morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Lewis Mountain Cabin

To: Big Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 8.7

Lewis Mountain cabin 10PM. Today I awoke to a wet tent but dry inside. I made breakfast in bed and finished my sticky bun. After packing up we hit the trail at 6:50. The 8 miles to Hightop Hut was mostly up and down with no views. It was very humid from the storm and I hiked again in sandals with no poles. At the hut we had a snack and talked to the Nashville guys. The German came in slack packing when I was leaving. Up and over the summit we stopped at a view with the section hikers and a thru hiker. Before reaching Swift Run Gap we got water at a stream for the last bog climb. Over a busy highway and through the South River area where we saw a few day hikers going to a falls. We rested before the last big climb up Baldface and on the final miles to camp I grew tired. Finally at 4:30 the campground tents came into view through the trees. At the store I found the Nashville guys and I bought cookies and milk. Soon we were in a large cabin with 2 rooms and porches with were soon full of wet damp gear. I bought beers and a sandwich for later. After a shower we were having cheese and chips with beer on the porch. Later I called my sister and parents. No service on my iPad but Janet's phone was working. Tomorrow on to Big Meadows and a shelter.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Big Meadow Lodge

To: Meadows Spring campsite
Miles today: 15.1

Meadow Spring campsite 9PM. After over 2 months on the trail this is the first time I am camping alone on the trail. I tried it once before way back in Georgia but failed. Today I awoke to my nice room at the lodge and had pancakes with sausage and coffee. The area was in the fog but at 9 we headed out to walk. It was cool and the walk to Rock Spring Hut was quiet. I stopped at the hut which was only 3 miles from the lodge. The place was empty and I read the trail register. Around Hawksbill I found Pantry watching a bear eating in the bushes. I large group of older hikers passed and were excited about the bear. I passed the horse stables and about 1 was in the Skyland restaurant with Janet having fish and chips. The sun came out for the hike to Stoney Man which had a great view. Four miles later at Pinnacles picnic area I made a shake and a few park visitors were in the area cooking hamburgs and chicken, it smelled great but I was not really hungry. It was after 7 when I arrived at the full Byrds Nest Hut. Janet was not there and I decided to hike on one more mile to a spring. Soon a fawn and large deer flew by the trail. Seconds later a bear ran up the trail. Too fast for a picture. At the trail junction I walked down to an old homestead. Only the chimney remained and I pitched my tent and had a quick cold dinner. A small spring is across the trail. Tomorrow is my last full day of hiking in the park.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Meadows Spring campsite

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Gravel Springs Hut 7 PM. Today I was on the trail before 7 AM in the cool fog. No view from Mary's Rock and the descent to Thorton Gap was cool and quick. I climbed to Pass Mountain Shelter and just missed Snuggles and Lazyboy. There was a section hiker at the shelter tenting and I took a 30 minute break before beginning the 7 1/2 mile hike to Elkwallow Wayside. I found Janet not long after leaving the shelter, she had been waiting for me at the Pinnicles and that is why she was not at the shelter yesterday. I made it to Elkwallow by noon. The trail was not difficult and the dirt path allowed me to hike 20 minute miles. At the Wayside I had a burger, fries, and choc. shake. I shared the picnic table with a couple from South Africa and a few other hikers. The 1000 foot climb to Hogback was easy in the cool air and sunshine. The fog had burned off and the views were great. A peregrine falcon nesting program at the summit had a volunteer monitoring the site. Down to the hut was quick and by 4 I was resting at the shelter with many young hikers out for one night. The shelter area is full with about a dozen hikers. Tomorrow I leave the park and head to a hostel in Front Royal.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal home
Miles today: 9.6

11 PM. Home of Tom and Sharon Johnson-Front Royal. Today I was up before 6 even though is was a short day to Terrapin Station Hostel near the park border. The morning hike was cool with views of the valley. The only climb was Compton Mtn which was quick. On the way to the summit I caught up to Janet who was watching 2 bear cubs up a tree while the mother was on the other side of the trail. We waited for the cubs to come down and cross the trail only to climb another tree. We hurried past and by 11:30 we arrived at Terrapin Station Hostel. Snuggles and Lazy Boy were leaving. I had not seen them since Four Pines Hostel. Count Daddy was also there due to an injury. Janet decided she needed to visit the hospital for a skin infection on her leg. She had stayed in Front Royal before and I decided to go along. Sharon picked us up and dropped me off at a grocery store where I had lunch and bought some food or the next section of trail. I still had a lot of food that never got used in the park due to all of the waysides and restaurants. We drove through he historic district and headed to their home. Sharon had us help make a dinner with shrimp and vegetables. I bought a bottle of wine and snacks for appetizers. We did laundry and I re packed my food bags late in the evening. Tomorrow I plan on slack packing 17 miles and soon Virginia will be done!
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Front Royal home

To: Terrin Station Hostel
Miles today: 16.5

Terrapin Station Hostel. 9 PM. Today I did my 3rd slack pack. We left the home of the Johnson's after a ham and eggs breakfast and arrived at the hostel at 7:30. By 8:30 I was on the trail at Trico Tower with Cogger,Trashbag and Timeout. It was a quick walk to Manassas Shelter and I stopped to read the register and talk to a section hiker. I found Snuggles and LazyBoy and not long after that T 1000. The 5 1/2 miles to Denton Shelter was not hard but it was getting warm. I passed many day hikers and weekenders. At the shelter I found Pantry, the South African couple, and the Germans. I took a long break on the nice chairs at the shelter before beginning the final 9 miles to the hostel. The trail followed fences for many miles and after crossing the hwy to Front Royal I climbed in the hot sun along the fence. I home along the trail provided water for hikers and was almost out of water. Finally I returned to the woods for the climb to the park entrance. I made a quick stop at Tom Floyd Wayside which was empty. Soon I was at the ComptonGap Trail and by 4 I was showering and enjoying a cold drink. Janet was recuperating and Hypsy Gypsy and Oak were also at the hostel. After showering we went to town with Mike he hostel owner and got a burger and milkshake at the Grilland made a quick stop at the grocery store. Back at the hostel we drank a bottle of wine and watchedthe Stanley Cup playoffs. Today I counted about 20 thru hikers and most of them were not familiar.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Terrin Station Hostel

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 20.8

Bears Den Hostel. 10:30 PM. Today Janet and I got dropped off at Trico Tower about 8:30In the cool fog to slack pack to Bears Den. We were not on the trail long before we caught up to the South African couple and hiked with them a few miles. The trail entered Sky Meadows State Park and I hiked through open meadows. Before arriving at Rod Hollow Shelter I came upon 2 ATC trail maintainers with weedwackers and chainsaws. One of the men was Laurie Porreingers husband. They asked me to sit in on a panel at the ATC meeting in July. At the shelter we had lunch in the pavilion and got ready for the roller coaster, 13 miles of up and downs. The first few climbs were ok but by the 6th climb and the rocks I was growing tired of the trail. I knew it would be after 6:30 when I arrived at the hostel and I still had 4 miles. The final mile was uphill and I was happy to see the hostel. Inside a church group had prepared a big dinner and soon I was eating a hamburg with salads and brownies for desert. No hiker dinner on my stove again tonight. Snuggles and Lazyboy allowed me to shower in their private room. They are celebrating their one year wedding anniversary. Janet arrived before 7 and after dinner we visited Lazyboys roo and had a beer. Tonight was a super moon and before bed we checked out the large moon over Bears Den. The bunk room is full of hikers watching a loud movie and it is going on midnight! Another long day.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Teahorse Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Teahorse Hostel. 9 PM. Today I slept until 7 and had fresh coffee from the kitchen. A person who was at the hostel was taking Greenbeans pack to ATC and she offered to take my pack. I said good bye to my hiking buddy SlowNSteady/Janet. She was meeting her husband in a few days and would be hiking fewer miles per day. By 8:30 I was on the trail for the final 4 miles of the roller coaster. Because I had to be at ATC before 5 I decided to skip the Blackburn Trail Center. I knew I had time but would rather spend the time in Harpers Ferry. I caught up to Greenbean and we hiked together for a few miles before Keys Gap. I passed a shelter and did not know that there would be no water for the rest of my hike. Greenbean had walked down the road to a store and brought me cold water. I still had 6 miles to town and most of it was downhill. A few sections were rocky and I was anxious to get to ATC. Soon I could hear thunder and when I reached the river I could see black clouds upstream. I hurried across the noisy bridge and hurried up the trail to ATC. It was only 3:40 when I arrived and many packs were outside. Inside the Warrior hikers were having a special event with music and cake. I took my picture for the logbook and was number 730. After the quick storm I headed up to the hostel and took a shower and rested. A hiker from Illinois shared my bunk space and we headed to the Canal House for dinner. Tomorrow I must wear my pack after 2 days of slack packing!
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Teahorse Hostel

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

Dahlgren Campsite. 9PM in my tent during a thunderstorm. Today started with a waffle breakfast with strawberries and blueberries. I stayed at Teahorse until 11 and then walked down to ATC. T 1000 was sitting outside and the place was quiet. Down the trail to the lower part of town and lots of hot tourists. I bought a water bottle at the outfitter and a milkshake down the street. By 11:30 I was on the towpath in Maryland. The climb up Weaverton was quick and easy even in the heat. At the Ed Garvey shelter I had a snack with Clover, Dorothy, and Prometheus. I was told my friend Freshstep was just up the trail. I found him wit h about 15 hikers at Gathland State Park. I dowsed my body with cold water from the spigot. It was hot and my clothes were soaked. 5 miles later at Rocky Run I was surprised to find a beautiful new shelter. I got water and made a shake. A ridge runner arrived and soon Aviator. It was 7 PM and I still had almost 2 miles to the campsite. I arrived to a mini tent city. New people and a Boy Scout group. I made dinner and got a shower before dark. Soon everyone was scrambling to get in tents as the thunder, lightning, and rain began to fall. I threw everything under the vestibule and jumped inside. Another wet tent tomorrow and I lost my spoon again.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: The Free State Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 13.7

Maryland Free State Hostel. 10 PM. Woke up to a wet tent and made coffee on the picnic table next to Clover and Dorothy. By 8:30 I was passing the South Mountain Inn and an old stone church. Not much longer I arrived at Washington Monument State Park. I explored the visitor center and old tower. The views were great of the farmland and Boonesboro. Over I 70 and on to Pine Knob Shelter for a snack and water. I had a 500 foot climb to Annapolis Rock which seemed long in the heat and humidity. I flew down the trail with Dorothy and by 3:30 was in the large clean and empty hostel. When 2 thru hikers arrived we turned on the air condition. I took a shower, did laundry, and ate ice cream sandwiches and Klondike bars. What more did I need on a hot summer day? In the evening Pathfinder and I ordered pizza and I made cold drinks with my water bottle. Tomorrow I cross the Mason Dixon Line!
Date: 2013-06-27
From: The Free State Hiker Hostel

To: Antietam Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Antietam Shelter 8:30 PM. I had a hard time leaving the nice hostel today. Even after 3 cups of coffee and a shower I waited until 9:30 to head back to the trail. A group of thru hikers were at the shelter close to the hostel. The hike up to Ravens Rock was easy but I skipped the side trail to the overlook. The Ravens Rock Shelter was new with a loft and fancy privy. A group of Boy Scouts were leaving and a talked with a thru hiker from last year who was friends with the hiker who drowned at Pierce Pond. I made a quick stop at High Rock which was covered in graffiti. Down the steep trail over boulders I finally made it to Pen Mar Park at 2:30. Frizzle invited me to her going away/trail magic party with her friends. Her mom brought sandwiches, choc milk, chips, homemade cookies and fresh fruit. More hikers arrived and most were headed to Waynesboro for resupply and the movie theater. I left at 3:30 and soon was walking in hard rain with a little thunder. It rained long enough to soak my boots and socks. By 6:30 I was at Antietam washing in the stream and getting drinking water from the park near the shelter. Tomorrow on to Caledonia to meet family and slack pack .
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Antietam Shelter

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 10.8

Hampton Inn. Chambersburg. Today I was up at 5:30 and on the trail by 7. It was a quick walk to Tumbling Run Shelter which Kobe had all to himself. The morning climb to Chimney Rocks was not hard and on the ridge walk I encountered a group of Boy Scouts on a 50 mile hike. While resting at the turn off for Rocky Mountain Shelter, Kobe arrived and I told him I could give him a ride to Walmart to resupply. Parts of the decline to Caledonia were rocky but soon I was crossing the Lincoln Hwy and walking in Caledonia State Park next to the pool. I found my parents at the ranger station at noon and before long was having a picnic with Kobe by the mountain stream in the park. I took Kobe to Walmart and checked into Hampton Inn with my parents. I big thunderstorm hit the area and I was glad to be indoors. Tomorrow I will slack pack to Pine Grove SP.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.5

Hampton Inn Chambersburg. On the trail today at 8:30 it was a quick and cool walk up to Quarry Gap Shelter. A few section hikers were still enjoying the nice shelter. The caretaker does an amazing job at this place. An old shelter from the CCC period has a new life! I passed an Outward Bound Group resting at Ridge Road. The Milesburn PATC Cabin was rented and a Warrior Hiker was tenting by the cabin. At 11:30 I arrived at Birch Run Shelter. The caretaker offered me water and snacks. A weekender informed him that a lone fawn was following a man around the area. Lots of day hikers and weekenders were enjoying the shelter area. I rested for one hour with Rosie from the Warrior Hikers. The highlight of my day was reaching the halfway marker. Even though I was not carrying my full pack I was getting tired and ready to reach Pine Grove Furnace. I flew by Toms Run Shelter and got water from a small stream. Finally at 4:45 I reached the highway and walked to the General Store. 2 thru hikers were finishing their half gallon of ice cream and soon I was eating mint choc. chip. It took me 40 minutes to slurp and down the container and I was FULL! Back at the motel I soaked in the tub and ordered Chinese food. Tomorrow a zero day at the hiker picnic at the A.T. Museum.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 0.0

Hampton inn Chambersburg. Today was a zero day. I shopped for a new food bag in the morning.My one plastic food bag was sticky and dirty. When I put my hand inside it became sticky. We drove to the A T Museum and headed to the lake. I went swimming until it started to rain. I thought the hiker picnic started at 2 so we missed the food but enjoyed the gathering. About 20 hikers were under the pavilion telling hiker stories during the storm. On the way back to the motel we stopped for dinner and then I shopped for food that might get me to Hamburg. Tomorrow I meet Snuggles and Lazyboy at the general store for a 20 mile slack pack.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Allenberry Resort
Miles today: 19.6

Allenberry Resort 8 PM. Today I had breakfast at the Hampton Inn and by 9:30 I was at he museum saying good bye to my parents. Snuggles and Lazyboy were waiting or me to slack pack. The park was quiet as we headed up to the side trail to Pole Steeple. We passed Graybeard and a few other thru hikers. The trail was easy and were making 20 minute miles until the rock maze. For about a half hour we climbed around boulders back and forth. After the short climb to Centerpoint Knob the trail descended to a cornfield and for about 2 miles we got a taste of the Cumberland Valley hike or tomorrow. By 4:30 we were resting at the ATC office and enjoying the views of the lake. A quick walk to the resort and we were showered and resting. I decided not to walk into town for dinner. I still have no appetite and might have a low grade fever. I hope I fell better in the morning. Tuna salad and tortillas in the room for dinner and hope to get a good night sleep.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Allenberry Resort

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 143.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Darlington Shelter 8 PM. Today I did not have a fever and the Allenberry offered cereal, coffee and sticky buns for breakfast. By 10 AM I was back on the trail crossing the Cumberland Valley. Soon I crossed the road that goes to my home town, route 74. The flat trail was easy and crossing a field Firebird, Snakefoot, T 1000 and Ace passed by at a face pace. They were planning on reaching Duncannon today. The humidity and heat seemed to be increasing as I crossed the turnpike and 81. At 1:30 I reached the Scott Farm and rested for one hour. A pump provided drinking water and southbound section hikers were sitting at the picnic table. It took 1 1/2 hours to walk from the farm to the shelter. I thought a thunderstorm was coming and the trees were blowing back and forth. At the shelter I got water and cleaned the sweat from my body. Snuggles and Lazyboy arrived around 5 and soon the bubble arrived with Freshstep. Total there are about 15 thru hikers at the shelter.
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.3

Doyle Hotel 11PM. Today was a quick 11 miles to Duncannon. I left at 8:30 and dropped down to farmland before climbing back up to the ridge. The trail was rocky and it took a while to get to Cove Mountain Shelter. I stopped there and found Kobe still in the shelter at noon. At Hawk Rock I got my first view of the Susquehanna River. The rocky descent was steep but by 2 I was in the bar at the hotel. The bar was full of hikers and I got my box from Osprey and checked into a room. At 4 I took the shuttle to a local store and bought some snacks for the evening and ate a sub at the deli. Back at the hotel I walked to the laundromat with Snuggles and Lazyboy and later went to an Italian Restaurant to escape the heat. My room is hotter than a shelter. Tomorrow I need to try and do higher mileage.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Doyle Hotel

To: Clarks Creek campsite
Miles today: 18.0

Clark's Creek campsite. 9 PM. After a hot night in my room and sirens going off twice, I awoke not feeling very rested. I took a shower and went across the street to breakfast with Pathfinder. Snuggles lost her camera at the bar so they had to wait until 10 or 11 to get into the bar. I left at 8:30 and walked the sidewalk north out of town and across the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers. The water was muddy and full of sticks and branches. Up the mountain I climbed to Clark's Ferry Shelter. The 1000 foot climb was tough in the heat and I drank 2 bottles at the shelter. The spring was cold and refreshing. I spent almost one hour there with Greybeard and Jackson. The trail had long rocky sections which slowed me down on the way to Peters Mountain Shelter. Pathfinder was setting up her tent when I arrived. I did not stay long because I had just spent half an hour at Table Rock enjoying the view. I left at 4 and began the long slow descent to Clark's Creek. A sign warned of rattlesnakes at a view. Finally at 7 I arrived and found a campsite along the big creek. After swimming in the creek I walked down to get water and it started to rain. I got water and hurried back to get my gear in the tent. I made a cold dinner and drank 2 bottles of flavored tea. I was dehydrated for the 18 miles I the warm weather. The storm was brief and I hope to get an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Clarks Creek campsite

To: PA 72 campsite
Miles today: 16.0

PA 72 campsite 10 PM. Today I awoke to a wet tent but had breakfast in bed. It was strange being alone at a campsite. Mist hung over the stream as I packed and by 8:30 I was on the trail. I stopped for water a short way up the trail. The stream water did not taste good. Near the top of the climb I stopped again to bathe in a cold stream. The trail had good water on this stretch. At the Yellow Springs Village site I read the register in the mailbox and had a snack. It was still 4 1/2 miles to Rausch Gap Shelter. The trail passed through nice woods and the terrain was not too rocky. By one I was at the new shelter drying out the tent and making lunch. I spent 2 hours at the quiet shelter. At 3 I hiked the remaining miles over a small mountain and down to the campsite. T 1000 and 4 other hikers were there. Soon Lazyboy and Snuggles arrived along with Rocky and his friend. We made a fire even though it was warm and played with sparklers. The nearby road is very noisy even with the stream next to my tent.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: PA 72 campsite 

To: 501 Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8

501 Shelter 7 PM. Last night it was too hot in my tent. I woke up on my ridgerest pad with my sleeping bag crumpled up at the end of my tent. I had breakfast in the tent and by 8:30 was on the trail passing under I 81 and climbing almost 1000 feet to the ridge. The ridge walk was rocky and full of brush. I took a one hour break at an overlook with 5 northbounders who started in March. When Lazyboy and Snuggles caught up to me I walked with them to the shelter. A southbounder was playing his radio at he picnic table and I had a choc. shake and nuts. By 2 I left for the 1 1/2 hour hike to the hostel. Some of the hikers are going another 5 miles but I took a shower and rested. The group staying for the night ordered food from a local restaurant. I had a cheeseburger sub and salad. One more night on the trail until I hit Hamburg and a motel. I am almost out of fuel and need to buy shorts.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: 501 Shelter

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

Eagles Nest Shelter. 8 PM. Last night we had late night trail magic. Peaches, watermelon and sticky buns. On the trail by 8:30, it was already warm s I passed a few overlooks. Around 11 I arrived at a great campsite with water and a picnic table. I took a bath and had a snack before moving on to a historic monument and a short walk to a good spring. At a major road a trail angel offered me a coke which helped get me to the shelter. I walked with Jackson the remaining 2 miles to the shelter. After setting up my tent and making dinner the sky blackened and before eating took down the tent and moved into the shelter with Jackson and Graybeard. An English hiker was southbound at the shelter. Soon more hikers arrived but the rain never materialized. Tomorrow on to Hamburg.