morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Pass Mountain Hut

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

Last night's rain proceeded the passage of a cold front. By this morning skies were clear, temperatures were cool, and humidity was low. This was to be a great day for hiking.Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I were on the trail by 6:30. Three hours (and 7.5 miles) later we were at the Elkwallow Wayside enjoying burgers, fries, milk shakes, and other tasty treats. Refueled and energized, we completed our 13.1 mile day by 2:00. Tonight we are sleeping in the Gravel Springs Hut. Although there are other hikers camping nearby, Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I have the entire shelter to ourselves.Hiking in the Shenandoahs has been enjoyable, yet different. The terrain and trail quality have been easier, relatively speaking. However, much of the trail runs parallel or near the Skyway, so the feeling of seclusion we've become accustomed to is less common. We've encountered many tourists and day hikers. Overall, the Shenandoahs have more of a commercial feel than the other areas we've hiked. Tomorrow we plan to be walking no later than 5:45 so that we can arrive in Front Royal, VA in time to do town chores and relax late afternoon. Arriving in Fort Royal will mark our departure from Shenandoah National Park. From Fort Royal we head toward historic Harpers Ferry, the "psychologial" halfway point of the AT!
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

We set a new Tag Team/Mountain Man early risers record this morning. By 5:30 we were on the trail. Early starts offer several advantages. They allow us get a majority of the day's miles done by noon - often beating some of the heat and humidity. It's nice to get into camp well before dinner and have time to relax. In addition, the forest is exceptionally beautiful at sunrise. Hikers are more likely to see animal life very early in the morning. This is the time of day that birds sing most actively. Our bear drought ended early this morning. Within the first hour, we came upon a black bear standing halfway in the trail, about 30 yards ahead. She saw us and didn't move - a sign that cubs were near (thanks for educating us about the Mountain Man). Soon she and her two cubs moved away from the trail slightly into the woods. One of the cubs climbed a tree. Mama bear and the second cub patiently waited until he came down. Several minutes later Tag-along saw a 4th bear at a distance walking in the woods. Star Trek left some trail magic (homemade cookies) for us at the road intersection into Fort Royal. Thanks Star Trek! Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I arrived in Front Royal in time to have lunch at the Feed Mill Restaurant. The food was so tasty we went back again for dinner.
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Front Royal

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We weren't able to get a taxi to take us back to the trail until 7:30 - a frustrating late start for us.Hiking weather was pleasant all day, highlighted by cool breezes. It's good that we took time to appreciate the great weather because things will be taking a turn for the worse tomorrow.Our destination today is the Dick's Dome Shelter - a small five sided shelter designed to sleep four. Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I all assumed places in the shelter. A section hiker, Cleats, took the fourth spot. Later Bon Bon came into camp and we offered to make room for her - a good thing because it rained all night. The thought of sleeping in a crowded shelter side by side with others might seem odd, but we've become accustomed to that. It's normal life on the trail.
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: BeÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ r's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: moderate rain

A steady hard rain moved in during the night, earlier than we expected. Tag-along and I were grateful not to have to break down a wet tent in the morning.We knew we had a long difficult day ahead, even under normal circumstances. The weather was not going to make this any easier. Today's destination is the Bear's Den Hostel 18.3 miles up the trail. Mountain Man will be meeting his wife Sharon for a couple of days of rest and relaxation.The three of us (Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I) woke up at 5:30 and began to quietly pack up, trying not to disturb Bon Bon and Cleats. This routine of getting ready (in the dark) to hike, while others in the shelter sleep, is one we've become good at. By. 6:15 we set out in the rain.Our only refuge from the rain was the Rod Hollow Shelter nine mile up the trail, so we planned to stop there for an early lunch. Trail conditions were as bad as we've seen them - flooded, muddy, slippery, and rocky. This, by the way, was in no way the fault of trail maintainers. There simply was no where for all of this water to go.After lunch we encountered "the sign" - Welcome to the roller coaster...See you at the Blackburn AT Center if you survive. This signaled the start of 13 mile of continuous ups and downs. After eleven and a half hours of challenging hiking, we finally made it to the Bear's Den Hostel.   Bear's Den, which resembles a large stone castle, is owned by the ATC and managed by the Potomic Appalachian Trail Club. It is a beautiful facility that offers everything that hikers need - a clean warm bed, showers, laundry, some food resupply, soft drinks, pizza, and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. We highly recommend this place!Tag-along and I have decided to do a 20 miler into Harper's Ferry tomorrow, putting us a day ahead of schedule. We'll take our first double zero day and celebrate leaving Virginia as well as being well over the 1000 mile mark.On Sunday Tag-along and I rejoin Mountain Man as we head toward Duncannon, PA.
Date: 2009-06-18
From: BeÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ r's Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After a surprisingly challenging 20 mile hike, Tag-along and I are in Harper's Ferry, WV. Early this morning, we were the first to leave Bear's Den Hostel, quietly tip toeing by many hikers still sleeping. The first task at hand was to finish the last 3.5 miles of "The Roller Coaster". Although the profile map pictured more level trail after that, it didn't speak to the continuous rocks and mud we would face throughout the day. Tag-along and I both walked into Harpers Ferry with tired feet.Harpers Ferry is referred to as the "psychological halfway point" of the AT. Hikers leaving the trail have already done so by now. Statistically speaking, the odds of getting to Maine increase when hikers make it this far. Tag-along and I expect to cross the actual AT halfway point next week. Our plan is to take a well earned two day break in Harpers Ferry before continuing north on Sunday. Tomorrow we will visit the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy), get our picture taken, and learn where we fall in the 2009 sequence of thru hikers.
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry (Zero)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today Tag-along and signed in at the ATC headquarters in Harpers Ferry and got our picture taken. We are "officially" hiker numbers 403 and 404. Approximately 1400 AT thru hikers have signed in at the beginning, Georgia's Springer Mountain this year.We'll enjoy one more zero day in Harper's Ferry before heading out Sunday. Recently Adam posed the following question in our guest book...Q; You guys have been getting into camp in the early afternoon, which leaves plenty of down time. What do you do between the time when you stop and bedtime? A: Since beginning to hike early in the morning, Tag-along and I have been getting into camp around 3:00-4:00. First (ALWAYS) - we remove shoes and socks, put on Crocs, and then set up our Tarptent or establish a place in the shelter. We love to soak our feet in cold water, especially if a stream or creek is nearby. That reduces swelling and does wonders for sore tired feet. Next, we get cleaned up, whether it be a "bandanna bath' or using our camp shower. If it looks like rain the following day, we often apply a coating of Hydropel to our feet.When needed, I locate a suitable tree and hang the bear bag cord while Tag-along prepares our breakfast shakes for the next morning. With all of this accomplished, we usually sit around the shelter and visit with other hikers. Many days Tag-along and I meet new hikers, so there can be a lot to talk about. Dinner time is usually 5:30-6:00. This tends to be a very fun social time when everyone sits around the picnic table. A common curiosity is often evident - what are you having tonight and how are you spicing it? Snacks for the next day have to be selected and bagged separately. After dinner, when things are cleaned up and put away, we hang our food bag. Tag-along and I then often lay in bed and journal, read, and touch bases with family. We're almost always asleep by 8:00. Nine or more hours of sleep is necessary to recover from what we've put our bodies through.
Date: 2009-06-21
From: Harpers Ferry (Zero)

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

After two zero days in Harpers Ferry, it was time to get back on the trail today. Low humidity, moderate temperatures, and a steady breeze made for a very pleasant hiking day. Excellent weather is predicted this entire week - a welcome relief after last week's frequent rain. The length of the Appalachian Trail in West Virginia is only 17.2 miles. Shortly after leaving Harpers Ferry this morning, we said "goodbye" to West Virginia and "hello" to Maryland. Tag-along and I will complete Maryland's 40.9 AT miles in just two more days - entering Pennsylvania this Tuesday. Tonight Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I are the only residents at the Rocky Run Shelter. It is a beautiful new log structure with two sleeping levels, a finished wood floor, big glass dormer windows, and a large covered front deck with picnic table. Kudos to the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club for providing such an incredible shelter and camping area!
Date: 2009-06-22
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: The Free State Hostel
Miles today: 15.5

Today's hike was a mixture of flat smooth trail riddled with stretches of brutal rock jumble. We started out on a leisurely note - taking free showers at the Dahlgren Backpack Campground and later enjoying a long snack break at Washington Monument State Park picnic area. Realizing we weren't moving very fast, Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I picked up the pace until arriving at our scenic lunch spot Black Rock Cliffs. Tonight we are staying at the Free State Hostel, enjoying showers, clean laundry, beds with linen, and food delivery. Bill and Bill just arrived. They are great company and seem to hike daily distances similar to ours. Perhaps we'll get to enjoy their company in camp the next few days.
Date: 2009-06-23
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Fayetteville (US 30)
Miles today: 18.6

Today's 18 mile day brought us into Pennsylvania. Yea! We've now completed the AT in six states - Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.Tag-along and I will be hiking in Pennsylvania for a couple of weeks, as the AT is about 230 miles long in this state. As we mentioned recently, recently the trail has been a mixture of smooth path interspersed with crazy rock jumbles. We don't expect to hit the infamous 100 mile continuous stretch of ankle twisting sharp PA rocks until getting into the northern part of the state..Today we had a long and leisurely lunch at Penmar Park, an incredibly well maintained county facility that offers a mountain side view of the valley below. Robo (AT hiker) and his visiting family members (from near Grandville Michigan) showed up with cold soft drinks and a variety of Little Debbie Cakes. Thanks Robo!Tag-along and I are camped this evening in our Tarptent at the Rocky Run Shelter. Once again, the Potomac Appalachian Club is to be commended for the quality of their shelters, tenting areas, and privies. This place is absolutely beautiful!There are two shelters here - one labeled "snorers" and the other "nonsnorers". Mountain Man assumed his place in the first. No one can accuse him of being in denial. Other backpacking friends here include Bill and Bill, Justin, and Gudrun.Justin built a nice campfire that everyone enjoyed after dinner.Gudrun is an interesting and vivacious 75 year "young" lady from Los Angles. She's run marathons, parachuted, and still enjoys backpacking in different areas of the country. We hope to see her again up the trail.Tomorrow we'll get early start, hike 10 miles into Fayetteville, and resupply.
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Fayetteville (US 30)

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a leisurely and relaxing hiking day from beginning to end. Tag-along, Mountain Man, Bill and Bill and I met for breakfast in Fayetteville before catching our shuttles to the trail. Our plan was to hike a short day, just ten miles, positioning ourselves for a late morning arrival tomorrow at Pine Grove Furnace State Park - the site of the Half Gallon Challenge. More about that later.The five of us hiked together most of the way, talking and enjoying each other's company. Although the weather was forecast to be very hot, everyone stayed quite comfortable in shaded woods. We encountered a number of interesting thru hikers that we hadn't met yet. They include Naneek, Solar System, Mudslide, Pudgie Pie, and Tenzing.Tag-along and I are camped in our Tarptent this evening at the Birch Run Shelter area with Bill and Bill, Mountain Man, Gudrun, and Swift. Tomorrow we plan to get an early start and hike ten miles to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, putting us over the AT halfway point. It is there that some of us will participate in the Half Gallon Challenge, a long standing AT tradition. The Challenge... after completing half of the AT, attempt to consume a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting. Anyone successful wins the coveted Half Gallon Challenge wooden ice cream spoon. Mountain Man, Bill and Bill, Swift, Tenzing, and I intend to accept the Challenge. Tag-along will handle photography coverage documenting the thrill of victory and, if necessary, the agony of defeat. At the conclusion of the Challenge we hope to hike another seven miles. That may be a bit over ambitious. We'll have to see. Wish us luck!
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 17.1

What are the ingredients for a fun day on the AT? Eating gallons of ice cream, finding a great swimming hole, and hiking 17 miles on relatively flat trail.After crossing the halfway point of the AT, Mountain Man, Young Bill, Tenzing, and I attacked The Half Gallon Challenge and emerged victorious. Mountain Man's nonstop gastric effort was particularly impressive, as he inhaled his half gallon of vanilla ice cream in just 20 minutes.We hiked by a sandy beach, before leaving Pine Grove Furnace State Park, deciding to go swimming before moving up the trail another seven miles. Tonight we are staying in the James Fry Shelter. Others here include Bill and Bill, Mountain Man, Matt, Sara, and Manimal.Tomorrow we plan to hike 12 miles to Boiling Springs, PA and camp just outside of town. Boiling Springs offers food resupply, a tavern, laundermats, and a public pool. Tag-along and I are really excited to be past the halfway point of our hike - injury free, physically strong, and having fun!
Date: 2009-06-28
From: Boiling Springs

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday's 12.2 hike into Boiling Springs, PA went quickly, as is often the case when we are headed into a town. Once there, we went by the ATC Regional Center and noticed a poster advertising $25 "hiker rate" rooms at a nearby dinner theater resort, just outside of town. Since they were not answering their phone, Tag-along offered to walk in that direction to check it out. While on the way, she met a local trail angel, Alex Spragul. Alex drove her to the resort to check things out, and then came into town to give the rest of us (Mountain Man, Bill and Bill, Manimal, and I) a ride. Thanks Alex!The resort rooms were indeed $25 - too good to be true! Food at the pub was outstanding.Today's hike of 21.6 miles was our longest yet. Much of the day was easy, with miles of flat trail that wound through woods and farmland. While having lunch at the Scott Farm Trail Work Center, we noticed the Ms. Muster and Ketch up (The Condiments) gave us a "shout out" in the trail register. They are ten days ahead of us due to our coming off the trail for my hernia surgery. We miss both of you! About five miles from our shelter, Tag-along and I encountered continuous rocks and slowed down greatly to avoid injury.Tonight we are sleeping in the Cove Mountain Shelter, along with Mountain Man and Manimal. Bill and Bill are tenting/hammocking nearby. Turtle and Wrench are here as well. There is a notice to look out for porcupines. They've chewed up parts of the shelter quite a bit.We're just 3.9 miles from Duncannon, PA. Tomorrow Tag-along and I plan to arrive early and hit the Pancake Restaurant across the street from the Doyle, a hundred year old motel we will be staying at. The Doyle, a legendry AT hiker hotel is supposed to be quite rundown. We'll report more about that tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-30
From: Just outside of Duncannon

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday was a "nero" (i.e. near zero) day. Tag-along and I quickly hiked 4.1 miles into Duncannon, PA - arriving for breakfast about 8:30. That gave us the rest of the day to relax in town.Check-in at the infamous Doyle Hotel is an informal affair. Rooms are not made available until the downstairs tavern opens at 11:00 am. The bartender collects money ($25 single/$30 double) and assigns room keys.The one hundred year old Doyle must have been quite a showcase establishment back in the early 1900's. Many decades later, after years and years of neglect, it was eventually condemned. Current owners Pat and Vickie Kelly, hope to eventually renovate the Doyle. That will pose quite a challenge.         Our room was delightfully tacky with spackled wall holes, one nonworking light, no air conditioner, and furniture that wouldn't move at a garage sale. Each floor shared a community bathroom. As bad as it might sound, we had fun at the Doyle and enjoyed Duncannon as well. It's a great trail town!This morning Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I hit the trail by 6:00. The first mile took us through the residential part of town, with many beautiful old homes. Once at the city limits, we took on the obligatory climb (1000 feet) out of town. Tonight we've settled in at the Clarks Ferry Shelter, 11.3 miles from Duncannon. Our data book doesn't show any camping between here and the next shelter. With the threat of rain and the next shelter 17.5 miles up the trail, it seemed to be our best option. Tomorrow we head toward Port Clinton, PA which is another three days up the trail.
Date: 2009-07-01
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Creek
Miles today: 17.5

Earlier in our hike we consumed a lot of junk snack foods high in sugar and carbohydrates (e.g. Snickers, M&Ms, Goldfish, sesame sticks). The past few weeks we've made a shift in our snack purchasing - moving more to energy bars high in protein and fiber. This has really helped our stamina and endurance throughout the day. I wasn't much of an energy bar fan in the past, but some of the new products are actually quite tasty. Today we enjoyed another great day of pleasant hiking in southern Pennsylvania forest. Tag-along and I have thoroughly enjoyed Pennsylvania so far - commenting frequently about the incredible trail maintenance accomplishments of the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club. Outstanding work! Tonight we are tenting at a beautiful creekside area. Bill and Bill (The Bills), Firecracker, Big Fish, Turtle, Wrench, and Genetics are all here as well. We enjoyed a nice campfire, until a storm moved in. It's raining hard now, but we are dry and comfortable in our Tarptent.Tomorrow we camp at the popular 501 Shelter which features a solar shower, pizza delivery, and swimming hole with rope swing. Tag-along and I plan to join Mountain Man for a 5:45 start - getting us there early afternoon to enjoy the amenities.
Date: 2009-07-02
From: Rausch Gap Creek

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

It rained continuously throughout the night. When our alarm went off at 5:00 am, Tag-along and I packed inside our Tarptent. By the time we were ready to emerge, the rain had let up.The day started with one small problem. The creek we had crossed yesterday afternoon to find our camp spot had risen through the night. We went down stream and found a way to navigate across without getting our feet wet. At 5:45 Mountain Man was waiting on the other side of the creek, as we had planned.We're starting to see occasional stretches of the difficult rocks that Pennsylvania is noted for. Within the next 3-4 days we'll enter the most difficult section - 80 miles of continuous ankle twisting rocks. Sore tired feet are the norm during this part of hiking the AT.The rocks that we encountered today were slippery from last night's rain. Tag-along took a tumble this afternoon, broke her trekking pole and bumped her face against a rock. She looks a little rough, but will be fine. We appreciated the help provided by The Bills and Mountain Man as we dealt with the situation.Everyone here at the 501 Shelter kept the pizza delivery service busy tonight. Other hikers with us include The Bills, Mountain Man, Wrench, Turtle, Robo, Doc, Swifty, Firecracker, Big Fish, Top Shelf, Geezer, Lunchbox, Sea Bass, and Steve. We all enjoyed a nice campfire before bedtime, burning all the pizza boxes so we wouldn't have to pack them out in the morning.Tomorrow we head 15 miles toward Port Clinton The plan is to arrive for the Hiker Feed and July 4 festivities this Saturday.We're below the 1000 miles to complete the AT point. Specifically, we have just 993 miles ahead. That seems quite doable to us!
Date: 2009-07-03
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After a great night sleep with unusually cool temperatures. Tag-along woke up this morning with a real shiner. Although it looks bad, she is confident that nothing is broken and that it will heal just fine. I'm thinking about wearing a 'I did not abuse my wife" sign when we go into town tomorrow. Our hiking troupe (Mountain Man, the Bills and us) left camp at 6:00 and walked together most of the day. We hiked 15.1 miles and got into camp by 2:00. We are tenting tonight at the Eagles Nest Shelter. Tag-along and I were entertained for a while this afternoon, watching a mouse go in and out of Mountain Man's shoe. Being a shelter sleeper he's become accustomed to various types of rodents.Swifty. Lunchbox, Sea Bass, Steve, Doc, Top Shelf, Geeser, the Bills, and Mountain Man are all here tonight. We look forward to going into town tomorrow for the Hiker Feed!