morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Troutville, Va

To: Bearwallow Gap
Miles today: 20.0

Wind Guard and his wife Doris were at breakfast this morning. We had met him on the trail just outside Pearisburg a week or so ago, then we saw him again at breakfast in Pearisburg and Doris gave us a ride to the library. They offered to drive us again this morning which is great because it is so dangerous to walk on the roads around here. No sidewalks. The weather seems fine now but they are calling for more storms and with all the heat that could be a menu for some real rough weather. Dont' forget to drop me a few lines in the guest book section. It is always good to hear from friends.  The adventure continues.Windgard was already on the trail when Doris dropped us off but we caught up with him after a few miles and hiked the rest of the day with him which was very enjoyable.It was a very pleasant 20 mile day Doris picked WG up and offered us a beer which we gratefully accepted. We arrranged to meet in the same location tomorrow morning. Recom and I waited for the outfitter to drop off our packs near the Blue Ridge Parkway. We had hiked near the parkway for part of the day and actually came out on it at several overlooks with great vistas. (taylor, Montvale, Harveys Knob, Sharp Top and Mills gap Overlooks) finally, Doug showed up with our packs and 2 ice cold Cokes. Trail Magic. We tented near where Doris and Wingard would meet us in the morning. 740 total miles hiked
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Bearwallow Gap

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Doris and Wingard came at 8 AM and we loaded our packs in her minivan. I am not sure if we would still be hiking the trail if not for Doris and Wingard. They have been a Godsend to say the least. I have a unique day pack. I asked the outfitter yesterday if he thought I could market it at his store. He laughed and said he'd think about it. The day pack is 4 plastic Kroger bags with a bungey cord slung over my shoulder. It worked great yesterday except the cord bothered me when my water battles were full. Today I took a small piece of sleeping pad and wrapped it around the cord. Worked much better. We had a short but taxing 15 miler today. Dropped down 1000' to Jennings Creek, then up 2500' to Floyd MT. and then Cornelius Creek Shelter. Tomorrow we'll head to Glasgow where I will pick up my sleeping pad when the P.O. opens on Monday. Today was a big loop that took us away (north) from the Blue Ridge Parkway then looped us back south to the parkway again. There were some scouts at the shelter and some ladies that had pictures of the baby cub we had heard about near Damascus, VA. It's mother had been killed so it was coming up to hikers and even climbing into the shelter at night. Later that night I told the scouts my Royal Ranger stories. I slept OK in my tent but Recom said the noseeums attacked with vigor in the shelter. There were 2 ladies (Mossy Brown & Haiku) tenting in an REI quarter dome that looked just like mine last night. I teasingly told them I hoped I didn't mistakingly get into their tent late at night. Later I heard some of the most god-awful snoring ever. I wondered how they could lay next to each other like that and sleep. When I got out of my tent to take a pee I realized the snoring was coming from a tent several yards beyond the ladies. Now that was some impressive snoring. Impressive, most impressive, but you are not a jedi...well it was impressive.
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: James River near Glasgow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Getting closer to Harpers Ferry. Got to Hwy 501 so I can get to Glasgow tomorrow. We were gonna try to stay in town but it has no place to stay. We are camping a mile or so off the trail at a little park near the river landing. When Doris arrived with the van, Wingard took me into town to buy some hot food, water, etc. Wingard dropped me off at the park and went back to the trail to get Recom and Doris. A young lady in a bikini came up the trail smiling and asked if I was hiking the AT. I had 3 jugs of water, 4 jugs of gatorade, hot food, and my pack so I tried to ignore her w/o being rude but she kept talking as if she were fully clothed and I tried to answer her w/o looking like a guy that hadn't seen a lady undressed like that in months. She kept asking questions and the next thing I knew there were 2 more ladies dressed in similar fashion asking questions and seemingly genuinely impressed that I had hiked 755 miles of the trail. Eventually, the crew arrived and we got our tents set. Wingard and Doris slept in the van just off VA 501 and I set my tent up in the back of the park but we still heard trucks roaring down the mountain road all night long. (In case you're wondering about why the gals were in bathing suits, the reason is that there is a rafting/inner tube landing near the park and the trail from the river came thru the park I camped at. Later that evening two outfitters walked by my tent and loaded the inner tubes in their truck)
Date: 2009-06-15
From: James River near Glasgow

To: Peddlar River Bridge VA USFS Rd 39
Miles today: 14.9

A big "THANK YOU" to Bob, Wally, DP, Anita and Everwhar. I told Wingard (and Recom had to listen for at least the 2nd time) stories about you guys. It kept me from thinking about the misery of climbing up Rocky Row Run, Fullers Rock, Little Rocky Row, and Big Rocky which was a 2200' climb. MacGyver and Oakie joined us after a few miles and I told him he had to tell stories cuz he was 3rd in line. It rained hard last night so it was difficult making myself get up and put my soggy gear in my pack, but by 7:35 Doris and I were on our way to Glasgow to pick up my sleep pad. To my great relief it was there. Doris then drove me back to camp, picked up Wingard and drove him to the trail. Recom and I hitched down to the trail and we were on the trail by 8:40 AM I have found a few ticks crawling around on me lately which is a worry. The weather report is not good. Surprise!!!!!
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Peddlar River Bridge VA USFS Rd 39

To: Lexington, VA
Miles today: 798.0

It started raining at 4 AM and again I put my wet soggy gear in my pack. You can imagine how smelly things have gotten. It only took us 2' 40" to walk the 6.8 miles to the Buena Vista exit off the trail. Wingard and Doris were planning on getting in to town today to celebrate their 47th anniversary. Recom and I were gonna hitch into town to dry out and clean clothes, but Doris said MacGyver had tried to hitch for an hour and eventuallly called a cab. They insisted on driving us to town. They are such incredibly nice people. Anyway, Recom and I rode on their air mattress in to Lexington, VA. I got my stuff dried out by laying it out on the parking lot driveway. I walked to a WalMart and restocked. Guess what? Weather report says rain for the next 4 days. (Saw Kel and Gracie when we reached the highway today. She had acquired the trailname of George cuz of George Burns and Gracie Allen)
Date: 2009-06-18
From: Lexington, VA

To: Salt Log Gap, VA
Miles today: 8.5

Back on the trail to VA 634 at Salt Log Gap. Actually hiked south most of the day. At Hog Camp Gap we stopped for lunch and I sat on a swing for a few minutes. a swing out in the middle of the wilderness, how cool is that? Saw some great views at Bald Knob also climbed Cold MT, but no Nicole Kidman to be found. We are camping at a very quiet little spot and haven't seen anyone for several hours.
Date: 2009-06-19
To: Tye River Parking Lot
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Salt Log Gap before 8AM climbed 600' to Wolf Rocks. It was an EZ hike, got to see Shenandoah Valley for the 1st time this afternoon. Some rain while eating lunch. The morning was perfect as was the night last night. We camped right on the AT across the street from the Tye River suspension bridge. At 6:30 PM Shannon and Larry pulled into the parking area where we were camping and set up their tent. He will run up The Priest ( we walked down it today) tomorrow in training for the Pikes Peak marathon. It is a 3000' climb to a shelter in which most of the entries in the log are confessions (The Priest, get it?).  822 total miles
Date: 2009-06-20
From: Tye River Parking Lot

To: Greenstone Overlook
Miles today: 15.5

The air was very stagnant when we broke camp just like it was all last night. I slept with my rain fly draped over the tent to let in more air but it didn't help. WE crossed the suspension bridge over the Tye River and the air was so thick I could hardly breathe so I took off my shirt. We were expecting it to be very hot but it was actually quite pleasant hiking weather. My legs felt great all day even tho we climbed 3000' and negotiated rocks for a large part of the day. After climbing the 3 Ridges we stopped at an overlook of the valley below. We could see several places we had hiked the last few days. We had some other great views as well. We hiked along the Blue Ridge Parkway again finishing at Dripping Rock Parking area. We decided to go 1/2 mile down the BRP to Greenstone Overlook. It was my favorite campsite so far. I'm not sure we were suppose to camp there but we did. I waited until almost dark to set my tent in case a ranger stopped. Three or four cars came thru the overlook area during the night but so what. The valley below was breathtaking and so was the sunset. The valley leads to Waynesboro, VA and Shenandoah National Park. As the sun set I looked to my right and wondered what my wife was doing up north. Two more weeks and I'll be home. 838 total
Date: 2009-06-21
From: Greenstone Overlook

To: Waynsboro, VA
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: few clouds

I slept quite well and my tent was dry because of the crazy wind from the valley at Greenstone Overlook. Today we hiked to Waynsboro and checked in to a Super 8. Recom and I walked to the laundry from the motel. The clerk had told us it was one mile and we found out it was 2.2 miles. Cosimo was there doing his laundry. Doris walked in and scolded us for walking when she had offered to let us use the car. So I drove her back to the motel, got Recom and our laundry and went to Walmart. (We met Cosimo at Woods Hole Hostel a couple weeks earlier and have run into him a few times since.) Later that evening Cosimo met us for dinner at a steakhouse. Tomorrow, Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2009-06-22
From: Lexington, VA

To: Riprap trail Shenandoah
Miles today: 16.5

Gorgeous day to hike. May have seen a bear but can't count it cuz it was such thick brush. Got permits for Shenandoah NP then climbed 1000' to Bear Den MT's radio towers with old tractor seats and great vistas. Got to Riprap Trail on Skyline drive but no Doris. Miscommunication. I walked to mile 88.9 on the Drive then back to Riprap. She finally found us at 5:45.
Date: 2009-06-23
From: Riprap

To: Loft Mt. Campground
Miles today: 19.0

Today was our 36th anniversary. I definitely was missing my sweetie today. I tried calling her several times, stopped at two stores but they had no phone and I had no reception. Finally after hiking all day we went to Loft MT Capmpground and I found a payphone I could call on. MK was on her way to Jackson with her dad. I had called him earlier and asked him to take her out to dinner. That was nice of him. I bought a can of beef stew, fruit cocktail, and a small bag of cookies and a banana for my dinner. Also the campgr. had showers and laundry. Not the greatest way to spend our anniversary, but it was still better than 1976 when we celebrated in the hospital after an accident. So I guess we didn't celebrate it that year either if you catch my drift.
Date: 2009-06-24
From: Loft Mt.

To: Lewis MT 
Miles today: 19.0

The weather is cool maybe 62 degrees. Made it to Lewis MT Campground where Doris was waiting, but drove to Big Meadows Campground so we could stay two days w/o moving camp. Called Adam and told him where to meet us Thursday night. Did laundry and showered. 905 total miles hiked.
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Lewis MT 

To: Big Meadow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The campground was much noisier last night. Crazy campers having fun till 11 PM Don't they know hikers turn in at 9PM. Saw quite a few deer/fawns etc. which kept everyone entertained. Also saw a skunk move into camp after everyone in my party had turned in. Of course, there is nothing you can do about a skunk except hope it leaves you alone. Later as I lay sleeping I saw a shadow move outside my tent and thought it might be a bear but it was probably a deer. Had canned beef stew last night thanks to a run into Elkton by Doris.
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Big Meadow

To: Elkwallow Gap
Miles today: 16.1

Adam pulled into Big Meadows jut before 1AM. I flashed my light at him from the laundry area where I was waiting but he didn't see me and drove straight to the camp site where Recom directed him to a place to park. We were up at 6:30AM and ready to hike by 7:30. Adam dropped us at Stony Man Parking Area then went to Elkwallow Wayside. Wingard, recom and I hiked the 2.3 miles to Jewel Hollow Overlook where Doris had brought Adam back to hike with us. It was so great to have Adam hike with us today. He is feeling rough right now but hopefully he'll be fine tomorrow, although he looks a little sunburned. Wingard made us hoe cakes tonight and they were perfect. Supossedly the slaves made them on their hoes. Take equal parts corn meal and boiling water. Pour the water on top of the meal, let it alone for 10 minutes, then mix and fry on a hot griddle. (Michaeal Jackson died yesterday)
Date: 2009-06-27
From: Elkwallow Gap

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Adam hiked wtih me again today. We left SNP and got into Front Royal. We've done 108 miles in 6 days. Did 122 in the last week. I c0uld tell Adam was tired and sore and I was too. Recom and Wingard saw a bear in a tree but I missed it. This morning I saw Adam point at something in Big Meadow Campground and I saw a bear stroll thru camp like he owned it. Stayed at a Super 8 Motel and took Wingard and Doris to a Mexican restauant in Front Royal. We decided to sleep in tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-28
From: Front Royal

To: Manassas Gap
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Super 8 in Front Royal and got back on the trail at about noon. We got to Manassas Gap and camped at a camp ground a few miles away. It had a shower and that was about it. Adam had a few ticks on him but I haven't found one on me yet. I'll check later in my tent. Adam will take us back to the trail in the morning then head back to DC. (I hope to see him next Thursday or Friday)
Date: 2009-06-29
From: Manassas Gap

To: VA 605
Miles today: 19.1

Adam drove us back to the trail and we were hiking by 7:40. Adam would not have enjoyed the last 4 miles today. We entered the Roller Coaster section of the trail and it lived up to its reputation for being tough. It was up, up, up, over rugged rocks and down, down, down over rugged rocks. Tomorrow we'll reach 1,000 miles and W. Virginia. Harpers Ferry on Wednesday.
Date: 2009-06-30
From: VA 605

To: Blackburn Hostel
Miles today: 14.6

1001 miles a hiker odysey. Can you believe It? 1001 miles from Springer MT. Today the Roller Coaster kicked my butt. If the Shenandoah with its gentle slopes lulled you to sleep then the Roller Coaster slapped you back to harsh reality. I was telling Wingard my "Joe and his cat" joke and just as I came to the punch line I heard an un named hiker announce from ahead, "Hey guys, I'm standing in West Virginia, peeing in Virginia!" I asked him if that's what WV thinks of VA but he said, "No that's what AT hikers think of VA!" VA is 535 miles looooong. Thought it would never end. For lunch we stopped at Horsehoe Curve Restaurant for a burger and fries. It was .3 miles off the trail on VA hwy 679. We got to Blackburn Hostel and got a bunk. Met a guy that had played for the Detroit Lions back in the 80's.
Date: 2009-07-01
From: Blackburn Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

6:17AM I did not sleep well at Blackburn Hostel because the privy was very ripe, too close to the bunk house. Also, it was my last night on the AT until next year when I hope to finish. It will be tough to say goodbye to Bill and Doris. They have become great friends. And, of course, the last 3 months would have been even more difficult w/o a great friend like Recom.   (Later)      WE got to Harpers Ferry Appalachian Trail Conservancy at 12:45. I was surprised at how unemotional I felt. I had thought I might cry like a babbling baby but it just felt like any other 11.8 mile day. I gave all my food to some young hiker that was going thru the hiker box. Recom, Wingard, and I got our picture taken for the ATC record and signed in. WE also met Whitney and Dan whom we hadn't seen since Hot Springs. They had lived in China. Whitney asked if I'd heard from Number 37? I looked confused and she said, "Your son that's an honorary citizen of Quindao." Great memory. We learned that Toubob had gotten off the trail for a week or so and that Birdie and Bubbles were just ahead of us. I exchanged addresses with Doris. We walked down town to a restaurant and had lunch. It was very difficult saying goodbye. Edward, Recom's friend, arrived to take us to DC and he brought cold towels, and cantelope. What a treat. I  sat in his sports car and enjoyed telling AT adventures to someone that had already read all of Recom's entries but still seemed eager to hear them again.
Date: 2009-07-02
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Washington DC
Miles today: 0.0

Recom and I hung out together on July 2 until my son Adam got out of work. Recom and I took the Metro to DC and he rented a car for the week. He dropped me off downtown and Adam and I headed to Silver Sping where he lives. It was so strange to be off the trail and in a huge city. I weighed myslef yesterday and I've lost 34 pounds. I'll need to buy some clothes tomorrow that dont have a constant hiker smell to them.
Date: 2009-07-04
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Washington DC
Miles today: 0.0

Adam had to work on July 3 so I spent the day wandering around DC checking out the museums. Had a lot of fun. Adam and I met Recom for the 4th of July celebration in our nation's capital. How cool is that. We ran into Jill and Dave 2 friends from Stockbridge. Got to see some great performers at the capitol. Barry Manilow, Big Bird, Aretha Franklin,the Jersey Boys, and several others. The fireworks over the Washington Monument were spectacular. What a wonderful evening.
Date: 2010-05-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Less than a month before I hit the trail again. I have been walking as much as possible. Did 49 miles a few weeks ago, which isn't much when you are on the trail, but it's alot when you are at home and have other chores, etc. to do. I plan to return to Harpers Ferry on June 25, and finish what I started last year. I will start with a bivy sack instead of a tent, and my sleep bag will be a 50 degree plus a silk liner. Hoping that will be enough thru NY. I want my pack to weigh less than 30#s. weigh matters on the trail. I knew that before I left last April 2009 but I carried way more than I needed to. I'm a little wiser this time. HOPEFULLY!!!!
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: ATC
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all, I'm sitting at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, waiting for my son and Recom so I can continue my hike and hopefully get to Maine by Oct. 1, we'll see. It was hard to wave goodby to my lovely bride this morning but it will be good to fullfill my dream and finish this hike. Clare R (Coyote Clair) is hiking with me as well so I will not be alone at least not for a few days at least. It is very hot and humid here in WV but that was to be expected. I got a call from Adam and he will not be able to hike with me because the van can not be fixed. So Recom will take the train here to Harpers Ferry and Clair and I will meet him at the train station at 5:16 PM and start our hike. This morning we left the resort at Massanutten at 7:30. Stopped at a Dunkin Donut on the way. Last night we had pizza to carbo load. Clair and I hung around HF all day waiting
Date: 2010-06-25
From: ATC

To: Ed gravy shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Adam Was going to pick up recom last night but his car broke down. Recom had already shut off his electricity and was waiting but Adam never showed. Recom wound up taking the train to Harpers Ferry. I met Coyote Clair at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at 9:30 AM. We left our packs at the Hostel he had stayed at and hiked one mile of the trail to the north of town. Recom's train arrived at 5:15 and by 5:40 we were on the trail again. It was very hot and humid and after a mile or so Recom couldn't catch his breath. It started to get scary because he continued to have breathing difficulty. after several attempts to continue he decide he needed to get off. Clair flagged down a car at a road and Recom headed off to a motel promising to meet us at the hikers campground tomorrow. Coyote and I hiked until 9 but were no where near the shelter so we put on our headlamps and night hiked until we made it to Ed Garvey shelter. The bugs weren't bad so i slept on my bivy cowboy style most of the night. This was my first time night hiking. I hiked 1012 miles last year w/o night hiking. This year I night hiked the first day. Hmmmmm?
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Ed gravy shelter

To: Hiker camp
Miles today: 10.9

got up at 6:15 and left right away figuring to eat on the trail. All I had to do was deflate my air mattress and shove it and my bivy in my pack and take off. Stopped for breakfast at 7:15 had a yummy protein bar. Got to the hiker camp at 1:30. I was relieved to see Recom there but he told me right awy he was getting off the trail. That was a bummer but I i know it was the right choice for him. Coyote will hike for a couple weeks, but it will be strange w/o Good Ole Recom.   A 2009 Thru-hiker named Hoover brightned the day by providing cheese cake, cookies, sodas, pies, and lots more. Recom left with Hoover at 7:30. It was sad to see him drive away.   Yoga Matt, a young hiker I gave a ride to at Shenandoah N.P. was there as was Tattoo, Superman,
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Hiker camp

To: ensign cowall shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Coyote mde coffee, what a treat. Left Dahlgreen Back Packers Campground at 7:30 After breakfast with Castle, Nate, and Tattoo. we stopped at the George Washington Monument at GW state park. The heat and humidity was brutal today. slept on my bivy again on top of a tent pad. Very hot.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: ensign cowall shelter

To: Deer lick shleter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Did not sleep well. A half hour before the MD/PA border it started pouring. It felt soooooo gooood. Made it to Pen Mar Park at 1:15 drenched but happy. there is a pavillion there that faces the cumberland valley. very cool, I imagined Robert E. Lee leading his armies across this valley so longago. There was a glorious breeze blowing up from the valley which dried most of my clothes. Sadly we left at 4:20 and by 4:30 we were in PA my 7th state. 2 hours after dark a Powder's dog (Russel) started barking and 3 hikers came into camp. Russel announced another hiker at 4:30 AM.
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Deer lick shleter

To: Quarry Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

The weather was a little cooler last night. My silk liner and bivy barely kept me warm. Left camp at 7:05 and stopped at Old Forge picnic area for coffee and oatmeal courtesy of Coyote Clair. It will take me weeks to get my legs back. Even these 500'-600' climbs are tough. gene, from Alabama was waiting for his wife, sweet Tea, whan we came out at Hwy 30. He offered to give us a ride to a store and a restaurant so we stashed our packs in the weeds and took off. Had stuffed pasta and a salad at Taomaninas. Walked back to the trail, found our packs and barely made it to Caladonia State Park's restrooms (fortunately )