morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

1st wife writes: Today Beach Bum surprised me and I surprised him: he had roses sent to my school(something he's done only one other time on our 30th wedding anniversary) to commemorate our meeting 35 years ago on this date. I was driving up the Blue Ridge Parkway last Sunday (after leaving BB at the VA 130/US501 crossing) and stopping at each of the Trail crossings when I decided to leave him a love letter on the trail above the Dripping Rock parking area. He found it today! It was a surprise because I had not told him I was going home that way. He called tonight to say he hiked into Waynesboro and will be taking a zero day tomorrow. He did something to his leg on that tough climb out of Glasgow last Sunday and needs to rest it on ice. He has been hiking with Walking Cowboy, Tagalong, and Hojo.Was going to hike to a shelter about 5 miles from Rockfish Gap today, a hike of 15.8 miles. When I got there at 3:30, I decided to push on to allow me to do a zero tomorrow in Waynesboro, VA. 21 miles is a long hike for me but I think it will work out well.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Hello all, Beach Bum here in the Waynesboro Public Library. I'm doing a zero today and accomplishing all the hiker chores that go with it. Thanks again to all who sign my Guest Book. The words of encouragement mean so much. It's great to know that so many people off the trail are thinking of me and wishing me well. I stopped by the Post Office on my way to the library and received cards from my parents and two of my sisters. Thank you, it is good to receive mail. I also received an unexpected box from Craig and Cathy (Upload & Stitches, 2006 AT thru-hikers). They sent me home-made cookies, Cherry Licorice (made in Michigan) and a photo of them on the summit of Mt. Katahdin along with an encouraging note. What a kind and thoughtful thing to do. Thank you very much. It made my day. My hike is going very well. Visits every other week-end from Betty (1st Wife) have sure been a morale booster. Next week-end will be her last for a while as I move out of range of Virginia Beach. My next chore today is to photocopy my hand written journal pages and mail them to Betty. Sorry I'm so far behind with this; be sure to blame me not Betty, she will enter them when she gets them. I am also looking forward to my dad joining me on my hike from Harpers Ferry, WV to Pine Grove Furnace, PA. We hiked a short hike together last fall and I'm sure we'll enjoy this 80 mile section together. The AT is truly an incredible path thru the woods. It is one of those things that must be experienced to appreciate, words fail. Walking north.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA

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

Beach Bum called tonight to say he was still hiking north with Walking Cowboy and Martini & Rossi. Martini gave BB an ace bandage for his leg which has been swollen after hiking all day and that seems to help. Another friend, Joel who has done long distance biking, told me to remind him that he needs to drink lots of water for his ligaments, so BB sid he would be sure to keep that in mind. This last stretch was the easiest 20 miles he has hiked yet. 1st Wife
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was one of those days that made me feel grateful to be hiking the AT. The weather was beatiful, my mileage was low, and I ate a lot of food. I spent 3 hours total between the Loft Mountain Camround store and the Loft Mtn. Wayside on the Skyline Drive, eating food ad taking it easy. While at the camp store I met Gray Owl, a 2002 thru hiker from Virginia Beach. Later I stopped at a cold mountain stream and soaked my leg for about 15 minutes. All is well. I am in my tent and several deer are feeding about 15 feet away. I am tenting with Blazer and No Worries. Zero is in the shelter.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Lewis Mtn Campground
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

About a half mile north of Pinefield Hut this morning I saw two small black bear cubs climbing a tee. Mama bear was at the bottom of the tree watching me watching her. She was only about 30 feet away so I decided to keep walking. She was OK with that. They were beautiful animals. I rented a hiker cabin at Lewis Mtn. Campgrund. Staying here with No Worries, Blazer, B-Line and Grogger.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Lewis Mtn Campground

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Another beautiful hiking day. Blazer, No Worries, and I are stopped for a 2 1/2 hour lunch at Big Meadows Wayside. Mucho calories!B-Line and Grogger are in the shelter. Blazer, No Worris, and I are in tents.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

What a great day! After a 5 mile hike this morning, I stopped for breakfast with Blazer and No Worries at the Skyland Dining Room. While there I spotted 357 Magnum eating with his wife, Kim. It was good to see him again and very nice to meet Kim.Spent 2 hours there, started hiking again, and I soon came upon a rattlesnake stretched out across the trail. I was only one step from stepping on him before I spotted him. I took his picture and then he slithered into the woods. Later on, the trail entered a picnic area. Four very kind people invited me to join them.(1st wife adds: BB told me he didn't hesitate to say "Yes" when they asked-something, I htink, he would have not probably done before.) We chatted while eating, then I took this photo before I stared hiking north again.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

I stopped at Elkwallow Wayside for a 2 1/2 hour breakfast and lunch. At Pass Mtn. Hut last night a guy named Mike shared a half gallon of ice cream with his fellow hikers. I found out today he is Mike Luetke, the nephew of Joel Luetke who was pastor of our church in Virginia Beach for many years. Mike teaches school in China. We had exchanged emails prior to our hikes. It was really good that our paths crossed. I wish him well and hope to see him again.Tenting tonight with Blazer and No Worries. Grogger, B-Line, and a family of 4 are in the shelter along with 357 Magnum.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Manassas Gap
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

When I got to Manassas Gap, I walked 1.2 miles on VA 55 to Linden, VA. Betty et me at about 10:30. We drove to Winchester, VA nd checked into the Comfort Inn(1st wife adds the parenthetical remarks: BB was excited to see the hotel was attached to a Denny's!) 357 Magnum and I had made plans to pick him up at Ashby gap at 1:30. (That's on VA 17, not too far from Winchester. I had made hotel reservations for 357 after BB told me their plans.) The 3 of us went out to dinner at an AYCE seafood restaurant(the 220 Seafood on Rt.7-highly recommended!) then went to Starbucks for coffee and dessert. Sure beats trail food!
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Winchester, VA

To: Winchester, VA
Miles today: 0.0

1st Wife writes:Beach Bum and I started the day by attending Shepherd of the Hills Church here in town. Sara and Terry Grunert are members there and it was good to see them again. It was a Communion service, which was good for BB who hasn't been to a service since starting the Trail in March. I enjoyed sitting next to Beach Bum in worship, too. After lunch we drove up to Harpers Ferry to scope out the place for meeting BB's dad later in the week. We went to the ATC where I bought a few things and became members. Ran into JohnKnee Mud there-good visiting with him again. The town was packed with people and no place to park, so instead of stopping there at the outfitters for a spoon, we headed out of town and bought a set of Lexan cutlery at WalMart. After dinner, we returned to the hotel where BB was able to ice his leg and rest.
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Manassas Gap

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

1st Wife writes: We had breakfast with 357 Magnum in the hotel and then brought him to Ashby Gap for his hike to resume. Check out the photos I took of him-he seemed happy to be getting back on the trail. Then Beach Bum and I had lunch together before returning to Manassas Gap on Rt 55 outside Linden, VA for him to start hiking north again. While we were in the parking area, some day hikers came by and asked BB how far he was going...they were quite surprised when he said, "Maine." Beach Bum also seemed very happy to return to the trail. I walked a little way with him, but then returned to the highlander and drove to the Grunerts' home before for a short visit before returning to Virginia Beach....Betty and I dropped off 357 Magnum at Ashby Gap. We went back to the hotel, ate brunch, then Betty dropped me off at Manassas Gap. It was a short day today and a nice hike. Monkey, Cocoa, and Claw Hammer(a section hiker from Gettysburg, PA) are in the shelter. I am tenting. I started using my second pair of boots today. Betty brought a new Tyvek ground sheet(Thanks, Irene!)My old one was looking pretty rough.
Date: 2007-05-29
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

It rained last night, but I was snug and dry in my tent and slept very well. Just past Rod Hollow shelter I started the "Roller Coaster"-there were some steep climbs but they didn't last too long. Also at the shelter tonight are Monkey and Cocoa, Claw Hammer and 4 other section hikers.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

I got to Bears Den Hostel at 9:00 and enjoyed a pint of Cherry Garcia ice cream and a can of root beer. Now that is a good tasting 1000 calorie breakfast. I completed the Roller Coaster today and am now only 0.3 mile short of the 1000 mile mark. My dad will join me in Harpers Ferry, WV tomorrow and hike to Pine Grove Furnace, PA with me. It will be great to have a hiking partner for 80 miles. At the shelter tonight with Claw Hammer, Blowgun, and Jap. We are all tenting.
Date: 2007-05-31
From: David Lesser Memorial shelter

To: Ed Garvey shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Beach Bum hiked into Harpers Ferry and was met by his Mum, Dad, sister Becky, and her husband Jimmy. He was hiker #150 to check in and get the photo at the ATC. After lunch at Ruby Tuesday's and a trip to Walmart for supplies, he and his dad began walking north together.1st WifeWhat a day! I passed the 1000 mile mark, left Virginia behind, and entered Harpers Ferry, WV. I registered at the ATC office and had my photo taken. (#150) I met my dad, mom, Becky, and Jimmy (sister and brother-in-law) there, too. They took me to a great lunch at Ruby Tuesday¢s. My dad and I then hiked about 6 miles to the Ed Garvey Shelter. It was a good climb out of town. We are in Maryland tonight, sleeping in the shelter.
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Ed Garvey shelter

To: Rocky Run shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: few clouds

Beach Bum called again to tell me all was well with him and his dad. They have decided to take it slow and easy. After spending last night in the shelter with someone snoring, they decided to sleep in the tent tonight. (I think his dad wants to get the "real" trail experience, too.)1st Wife It was a hot, sunny day of hiking today. Dad and I hiked together all day, talking most of the way. The rocky run Shelter itself is closed for repairs so we are tenting nearby. Dad says the worst part of hiking is the food. I tend to agree. (1st Wife adds: Beach Bum¢s mom spoils the men in her family with sit down meals and home made desserts 3 times a day.) It started raining at about 10 PM. We don¢t know how long it lasted since we fell asleep.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Rocky Run shelter

To: Pin Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was another hot hiking day. We visited the Washington Monument(see photos for details) and took some photos. We got to the shelter early today. It sounded like it would storm, so we set up the tent right away. Blazer and No Worries showed up later. It was great to see them again. We have not seen many thru-hikers lately.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Pin Knob Shelter

To: Free State Hostel, Wolfsville Rd MD 17
Miles today: 8.0

Beach Bum called tonight to say that he and his dad were enjoying the hospitality of BonePac and his family at the Free State Hostel. For those of you who don't know, BonePac was a thru hiker last year and this year he bought property in Maryland near the trail to open this hostel. For the full story, read his online journal(The Free State). 1st WifeOur plan today was to go to the Free State Hostel. It turned out to be a very good decision. Shortly after we arrived it started to rain. The hostel itself is clean, beautiful, and well laid out. Best of all, the owner, Ken Berry, (Bone PAC, GA-ME 06) treated us great. He was kind enough to shuttle us into town for a Chinese buffet dinner and food resupply. Dad and I ate dinner with Blazer, No Worries, Pogue, and Focus.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Free State Hostel, Wolfsville Rd MD 17

To: Devil's Racecourse
Miles today: 5.1

Beach Bum called to say they were taking it fairly easy, planning to do 10 mile days(and a 13) to get them to Pine Grove Furnace by Friday. When I asked how they were doing, he replied,"Getting better everyday!" After reaching the half way sign, they will be transported back to Sidman(thanks brother-in-law) and Beach Bum will do two zero days while visiting his family. 1st wifeTented with Gopher, Blazer, No Worries, and Dad. Did a nice easy hike today.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Devil's Racecourse

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

It was a beautiful hiking day today, cool and breezy. We crossed the Mason Dixon Line into Pennsylvania, my seventh state. Dad and I decided to do a longer hike than I originally planned today. It was a good decision. Backyard Boogie came into camp. It was good to see him again. Many hikers are here. Dad and I are tenting with Blazer, No Worries, Backyard Boogie, and many others.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Three months on the trail today. It was great hiking today, cool and sunny. We stopped at Taormina¢s Restaurant for lunch. Dad and I are tenting tonight. Lots of hikers here: Blazer, No Worries, Backyard Boogie, Monkey, Cocoa, Wing Heart, Pogue, and early Bird.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: Toms Run Shelters
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Dad and I had a good hike today. It was a bit warm in the afternoon, but we moved north nicely. We met Judo and Diesel while we were eating lunch at Birch run Shelter. We are both looking forward to Sidman, PA ( Dad¢s home) for rest, cleanup, and good food.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Toms Run Shelters

To: Pine Grove Furnace
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Dad and I hiked past the half way point on the AT this morning. We arrived at Pine Grove Furnace State Park store in time to witness Sublime break the half gallon challenge record. He downed his half gallon of ice cream in 3 minutes and 48 seconds. (1st Wife adds: I think his method showed great higher-level thinking problem solving skills! See photos for details.)Becky, Jimmy, and my mom came to pick us up. I¢m going to my parents¢ home for 2 zero days. My dad¢s hike is over. He and I each enjoyed hiking together very much. He has a good feel for what hiking the AT is all about.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Sidman, PA

To: still home
Miles today: 0.0

1st wife here- While at his folks,Beach Bum's Aunt Mary and cousin, Chris, visited from Binghampton, NY. This is quite an accomplishment because they have not seen Beach Bum for decades. I never met Chris, but I can definitely see the resemblance, especially in the hair!
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Pine Grove Furnace

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Dad and Mom dropped me off at Pine Grove Furnace and I resumed my hike after 2 very good zero days. Met Mystery Chicken and Stretch at a grocery store on Hunters Run Road. I am tenting as is Mystery Chicken. Stretch, Lois Martin, Ankle(UK) and Ravioli are in the shelter.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

I had a long hot hike today. It was rocky with climbs at both ends and flat in the middle. I stopped in Boiling Springs, PA for breakfast and a rest. Later in the day I caught up with the Toesocks. We are staying in the shelter tonight. It is raining hard with lightning and thunder. We got to the shelter before it started. Life is good.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannan, PA
Miles today: 11.3

Beach Bum called tonight to tell me he is staying at the Doyle Hotel. He really seems to like the bar that is on the street level of the hotel. There are quite a few hikers there tonight including the Toesocks, Big Gulp, Walnut, and Low Gear. He said this place is well suited to thru hikers. He is paying less for the room tonight than I paid for lunch today at Tropical Smoothies. I received his photos and journal copy today so I will be adding those later.1st WifeDay 100-Hiked into Duncannan, PA today. Staying at the famous Doyle Hotel. The Toesocks are here. Also here are Big Gulp, Walnut, Low Gear and Eulah. I think we got a sample of the Pennsylvania rocks today on the decent into Duncannon.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Duncannan, PA

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was cloudy and cool today. Good for hiking. There was a steep climb out of Duncannon then some fun rocks for a mile or so. The rest of the hike was fairly easy along the ridge of Peters Mtn. Many hikers I hadn¢t met before are staying in the shelter. BIG Sky, Pony Whisperer, Yard Sale( I hadn¢t seen him since Georgia.), Yorkie, Climber, Alpine, Frito, Jazz Nuts, Waffle, and Knifey Spoony.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was another good hiking day, cool and cloudy. The trail was fairly mild today, except for the 1000 foot climb out of Clarks Creek. A group of Boy Scouts are occupying the shelter. Thru hikers are tenting: Beach Bum, Alpine, Pony Whisperer, Frito, Climber, and Castinets.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

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

It was a hot hike today. I am now 994.8 miles from the top of Mt Katahdin. I love the 501 Shelter. Glow worm, Glow Pop, Mike and Louise did trail magic at the shelter. They brought Strawberry Pie, Ice Cream, Fruit Salad, Italian Ice, Chocolate Cake, Chips and Soda. Thanks very much! Glow worm thru hiked last year and summitted Mt Katahdin with Grey Fox. Mike thru hiked in 2000. I am in the shelter with Alpine, Pony Whisperer, Jazz Nuts, Green Hornet and Stretch.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: 501 shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Not a very interesting hiking day today. It felt like I was just putting in the miles. I¢m really looking forward to seeing Betty tomorrow. Stretch and Jazz Nuts are in the shelter. Green Hornet and I are tenting. Alpine and Pony Whisperer are also sheltering.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

Had a nice hike into town today. I met Betty at the Microtel.1st wife adds: Beach Bum noticed Stretch being dropped at the motel by a police cruiser¢¦turns out she had a severe case of poison ivy and needed medical attention as it had turned into a secondary infection. Later Beach Bum and I drove her to Reading for emergency care. Also at the hotel were No Worries, Blazer, Fire Marshall, and Backyard Boogie.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Hawk Mtn Road crossing
Miles today: 15.2

Backyard Boogie, Fire Marshall, and I hiked together today. Betty picked us up at Hawk Mtn. Road and brought us back to the Microtel Hotel in Hamburg, PA. A very good day.1st wife adds: While the three guys were slackpacking north, I did some trail angel shuttling: I gave No Worries and Blazer a ride to the trail head from the hotel where Blazer told me he was really looking forward to getting out of town. Then Stretch, who was taking a zero due to her infection, and I checked out the Cabellas. Then we picked up Monkey and Cocoa and Eulah at the Pavillion in Port Clinton and drove them to a grocery store and then back to the Microtel, and Eulah to the outfitters¢ hostel. I was just saying goodbye to Eulah when the guys called saying they had made it to Hawk Mtn Rd. and were ready to get back to the hotel. I enjoyed chatting with all those thru hikers and the day flew by!
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Hawk Mtn Road crossing

To: Blue Mtn Summit PA 309
Miles today: 11.5

Betty dropped us off at Hawk Mtn. Rd. and we (Backyard Boogie, Fire Marshall, and I) hiked to Blue Mtn. Summit. Betty picked us up there and brought us back to the hotel.1st Wife adds: More trail angel taxi service today. After dropping of the 3 slackpackers (still heading north, however) I gave Stretch, Monkey and Cocoa rides to the trail head and then found my way to Blue Rocks campground to get the very soggy No Worries and Blazer. They had had a rough night out in the storm and Blazer was sick and needing a hotel. I also ran into Eulah, Big Gulp, Walnut, and Low Gear at the post office-good seeing them again. While waiting to pick up the guys, I decided to hike awhile to meet them. There are lots of rocks on the trail in PA, and I had to watch where I placed every step.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Blue Mtn Summit PA 309

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 13.6

Betty dropped us off (Backyard Boogie, Fire Marshall, and Beach Bum) and we said our goodbyes. The weather was great, there were some fun rock scrambles and best of all Backyard Boogie and I stopped along the trail and picked and ate blueberries for about 45 minutes. They were delicious(trail magic from God?)! We are spending the night in the basement of the Palmerton Municipal Building. It is known as the jailhouse-there is no charge and they treat you great.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy Smith shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a ride from the hostel to the trail head. I had a lot of fun climbing the rocks out of Lehigh Gap. There were great views back into the gap. I am tenting tonight with Backyard Boogie, Fire Marshall, Wolf, Salaam, and Mystery Chicken.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Leroy Smith shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Pennsylvania Rocks! Mucho rocks today. Backyard Boogie and I spent 2 12 hours off the trail today. We walked into wind Gap, PA for a late breakfast. I had a 3 egg western omelet, 2 cups of coffee, a side order of scrapple, a slice of apple pie and some ice cream. Gee aint it great to be a hiker! Stubble¢s wife met him at the diner so Stubble kindly gave us a ride (2 miles) back to the trail. Thanks, Stubble! I am tenting tonight with Backyard Boogie on a ridge just past the shelter. There is a beautiful view of the valley below.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a good walk into Delaware Water Gap, PA today. Backyard Boogie, Fire Marshall, and I had just ordered a late breakfast at the DWG Diner when Betty showed up. We are staying at the Quality Inn in Stroudsburg, PA with a zero day planned for tomorrow.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Stroudsburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0

I had a very god rest today. Betty and I went swimming in the hotel pool-felt great. Backyard Boogie, Betty and I went to a very nice Irish Pub in Stroudsburg for dinner. I had a Guinness Stout with corned beef and cabbage. Now that's good tral food.