morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-22
From: Humpback Mountain camp site

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 12.5

We awoke after some rain showers in the middle of the night. We had a pretty view this am off Humpback's cliffs. Peeper and Jay were somewhat slow to get up this am, but we had breakfast and were on our way by 8:00. We were all looking forward to getting to Waynesboro for resupply and report of some great food. We hiked down off of Humpback with some good views to the east. Had a deer siting, and visited an old grave yard and an old homestead ruins. Got to Waynesboro at 1:00. Trail magic with a ride just as we got off the trail thank yo Bill Gallagher. He gave us a tour of Waynesboro, dropped me off at the YMCA to get a shower; Peeper and Jay off at the Tree Streets Inn. Good to let them have some time alone. I will be at the church Hostel tonight. After we settled in, did our errands and then went to the Trail legend Ming Garden Buffet, we were greeted at the door with a sign for all hikers to go to the YMCA for their free shower first, and all packs needed to be left outside due to BUGS. We of course complied having already showered, left our post office resupply in the back room. We were introduced to a hikers dream with an incredible spread, Fresh fruit, Vegetables, Sushi, fresh fish, with Chinese, Japanese and American Cuisine. Many plates later, we were satiated. After eating, I went off to the church Hostel to check in, Peeper and Jay went resupply shopping, later we met at the laundramat. We walked many miles in town to make up our short miles today on the trail. Waynesboro has some interesting history. We walked by an old house, The plumb residence, a Pre Civil War Home whose owner was killed in the war, and the home was used as a headquarters for the losing battle for Waynesboro and vicinity. Waynesboro fell under Union hands early in the war, though the battles in more northern areas caused a change of sides numerous times ( as per my brother).There remains a Military High School in Waynesboro that was started by a Southern Officer to Emulate ¢ His President¢ Robert E Lee. We certainly know we are in the south, who celebrate a war where all sides lost. ¢A war of northern aggression. ¢
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Waynesboro

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 19.8

Peeper and Jay had a reported good night at the B and B. I had a somewhat restful night at the Hostel, but the cots were a bit lumpy,ended up laying on the floor. In the am, I noted that the 3 other hikers also ended up on the floor. I went for breakfast at a local restaurant, Wheezies, they offer all you can eat pancakes. Peeper and Jay piked me up by the inns transport and we were off back to the trail. I had been unable to find the Alcohol for our stove in town, we stopped at the outfitters on the way to the trail.Entering into the Shenandoah National Park( SNP), you have to sign in and carry a overnight pass, we had to do this in the Smokies as well. All legal, we moved on. Water was to become an issue in the park, on the ridges there tends to be little chance for resupply. The shelters also tend to be further apart, often this makes us go further than we expected. Today we were forced to go nearly 20 miles for there was no water after the first 5 miles and we were running low. Jay tends to consume large quantities, we have named him " Big Gulp" for a trail name.We climbed to the ridge elevation quickly, had some early pretty views from Bears Den MTN and Calf MTN. Bears Den has many communication towers, we felt warmly radiated. The weather was somewhat threatening, large dark clouds periodically crossed, few sprinkles until a short deluge in the afternoon. Of course we got wet just before we got to our camp site.We came into a relatively full shelter, some thru hikers and a few section hikers, many new faces. Two hikers were south bounders, both section hikers. One was a young man who just emptied his dresser drawers in his knap sacks ( Two), picked up his PC and Metal Detector and off he went. He was rather ill equiped. The other Southbounder was trying to help him get properly equiped, they planned to go into Waynesboro outfitters. He still was not going to give up his metal detector.Another young couple, who reported to be seasoned hikers were there as well, but after discussion and some etiquette correction on not cleaning your dishes and hands in the only water source, we saw some weakness. Interesting group of hikers at a full camp. Somewhat wet foggy morning, we were happy to move on. The spring was interesting at this site, it poured out at a high rate, but just disappeared into the ground with no run off. This camp is mostly situated on stone "Rip Rap", needless to say it was hard to find a comfortable tent site that night.
Date: 2012-05-26
From: BearFence MTN Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Gumpy: I awoke well rested, early to try and catch up with the kids. I was moving along at 7:00 when on came Runner and Sugar Plum, they had started from the last hut at 5:30 and wanted to do 10 miles before 10:00. Sugar plum fell into step with me and left poor Runner behind. We hiked to Lewis Camp Store where we were able to get an early lunch and then moved on to Big Meadows Camp Ground and Wayside, a 5 mile climb up, but worthwhile. Met the kids, Peeper and Big Gulp at the Wayside for lunch. Sugar plum moved on to meet her son at the Front Royal Hostel. Great to get back with Peeper and Big Gulp. Runner caught up and Kindle Ninja, joined us for lunch. Pretty day, but again warm, climbed the ridge , under the cliffs of Hawk MTN, had beautiful views, Took pictures of the Valley and the cliffs. Tented down by Rock Springs hut. Had some partying visitors that stayed up past 11:00, but otherwise the camp settled down. There were many thru hikers here, we had some difficulty in finding tent sites. Peeper and Big Gulp had to tent under the bear pole, the food hanging did attract visitors at night. Big gulp reported a bear peed right by their tent. They did not get much sleep.Bears have been more numerous, and often around the camp grounds, need not to say why.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Neighbor MTN woods
Miles today: 18.4

Being it is Memorial day weekend, the Shenandoah Park was buzzing. All the camp grounds and Picnic areas were full, tour buses filling the popular areas. We again moved on as a threesome, climbing the ridges again, Video joined with me and when he came into a Picnic area he seem to befriend the Picknickers and get free food. Amazing to see him work, I moved on to let his magic happen. He walks up and sits down by the time I arrive it's like he is seeing old friends.He seems to exude trail magic from all. Do I have lessons to learn !We climbed up to Mary's Rock, a beautiful outcropping looking over the Shenandoah Valley. We were joined on the ridge by a Tour Bus group from D.C. who had put red markers on the trail so as not to get lost. Arrows pointing to overlooks they were to see. Amazing enough, it appeared most of the tour was able to make it. Sneakers, tee shirts and pocketbooks at times. It was in the mid 80's and near 100% humidity, certainly there was some "cribbage" ( our word for gripping). We enjoyed the sites as well as the interactions. We lost the tour group as we climbed back down into the valley and back onto the next ridge. We climbed for another few hours,ate a small dinner at a spring, found a site to camp, just after we saw a few more bears. Put up our tents, established our food in the tree to be safe from the bears, and went to sleep. A good day, great to be back together. Nice views, hot, humid, but never a bad day on the trail.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Neighbor MTN woods

To: Hogwallow Flat
Miles today: 13.4

We awoke well rested, no bear events through the night. I left the tent site early to give the kids some personal space. I knew we were going to get breakfast this morning at the wayside and I would meet them there. Met Video on the trail, he had a difficult night for he ran out of water, he was filling up at a stream before the wayside when we again hitched up. The Elkwallow wayside was not open until 9:00, but already the Memorial day crowd had arrived. Breakfast was busy and took awhile, Peeper and Big gulp showed up at about 9:30. Well fed, and ready to go we climed on to the last sections of the Shenandoahs. We were able to get to the next shelter by 1:00 for some rest and watering. Met up with Runner and Kindle Ninja at Gravel Springs hut, ate a later lunch and planned to walk a few more miles before tenting in the woods. We were packing up at about 2:00 when on walks a couple who thought they recognized Kindle Ninja as a Doctor, he stated yes he was but then they said " From NH ? " , he said " No, but that man up there is" pointing to me. They were a son and Daughter in law of two of my long time patients in NH. They had been told by their parents that they might see me on the trail. Amazingly, they did, and somewhat by mistaken identity! Peg and Lee, I met your son and Daughter in Law!Amazed at this event, we took a picture, talked awhile but had to move on. We had to be at route 522 by Tuesday at 3:00 to meet my brother and we had some more miles to do.Moved into an area where the remnants from the old farms remain, few old foundations and young forests. The park was established in the 1930's, and prior these mountains had many farms. There must have been quite some discontent on the needed relocations. We had some pretty views, and much of the Memorial onslaught was gone. We had the park to ourselves. Climbed North Marshal MTN, sat on a beautiful rock outcropping for an hour, noted some rock formations that appeared interesting( see picture of the stone Toilet- with and without Gumpy). Enjoyed the view.Went on to Hogwallow flats and again found a good tent site in the woods. Big issue in the evening was on came the BLACK FLIES. We had a swatting dinner and escaped to our tents.Slept well except for the heat and humidity- we need some relief.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Hogwallow Flat

To: rt 522
Miles today: 10.0

We awoke rested, somewhat chewed up from the black Flies last pm. Had a 10 mile day to get to Rt 522 to get out and go to my brother Mark and his wife Cindy. Climb out was very hot and humid, had a few views leaving the Shenandoah's, but a long climb down. Thank you Shenandoah's for a beautiful time, but could have done without as much heat and humidity. We got to rt 522 by 1:30, found All Smiles at our heels. He finally caught up. He plans to go Aqua Blazing with Wiffleball, Hawk, Skeeter and Polaris. Had a good time catching up on some of the trail events, discussed his refusal of my gift, and found that the Large Jaw breaker will never get to Maine. The Southbounder I gave it to, never found All Smiles. Though All smiles was on guard due to some notes I had put in the shelter logs on the way. He did get some grief from others who read the log notes- serves him right " wet Blanket".All smiles hopes to join back up with us at Harpers Ferry. We gave him a ride into Front Royal.On for some R and R with my family, unfortunately, Big Gulp has to leave us and go back to work, Both Peeper and I are sad in his leaving. Enjoy his company, but will not have to carry so much water.Great to see my brother and family.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: rt 522

To: Arlington
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the day resupply, eating, cleaning equipment. Sadly got Jay ( Big Gulp ) to the airport. Hopefully he will join us again.Dinner with Family, reconnecting.Back to the trail tomorrow.I want to remind all our family friends and those interested. Gumpy has annually supported Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders such as ALS ect. with his annual bike ride. Our trip has been also dedicated to this cause. I have put the link to make a donation to my web site and MDS for all those who want to support us and achieve the goal to end this disease.https://www.joinmda.org/MyEvent/MyHomepage/tabid/252949/Participant/lewiserc/Default.aspx
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Arlington

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Awoke to a pretty morning in Arlington. My brother Mark drove us to the trail back at rt 522, Front Royal. We had a wonderful time with Family, they were very gracious and gave us wonderful support as well as let us borrow some of their technology. Peeper left with a I phone with music and books downloaded to cover for her absent Nano, I have a new phone/kindle/camera recharger. We found it hard to leave, but it was time for us to move on so we can get home to our lives at home by mid August.Mark drove us before work, had some traffic, but on the trail by 9:00. We had noted a very large area fenced off where we were left off, it appeared to be a large resort we later found we were walking along some of the Smithsonian Research Facilities fo9r animals. My brother stated we also would be walking by Weather Mountain where the Nuclear bomb Shelter for the White house. In retrospect, we saw none of that. Had a good day, climbed down to Dicks Dome Shelter, Tented for the night.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

We awoke to some overcast weather, later to have some rain. Forecast for rain and thundershowers this pm. We did see High Meadows State Park, also went through the "Roller Coaster", 10 or so rolling hills we go over. UP and down as usual. Rained for the last 10 miles. I came into the Hostel tonight, Peeper wanted to Tent. She has been struggling with Jay, Big Gulp going home and it is his Birthday today. Happy 31st B day Big Gulp! Tomorrow we go over 1000 miles and to Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harper's ferry
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Clear day, went over the 1000 mile Mark,and went into West Virginia. Had a long climbing day, was somewhat rolling and rocky near the end. Had some trail magic about six miles from Harper's Ferry with Hamburgers and candy. A local lawyer and family considering to do the trail in the future. I did meet some trail crew from the ATC who were looking to pipe a stream on the long dry ridge.We got to the ATC by 4:00, had our picture taken for the 333, and 334 thru hiker for the year, we have moved up from 500 when we started. We walked down into Harpers Ferry, noted a beautiful old village with great history, we need to stay longer to explore. We checked into a Hostel/Hotel, bunked with 2 other thru hikers, Cowtail and Tickle Monster.All Smiles was a day ahead, saw Blue Clews and Hawk heading out of town, getting icecream before they left, hope to be back with these guys in the next few days. We are at the Unofficial Halfway point.I gave Peeper my summer sleeping bag, I hope just to use a bag liner. Hope it doesn't get cold again. What a pretty area!Peeper plans to try the 4 state challenge, 44 miles in a day, she is going to rest up a day, I will move ahead tomorrow to prepare her way.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Harper's ferry

To: white rock cliffs
Miles today: 13.6

We had a wonderful day in Harper's Ferry, I left in the pm to get ahead of Peeper, for she is going to do the 4 state challenge. This is a 44 mile day where she touches Va,Md,WV, and Pa. I will be her sherpa. She has to go 2 miles back to start.Harpers Ferry was beautiful, amazing the history of the area; Washington before he was president worked to help industrialize the area, Lewis And Clark used the foundry to help supply their travel,the first Armory and production line for the new nations weapons, and then the involvement of the Civil war. First with John Browns takeopver of rthe Armory that often is credited for the start of the Civil War, multiple battles and transfer of the town back and forth during the war. Looking at the small area of such history was breathtaking. I am suprised that I was able to leave after just 6 hrs of wandering through the sites, but I'll be back!The climb out of Harpers Ferry was historical as well, we crossed the old bridge over the Potomac, one that has been replace multiple times due to floods and war. The C and O Canal is just on the other side from Harpers Ferry, one of the locks right next to the bridge. We follow the TowPath along the old canal for 3 miles. We initially are under the Maryland Heights, cliffs that overlook Harpers Ferry, fortunately or not we did not have to climb the cliffs, yet. We do climb the ridge after we come off the towpath, a pretty climb looking over the Potomac.We follow the path following the ridge of South Mountain, a focal point of General Lee's attempt to bring the Civil War to the North in 1962, befor the battle of Antietam. We were to climb the ridge and see each Gap that the battles occurred, Needles to say, this took me some time for I had to read all the information and visit each site. We also visited the first Washington Monument, built by the residents of Boonsboro in the 1820's. They collected the rocks on the mountain and took 2 days to built a tower. This same tower was used as a signal tower for the North in the battle of South Mountain. Also there was a Park Called Gapland, a large compound of a Famous 1850-80's journalist, a monument for the War Coorespondents and also a site for one of the battles for South Mountain. I had a hard time making my necessary miles today due to all these distractions. I knew I had to make my miles though, for Peeper was going to blow by me in the am if I did not get ahead. I was able to get a 1/4 of the way to PA before it got Dark, I tented in the woods, forgetting to eat dinner. My historical interests overwealmed my hunger.Peeper reported, she got out of Harpers Ferry in the afternoon, went back to the Virgina Border and camped, rested up for her long 4 state trek.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: white rock cliffs

To: falls creek 
Miles today: 28.7

We had another beautiful day.Peeper did the 4 state challenge in 15:40 hrs, an incredible feat. I struggled to do my 28 miles, but I was carrying most of our supplies. We got to Pa, PennMar park for a pizza dinner. Thanks Fireball(AKA Wiffleball, though my phone likes to change to fireball)!. Walked into the night and cross the Mason Dixon line. Out of the south. Camped at the stream, Wiffle and Hawk moved on. Very pretty walk through the parks along South Mountain. CIvil war history abounds, walking 28 miles and reading all the plackards was a challenge. Very pretty finish in Maryland but a tough way to finish the 4 state challenge. Wow, what a beautiful, accomplishing long day. Congradulations PEEPER!!!!!
Date: 2012-06-06
From: South Mountain

To: Birch mtn shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We had another pretty day. Had to go to pharmacy to get a picture taken for her graduate school. We hitched into Fayetteville. Somewhat delayed the day, but we did well to get 14 miles in. We will reach the 1/2 way point tomorrow. Peeper still having some foot problems, have been taking it somewhat slow.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Birch mtn shelter 

To: Deer run camp ground 
Miles today: 21.3

Very pretty day, had a few views on the ridge. We walked over some rocky areas and Peeper has continued with pain in her R foot. Has responded somewhat to Advil. She walked some of the day in her crocks. We had some concerns she may need some time off, but as the day continued she was feeling better.We reached our 1/2 way point today, we are now on the countdown to Katahdin!!Peeper and I reviewed the many highlights of the first half of the trail. 1) Roan Highlands2) Tinkers Cliffs3) Grayson Highlands4) Flowers of N.C and Georgia5) People and friends on the ATect/ect, we had a great time of reminiscing and looking forward to an even better second 1/2We reached the Pine Grove Furnace, the store with the Ice Cream Callenge. This Challenge was for me, Peeper had done the 4 state challenge.I had to eat a 1/2 Gallon of Ice Cream in a sitting. I could do this, thios was my type of challenge. I chose Chocolate Chip Cookie dough, it was rock hard, so I left it in the sun for a few minutes, then in less than 40 minutes all was done and I was licking the box. Then it was time to eat lunch.I think I had the better challenge, atleast the more tasty.Pine Grove Furnace was very interesting, an old Iron Furnace and the home of one of the Furnace Magnates. I again had to look at all the history before we moved on to the AT museum that was up the street.AT museum also was very interesting and all thru hikers had to get their pictures taken. We also were told the AT Hall of Fame dinner was at The Allenberry tomorrow and we were welcome to attend. We hoped to be further than this at that time, but since my friend Jan Irvin and son were to join us tonight, to hike with us into Duncannon, we were unsure of what our progress would be. We left our options open.We climbed further today, ate dinner at Green Mountain Country store and climbed on into dusk to Deer Creek camp ground. We came out of the woods to walk the 0.4 miles to the camp ground and we were met by a car who asked if we were thru hikers and could they give us a ride. Crystal and Mike are previous discovery trail thru hikers and aspired to help any thru hikers should they meet them. We as well as they were very excited to meet fellow hikers. The discovery trail is a 6000 mile trail across America, and very few people have completed, they were # 12, and 13. Incredible. They gave us a ride to our camp ground, we visited over the next hour until dark. They wanted also to help us celebrate Peepers B-Day on Sunday in Duncannon. Great people to just happen to meet as we exit the trail, amazing.Jan and Kieth met us at 11:00pm, we all put up our tents and slept soundly. A very beatiful, busy, eventful great day. Peepers foot is feeling much better.
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Deer run camp ground 

To: allenberry resort 
Miles today: 8.5

We met up with Jan and His son Kieth last night ,they plan to hike to Duncannon with us over the next few days. We expect to slow down some to enjoy the hike and visit Jan an old roomate and friend. I have not seen Jan for many years. We have a lot of catching up to do.We started somewhat late but planned a shorter day. We have wanted to go to Allenberry ever since we starter the AT, they have the best sticky buns and an excellent buffet. Peeper and I have been there on a few previous occasions,Peeper went to college in this area. This stop has always been an emotional priority.The climb was somewhat hot and difficult for our guests,we got to Allenberry at about 3:00. To our suprise we also caught up with our friends,All Smiles ,Wiffleball, and Blues Clues. We had a wonderful night of food,friendship, and relaxation. Yummy Sticky bun. All overindulged.We also crashed the ATC hall of fame banquet that was also at the Allenberry, we were welcomed as thru hikers. A fun delicious night. A great day with Jan and Kieth, though they were a little sore.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: allenberry resort 

To: Darlington shelter 
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

We awoke rested,Peeper and I went back to the breakfast buffet for more sticky buns, then off to a longer hiking day. Now we have caught up with our friends,we plan to hike together for awhile,and celebrate Peeper's 26th b-day, Sunday together.Jan and Kieth did very well today, we crossed Cumberland Valley,and climbed the ridge past Harrisburg. We had a very pretty but hot day. Walked through many fields,swam in the Conodogunet river,had some trail Angel delivered sticky buns, all in all an excellent day. We all camped together and had a fun night catching up. We did see a few large rat snakes,and realized they are excellent tree climbers. We also experienced a large limb come down, nearly hitting two thru hikers, scary. We went to bed all still talking while in our tents, all smiles laughing at the talking tents. Like the Waltons.