morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Skyland Resort

To: Jeremys Run Overlook
Miles today: 14.8

I hike at a brisk but easy pace today courtesy of my uncle, John, who is slack-packing me. Today, and for the next few, I will carry only a small amount food and water necessary to cover my slightly abbreviated mileages, and a pack cover in the event of rain. He drops me off in the morning at the point of yesterday¢s conclusion and we arrange a rendezvous later in the afternoon based on the days mileage and my estimated pace.I encounter a fantastic experience on the trail around 1:00p when passing through a thinner stretch of woods, less dense and overgrown than normal, I sense movement ahead of me and off to the right and immediately freeze in my tracks. I scan the area, simultaneously reaching into my pocket for my camera, realizing I¢ve spotted another black bear, my second in an as many days. The bear is about 25-30 yards away, of medium stature, perhaps the size of a large dog, and is lazily walking and sniffing at the ground. He doesn't yet sense my presence as I silently retrieve the camera from my pocket, set it to video mode and record this young bear for next minute as he moves from right to left first toward and then onto the trail. I switch to camera mode when he reaches the trail ahead of me and snap some great photos, where at one point the bear stops, looks back and gazes at me but pays no mind and continues about his business. In each of my previous 2 bear encounters I think my presence and movement startled the bears into fleeing, but in this case my statue-like presence does not startle or threaten. He continues walking up the trail and I switch back to video, shooting another minute of video before he slips off the trail to the left. While all of this is happening I wonder about the age when a young bear leaves his mother and whether this juvenile bear (not cub but not full grown) is on his own or still under the protective watch of a nearby unseen mother bear. I hold my position, filming until the young bear moves off the trail at which point I immediately press on. I glance to my left as I pass the bear¢s point of egress into the woods but although I'm only a few seconds behind him he has already vanished completely into the woods.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Jeremys Run Overlook

To: Compton Gap
Miles today: 16.9

John drops me off and once again I set out with lightened pack. It's a postcard perfect morning, blue skies, temperature around 68, a light breeze in the air. I feel buoyant with my current 7 pound pack compared to my normal 34ish pound load, and I set off quickly down the trail.I stop at a wayside (a camp store and grill in the park) 3 miles up the trail and grab a beverage and banana. The park waysides and camp stores are a favorite stopping point for hikers and, aside from the easy, scenic terrain of the park, are one of the main attractions, not unlike a desert oasis; a point to stop, grab some easy food and drink, relax, and chat with other hikers before pressing on. I run into Krispy Kritter (KK), Sherpa, and Draggin Tail here and we spend a few minutes catching up. KK tells me that Timber (who I hiked with for a week) thinks she me have lyme disease. I¢d heard that she wasn¢t feeling 100% and I inquire if she has the trademark bull¢s-eye rash that accompanies 80% of lyme disease cases. He confirms that she believes she has the rash and that she¢ll head into Front Royal to consult with a doctor. This is the first possible case of lyme disease that I¢ve heard of on the trail this year and reinforces the importance of regular and rigorous tick checks. There are 2 kinds of ticks, dog ticks and deer ticks. The dog ticks are larger, easier to spot, and to my knowledge are generally not the carriers of lyme disease. The deer ticks are the predominant carriers and unfortunately are about the size of a freckle and almost as indistinguishable. I¢ve pulled both varieties off my legs, and of course removed the one deer tick a few days ago that had lodged under the watchband onto my wrist. I¢m discouraged to hear the news about Timber and make a note to try and contact her since I¢m staying in Front Royal and have access to contacts and transportation.Later that day after my hike (and shower!) I join Muriel, John¢s wife, at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet while John attends to another engagement. The buffet looks fantastic and I mention to Muriel beforehand that my goal is to work my way through 3 plates of food, determined to make an impact on the weight loss and calorie deficits of the previous 2 months. I make it through 2 12 and am satisfied with my effort. Muriel and I chat over dinner, catching up on the years and people in our lives since we last got together several years earlier.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Compton Gap

To: Manassas Gap
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

From my starting point at Compton Gap I head north, unceremoniously exiting Shenandoah National Park just 2 miles later. As with the Smokies, passing through the Shenandoahs carries a sense accomplishment, the completion of a satisfying leg of my journey. Unlike leaving the Smokies where my predominant feeling was relief at having passed through and survived such miserable weather and conditions, my feeling upon exiting the Shenandoahs is melancholy anbd bittersweet. The terrain has been mild, the scenery and weather pleasant, the hills generally short and brief, waysides and camp stores present providing welcome respites, and the trail itself well-maintained courtesy of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC). The Shenandoahs will be missed.The weather is hot and humid, the hottest day yet on the trail. Even with my lighter pack the exertion has me sweating furiously inside the first hour, and I lament to myself that this is the coolest part of the day. My khaki green shirt is soaked through within 45 minutes excepting a small patch of fabric in the center of my chest, a holdout that makes infrequent contact with my body.Just after 1:00p I complete my day's travels and John meets me at Manassas Gap for the welcome ride back to house and shower. After lunch we drive around Front Royal as John shows me several of the local projects he's had a hand in delivering to the community during his tenure on the Warren County Board of Supervisors. Among these projects are a new high school (Skyline High School), an impressive baseball field (Bing Crosby Stadium), a medical facility, a skate park, and some commercial and industrial areas that brought tax revenues, jobs, and services to the area. Several of these facilities bear plaques with his name among the dedications. John is obviously proud of his accomplishments during his years of service to the people of Warren County and he has a right a to be. I appreciate and respect the fact that he's been active in bringing so many things to the people of the community, things that people will continue to enjoy and benefit from for many years to come, and think of them as terrific legacies.
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Manassas Gap

To: Ashby Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Before setting out this morning onto the thin ribbon of trail off into the forest my uncle, John, asks me if I ever fear the unknown (as it relates to my hike). My reply is that I don't fear the unknown but more accurately I have and do experience a heightened sense of anxiousness in some situations. The first nights I camped in my tent I heard every leaf, branch, and twig that snapped or rustled outside in the darkness; the first night the wind howled or the rain came I remember thinking how pleasant these were from the comfort of my home but a much different experience when separated by only a thin sheet of taught nylon. My first bear and snake sightings had my heart racing but successive encounters have not been nearly so jarring. All of these things that were unknown, or otherwise relatively new experiences, no longer give me anxious pause so much as a pleasant diversion (excepting the rain ;-). I generally sleep fitfully in the elements and I treat animal encounters with enthusiasm and a healthy dose of respect. I've used the term 'lost in my thoughts' before which is where a hiker spends a good amount of time. As romantic as it sounds to think that I savor and enjoy the nature that abounds around me with each step, it's simply impossible to be present in the moment for each and every step of each and every hour, minute, and second of each day. The mind, untethered, will often go where it will, jumping from thought to thought at times like a waking dream. Sometimes I'll catch my thoughts as they flow and ponder them further, deeper. On some of those occasions they¢ve taken me back to memories of my childhood and I've wondered why my mind goes to these places. The only causal link I've drawn is that, in a way, hiking the trail is akin to a childhood experience. Throughout childhood and our early youth we take in a wealth of experiences that are often 'first time' experiences. Sights, sounds, smells, riding a bike, or a horse, first day of school, playing a game, a vacation, skiing, your first date and kiss; we are inundated with new experiences in our youth but as we get older the waves of new experience and the heightened feelings that accompany them begin to ebb and so often our lives fall into something more routine and familiar. I see the Trail in part as a grand new, sensory overload experience akin to those of childhood, and I think that this is perhaps one facet of the answer to the question of, 'so why do you want to hike the trail?'
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Ashby Gap

To: Snickers Gap
Miles today: 14.1

From Ashby Gap I hike 4 miles before coming across a sign indicating the next section of trail known as 'The Roller Coaster'. I innocuously assume this to mean a series of short but steep up and downs. This is only partly correct. What really makes this memorable as a miserable stretch of trail is not necessarily the hills but the inclusion of rocks that litter the trail at every step. Personally I find rock-hopping to be some of the most exhausting hiking as it requires constant attention for each footfall, making continuous split decisions about foot placement that torque and turn the foot and ankle with each step, shortening or lengthening strides to step over or just short of the next rock, and generally slowing the pace. I find it mentally and physically exhausting, and The Roller Coaster extends for 13.5 miles! There is a lesson of self discovery here though, and after barreling through these hills and rocks for the first few miles to increasing stress, frustration, and exhaustion, I come to the realization that the trail won¢t change but it¢s I that must change. The only thing I can control is my reaction to the trail and after accepting what the trail presents I make myself slow down, take shorter, more thoughtful steps and work to pass among this section instead of fighting through it. My pace is decidedly slower but mentally and physically I am stronger and the hike becomes more relaxing and enjoyable.
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Snickers Gap

To: Harper's Ferry / Appalachian Trail Headquarters
Miles today: 19.1

Today is a banner day as I set out for Harper's Ferry, 19.1 miles away from my starting point and home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters, generally considered the ¢psychological¢ halfway point. During the day I also pass the 1000 mile mark (as in, 'I can't believe I've walked 1000 miles!') and exit Virginia (whew!) into West Virginia. The temperature is slightly cooler but the sky is overcast and the threat of rain is present. The weather doesn¢t bother me though as this is my last day slack-packing with my uncle and regardless of the conditions I walk with the knowledge that I will enjoy shower and roof one more time at the end of the day.The day and miles pass quickly; I stop only briefly for lunch and to refill my water. I note another hiker on his cell phone who mentions he also uses AT&T and had a good signal so I retrieve my phone and chat with Roxana during my repast. Just after 3:30p I arrive in Harper¢s Ferry and make my way to the ATC headquarters. There are 5 other hikers there, all of whom have also made their way from Georgia to this point. The tradition at the HQ is that every hiker gets their picture taken, the photo then placed in an album of the current year¢s hikers. My photo is taken in front of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy sign in front of the HQ, where it is immediately printed and a red ¢358¢ written at the top, indicating that I¢m the 358th through-hiker to pass through the HQ this year. I¢m given a pen to write my name, trail name, home city/state, and email before the card is immediately placed in the hiker album. I note that Draggin Tail, Sherpa, and Krispy Kritter also passed through earlier in the day, Lo-Rod and Squash are captured who I only met on the trail today, as well as a few other hikers that I¢ve not yet met. I spend another 30-45 minutes browsing the HQ, looking at displays, chatting with hikers and visitors, and examining the various A.T. related merchandise. It¢s a nice stop, and rewarding to have made it this far, yet at the same time feels strange to think that I¢m only 12 way through my journey. I suspect the 2nd half will feel like it passes faster than the first now that the sheen of newness has worn off and I carry more experience than those days that already feel so long ago when I first set out from Springer Mountain in Georgia.
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Harper's Ferry / Appalachian Trail Headquarters

To: Harper's Ferry / Appalachian Trail Headquarters
Miles today: 0.0

I zero today in Front Royal, enjoying a last day of hospitality at John and Muriel's house before returning to the trail tomorrow. I sleep in this morning before rising for breakfast, checking email, and catching up on some journaling. I'm only up for a couple hours though before a wave of tiredness rolls over me and I lie down for a powerful mid-morning nap. This body is tired after 2 months and 1000 miles and it feels great to meet the day's activities at a leisurely pace, taking break or nap when the mood strikes. This past week has been a welcome 'break' from the routine of trail life (although I've hiked every day except today) and though I originally planned for only a 2 or 3 day stay at my uncle's I'm glad the opportunity was available to stay longer, enjoying the time spent catching up with family, and I think my uncle enjoying participation in my hiking adventure.Chores are minimal today; a bit of laundry (2 pair of socks, shorts, shirt, and bandana), and resupply are the only items on the agenda. I also run around town with John while he takes care of some errands. We grab a bite of lunch in downtown Front Royal before making our way back to the farm. In the evening I pack my gear and look forward to a casual 2 1/2 days of hiking before the family arrives on Saturday to join me for a 3 day break in nation's capital. I haven't seen my family since Hot Springs, NC and my excitement has been growing for days and weeks at this pending reunion. Walk on!
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Harper's Ferry / Appalachian Trail Headquarters

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

John and Muriel drop me off at Harper's Ferry at 8:30a. I would have popped into the ATC HQ once more but they don't open till 9:00 and I don't feel like waiting. About 1/2 mile further the trail crosses through the heart of historic Harper's Ferry National Historic Park. My plan evolves as I pass through, considering that I'm only doing 16 miles today, I decide to tour the Park.Harper's Ferry was a bustling commercial and industrial town before becoming a strategic pawn during the Civil War and most of the exhibits are self-guided tours through restored buildings featuring snapshot-in-time displays of things like the dry goods store, bakery, watch repair, armory, and boarding house while other exhibits focus on key people (John Brown, Lewis & Clark) or themes (Civil War, commerce, flooding). I dislike toting my laden pack during my excursion but I enjoy walking through the village and taking in the history. Historical perspective is one thing I've found lacking on my trek through the various regions but I take in what I can when it's available since it adds an extra dimension to the areas I pass through. A.T. guides generally won't have this info as it's considered excess pages and weight. I spend just over an 1 1/2 hours poking around before I have my fill and move on.This is my first day back on the trail with a fully loaded pack after slack-packing the last week and the extra weight is noticeable. I no longer wonder at my foot issues having felt the difference between a lighter pack and my current load. I go over the contents in my head but can't think of anything in my pack that I don't need or use. Resigned, I press on. The trail follows the old C&O Canal along the Shenandoah River for 2 or 3 miles before retreating back into the woods, in the process exiting West Virginia into Maryland, the 6th state on my journey . The terrain makes a brief 1000 foot climb before leveling out and proceeding along a nice, wide path. The good times end soon after the 7 mile mark though when the terrain once again becomes a cobbled, rocky right of way. After the last few days of similar terrain I'm quick to exercise patience and take it in stride ;-) slowing my pace to one more befitting the trail's offering. I make camp just after 5:00p at Rocky Run Shelter, appropriately named for the trail leading up to it; cook, clean, pump water and into my tent by 7:00. I'm tired this evening as sleep unfortunately did not come easy last night even with benefit of a final night in a bed. Walk on!
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 20.6

Today is another steeped in history. I pass several Civil War battle, memorial, and burial locations. Most of these sites have placards detailing the event that took place, the outcome, and key people (usually a ranking Union or Confederate commander). The connection to the history of the area is interesting from the standpoint that it connects the trail and my journey to the history of the land as well as being a nice diversion. The plain fact is that it's always nice to come out of the woods into a town, field, battle or memorial site, or anything that provides a change of stimulus or scenery.The highlight of the day, another memorial site, is the original Washington Monument. The monument is about 3-4 stories tall with a circular staircase rising to the top for a nice view of the Maryland countryside, including the Antietam battlefield in the distance. The State Park that hosts the monument is nice, clean, with restrooms and playground.This is my first 20-miler in over a week with a fully loaded pack and feels good. A fair amount of the trail is again rocky which I now chalk up as prelude to Pennsylvania which I've heard as notoriously rocky.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Old Forge Park
Miles today: 12.1

I enter my tent last night and I'm the only one at the campsite. The local Trail club is building a new shelter but it's not yet ready and seeing the new shelter it's clear why there's a need for a new one. The old shelter is small even by A.T. shelter standards, located down a steep switchback about .4 miles from the trail, close to a road, and close to a neighborhood as well. In fact while I'm cooking my dinner a mother accompanied by 4 kids and 2 dogs walks through the shelter area, pausing to let the dogs drink and wallow in the stream that coincidentally serves as the water source for hikers. The thought that their dog is drinking and sitting in my water source does not even cross their minds but clearly this is just a diversionary evening stroll, and I doubt they even think about how or where a hiker gets their water. Fortunately I saw an alternate water source on my descent to the shelter site and get my water from this location.The sun sets around 8:45ish and for some reason the evening and night has an eerie feeling. I've slept in my tent dozens of times since starting out but tonight feels different. I'm aware of the sensation and, trying to put my finger on it, come up with a few reasons for my feeling. The night is dark, real dark, almost pitch dark; even after I've given my eyes time to adjust the inkiness is impenetrable. It's also strangely still and quiet. As I'm aware of the darkness, I also become aware of this awkward silence; not an insect chirping, not a puff of air breaks the void that surrounds me. The feeling of isolation in this location, camped in my small tent 'fortress', makes me feel as if I'm adrift, bobbing on a raft in the ocean, unknown and powerful elements lurking all around and each moment holding the unknown with unseen bogeymen waiting for their moment. I say again, this is a rare feeling and I'm actually quite comfortable in the woods which makes this scene all the more odd. I eventually doze off, looking forward to the long awaited reunion with my family.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Old Forge Park

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Whoever said 'Parting is such sweet sorrow' was wrong; it's just sorrow.The weekend flew by as I knew it would but we had a great time in D.C., touring the Air and Space and Natural History museums, visiting the Georgetown campus, dining out, and enjoying our time together. We return to the trail around 4:00p at the park where they picked me up and I change into hiking attire, afterward easing my arms through the straps of my pack before we walk together back to the Trail. I tell Roxana that they have to walk with me to the Trail for goodbyes as it's too hard for me to stand there and watch them drive off. Both kids are upset at our parting and this chokes me up as well. Big hugs and kisses and soon we're all heading home again, though my route is the more circuitous. I walk in a funk for the first few miles and I'm glad I'm only doing 7 miles today before making camp.At camp I meet Stix and we chat, sharing our thoughts on the trail, how the trail has met our expectations and where it has come up short. Our views are similar and we talk into the evening by the ashes of an old campfire before the setting sun and the bodies need for rest send us both back to our tents to rise and do it again tomorrow.