in the morning. Rolled out about 0930 and slowly made my way into town. Candyman was sitting on the veranda of the Doyle when I hiked in. He had a room allready so I staggered upstairs to the fourth floor and crashed on the bed without even taking a shower. Much later in the day I woke up, showered and went down to the famous bar of the Doyle Hotel to get some food. The bar is smoky and usually very busy, but the food is pretty good. I was to sick to drink (not a good sign) but the beers were large and very cheap. I watched my partner drink a couple.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Duncannon PA

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Two miserable zero days in the Doyle before I finally packed it in and caught a bus home. I had originally planned on coming home for a week break before I started the hike but had changed my mind once I was on the trail. I figured it was better to keep going than to stop in the middle, but apparently life had other plans. I got to watch a lot of my new hiker friends pass me bye before I called it quits and had to say goodbye to my hiking partner of almost 3 months, Candyman. I will rest at home and see if I can come back to the trail. If not, I have enjoyed meeting all of you interesting and sometimes crazy people who have shared the trail with me. Keep hiking your own hike.
Date: 2007-07-25
From: Duncannon PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

So here I am back in the Dolye Hotel after two weeks off of the trail. I will start hiking tomorrow and I am sure that since it has been almost three weeks since I have logged any miles, that it is going to be about as much fun as popping blisters with my spork! I have to at least give it a shot. I ran into Bonny and Clyde here at the Dolye today, which gives you some idea about how far back in the pack I actually am. I just hope I can still hike a little. Stay tuned.
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Duncannon PA

To: Peter Mtn shelter
Miles today: 11.4

I was at the shelter by 1315 but within a half an hour a huge thunderstorm rolled in. Lightning crackled hard for over an hour and it is still raining now at 1730. Just Art, Hong Kong Fooie and me here at the shelter. My feet and knees are very sore because I have been sitting on my "arse" for two and a half weeks.
Date: 2007-07-27
From: Peter Mtn shelter

To: Rausch Gap shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Did not start until 0840 because of another early morning rain storm. It was a muggy day in the 80's but not a bad hiking day. The trail ran ridge lines for most of the day. There were a lot of rocks but for a change the trail crews had laid them out in an orderly fashion. Rausch shelter looks like mice heaven. (It was, I saw 4 before it got dark but they left me alone.) Once again the water source is just a trickle. I did get to see a bobcat's ass as he crossed the trail today. He could not here me because of the many airplanes flying overhead. I hiked alone all day today. Just me and Fooie here at the shelter.
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Rausch Gap shelter

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got started by 0800 and was done by 4 something. The rocks and the rain are slowing me up a little. It is raining hard on the skylight here at the shelter now. I feel OK but my back has been sore since I got back on the trail. No solution for that. 501 shelter is excellent; totally enclosed and with bunks and a skylight to boot! I ordered a large pizza and it was so big I could only eat half. Fooie ate the other half in the morning.