morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-05
From: on high point after VA 605

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 84 -- We did a great job of getting up and out early, and rolled with the ups and downs of the roller coaster. We stopped at Sam Moore Shelter for a quick break and headed on. We later found out (and may be slightly off, but still) that it was 90 degrees with 90% humidity and it sure felt like it! I think the last few hills were harder today in the heat than in the storms yesterday. However, I did enjoy the roller coaster. Some people complained about it and some people feared it, but really it was just like the last 83 days I've been out--ups and downs. That's what I'm out here for--to hike up and down and around mountains. Before ariving at Bears Den Hostel a copperhead startled us. It had just killed a chipmunk and even though Erwin approached it curiously, we're pretty sure, after intensive examination, that he escaped unscathed. Then Wrongway proceeded to catch the snake and pointed different parts out to me. A bit scary (don't try this at home folks) but cool. He is very snake-knowledgeable and knows how to handle a copperhead. When we arrived at Bears Den, Loveboat (zeroing today and who was wondering where we were last night) and three section hikers were already there. While I was on the phone with my brothers, Five Stones (whom I haven't seen since Neel's Gap) and No Car came in. They have been jumping around a bunch. Mr. Burns and Pipper came in to hang out for a minute after a few days off and then headed down the trail. Scrabble came in, too, after staying with an aunt, and didn't feel like going anywhere so he stayed. Around 4 p.m. Redwing, one of our hosts along with Hopeful and Hikelet, drove a bunch of us to a county pool to shower since the storms had knocked out their power. When we got back Wrongway and I enjoyed pizza and Ben & Jerry's for dinner. Most of us congregated on Bears Den Overlook for a gorgeous sunset. We returned to the house (used to be a summer mansion) to slow down and get ready to turn in. What a great place!PS--Today is my official first day with leg chaffing--thought it would happen soon--not complaining, of course!
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: High Street
Miles today: 19.9

Day 85 -- We got up with Fire Stone's alarm at 5 a.m. and were out by 5:45--we wanted to get a very early start to get to Harper's Ferry early and be able to do some chores tonight. We woke up and hiked in foggy wetness for a good part of the day, which was nice because it kept us cooler. The terrain was a little more forgiving today, but I was pretty beat going though it. Off and on we caught up and hiked with Five Stones and No Car. We ate lunch at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter with them. Before this we met the Pain Train (Nips, Zipper, and Driftwood). The afternoon was so much hotter and we were low on water for all of it. Luckily we came across a small source just before the bridge over the Shenandoah River because our hike became longer when we had to stop multiple times for Erwin who was overheating. I took the blue blaze to the ATC Headquarters to get there before it closed to get my box and picture taken, while Wrongway went to take Erwin to a hostel to cool down. Turns out, though, the lady booked him twice on Saturday instead of tonight--so we were out of luck and rushing around at the last minute to find a place. Everywhere in Harper's Ferry was booked and we thought we were going to have to stealth camp, but I started talking with a friendly young couple who offered to take us to Charles Town and then they took us out to Ruby Tuesday for dinner! What great people--loved hanging out with them! We got dropped off at Walmart and I got some resupply done. I'm really looking forward to a zero day tomorrow with family and friends.PS -- I was #233 to come into ATC Headquarters.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: High Street

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 86 -- This morning we did laundry again (a courtesy to our visitors) and I repacked my pack from my maildrop. Joe and Amanda picked us up and we stopped by the gas station to buy a disposable camera since my digital's batteries are dead. We drove over to Harper's Ferry and walked down by the river and waited for everyone from the pool team to arrive. Here they come over the hill with a card table, lawn chairs, and tons of bags of food. Kenny, Beth, Mark, and Jenni came (and Al called). We had a great time eating, telling stories, catching up, and swimming in the river. While we were waiting for Mike to come, I checked into the Towns Inn. There I saw Loveboat and met Site and Hayseed. We hung out for a while outside and after Joe and Amanda headed out, we went to Ruby Tuesday's with Mike. I had such a great time hanging out with and seeing family and friends. My spirits were already high, but now they're through the roof (except my camera batteries didn't charge while we were at the restaurant :>(). Anyway, after saying good-bye, I returned to the Inn and saw that Freestyle and a biker had come in and met Amanda and Shawna, two ladies who are starting their flip-flop tomorrow.
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 87 -- Hayseed woke me up around 6:30 and after taking my time and having a little chat with Karan from the hotel, I left around 7:30. I enjoyed seeing the morning sky over the confluence of the Potomac and Susquehanna Rivers. As I was walking along the C&O Canal towpath I saw multiple beavers in the canal waters and one crossed the path in front of me. I also saw a couple of algae-covered turtles on a fallen tree and another on the towpath. When I crossed the train tracks there was a train stopped because it had a red light. I leap- frogged a bunch with Ken (Bloodroot) and his friend who were hiking for a few hours and identifying flowers. We tried eating garlic mustard leaves--not bad. I spent about an hour at Weverton Cliffs. I watched a boy scout ceremony, talked to other scout groups, many of whom were preparing for Philmont. Pipper and Mr. Burns caught up with me there. A few miles later I stopped at the Ed Garvey Shelter to read the log and cool off. I learned that Wing It caught up to Stripe and Downstairs so I was happy about that. I trudged toward Gathland State Park because I was hoping to eat there, and made it there just before I ran out of fuel. One of the highlights of my day was that Mr. Burns, Pipper, and Hayseed were hanging out at the benches eating lunch. and I joined them. Hayseed told me, though, that he was going to Rocky Run Shelter with the other two, so I was bummed about that. Anyway, when eevryone moved on, I decided to stay around and journal and read, but the bugs were too much for me so I left to go to the shelter. I guess since Wrongway's not with me today, the bugs flocked to me instead. :>) I passed a sleeping hiker on the way down the shelter trail (turned out to be Scrabble who went nocturnal and night-hiked until 4 a.m. this morning, I guess to beat the obnoxious heat and humidity we're having). Two section hikers were at Crampton Gap Shelter when I arrived. I read, ate, and chatted, and then decided to tent tonight to avoid the bugs.PS...I approached a SOBO hiker after Weverton Cliffs today and he kinda pointed at me and said, "You're Peanut!" I hesitantly said, "Yeahhh???", in that do-I-know-you?-please explain-tone. He's been reading my journal online! We talked for a little while and we moved on--pretty cool! :>)
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 88 -- Up and out early to avoid the heat--didn't work! :>) I was planning on stopping at Rocky Run Shelter for a snack break, but it was closed so I pushed on slowly to Dahlgren Backpack Campground. There I saw Creek Diver and Dr. Zayus, the latter was just getting back on after a break for a wedding. He eventually headed out, reluctantly. Creek Diver had been there since yesterday afternoon, waiting for 85 to pick her up this evening. She and I chatted for a while and then I read. Wool E. Mammoth, who I've seen a couple of times over the last few days (Bear's Den, ATC, and the hotel in Charles Town), hiked in, closely followed by Loveboat, both of whom headed for the showers. Gene, and later, Dave, did the same. Scrabble only night-hiked here last night because his headlamp started dying on him--he is retreating from being nocturnal for now. I randomly turned my phone on and got lots of messages from Sarai (a college friend) saying that she, Andy, and Noah (8 weeks old) could come visit me today, so I took some time to call her and arrange it. I ate lunch and headed out in the heat and made it to our meeting spot early and got to read more of my book. When they got there I got to enjoy some AC in their van, saw photos of Noah, watched him sleep, and caught up with friends (and had a COLD Pepsi!!). I had a great time! We got pictures of Noah's first time on the AT and then we parted ways. Gene and Dave were at Pine Knob Shelter when I arrived. The privy here is extra smelly!!
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Devil's Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

Day 89 -- I tried to sleep in some knowing Mom was coming later, but I couldn't, so I had some oatmeal, packed up, and walked back down to the parking lot to read and wait. It was so good to see her! We had a great hike, even with the humidity. We met Kim and Courtney, a mother/daughter section-hiker team. The Annapolis Rocks caretaker and a dog passed us, too. We talked about a lot of stuff, caught up and told stories. We arrived at the overlook that we believed to be Black Rocks and she broke out cherries, grilled chicken, apple slices and ... drumroll ... a crab cake!! Woohoo! It was strange to part ways the way we did---me NOBO and her SOBO. A few tenths down the trail was a blue blaze that I took to Black Rocks. Hehe--oh well...we had a nice view anyway. After descending I approached some packs at Pogo Campsite. It turned out to be Amanda and Shawna on their third day out, getting some water, and doing well. Oh yeah, before that I passed a couple of day hikers--it was the woman's birthday today. From Pogo to the shelter seemed to take forever and parts of the trail on the crest were so rocky and I was keeping an eye out for snakes (heeding a friend's advice). At the Ensign Cowall Shelter I met Iowa Bobe who had just slowed down and parted ways with his partner since Georgia, R.J. RJ is meeting his wife soon and so Iowa Bobe, but the latter is ahead of schedule to meet her and so is stretching out his time. Being as hot as it was I wanted to stay and keep cool, but I knew a thunderstorm (predicted with hail and tornadoes) was coming (I could hear the thunder already). It continued rumbling for about an hour and then it finally sprinkled. I was glad for my feet that it wasn't pouring, but I was a little disappointed since I was so hot and sweaty. It seemed like the storm was going to pass so the whole time I was going back and forth about whether or not to stay at the shelter as opposed to tenting on the ridge. After checking out Raven Rock it started thundering again and after struggling up the rest of the hill I decided to shelter it. Scrabble, RJ, Dave, and Gene were there when I got there. In the middle of dinner it stormed and after it slowed, five locals came in to party. They were very friendly and offered us a beer, but left when it started raining a bunch.
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Devil's Racecourse Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 90 -- I was up at 5 a.m. when I heard RJ moving and out around 6. I was meeting my Mountain Club of Maryland friends at 9:30 and wanted to leave early to give me a break before they got to Pen Mar so I would be rested enough to keep up with them. I rolled my feet a couple of times in all the rocks on the way down from the High Rock area, mostly because I wasn't quite awake yet. Other than that though, it was a neat hike. When I first got to Pan Mar, I was greeted by a group of very, very happy hikers. Mr. Burns, Ellie (Pipper's friend who just joined them yesterday), Pipper, Loveboat, and Site were hanging out there yesterday and a friendly local took them in, fed them, and took them to an ice cream shop. They got showers, laundry done, and beds to sleep in. Good deal! I rested near RJ and enjoyed the view. The crew was on time as usual. It was great to see everyone. There were Jim and Sharon, John and Barbara, Jim, Rueben, Alice, Barry, and Dan. It was a wonderful hike out to Deer Lick Shelters. I got to catch up with people, hear stories, tell stories, and share part of my journey with some friends. Soon after they started heading back, Pickle and Raggedy Andy came in for a rest and snack and we talked for a while, which was very nice since all other interactions with them have been short and business-like. Iowa Bobe, Gene, Dave, and Wool E. Mammoth also came through, with the first staying there and the rest moving on. The hike from there to Tumbling Run Shelters went by fast and while I waited there for Wrongway, I got water and ate dinner. Toejam (George) and Linger, the overseers, came through to check out the shelter and brought us soda and apples! When they came back from talking to the group over at the campsite, she told me the group is from Baltimore. So I went over to talk to them. They are part of a summer program at St. Ignatius Loyola, downtown. Wrongway got in about 7 or so and we planned out the next couple of days. I got to talk to Billy, from Lancaster, who just started his flip-flop thru in Harper's Ferry--and today is his 23rd birthday!
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Campsite around mile 1076.4
Miles today: 17.7

Day 91 -- Out around 7:30 this morning to make sure we're on time this time to meet Mom and Mrs. Barb. It was a pleasant morning of hiking with a fun stop at Chimney Rocks to climb and view and then a lot of crest-walking--very rocky. We made it to US 30 in time, posted a note to hikers to let them know about the lunch Mom and Mrs. Barb were providing, and walked down. They brought Mrs. Barb's famous chicken salad, chips, watermelon, cookies, soda, and tea. We had a lot of fun hanging out and talking. Scrabble made the trek down and gave me a hard time about the distance being more than the 0.2 miles that I wrote...sorry. :>) Dave also joined us later. We had a great time and they dropped us back at the trail. A few minutes into the hike Wrongway spotted a snake sunning on a fallen tree across some water and tried to catch it, but to no avail. Our walk through Caledonia State Park was quite lovely. As we approached our impending climb a couple walked by as Wrongway was play-complaining about all these hills that are in our way. :>) At Quarry Gap Shelters we met Dick, the ridgerunner for this section, and Nick, his stepson who is doing a section for a school project--cool! Dave and Gene were also there. We pressed on to get closer to Pine Grove Furnace to get there as early as possible tomorrow. We didn't make it as far as we hoped because I had attained some pretty bad chaffing on my lower back, and it was really hurting me. Unfortunately, after we set up camp, we both saw that we were lower on water than we thought also, so we're eating a cold dinner and rationing until the spring tomorrow morning.
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Campsite around mile 1076.4

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 92 -- We got up early again today (5 a.m.) in order to get to Pine Grove Furnace in time to try the Half-Gallon Challenge before Rich (Red's husband) picked us up. The trail is just gorgeous through this section! The first hour was quiet, because, at least on my end, I was hungry and thirsty because of our lack of water. We spent a while at the cabin getting water and Wrongway troubleshot my filter which has been troublesome. We met up with Billy at Birch Run Shelter, snacked and rested. I left the privy door open while using it (it helps with odor) and got a cute show from the chipmunks playing in the leaves. We stopped at Toms Run Shelter for a snack later, which I had been looking forward to--I was ready to be done for the day. Billy, Scrabble, and Pipper were already at Pine Grove Furnace when we got there. I chose Peanut Butter Ice Cream (actually vanilla with peanut butter swirls in it) and got to it. Wrongway (lactose intolerant) didn't eat much of his but I got through 2/3 to 3/4 of mine, until I couldn't even THINK about eating another bite. Rich (Strider), Red's husband, came and we sat around for a bit then headed to his house. I showered and Aries, Vern, Carter, and Gray were there when I got out. We sat around Rich's living room catching up on people on the trail, telling stories, and watching the boys play with light-up ducks and a moose game. We all went out to Hoss' for a fabulous meal (salad bar and bacon cheeseburger for me). I was so stuffed when I left there; it was great! We checked email and shared pictures when we returned before going to bed. THANKS!
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Whiskey Spring Rd.
Miles today: 13.4

Day 93 -- I got such a great sleep last night, I didn't want to get out of bed. We started the day with intentions of hiking 20-ish to Boiling Springs and getting picked up by Vern on his way home from chainsaw class. We started out about 8:30 and hiked up an ascent that I found to be a bit harder in November than I did today (yea...I may still be slower than others, but I'm personally getting better! :>) ). I opted out of hiking the Pole Steeple Trail since we were going pretty far today. We hiked through gorgeous areas, as usual. As we were sitting on the bridge over Tagg Run we met a lady from Brooklyn Park, where I grew up--small world. Then, as we were hiking through a field near a road, we ran into Steve, a Mountain Club of Maryland member out to do some trail maintainance. I backpacked with Steve and his wife over Memorial Day weekend last year. How crazy is it that we were both in the field at the same time? Filadelfia Greenburg slackpacked past us on the way up the next hill and we saw Creek Diver later in the day, too. We decided a 20-miler wasn't in the cards for today, so when we got to Aries' and Vern's road, we hiked two miles to their house. We enjoyed great company, showers (yes, that makes two days in a row!), hamburger dinner, fruit, cake, and a movie. Thanks so much!PS...The cicadas are loud and everywhere, dive-bombing us too. The gypsy moth caterpillars are everywhere, too, stealth landing on my head, and there are so many of them that their excrement sounds like rain--all day long!
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Whiskey Spring Rd.

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 94 -- Aries made us a delicious breakfast of eggs and toast after our great bug-free night of sleep and Vern dropped us back off at the trail around 7:30. It was pleasant hiking to Alec Kennedy Shelter where we stopped for the privy and to read the shelter log. More pleasant hiking into Boiling Springs, with multiple stops at mulberry trees for a morning snack. The ATC was closed today and we walked over to the gas stations where I called my dad (it's Father's Day!), had hot dogs for lunch, and talked to Al (owns a bike shop nearby) and Dan (works in claims, I mean he's a superhero! :>)) Al and Dan were biking today and stopped for a break where we were resting. We got back on the trail and luckily, it is surrounded by mulberry trees :>). Today's hike consisted of, in this order, (generally) four hills, 14 miles that were basically flat (crossing the valley), and then a two mile, 1,000 foot climb to the shelter. It was a gorgeous day with just a touch of humidity. Almost ten miles out of Boiling Springs, I needed a break, a pack-off, lay-down rest. We did so and ate in a field pretty close to where the trail crossed I81. We really enjoyed the trail following along the Conodoquinet Creek. My feet, knees, hips, and back (I'm probably missing something) were all aching and I was ready to be at the shelter. After getting water from a spring (following a sign's advice--"This shelter's water is scarce."), we climbed the rest of the mountain, which honestly was a welcomed change. Creek Diver and Brandon (starting his section hike to Maine today) were already at the shelter when we arrived, as were GG and some others camping nearby. I'm exhausted...no more writing tonight.
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 95 -- We had a lazy start to the morning by sleeping in. Yea! It felt great! We were the last ones out but bypassed Brandon and GG after a few miles, having a nice talk with GG at a water source. I felt pretty good hiking up to the ridge, but once I was up there I was ready to be done for the day. About halfway across maybe, Wrongway spotted a fawn, but by the time I caught up it had run away. We stopped for a break by the shelter trail (after starting down, but changed our minds). Wrongway, ironically, had to point out the correct direction to me twice today. I was hurting from yesterday and just ready to be finished. The trail goes right through Duncannon, PA, and the Doyle Hotel, one of the original Anheuser-Busch hotels, is 1/2 block from the trail. We could see Loveboat, Scrabble, and someone later introduced as DeeJay on the balcony. Vickey and Pat checked us in and we did our normal town stuff. I went to the Post Office for my box, forgetting that I had it sent to the Doyle...hehe. We pigged out at lunch at the pub downstairs (New England Clam Chowder, Pulled Pork BBQ sandwich, fries, chicken tenders)--wow! I am a disappointment to the hiking community--couldn't finish my meal--sorry. We spent the rest of the evening hanging out on the balcony with those we saw earlier and Creek Diver, Billy, and Blake. I could spend another day here...hmmm.
Date: 2008-06-17
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 96 -- Yes, another zero. My foot wasn't feeling up to hiking today and Wrongway helped convince me that I should rest it to not make it worse. We had a great breakfast at Goodies' across the street where Brandon, Dude, and Cahoda hiked in this morning and Blake, Filadelfia, Greenburg, and Creek Diver were also there. We waited around for an hour for Trailangel Mary to take us to the outfitter, but when she came, it wasn't convenient for her to go and it wasn't an emergency for us. As we were hanging out on the balcony, Danger Dango, Packanimal, Red Dog, Lucky Dog, and A lo Hawk hiked in. Wrongway and I got to play pool before and after another great lunch downstairs. While we were eating, Pacer, Bearbait, Bearpack, Sheltermonkey (Amanda), and Shawna came in too. After mailing boxes and a quick trip to the convenience store, we spoted Birdbath getting a ride to the food store. We found Hot Cheese in the Doyle and got to catch up with her. Dee and Jay invited us to dinner at Sorrento's Pizza and we had a great time getting to know them! Unfortunately the pool table was in use when we returned, so I just went to bed. I'm pretty exhausted from little sleep last night, plus we're getting up early to try to make up today's mileage loss. Wish us luck. :>)