morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-18
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 91 Cont. Trail Angel Mary¢sMary picked me up from the airport at 4 pm my plane landed at 12. Duncannon seemed familiar when I got back. It was too late in the day to hike and Mary offered me a free place to stay. Mary is a great person, she loves to take care of hikers. She worked at a bar for 7 years in Duncannon where she developed 58 flavors of chicken wings. When she quit, she took ¢em with her. She works one night a week at the pub and hustles Avon the rest of the time. She made the ¢Presidents Club¢ in two months, she¢s proud. She¢s 58 with a few kids and is at odds with the people at the Doyle. She¢s a ¢Pepper Head¢ too, she hooked me up with some dried pepper concoctions she had made. I spent the night watching 5,000,000 steps, a documentary about thru hiking in 1986. I fell asleep and woke up with a blanket over me that Mary had placed, I smiled.
Date: 2007-09-19
From: Home

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 92 11.2mi Darlington ShelterI went to the PO to get my gear, took me to about 12pm to get out of town. I hugged Mary goodbye and road walked out of town. I can tell my body is heavier, I guess after 1,000 miles a change of weight is sensitive in my legs and feet. It¢s good to be going back into the woods. I could tell that today was going to be a short warm up day. I stopped at Darlington Shelter about 4 pm. I noticed a guy with a bear to his belly setting up his tent. I went over to talk, he introduced him self as Paul ¢Whiskers¢ We seemed to hit it off quick. Not sure how we got into it, but we started talking about music, both of out favorite things to talk about. He has a collection of 3,000 albums, which is funny because I am just getting interested in them after my trip to Boston. We talked about obscure people and bands. He was amazed at what I had heard at my ¢young age¢. He couldn¢t belierve I had herad of J.Geils Band. One of his favorites. Paul is 61, a self confessed hippie with a pony tail to boot. The moment where his life changed was in 1970, he was 24. He had been playing baseball on 3 different teams 7 days a week to keep his game up. He finally got scouted to try out for the Detroit Tigers. He was great, but was told he was too old. At that point his life became normal. He quit baseball, and dropped the straight edge look and lifestyle. He quit performing for others, got into music, and started growing his beard, which he has yet to cut. At 61 he plays hockey, old 1800¢s rules baseball with no gloves, and discovered the AT 12 years ago. He has hiked all of it from Springer, GA to Duncannon, PA. He is out now for a week. He has been watching his grandson all day and working all night at the PO. He is fed up with that routine and out here relaxing. He hopes to finish this trail ¢before he can¢t¢. I can feel regret coming from Paul about his life. I got him to talk about what he likes and what he has done. He has visited almost every national park in the US and backpacked in about half. He went on and on about it, and at the end he said ¢you know, I¢ve done a lot of things that most people haven¢t¢. He smiled. I was happy to see him drop his regret of baseball.He offered me some sausage that I cooked over the fire he had built. In all we talked about 5 hours. It was ¢Hiker¢s Midnight¢ 9pm. I went to bed.
Date: 2007-09-20
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Tagg run Shelter
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 93 26.5 Campsite at Tagg run ShelterToday I hike for Holly E., the girl I met at the festival. Today she is recovering from surgery. I am on the move. She came to mind often today, I could not commit to the recovery of back surgery. I think that it would be harder than what I am doing. I hope for a few minutes a day I can take her away from there.I fell different out here since I went home. I feel more settled. I know that my family is ok, and it¢s ok without me. I feel good in my pack, good on my feet. Speaking of feet, my hiking boots were done. I picked up some trail running sneakers from Mountain Sports LTD in Bristol. They feel much better than boots. In a way I feel more like a thru hiker in them. Faster I guess. Today I walked through miles of soybean, corn, and grass fields. Past farms, over numerous highways and roads. Today the word traveler comes to mind. I have come to a realization that I have traveled a great distance and am on the move. The weight of being halfway lifted from me today. I feel like I haven¢t been consistent with my hiking since NY. I gain peace from knowing that I don¢t have to hike fast, just consistent. I have never hiked with a plan, so when I hike with others I adopt their plan because it doesn¢t matter. So for now I feel good by myself. I tried the half gallon challenge at the end of the hiking today. This is a challenge where a thru hiker will eat a half gallon of ice cream as fast as they can to represent the halfway point. The record is 4 min 14 sec. I got Neapolitan and ate 34. All I could do, I didn¢t want to make myself sick. I didn¢t eat dinner after that. So I¢m living a kid¢s dream, I had ice cream for dinner.
Date: 2007-09-21
From: Tagg run Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter.
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 94 24.5 Quarry Gap Shelter. I passed the halfway mark today. I realized that I haven¢t thought of quitting once. There are a few SOBO¢s who are quitting in Harper¢s Ferry. They say they¢ve had enough. I¢ve heard from a few NOBO¢s that their favorite part was TN/NC, so I feel fortunate to live there and am getting close. I met a day hiker today who commented that I looked healthy for being half way. I had lunch at Pine Grove Furnace state park. I am craving sugary drinks like never before. Most of the day was spent on ridgeline. I ended the day at ¢one of the nicest shelters on the AT¢. The caretaker is James Stugart who visits multiple times a week. The shelter has hanging baskets, mums, and other flowers. Most of my thoughts today revolved around how I am going to help hikers when I get back. I think the trail will always be a part of my life.
Date: 2007-09-22
From: Quarry Gap Shelter.

To: .1 Short of PA state line ( Mason Dixon Line)
Miles today: 20.4

Day 95 20.4mi Short of PA state line ( Mason Dixon Line)Today I hike for my times at Science Hill High School. Today is my 10 year high school reunion. So it brings back to mind memories of that time. I was asked countless times by teachers, ¢What do you want to be?¢, I finally have an answer. I want to be happy, nothing more, nothing less. Mike Massey reminded me in an email that I said in my freshman year that I wanted to hike the trail, I didn¢t know I was telling people back then. I haven¢t kept up with anyone from that time. Friends are friends in a point in time for that time. It¢s impossible to hold on to something that isn¢t there. I figure most of to tonight will be spent on seeing what kind of adults we¢ve become. ¢What do you do?¢ will be heard many times over. I hear that question posed out here on the trail. Maybe it¢s used as a gauge, or maybe it is simple curiosity. Either way to me it is uninteresting. ¢Are you happy and doing what you want to do¢ is a question I like to hear. I laugh at all of my times I had at Science Hill. Racing to beat the bell, girlfriends, fights, bonfires, football, bicycle racing, first times, friends, discovering the amazing affects of Alcohol, thanks Joel, and all that goes with that time. I cannot relive it nor hold on to it, it was my one chance that is now a good memory. Today was a good day, all day.I got a hitch on the first try to a grocery store. Called Becky. She commented that I always sound better when I hike alone. I got a ride back to the trail from the first try too. I spent they day chatting with dayhikers and playing in my head. Tonight I will wake up at 3 am to do the four state challenge. I will leave PA enter MD, go through WV, and finish in VA. About 43 miles in all in 24 hours. Some people mail their packs ahead, most have a partner. I will be carrying my pack, and I will be alone. I am interested to see how I can push myself by myself.
Date: 2007-09-24
From: VA State Line

To: Blackburn Center
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 97 10.1mi Blackburn CenterI had rolled my ankle on the way up the last bit last night, didn't hurt too bad last night, but it was sore this morning. I was tored and dragging. When I got to the center I saw Princess Brat's pack, then I heard "Farsang!". She cam running, bear hugged me. She didn't think she would see me for a while. She had a bad spider bite on her Achilles tendon. It was swollen badly. I met Redwing, and Hopeful, the caretakers, who had also thru hiked. We all pitched in and made a big salad, a pot of spaghetti, and brownies. I had not eaten that good in a while. Me and Alpine sat outside on the porch, talked, it was good having them back around.
Date: 2007-09-25
From: Blackburn Center

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 98 7.9mi Bears Den HostelI had been waiting to stop at the Bear's Den since I had heard about it in ME. A beautiful rock structure, once owned by a physician, now by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. I walked with a new southbounder, "Jack and the Beanstalk", to the den.   Just small talk. When arrived I noticed two cars with Washington County, TN plates. I later found out they belonged to Howard and Faye of Jonesborough. They had been with Bruce Darby and Tomco in NH. The world gets smaller. While there a met a man named Dave Apel from Wisconsin. He has been volunteering here for 10 years. He is 83 and loves the place, and the Den loves him. I purposely did not take a picture of him. He is remarkably featured and easy to remember.Earlier in the day I was sitting outside and saw Alpine running up without his pack, I knew something was wrong. Princess Brat walked as far as she could, her joints started aching, her breathing was tight. We hopped in Dave's van, off to the rescue. We laid her in the van and took her to the Den. Alpine is an EMT and felt that if he lanced the boil to relieve the pressure she may be ok. I held her hand, reminded here of all the good times while he did it. Nothing came out. This is bad. The white we are seeing is just dead skin. Brown recluse, we all thought. Princess was very hesitant about going to the doctor, her mom told her otherwise.
Date: 2007-09-26
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 99 0 day Bear's DenPrincess Brat went to the urgent care and was given oral antibiotics and some other medication. They wanted her to go to the hospital, but she was not having that. I was going to hike out today, but Puck, Cat, and Appleseed showed up. Alpine and Brat decided to go back to GA for her to recover. I wanted to spend a few last days with them. I spent the day driving around "Wisconsin Dave" He told me he was a logger and only two years ago he was cutting and "easy tree" when he shifted back 14 feet, he was standing at 10. That one instant had him in the hospital for 3 months. I observed how strong he was now, and how easily he gets along. Him and Alpine had spent the morning splitting logs, lucky Alpine. All of the hikers went down to the Bear's Den Cliffs and watched the sunset. When we got back Queen Diva, the manager, had chili made for us. We all ate our fill and afterwards Mary Sue played music she had written on guitar. Some songs really hit close to home. After the music we all went down to the cliffs and climbed around on the rocks and through the tunnels. We climbed through every tunnel. We commented on wondering how many hikers had been there and not realized the labyrinth. Today was a good zero to make new friends.
Date: 2007-09-27
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Tent Site at 1188.2
Miles today: 2.8

Day 100 2.8mi Tent Site at 1188.2Couldn't get moving this morning. Appleseed, puck, and cat hiked out. Alpine, Princess Brat, and I went down to the cliffs to say goodbye. We started talking about Mexican food, and that sounded good. I had obviously worn out my welcome with Queen Diva, so they picked me up down the road and we headed for Mexican. We got back , headed back down to the cliffs for a real goodbye. I know I'll see them again, but for now I will miss them.   They say they will be back on Nov. 1st. It was 4:30 pm. Not much time to hike. A storm was coming, so I set up my tent and slept peacefully through the lightning and the thunder. With all of the great people that I have met on this journey, I have adopted a few thoughts. One is that the trail is not about the views or the mountains, these will always be here for us in this lifetime. The trail is my mode of travel, the people are truly what make this trail. Oh yeah, my other thought; No Hurry, No Worry.
Date: 2007-09-28
From: Tent Site at 1188.2

To: camp at 1205.3
Miles today: 17.1

Day 101 17.1 camp at 1205.3Slow start. It rained all night, a cold front moved through. I put my earplugs in and hat over my eyes and slept like a baby. I started to stay at dicks some shelter, but it was a dump, so I hiked on a little.
Date: 2007-09-29
From: camp at 1205.3

To: Hogwallow Spring 
Miles today: 23.5

Day 102 23.5 camp at Hogwallow Spring 1128.8Spent the day cruising along. I entered Shennondoah National Park. I filled out my official SNP backcountry permit. I was weary of signing it, I didn¢t know what rights I was giving up. I also walked by a zoological center that was closed down. It housed maybe 1000 acres.   It was all grown up and looked like it had been closed since Bush took office, No Joke!I felt good on my feet, I even did some real climbing. I was up to 2950 dt, I haven¢t been up there since MA. I was looking for a campsite when I saw a bear move to my right, he saw me and laid down. I walked another 400 ft and saw a mom and 2 cubs, they took off. Then I saw a perfect spot to set camp, maybe not the smartest move but I camped. It¢s good to be in SNP, I¢ve heard about it all my life.
Date: 2007-09-30
From: Hogwallow Spring 

To: MaryÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Rock
Miles today: 19.6

Day 103 19.6 Mary¢s RockToday I hike for Clayton Massey I thought of him today because of all the motorcycles I saw on Skyline drive. I¢ve always known Clayton as a no nonsence guy with a great since of humor. I hope he is still riding, even if it is not his classic BMW.Today I felt fast on my feet. Started out by seeing another bear in a tree. I had lunch at the Elkwallow wayside. I had one of those blackberry milkshakes I¢ve been hearing about. I climbed up one side and down the other of many mountains. I stopped for water at Pass MTN hut, no water. I stopped a few miles later at the ranger station. I looked up to the top of the mountain and saw cliffs, those were mary¢s rock. I knew I wanted to camp up there. I watched the sunset and saw a spot just big enough for my tent. The wind was blowing and it was a little cooler at 3500 ft.
Date: 2007-10-01
From: MaryÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Rock

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 23.7

Day 104 23.7mi Bearfence HutThe wind blew all night. I stopped at big meadows where my parents had stayed a few years ago. I stopped by the campground and listened to a guy play guitar for a while. It was good to hear music. Eventhough I always have a song going in my head. I have seen countless deer, most are not timid. I hiked the last 8 mi in 2.5 hours. At dark I was happy to go to sleep.
Date: 2007-10-02
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Campsite on Loft MTN
Miles today: 24.6

Day 105 24.6mi Campsite on Loft MTNStarted out the day kind of sad, not sure why. It passed after a few hours though. The advantage of hiking so far in a day is that I have more chances to get water. Water is the talk of the trail from the section and day hikers. I didn¢t talk much else with them. I got my water today from a picnic area then a ranger station. Springs were dry. I booked a trip for me and my dad to go to Bridge day in WV, then raft on the Gauley River. I¢ve been missing my parents strongly lately, this will be good to catch up with my Dad. I found a great place to camp on Loft Mtn. I like hiking alone, but being alone in the evening is getting harder.
Date: 2007-10-03
From: Campsite on Loft MTN

To: Waynesboro, VA YMCA
Miles today: 29.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 106 29.2mi Waynesboro, VA YMCAI knew I had to hike today at 3mph to make it out of Shennondoah. I walked by the Loft Mtn campground, a woman said ¢coffee & Doughnuts¢. I didn¢t miss a step and turned right into their campsite. It was a couple celebrating their anniversary. One night away from the kids in two years. I sat and talked for 40 min or so, then headed off. I hiked the next 21 on 2.5 liters of water. I was thirsty, but no water to be found. At the last shelter I found a slow trickle from a spring. Perfect! I filled up, drank two liters, and hiked on into Waynesboro.I made it right before sunset. I saw a guy in the parking lot. I asked him which way to Waynesboro. He offered a ride. We stopped by the mexican restaurant and had dinner. I found out his name was Ron. He rode bicycles most of his life. He was hit by a car a while ago and his hip had to be replaced with a ¢replacement¢. He is only 37, now walks with a stiff gait, and I felt an understood tone of bitterness when it comes to that day. We talked music most of the time. He used to make guitars and is a talented musician. He ended up paying for dinner and dropping me off by the ¢Y¢.   Another great experience.I have completed another section of my journey. The Shennondoahs! I moving on, closer to TN
Date: 2007-10-04
From: Waynesboro, VA YMCA

To: Waynesboro, VA YMCA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 107 0 Day Waynesboro, VAHad a very relaxing, very good 0. The day was long, the food was good, the people were good. What more could I ask for. Last night Appleseed, Sugar, Puck, and Cat showed up. We had a good time catching up.   I got an offer this morning to go to the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association ¢gathering¢. It was a very hard choice, but I need to keep moving.
Date: 2007-10-05
From: Waynesboro, VA YMCA

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 108 20.8 Maupin Field ShelterI had a slow start to the day. I went to breakfast with everyone at Weasies. Good pancakes! I got a ride from a woman who had a day off from her two jobs back to the trail. I walked about 15mi and I hear someone yelling at me. It startled me, it was Pyro. He had stayed a few nights in Waynesboro after taking a side trip to Katahdin since he didn¢t get to climb it in June. He talked non stop to the shelter. We ran into some weekend hikers who had some MRE¢s. I had the leftovers. I haven¢t slept in a shelter for a while and didn¢t prefer it.
Date: 2007-10-06
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Days Inn Staunton, VA
Miles today: 18.2

Day 109 18.2mi Montebello, VA (Days Inn Staunton, VA)Becky called me a few days ago and told me she was going to meet me in Montebello, VA and see me for a day. How could I say no. All I wanted to do was to get these miles over with to see her. Of course I had a 3100 ft climb up and over ¢The Priest¢ in my way. Pyro caught up to me right before the climb at the Tye River. We took off up it. I kept a steady pace, it was hot and humid. I was wet as if I had been rained on. Pyro took a break, I wanted to keep moving. At the top I laid down to cool down. I spent the rest of the day making the miles. I got to the service road where I dropped down to Montebello. At the bottom, she was there. We were very excited to see each other. We had German food at the Edlewiess restaurant, authentic, and since it was October, I had a liter of the Octoberfest beer.
Date: 2007-10-07
From: Days Inn Staunton, VA

To: Stauton, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Day 110 0 Day Stauton, VAWe spent the day exploring the town. Resting, and drying out my gear at the park. I asked her if she was going to go home tonight, it was logical. I asked her to stay, she easily said yes. I was relieved. We had some Mexican food that Becky even liked. It¢s good to have my buddy around.
Date: 2007-10-08
From: Stauton, VA

To: Bald Knob mountain
Miles today: 13.5

Day 111 13.5mi Bald Knob mountainSlept good. I had a big breakfast from Hardees. We got to the trailhead at 12 pm. We hugged many times and said goodbye. I hated to leave, but it helps that I¢m so close to TN. She is my buddy and I feel at home when she is around. Today I noticed that the woods had turned yellow. The ground has turned gold. Fall is here eventhough the temp is 90. I am unusually tired tonight, ready for sleep at 8 pm. I camped at 4059¢, the leaves are falling on my tent.
Date: 2007-10-09
From: Bald Knob mountain

To: John Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: few clouds

Day 112 22.9mi John Hollow ShelterI started kind of slow, kind of sad. A guy down at the road had a jug of water, I filled up. I hiked with a local guy on and off. It was 93 degrees, that is a stupid temp for October. Pyro met me at Punch bowl Shelter. This shelter is one that my Dad remembers from his hike through here. The pond was muddy, no water here! Pyro built a fire. He always does!
Date: 2007-10-10
From: John Hollow Shelter

To: Bryant ridge Shelter
Miles today: 26.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 113 26.6mi Bryant ridge ShelterClimbing was the name of the game today. We dropped down to the James River 690ft. Climbed eventually up to 4225¢ at Apple Orchard Mtn. With a few droppes and climbs in between. About 11 miles of climbing in all. I led all day, been hungry and thirsty for most of it. Someone has been leaving water at the road crossings, it helps so much. There has been a lot more climbing in VA than I expected. I see the end of this trip coming, but ignore it for now.
Date: 2007-10-11
From: Bryant ridge Shelter

To: Daleville, VA comfort Inn
Miles today: 30.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 114 30.3 mi Daleville, VA comfort InnMe and Pyro started out at 7am, just enough light to hike by. I remember in ME when we could walk at 4:30 am. We crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway a few times. Most of the day was spent on ridgeline. We hiked steady all day. About 9 miles to go I felt a blister on my right heel. Not much I could do about it. It was cold hiking today, 93 2 days ago. We came out to highway 11, a guy named Dale gave us a ride. He was the one leaving the water by the road. We checked into the motel, we did the normal stuff. Eat and clean up.
Date: 2007-10-12
From: Daleville, VA comfort Inn

To: Robert and KendraÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs House
Miles today: 21.3

Day 115 21.3mi Robert and Kendra¢s House.I had talked to my brother and sister in-law and planned to meet them at the Home place restaurant tonight. A family style buffet I had heard about since ME.I could have walked .5 back to the trail, but I would have skipped 2 miles. No skippin! So I walked the 1.3 back to where I left off. I tried to hitch, but no luck. Just about run over by cement rrucks though. I have them some friendly hand signals, which didn¢t include the peace sign. I hit the trail at 11:30 with 20 mi to go. I needed to be at Catawba, VA by 6. I hiked fast all day. I left out before Pyro. I felt my newly popped blister all day. I made it up to Tinker Cliffs, and the over to Mcafee Knob. I spent about 45 min up there. I met a guy from VT up there. He said he was thinking of hiking one day. I told him that he would, because it only takes that first thought. On my way down from Tinker cliffs I felt a shin splint starting in my left leg. It was full blown as I made my way down to Catawba. Pyro caught up to me on the way down. I invited him to dinner. We arrived at the road where Robert was waiting on us. The restaurant was a big farmhouse with many rooms. I gave Kendra a big hug careful to miss her belly. She is two weeks away from having me a nephew. As I talked to Kendra I felt a pinch on my butt. I slowly turned around to see Becky and her Mom (Becky is the one that pinched me.) They had both come up to just eat with me. It felt good to see Becky again. I was full, tired, my shin splint ached, and my blister hurt. Kendra Invited me and Pyro home. No hesitation from me. Surrounded by family felt good. I love being close to home.