morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0

The creek in front of the shelter made nice background noise for sleeping. The last few nights have been very cool, dipping into the 30's and 40's. Last night was no exception.We got up and hit the trail for a 22 mile day. We climbed 2,200' to get across Three Ridges Mountain. From this peak, we could look back and see where we had hiked the past two days. At one of the crossings of the BRP, we met a couple of hikers who had just seen a large bear on the trail. He had stopped in front of them and didn't move away until they started banging their hiking sticks together. I still have not seen a bear, but everyone says we will in Shenandoah National Park (SNP). We made it to our shelter by 5:35. We had hiked 22 miles in just over 10 hours. Rob and I think that's not bad for two old guys. The shelter was built by the Old Dominion Hiking Club. It was very large and had a really nice overhanging roof and a table underneath it for cooking and eating. I think it is my favorite shelter so far. Tomorrow, we will arrive in Waynesboro, where I plan to stay in a motel for a day or two.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: U.S. 250- Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: few clouds

We got up early and started our five mile hike to Waynesboro, VA. In less than two hours, we were at the intersection of U.S. 250 and the BRP at Rockfish Gap. We were going to call for a shuttle, but before we could call, a large, yellow truck pulled up. The driver said to us, "If you need a ride to Waynesboro, get in and let's go. I have a meeting to be at." We threw our packs in the back and jumped in. He told us to just call him, "Yellow Truck." He said, "Y'all are not good looking female hikers. You are ugly and smell. Just tell me where you are from and what you do for a living." Rob and I gave him the information he requested. As it turned out, he has done much to make Waynesboro a great trail town. He dropped me off at the Quality Inn and carried Rob to one of the local hostels. I cleaned up, washed my clothes , had Mexican food for lunch, and spent the rest of the afernoon working on my journal and just being lazy. Tonight I dined at a Chinese Buffet and did some shopping at Kroger. I won't need to take a lot of food, since I will be passing waysides the next few days. They will have food service. I've made arrangements to slack pack tomorrow, so I can spend one more night in town.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: U.S. 250- Waynesboro, VA

To: Turk Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I decided to slack pack instead of taking a zero day as planned. Gizmo, my shuttle, picked me up at the motel. We got on the Skyline Drive and stopped at the entrance to the Shenandoah National Park so I could fill out a permit which is required for back country camping in the park. At 8:00AM, he dropped me off at Turk Gap and I started hiking south back to US 250. This is the first time since leaving Ga that I have hiked south. Since I only had to carry water and snacks, I was able to move much faster. The trail was also fairly easy with only small ups and downs. Along the way, I met Rob who was hiking north. Tomorrow AM I will meet him at Turk Gap and we will hike to Loft Mountain Campground. I also saw Mission whom I have not seen since Erwin, Tn. He and his wife were thru-hiking together but she developed a leg problem and had to leave the trail at Damascus and return home. I covered my 12 miles in just under four hours, something I could never do with a 40lb pack. When I finished my hike at US 250, there were several hikers just arriving from the south and were awaiting rides into town. Bucket List was waiting for his wife to pick him up and they were going to the same hotel I was staying in. About that time she drove up and I caught a ride into town with them. This afternoon I will relax, run a few errands, eat, and get ready for tomorrow. I am really looking forward to hiking through the SNP for the next week.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Turk Gap

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

I got up early and walked to Hardee's for breakfast. Gizmo, my shuttle, picked me up at 7:30AM to carry me to Turk's Gap. When we arrived, Rob was there waiting. He had left Waynesboro yesterday and spent last night at a shelter just south of Turk's Gap. I also met Mobius who was also at the gap. The trail was good but as the morning wore on, I was not feeling well at all. We took a few extra breaks and a short nap at lunch time. I didn't even want any lunch and that's very unusual for me. By 4:30PM, we reached Loft Mt Campground. Rob went and registered us while I just sat and rested. After awhile I finally got the energy to pitch my tent. As soon as that was done, I crawled in and took an hour long nap. When I woke up I felt much better. We then walked up to the campground store . It was well stocked for campers and hikers. I got a Coke and two packs of crackers and that became my dinner. We went to bed before dark and I went to sleep almost immediately. The only thing I can think of that might have caused me to feel so bad was the fact that I went to the chinese buffet two nights in a row.This was my second time to camp at Loft Mt Campground. The first time was in 1977. It has been awhile.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning, after a great night of sleep, feeling 100%. We planned to eat breakfast at the Loft Mt Wayside. The Wayside did not open until 9:00AM so we were in no hurry to move out. We arrived at the wayside just after 9:00AM and ordered our breakfast. I had eggs, sausage, hash browns ( I may not see any more grits this far north), toast, and side order of bacon. It was all good. Mobius was also having breakfast there.I almost forgot to mention, but we saw our first bear this morning in the campground. He went about his business and completely ignored us.Later in the afternoon we crossed the Skyland Drive and in the adjacent parking lot there was a couple sitting in chairs next to their car. As I got closer they called out to me and asked if I would like some snacks. I quickly crossed the parking lot and joined them. They had cold beverages, fruit, chips, cookies, and supplies like ziplock bags and toilet paper. They did a thru hike in 2013 and their names are Sunshine and Not Yet. They had driven down for a day of providing trail magic. We sat and talked and snacked for 30 minutes. As it turns out, they knew many of the hikers we met last year while providing trail magic near our Roan Mountain house. Thank you so much, Sunshine and Not Yet! While their we met a young lady from England, English Girl, who started in April and has already made it this far.We arrived at the hut and I set up my tent. Rob was going to the next road crossing where his nephew was going to pick him up and take him to his house for the holiday weekend. We said goodbye but I know that we will end up in the same place real soon and hike together some more. It has been a real pleasure to hike with him the last two weeks.At the hut I met a lady Ridgerunner who works for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. For the life of me I can't recall her name. I also met a section hiker named Hog on Ice.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: broken clouds

I got up and made my coffee, broke camp, and headed north. My plan was to stay at the Big Meadows Lodge, but I didn't make reservations early enough, and it was sold out. Even the campground was full. The only alternative was to go to Rock Spring Hut, which would make it a very long day. I made good progress all morning and early afternoon. At 3:30 P.M., I reached the Big Meadows Wayside. I was not about to pass up a wayside. I enjoyed a giant cheeseburger, salad, fries, and a blackberry milkshake. I left with a full stomach and five miles to go. Shorty after 6:00 P.M., I reached the hut. When I arrived, there were four thru-hikers and about a dozen or so section hikers out for the holiday weekend. I met Tittycakes for the first time, although I had heard him mentioned by others. The section hikers had the table completely covered by their food, stoves, and etc. Fortunately, I was still full from my wayside dinner and didn't need to use the table. Most of the section hikers were tenting, but there were four who were staying in the shelter. It was an eight person shelter, so there was plenty of room for the five of us. I was very tired from my 23 mile day and was ready for sleep by 8:30. The section hikers had a big fire going in the fire pit right in front of the shelter and were really having a good time. I kept hoping they would retire to their tents, but it was after 10:00 P.M. before they all left. That's almost two hours past hiker mid-night. They were really nice people and probably didn't even realize the impact they have on a shelter with such a large group. Finally, I was able to get some sleep.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

Today, my plan was for 16 miles. By mid-morning, I reached the Skyland Resort, which was only .1 mile off the trail. I went into the dining room for breakfast certain other guests could smell us hikers who haven't seen a shower for several days, but they keep their thoughts to themselves. When I got seated, I found out they had a breakfast buffet. I filled a plate with eggs, grits, biscuits, bacon, sausage, and sausage gravy. Now that's a breakfast! I even went back and got a big bowl of fruit. Let's just say that I got my money's worth. I have really enjoyed all of the dining experiences I've had in SNP, and I will pass one more wayside tomorrow morning. Just after noon, I stopped and got water. The place was full of people picnicking and enjoying the beautiful weather on this holiday weekend. The trail was pretty rocky today, but there were several magnificent views to the west. The trail was full of day hikers all day long. Near a parking area, I came upon a Park Ranger standing on the trail. We chatted for a few minutes, and he asked if I had any problems or issues to report. I didn't and moved on. Just a couple of miles before reaching the hut, I crossed a highway and started a steep ascent up the mountain. I had my head down as usual on steep, rocky parts of the trail. All of the sudden, I heard something just to my right. I looked up and a bear ran across the trail about 30 yards in front of me. He crossed the trail and looked back at me, and then slowly walked back across the trail and disappeared behind some bushed. It all happened too quickly to get a picture, but I'm sure he won't be the last one I see. There were a few section hikers tonight in a camp and one thru-hiker who I met back in North Carolina. His name is, "The Greatest of All Time" or G.O.A.T. for short.As I was lying in my tent, writing this journal entry, the same ranger I saw earlier walked right up to my tent with his clip board. He saw me and said, "I saw you earlier today."   Again he asked if I had any problems or issues to report. I said no, so he told me to have a good night and walked away. I guess they really do enforce park rules, even on the AT. My next town stop is Front Royal, VA, about 26 trail miles from here. That's too much for tomorrow, so I will arrive there two days from now. I'm looking forward to it, since it will be almost a week since the last shower and bed. Only one more week until my grandsons come to see me in Northern Virginia.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Not long after starting this morning, I began a steep ascent up a rock section of the trail. As usual, I had my head down to make sure I didn't trip. All of a sudden I heard something chrashing through the under growth in front of me. I looked up just as a big bear ran across the trail not more than 20 yards in front of me. I stopped to turn my phone on for a picture. He stopped after running across the trail and looked back at me for a moment, and then headed on down the mountain. Later, I met up with Mission, who I have not seen since Erwin. We hiked together for a while and made it to Elk Wallow Wayside for lunch. We ordered our lunch and took it outside to a picnic table. My cheeseburger was as good as I expected. After a nice lunch and break, I resumed my journey. A few minutes later, I saw a small Timber Rattlesnake lying across the trail. I prodded him with my hiking stick to see if he would strike, but he just slithered off into the leaves. Shortly after reaching the hut, there was another bear hanging around. At the shelter, I met Pilgrim, who is a missionary to Turkey and Cyprus. When I told him I was Southern Baptist, he said I should be proud of the work they are doing around the world in providing food for those hit by natural disasters and other relief. He also said they provided showers and laundry service for hikers at Damascus Trail Days last week. Also, a second bear appeared just outside the hut. There were also a few other hikers at the shelter. Tomorrow, I will rise early and head to Front Royal for a shower, bed, and food. Hopefully, I will be there shortly after noon. Today is the day we remember theose who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our country. I am grateful for all of those sacrifices and all others who have served. Only through their service can this country remain the greatest and most free country in the world. May God continue to bless this nation.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: U.S. 522 Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

As I was leaving the hut, I saw the bear who was hanging around last night. He was so close to the trail, I didn't feel safe going by him. I talked to him and told him to move on, threw small pebbles at him, and finally shook a small tree beside the trail. Apparently, he responded to me shaking the tree and moved just far enough off the trail to allow me roam on pass. The miles passed quickly and by early afternoon, I arrived at Hwy 522. I waited for a few minutes to see if anyone would stop, but no one did. I called Yellow Cab, and they picked me up in ten minutes and took me to my motel in Front Royal. As always, I saw several of the thru-hikers at the hostel. I ate lunch, washed clothes, and made arrangements with a shuttle to pick me up for tomorrow morning and take me about 12 miles up the trail, so I can slack pack back to Highway 522. I had dinner, worked on my journal, and turned in for the evening.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: U.S. 522 Front Royal

To: Trico Tower Trail
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

I had breakfast at the motel, and went across the street to buy a sandwich for my lunch. My shuttle showed up on time and took me to Trico Gap to begin my hike back to Hwy 522. Along the way, I passed several thru-hikers. I crossed under I-66, which is a major artery to D.C. As I got close to Hwy 522, I began to see an eight foot chain link fence running beside the trail, as I had seen yesterday. I asked someone about it and found out, it is a large area owned by the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Apparently, it is used to study endangered species. When I got back to Hwy 522, Yellow Cab took me to my motel. I dined at an Italian Restaurant and went to the grocery store to resupply. Front Royal had been a good town to visit.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Trico Tower Tail

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: few clouds

I had breakfast at the hotel and had everything ready when my shuttle arrived. After a 20 minute ride, my shuttle dropped me off at Trico Gap, and I started in a light rain. As soon as I got started, I ran into Right Here, who I met prior to starting at Springer Mountain. The last time I saw him was in Franklin, N.C. He has been doing well but has lost a lot of weight also. We walked together for an hour our so and compared experiences. I am sure I will see him more often now.I continued on and entered the Roller Coaster. It is a 13.5 mile section, which contains multiple ups and downs closely spaced together. What I didn't know, was it is also extremely rocky. Continuous rocks are tough on the feet and really slow your progress. The light rain continued all day, making all the rocks and roots very slippery. At about 5:30 P.M., I reached the side trail leading to the Bear's Den Hostel. What a wonderful place this turned out to be. It is a huge mansion built from stone by a Washington doctor many years ago. Back in the 80's, it became property of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and they opened it as a hostel. It is still operated by the ATC. I ordered the hiker special, which includes a shower, a bed, a 14" pizza, a soft drink, a pint of Ben and Jerry's, and pancakes for breakfast. There were two large bunk rooms on the main level where I stayed. There were probably 20-30 hikers there, most of them familiar faces. Everybody was responsible for cooking their pizza and cleaning their dishes in the large, well equipped kitchen. This is a really beautiful house, and I am so glad I decided to stay here.
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early and was excited about today. Today, I would reach two big milestones. First, I would reach the 1,000 mile mark. Second, I would arrive in Harper's Ferry, WV, and sign in at the ATC headquarters. After a pancake breakfast, I hit the trail. The trail was still rocky, and I had several more miles of the Roller Coaster left to get through. Leaving Bear's Den, I met 50/50, whom I had not previously known. My goal was to get to the ATC headquarters before they closed at 5:00 P.M.After nearly 20 miles of rocks, I crossed over the Shenandoah River and reached Harpers Ferry. A blue blaze trail le me to the ATC office, where I signed in and had my picture taken. I was the 322nd northbound thru-hiker to make it to Harper's Ferry this year. I saw several others I knew who had signed in just before I did. The ATC had a restroom with a set of scales for hikers to check their weight, a hiker room with computers, and cold beverages. After getting my picture postcard, I walked about .6 miles to get to my hotel. Fortunately, it was all downhill. I was very tired from two consecutive 20 mile days, and my feet were numb from all of the rocks. I cleaned up, and the assistant manager gave me a ride to a restaurant in the downtown area and came back and got me after I finished. He was very nice and went out of his way to help me. Today was a big day, and I went to bed excited about my progress and looking forward to seeing my family on Monday.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had breakfast at the motel with Steve, Mobius, and Right Here. After breakfast, one of the desk clerks carried me back to the ATC office, where I took the blue-blaze trail back to the AT. As I walked by the spot where I fell yesterday, it brought back really bad memories and thoughts of what could have happened. I was glad to get past that spot. I continued on and passed the Jefferson Rock, crossed over the Potomac River, and continued north on the C&O Canal Path. For about 3-4 miles, the AT and C&O Canal Path are the same. The C&O Canal was built in the early 1800's. George Washington was a big proponent of the waterway and supported its construction. It is a 184 mile long canal built alongside the Potomac River from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD. It was built with locks and aquaducts to accommodate changes in elevation. A road was built beside it, so horses or oxen could pull barges up and down the canal. Most of the canal no longer has water in it, but the tow road has been turned into a trail to be used for walking, running, and bicycling. If you are a runner or cyclist, this one should be on your bucket list. My bruised thigh was really sore and stiff and really slowed my progress. AS the day went on, I decided I should stop at 11 miles and not overdo it with my leg. Since crossing the Potomac, I had been in Maryland. On this section of trail, I passed by many historical markers and parks, most of the dealing with Civil War History. By the middle of the afternoon, I reached my shelter. AS it turned out, I was the only one there for the night. I went to bed realizing tomorrow my family would arrive.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Washington Monument State Park
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up and hit the trail by 7:00 A.M. My leg was still limiting my pace. I was counting down the miles as I went, anxiously awaiting the chance to see family. We had arranged a meeting place, and I told them to expect me there near 11:00 A.M. At about 10:40 A.M., I saw the park ahead of me. I quickly scanned the parking lot in the distance, and there was our vehicle. As I got closer, I heard voices. I rounded a curve on the trail, and there a hundred yards in front of me were Mrs. Gray Ghost, Liz, Tuck, and Tanner. Tuck saw me first and came running to my awaiting arms. I picked him up and he said, "I missed you Papa." Shortly behind him came Tanner. I was floating on a cloud! I went over and hugged Mrs. Gray Ghost and Liz. They were sitting by the car with a couple of thru-hikers, who were enjoying some of the trail magic they had brought. We loaded up and headed to Chantilly, VA, where we will be staying for several days. We checked in, unloaded, and headed to Lens Crafters to replace my glasses, which had been damaged in the accident. Our next stop was Wegmans Supermarket, where we bought too much as we always do when we get a chance to go there. The rest of the day was spent just soaking in the love of my wonderful wife, daughter, and grandest of grandsons!
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Washington Monument State Park

To: Chantilly, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today, I went to Lens Crafters to pick up my new glasses. We also went to an outfitter store to replace my headlamp, which apparently was also damaged in the accident. We traveled to a trail road crossing to hand out trail magic, but we were there for an hour and did not see any hikers. Tuck and Tanner were getting restless, so we decided to leave, but we left cokes and chips with a note for hikers passing through. When we got back to the hotel, I took Tuck and Tanner to the swimming pool. It was a wonderful day with family.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Chantilly, VA

To: National Zoo
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was my second zero day, spending time with my family. We got up early and drove to the metro station nearest to us and took the subway to into Washington D.C. to the National Zoo. The boys were able to see elephants, lions, tigers, crocodiles, panda bears, snakes, horses, zebras, gorillas, orangutans, and a few other animals. The weather was perfect, and Tuck and Tanner really enjoyed their trip to the zoo. On the subway heading back home, both boys fell asleep. Tomorrow, I will be slack packing.