morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Rockfish Gap-20.8 miles

To: Tented near Blackboot Hut-19.3 miles
Miles today: 19.3

Today, we started the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) section of our Virginia hike. The Trail starts out a short road walk on the Skyline Drive before it turns into the woods. After about a mile, Comer leaves me on the Trail with our packs while he walks on a blue blaze trail over to the SNP Entrance Station to get a backcountry permit, which is required in this section. We have just resupplied and both felt overloaded today; therefore, we walked at a slower pace to begin with until our bodies readjusted to the weight of our packs. When we arrived at McCormick Gap, the Trail crossed the Skyline Drive, which it does many times before we get out of the Park. From McCormick Gap, the Trail begins a roller coaster of many steep ups and downs. The first steep up was up to Bear Den Mountain; then down and back up to Calf Mountain. Next was a LONG down and then up to Sawmill Run. After going up Turk Mountain, we finally get a few easy walking miles on the Trail. We continued today with easier ups and downs until we stopped and tented near Blackrock Hut.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Tented near Blackboot Hut-19.3 miles

To: Tented at Hightop Hut-22.1 miles
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Walking was much easier today, and would have been even more enjoyable, if we had less pack weight. We met 4 section hikers today. Three of them were doing the entire Shenandoah National Park section, which is a little over 100 miles. One was doing a section in the area we hiked today. We stopped at the Loft Mountain Campground Store and Restaurant, and were very disappointed that they had not opened for the season. Therefore, we had to eat a Mountain House lunch near Ivy Creek Maintenance Hut. From here the next 14 miles has MANY, HIGH ups and downs. We stopped at Pinefield Hut to get water from a great spring. We decided to walk a few more miles to Hightop Hut and camp for the night.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Tented at Hightop Hut-22.1 miles

To: Rock Spring Hut-23.9 miles
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: few clouds

We were up very early and began hiking as soon as it was light enough to see the Trail. All we can say about Hightop is..IT IS HIGH!! The spring, half a mile north of the hut, is much better than getting water at Hightop Hut. All springs are well marked through the Shenandoah National Park. Once you reach the summit of Hightop, it is 1.6 miles down to the Skyline Drive. You road walk across the bridge at Swift Run Gap and then the Trail turns right into the woods. Of course, when you go down at these gaps..you must then go back up. Here the Trail goes up to Saddleback Mountain, at an elevation of 3300ft. The roller coaster begins ALL OVER AGAIN all the way to Lewis Mountain Campground. After a LONG break at Bearfence Mountain Hut, we pushed on to Big Meadows Campground and ate a HUGE meal. It was late, but we had enough daylight left to walk the last 4 miles to Rock Springs Hut and tented for the night. The weather was good..a little on the warm side. We saw lots of deer today..THANK GOODNESS, NO BEARS!! While we were having our meal at Big Meadows, an older couple (who had thru-hiked several yrs. ago) recognized us from talking with Kentucky Blue and Jennifer a few days earlier. We thoroughly enjoyed sharing TRAIL STORIES with them. Comer has a PROBLEM with his backpack. He mistakenly left a jar of peanut butter in one of the side pockets. The mice ate a large hole through the side pocket and through the stuff bag for our water filter. The gnawed a hole in the hose of the filter and ate through the plastic bag holding the peanut butter. AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF, as he was crawling under a blow down, he snagged an 8 inch tear in his pack cover. Out came the DUCT TAPE to repair the side pocket and corner of his pack! He cut off the damaged piece of tubing. If this keeps up...by the time we reach Maine...his pack will weigh 20lbs more with all the duct tape!
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Rock Spring Hut-23.9 miles

To: Tented after Pass Mountain Hut-19.9 miles
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up and on the Trail before 6am so that we could stop at Skyland Restaurant for a hot breakfast on the Skyline Drive. Big Meadows and Skyland are two restaurants that hikers look forward to eating in as they hike the Shenandoah National Park section of the Trail. During the night, the deer kept coming up to our tent and sniffing around keeping us awake off and on all night. At first, we thought it was a bear, but Comer checked and found deer. He kept hitting the side of the tent. They would jump back a few feet and blow, but soon returned close to the tent again. The other campers had the same thing happen around their tents. Everyone had their food hanging on the bear hangers that are provided at the huts. Shortly after we left Skyland, we caught up with 3 Northbound section hikers from New York. They were doing the 5th day of a 6 day hike. We thought it was a TOUGH climb up to Pinnacles Mountain, but found it was an easier section once we encountered all the rocks going up Marys Rocks. This reminded us of all the rocks in Pennsylvania. We had to stop at Byrds Nest #3 Shelter so that Comer could walk .3 miles down to a spring for water. The springs were far apart and we try not to carry too much water because of the extra weight. It was hot again today, and we were needing to refill our bottles at this point. When we arrived at Thornton Gap, we had to cross a very busy highway..VA250. We stopped again for water for the night and for breakfast near Byrds Nest #4 before tenting for the night.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Tented after Pass Mountain Hut-19.9 miles

To: Hogwallow-11.9 miles
Miles today: 11.9

We were a little lazy today from being tired these past couple of days. We got a later start and were glad the first 3 miles were easier hiking. We stopped to get water at Jeremey's Run Trail. The next 4 miles were a HARD CLIMB up Hogback Mountain. Comer tried to get me to stand out on the Hang Glider Platform for a picture, but I declined. I was not going to get near any long drop offs, and this one was definately a long one. From here it was mostly down hill to Gavel Spring Gap. There was still plenty of daylight left, but we decided to stop and camp so our feet and backs could rest. We need to be rested for the long roller coaster ups and downs into Front Royal tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Hogwallow-11.9 miles

To: Front Royal,VA-10 miles
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were anxious to get started because we were looking forward to HOT SHOWERS and a SOFT BED to sleep in tonight. It was a LONG, HARD CLIMB up South Marshall Mountain, and another HARD mile climb up North Marshall Mountain. Then we had a LONG down to Hogwallow Flats. We had two more long ups to conquer. The last 6 miles were mostly downs with a few small ups. When we arrived at US522, we called for a shuttle to take us to the motel.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Front Royal,VA-10 miles

To: Dick's Dome Shelter-15.1 miles
Miles today: 15.1

It felt so good to have a HOT SHOWER, DELICIOUS MEAL, and a SOFT BED to sleep in that it was HARD to get up and get back on the Trail this morning. Quality Inn will provide shuttles back to the Trailhead. The Trail starts out following along the National Zoological Park. The zoo is home for many rare and endangered animals from all over the world. The Trail starts out with a LONG 3 mile up. It also passes some old ruins. We stopped at Jim and Molly Denton Shelter for a break. This is an EASY section to hike. We crossed VA55 and started our climb up to Manassas Gap Shelter. We stopped here long enough to get water. After 2 more miles of ups, we started down to Dick's Dome Shelter. We decided to tent near here tonight because of a late start this morning.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Dick's Dome Shelter-15.1 miles

To: Bears Den Hostel-18.3 miles
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a very early start because there was a chance of rain today, and we knew there were many ups and downs facing us all day long. We made good time until we got near the Rod Hollow Shelter, where there is a sign before you cross the stream, welcoming you to the miles of ups and downs. All afternoon, it was LONG UPS and DOWNS. Some of it was VERY ROCKY. We did not stop at Sam Moore Shelter; however, we took many breaks on many summits today. We passed another cabin ruins and several piled rock fences that were used to pen livestock. The last up was the LONGEST and HARDEST. We were very relieved when we finally saw the sign "Bears Den Hostel .1 mile". Hikers must go to the back of the building to enter. We needed our 2007 Hikers Handbook to figure out the combination lock to enter. You can enter the day room at any time of the day or night, but the office to register for the night does not open until 5pm. We paid our fees..2 bunks, pizza, Dr. Pepper, ice cream, snacks and to do laundry. While the pizza was in the oven, we took HOT SHOWERS and started the laundry. After dinner, we ate a pint of Butter Pecan ice cream and Comer checked the weather report on the computor, as rain is expected tonight and tomorrow. We are glad to be inside with baths, clean clothes and clean bunks to sleep on.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Bears Den Hostel-18.3 miles

To: Harpers Ferry-20.5 miles
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

There were thunder storms during the night, but since Bears Den Hostel is a thick stone building, this did not disturb our sleep. Bears Den is a 26 bed hostel owned by the ATC which offers bunks, sheet sleepsacks, shower and towel, and cooking privileges in a well-equipped kitchen. It also has laundry and trail foods, ice cream and cold drinks. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND making this a stop for thru-hikers. We were well rested and up very early to hike into Harpers Ferry; headquarters of the ATC. The hike started out fairly easy walking, until we started up Devil's Racecourse, which was a BOULDER FIELD. Not only was the rocks hard on our feet and leg muscles, but there was lots of water in the footpath. As we passed the blue blaze trail to Blackburn, which is another hostel, we decided to continue hiking. At David Lesser we stopped, got water, and cooked a Mountain House meal. While we were there, 3 section hikers came in for a break also. From here we had Buzzard Rocks to cross. We saw some buzzards on the summit. Comer said he guessed they were waiting for one of us to fall. Near this area, there were stones that had been placed during the Civil War Era. When we arrived at Harper's Ferry, we stopped by the Post Office for our food drop and my new boots that had been forwarded. Then we went to the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy). I am changing to a mid weight boot because of the rocks. We were disappointed that we did not get to stay at the Hilltop House Hotel..it was already full.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Harpers Ferry-20.5 miles

To: Pine Knob Shelter-22. miles
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It's always hard to leave town. As we walked through Harper's Ferry, we enjoyed looking at all the old buildings and historical sites. We cross the Potomac River on the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge; went down the steps and turned right on the C & O Canal Townpath. We followed the C & O canal for about 3 miles. After about 5 miles, we stopped at the Ed Garvey Shelter for a break. This is a very neat shelter. We also stopped at the blue blaze leading to the Crampton Gap Shelter for another break. After 15 miles, we stopped at the Rocky Run Shelter, which is closed for renovation, so we decided to push on to Dahlgren Back Pack Campground. It is free and has hot showers. There was still enough daylight left that we hiked on to Pine Knob Shelter for the night.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Pine Knob Shelter-22. miles

To: Dick Lick Shelter-22.7 miles
Miles today: 22.7

We were up at 4:30am today..ate breakfast..put on our headlights and began walking. We started up Annapolis Rocks and the up continued for about 2 miles to Black Rock Cliffs. The elevation is not as high through this section of the Trail, but the footpath has a lot more rocks. We stopped near Ensign Cowall Shelter for a break and water. The rocky Trail continued on until Devil's Racecourse Shelter. I'm sure glad I changed from my low quarter hiking shoes to a mid weight boot. It gives me more foot support and more ankle support against these MEAN ROCKS. Sometimes the Trail looks as though someone has taken a dump truck and scattered the rocks. We have to be careful not to turn our feet and sprain an ankle. Almost every up has a boulder field we have to climb up, over and then down. Some of the swift streams had big boulders we had to JUMP from boulder to boulder to cross. We know there are more of these the further north we go. We made good mileage this section. We crossed several highways and dirt and gravel roads. All the parks and picnic areas are still closed. This was disappointing, as we would LOVE A HAMBURGER AND A DR.PEPPER!! It was very warm today and we had to drink lots of water to keep our energy level up. We can tell when we are beginning to get a little dehydrated. We start feeling sluggish and our steps get slower. We immediately stop..cool down..and drink water. We are tenting tonight near Dick Lick Shelter.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Dick Lick Shelter-22.7 miles

To: Birch Run Shelter-23.2 miles
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: clear sky

I hated to hear Comer say it's time to get up and it was not even daylight. We ate breakfast, packed up and was soon on our way with our headlights. Before we got good and warmed up, we were at Antietam Shelter. The Trail along this area was wet and boggy. We stopped at Old Forge Picnic grounds and topped off our water bottles. Later, we stopped to take a break at Rattle Run Road. I told Comer I didn't like the name of this...but he said not to worry. When we began our climb up to Tumbling Run Shelter, we thought it was going to be hard, but found it was one of our easier climbs today. Within a mile, we were back into Pennsylvania Rocks...up and down...up and down...and all size and type rocks from small ones in the footpath to climbing larger boulders. When we finally reached Rocky Mountain Shelter, we stopped for a long break to rest our feet and backs. From here the Trail goes down to lower elevation to Caledonia State Park. All the parks we have walked through are not open for the summer; however, the restrooms were open here and we could get water. Springs are often too far apart in this section. We ate a meal on one of the picnic tables and stretched out for a long rest...we had already walked 13 plus miles and it was 11:30am. From the park, it was a very steep up for the next 4 miles. Then we had 3 miles of roller coasters (ups and downs) until we reached Ridge Road. When we crossed Ridge Road, walking was much easier until we reached Birch Run Shelter..where we are staying tonight. We were glad as our feet were already hot and tired..even though we always try to walk in the softest looking part of the Trail.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Birch Run Shelter-23.2 miles

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter-25.4 miles
Miles today: 25.4

Comer shook me again at 4:30am to get me awake. I told him it was too dark. He said if I were in the Altamaha Swamp, we'd be getting up at 3:30am...so I just got on up...or he might have just left me in my sleeping bag. We ate breakfast, packed and headed North (with headlights). We walked about 10 miles of fairly easy walking before noon, and stopped at the store at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, which was closed, but the vending machine outside had drinks. The climb up Piney Mountain was STRENUOUS. We came to a blue blaze that goes to Mountain Creek Campground and Comer suggested we go down for a milkshake. It was worth the extra walking! When we reached the Pine Grove Furnace Road, we walked another .3 mile to a restaurant and ate chicken pot pie (today's special). This gave us the energy needed to climb the HARDEST, LARGEST BOULDER MOUNTAIN of the day to Alex Kennedy Shelter.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter-25.4 miles

To: Darlington Shelter-18.2 miles
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

I guess Comer expects me to get up at 4:30am every morning. We do feel better and make better mileage before it gets too hot. The first 2 miles were steep ups and downs until we reached the valley. Then we were walking through fields and pastures until we reached Boiling Springs, PA. The Regional ATC was not open when we arrived. Comer walked up the street and got us 2 sub sandwiches and 2 Dr.Peppers. We ate one and drank one large Dr.Pepper. The rest we packed for lunch. For the next 12 miles, the walk continued through beautiful fields and pastures. The pastures had lots of dairy cows that just stared at us as we walked. When we reached PA944, the fun began...a LONG 2 MILE ROCKY CLIMB to Darlington Shelter. We arrived around 1:30pm. Comer wanted to know if I wanted to continue on 7.2 miles to next shelter since we had plenty of daylight left. We looked at the profile and I said NO. Our feet were already hot and tired from the 18.2 miles we had already walked.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Darlington Shelter-18.2 miles

To: Duncannon,PA-12.3 miles
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

EARLY, EARLY, EARLY is all I hear!! We were out walking a little before first light. The first 6 miles we made good time until we crossed a stream. Then we started up and you guessed it...ROCKS. When we reached the path to Cove Mountain Shelter, we decided not to stop by, as it was down hill 400ft. We took a break. As we climbed up to Hawk Rock, there was a Vista giving us a beautiful view of the valley. The path here begins a very steep down on a rockslide. It continues down with several switchbacks. It took us longer to walk this 12.3 miles than it did to walk the 18 miles the day before. When we reached the highway, it was roadwalk all the way into Duncannon,PA. We stopped at the noted Doyle Hotel. The Doyle is 102 yrs. old and it does show its age. We walked in to register and the lady asked if we were Comer & Jean. We were AMAZED that she knew us...word travels fast up and down the Trail so businessess know who we are. The stay was very friendly. We paid for a room, had a hot shower, did laundry and went back down to the restaurant and ate a HUGE STEAK DINNER that was so DELICIOUS!! Comer walked up to the Post Office and picked up our mail drop (food). We enjoyed visiting with the other hikers as they came in throughout the afternoon.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Duncannon,PA-12.3 miles

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

While we were at the Doyle Hotel, we phoned home and learned that Jean's mother was scheduled for some test with a lung specialist and our son-in-law (Don) was in the hospital in New York with heart problems. Our daughter (Teresa) was in Charleston, S.C. getting ready to move to New York. Also our son (Kevin) was coming home from the Middle East (Qatar) on leave. We felt that we needed to go home to be with and to support our family.We are sorry for the delays in posting our journal. With all that was taking place, Teresa had misplaced some of our journal notes. Comer has returned to the trail and I hope to join him later. We enjoyed the hikers we met on the trail and miss them.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Kent CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0

COMER is on the trail WITHOUT his hiking companion JEAN.Went to the Kent Market & Deli for a sandwich and Dr Pepper. Bought two sandwiches and a gatorade to eat later. On the way back to the trail, I stopped at the Backcountry Outfitters for a few more supplies. The first five miles were HARD with all the added SUPPLIES. Took a long break at Silver Hill Campsite. I sure MISS my JEAN. It is hard to stay MOTIVATED when hiking by yourself. The bugs were so vicious that I had to wear my head net. The next SEVEN miles reminded me of the ROLLER COASTER (up/downs) before Bear Den Hostel. I counted at least 13 ups and downs. Tonight I am camping at Pine Swamp Brook Lean-To. I am very glad I have my SPEERS HAMMOCK to get away from the bugs.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to

To: Salisbury CT
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: few clouds

JEAN was NOT here to make me get up at her favorite 0400 time to eat breakfast and take down my hammock. I enjoy my hammock because I can sit in it, cook and eat while sitting in it. I was on the trail by 0500 to hike as many miles as possible before the weather got too hot. The pesky small BLACK FLIES get under your cap, fly into your ears, and crawl under your arm sleeves. They will bite any exposed skin. The first few miles were SMALLER ups and downs and were not as HARD as yesterday. As you near FALLS VILLAGE CT, there is a WHEELCHAIR TRAIL for the handicap which is neat. After crossing the IRON BRIDGE over the HOUSATONIC RIVER, the trail starts back up with a couple of STEEP climbs. I was glad to walk into SALISBURY CT. FOOD, HOT SHOWER AND A BED TO SLEEP IN FOR THE NIGHT.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Salisbury CT

To: Race Brook Falls Campsite CT
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It was hard to leave Salisbury because the people are so friendly. Many enjoy talking with you about your hike. One person came back to TALK with me THREE times. He had RETIRED from the same COMPANY as I. The PROFILE for the next 17 miles looked HARD. I found this to be true as I headed out. By the time I reached LIONS HEAD MTN., I was SWEATY and TIRED. Stopped at RIGA LEAN-TO for water and a break. Next was a LONG climb up Bear Mountain. On the way down I crossed the Connecticut/Massachusetts State Line. Then another long climb up Race Mtn. and down to Race Brook Campsite. I decided to make camp and rest for a long hike tomorrow.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Race Brook Falls Campsite CT

To: Tom Lenonard Lean-to
Miles today: 16.3

After a steep climb over MT. EVERETT, the trail starts down with many ups and downs until Jugs End. From here it is a STEEP down for a mile. Steep downs make my left knee hurt just below my knee cap. Once I reached Jugs End Road the trail leveled out for about 6 miles. I made good time but I was SWEATY and was having to SWAT bugs. I passed 2 ladies on break beside the trail. The next 5 miles were very STEEP and ROCKY ups. With it being hot and with all the bugs, it was a miserable day to hike. I passed 2 young men on break beside the trail. When I arrived at the shelter, Kirk was already in his tent. About an hour later the four hikers I had passed earlier, came in for the night. One of the ladies had met Guthook (Ryan).
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Tom Lenonard Lean-to

To: Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

I was the first one up (0400). I ate breakfast, packed, and left while the other hikers were still asleep. By the time I hiked 4 miles to Benedict Pond, the BUGS were out in MASSES. Wiping sweat and swatting bugs made walking hard. I passed the trail to North Wilcox Shelter but did not stop. Jean and I CAMPED at this shelter on our 2001 thru-hike. We had a PORCUPINE come into the shelter for a VISIT during the night. With the HOTTER temperatures each day, I am having to stop and filter water more often. The steep climbs causes me to stay WET with sweat and I am drinking lots more water. By the time I arrived at Knee Deep Pond, I was DRAGGING and had to MAKE myself continue to walk. You are NOT allowed to camp anywhere along the trails in MA and I still had 4 miles to get to Goose Pond Cabin. The cabin is 0.5 miles off the trail. The caretaker cooks PANCAKES for breakfast for the hikers. What a great TREAT!