morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Pedlar Dam

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up, packed up, and started hiking. Did not have enough water to fix breakfast and hike the 4.5 mi to the next water source at Brown Mtn Creek shelter so we hiked to the shelter then ate breakfast and took our first break. From the shelter it was a 3000' climb in 4.5 mi up Bluff Mtn. All that work and no views! We took a long, well deserved break at the top. Used the opportunity to dry the tent and other gear that got wet in the rain last night. Of course we then had more downs and ups before reaching Hog Camp Gap. There was a cooler there with sodas and a beer which we thoroughly enjoyed. Water was 0.3 mi from the gap. After dinner we visited the trail angles camped nearby. They gave Otter and I hamburgers, potato salad, chopped fresh vegetables, tortilla chips, and a beer. WOW was it good! Eric and Bob got moon pies and drinks. They then gave us a Snickers bar and 2 breakfast bars for tomorrow. The angles were Caveman, his wife Karen, their dog Buddy and Zoom. Caveman and Zoom thru-hiked in 2000 and have beeen doing trail magic here for 4 years.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Tye River
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept well last night. It cooled off nicely. The only problem was the heavy dew in the morning. Had to hang the tent fly up to dry during breakfast. Hiked 5 mi to Wolf Rocks where there was supposed to be vistas but the trees had grown up blocking the views. Eric and I ended up taking our 1st break about 0.5 mi beyond. Otter and Bod had kept walking and ended up walking 7.5 mi to the Seeley-Woodworth shelter before their 1st break. We caught up with them at the shelter when we stopped to get water. We all met again 3 mi later at Spy Rock with spectactular views. Our next stop was The Priest shelter where we decided to eat dinner and do the additional 4.8 mi to the Tye River. This would cut tomorrow to 10.5 mi so we could get shuttled to Waynesboro where Bob's car was parked (they are driving home tomorrow). We left the Priest shelter at 6:30 to begin the 3000' downhill to the river. It was a little after 9:00 when the last of us arrived. We had to walk with our head lamps for about 45 min. We had forgoten that this is a holiday weekend. All of the good campsites were taken. We had to tent next to the footbridge crossing the river. Another milestone today - passed the 800 mi mark!
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Tye River

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 10.5

Had a decent night sleep but was still tired after the 19 mi day yesterday. Soaked my feet and washed my legs in the cool river before breakfast - felt soooo good! Left camp about 8:15 and started the 3100' climb up Three Ridges. And what a climb it was! Did not reach the top until 1:45. It was very warm with high humidity and absolutely no wind. Almost ran out of water. Eric was walking slow because of his aching feet. We had doctured his blisters but they were still hurting. Were able to get water at Maupin Field shelter which was 1.7mi from Reeds Gap. We got a shuttle to Rockfish Gap where we picked kup Bob's car then drove to the Quality Inn, took showers (felt so good!), ate dinner at an Italian resturant, then Bob and Eric left to return to Raleigh. We washed our stinky clothes and returned to the motel to drink wine and rest up for the 19.4 mi hike tomorrow. We are slack packing from Reeds Gap back to Rockfish Gap where Elaine will pick us up for a aero day on Wednesday, our first since since Pearisburg, 18 days and 226 mi.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Reeds Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

We got shuttle back to Reeds Gap and slack-packed back to Rockfish Gap. Elaine met us there and we will taking a 0-day in Waynesboro. Got a haircut hoping that the warm days will not take such a toll on me as they have the last few days. Will get back on the trail on Thursday, June 1.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

This was a zero day in Waynesboro with Elaine. I updated the trail journal and downloaded the pictures to the computer. We went to the outfitters to buy new thermometer, clothes bag, and water filter cartridge. The filter allows me to have one ready to be shipped to me if needed later. Got rid of some extra clothes, water bag and extra jacket. Elaine brought me two new pair of socks. I packed up for the next four days and prepared a box of food for Carol (Otter's wife) to bring up next week end to get me through the last half of Shenandoah National Park (SNP). Otter's family is coming Friday night to hike for a few days.
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Turk Gap
Miles today: 11.4

Today we didn't get on the trail until 11:00. It seems like one zero day wasn't enough time to get everything done! Said goodbye to Elaine as she left to return home and we started back on the trail. It warmed up quickly. The new digital thermometer I bought at the outfitter said it was 89 degrees. There was a slight breeze and the climbs were not long or steep. We stopped at a spring near Jarman Gap to eat dinner and get water so we could hike on a bit further. The next water source was 11 miles away and we were not going that far today. We stopped short of our intended goal because it started raining. We did not want to have to set up tents later with the possibility of heavier rain. We will add those 2 miles to tomorrows schedule. We plan to meet Otters wife, Carol and 2 kids- Brook and Brad at Loft Mt. Campground tomorrow night. They will be hiking with us over the weekend. Two others may join us: Chuck Timley and Bryan Gimza. Chuck is a friend of Otter's and Bryan is on of my former Boy Scouts who SOBO the AT in 1995. It will be greal if they all come.
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Turk Gap

To: Loft Mtn. Campground
Miles today: 16.0

This was a good day hiking. There are not lots of climbs in the Shenandoahs. It warmed up but there was still a slight breeze. Made it to the campground about 4:00. Otter's family arrived about 6:30. They brought us Arby's roast beef and chicken sandwiches and Gatorade for dinner. Bryan Giemza, a former Boy Scout got here a little later. Then Chuck timley arrived after that. Bryan and I were up until after 11:00 talking over old times and drinking beer.
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Loft Mtn. Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up at 6:00 and planned our shuttle to leave cars where all our friends would get off the trail tomorrrow. Otter, Brook and I walked the 2.5 miles to the Wayside and Restaurant while the others did the shuttle. We all arrived at the restaurant about the same time. We all ate breakfast there. I have 2 breakfasts. The first was 2 eggs, bacon toast, and coffee. The second was 3 pancakes, sausage, and coffee. Delicious! Started hiking about 10:00. The hike had several ups and downs on nicely graded trail. Ran into Helbender and Dinosaur and her mother. They were giving out sodas at one of the road crossings. Good to see them again. They will be getting back on the trail tomorrow several miles behind us. I am sure they will catch up and pass us shortly! Made it to the shelter about 5:30. Very crowded here as there are alot of weekenders out. All our friends will be getting off tomorrow at South River Picnic Grounds. Otter and I will continue on our journey. Love having family and friends hike with us. Took a few pictures from the vistas along the trail and a small black and white snake on the trail.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

We were slow moving after a very cool night of about 50 degrees. Didn't get the entorage moving until 10:00. You've got to love the trail in the SNP. The gentle grades on the ups and downs are great. Made it to US33 by 1:00. The girls decided to wait there with our packs while we slack packed the next 3.0 miles to South River Picnic Grounds where the cars were parked. We hiked the 3 miles in just under an hour. We had just started to reprovision back at US33 when a thunder storm broke loose. We were able to get everything in the car before we got soaked. Bryan drove Chuck back to Loft Mtn. Wayside to retrieve his car and they continued homeward. We drove back to the South River Picnic Area in a horrendous rain and hail storm. We waited in the car for 30 minutes for the storm to blow over. After the sun came out, Otter and I said our goodbyes and headed up the trail at 2:00. We took it easy the rest of the day since we only had 6 miles to go. We made the shelter at 5:15. Ponch and Mo came in a little later. Good to be with them again. There were a few other thru-hikers and a couple of section hikers tenting tonight. Planning on a break at the Big Meadow Lodge tomorrow. Another milestone today - 900 miles!
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Bearfence Mtn. Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

It was 52 degrees - fairly cool this morning. Planned an 18 mile day to Skyland, but..... we made it to Big Meadow Wayside for lunch. At 2 bacon cheeseburgers, fries, Pepsi, and chocolate ice cream. Ponch and Mo came up as we were eating. They had walked past the turnoff but caught a ride back thru the campground to the Wayside for lunch. As we were leaving they caught a ride back to where they got off the trail with Chris (Mr. S) and Cold Feet who were giving trail magic in the campground. They hollered to us to stop by for some Magic! We quickly walked the AT 1.5 miles around this campsite where we were treated to hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and beer. By the time we decided to get back on the trail we had spend almost 4 hours in Big Meadow. Needless to say we did not have time to do the 10 miles to Skyline so we decided to stop 3.5 miles down the trail at the next shelter. A lot of section hikers here. The tent sites are not very flat. Hope I don't slide out of my tent! Took some vista pictures along the way. We reworked out schedule and still plan on getting to Harper's Ferry on Monday, June 12th.
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 15.7

Had a restless night sliding off the thermorest all night. Left about 9:00 again. Trail has become more rocky. Just guessthey aree priming us for what is to come after the Shenandoahs! Saw a lot of deer last night and today. Got to Skyland at 11:15 for lunch but they did not start serving lunch until 12:00 so we ate the standard hiker lunch - cliff bars and Snickers. I did get a cup of hot coffee and a cinnamon roll for dessert. Took some panorama pictures from a rock overlook. Got a picture of Otter and me on Mary's Rock which is 1300 feet above Thornton Gap. The 1300 foot downhill to the gap was the longest downhill we have had since we got into the Shenandoahs. Fire Fly came in about 8:00 after doing 60+ miles in the last 2 days. We are looking forward to 2 easy 13 mile days to Front Royal where we will Near-0 to shower and reprovision. Then it is 4 days to Harpers' Ferry for 2 days off. Trail maintainer left fresh strawberries. Great! I had some for lunch and dinner.
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Pass Mtn. Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We didn't get started until 9:00 again. We have got to do better to avoid hiking in the heat of the day all the time. Sure am going to miss the nice trails in SNP when we leave it tomorrow. Stopped at Elk Wallow Wayside for lunch- bacon cheeseburger, fries, Pepsi. We were planning on doing another 3.4 miles pass the shelter and tent at Hogwallow Spring but just as we were leaving it begain thundering, lightening, and raining so we turned around and came back to the shelter. Did not want to make the same mistake we did leaving Pearisburg and get everything wet. Now that we are here, it looks like it is blowing over. The birds are singing....... oh well. We should still make it to Front Royal early enough tomorrow for a good near-0. Boy do we need a shower and clean clothes after 8 days since Waynesboro. Seems like everyone else is seeing bears. Jim and Mary saw a newly born fawn taking its 1st. steps. Birdman, Jim & Mary will complete their section hikes tomorrow. We are all in the shelter tonight. We have been together for the last 4 days.
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We finally got away before 9:00-- Left at 7:30 so we would have adequate time in town to resupply, shower, and do laundry. The quality of the trail was significantly worse once we left the park. Made it to US522 at 2:00. Took 15 minutes to thumb a ride into town. Got a room at the Quality Inn. Went to the outfitter to get a hose clip for my platypus hose. It was a .5 mile walk to the grocery store. Stopped by Blimpies to get a giant sub for dinner. Waiting for our turn to use the laundry facilities- 10:00 pm. Need to get to bed!
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Front Royal

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Gave up on the laundry last night. Had to get the housekeeper's key at 6:00 so we could wash clothes. Who ever got the laundry room key from the front desk never returned it. Had a great breakfast: boiled eggs, cinnamon rolls, waffles, coffee, OJ. Finally ready to leave town at 8:30. Jim (SNP section hiker) gave us aride back to the trail. Stopped for first break at Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. Very nice shelter. It even had ashower- cold water of course. All shelters should be this nice. A 27 mile section of the trail here was the western boundry of Col.Mosley's Confederate Bridgade during the Civil War. Passed the Tan Yard house built in 1824. Stopped at Manassas Gap Shelter for last break. Heavy rain fell just before we left our break - only lasted 15 minutes. The trail was very good for the most part today - A few rocky places. The trail from Manasses Gap was a steep pasture walk in the sun then back into the woods. At the top of the climb was an overgrown open area with grass and weeds about chest high.Able to stay dry for another day. We are the only ones in the shelter tonight. Should be able to get a good nights sleep. Can't wait to meet my new grandson Logan (2 weeks old) tomorrow morning. I hope my granddaughter, Emmie (2 years old) still remembers me after 3 months on the trail.
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we woke up at 6:00 and started hiking at 7:45. First shelter we stayed in and did not hear any mice. The shelter was a small 6 sided hut. Walked through an open area near Sky Meadows State Park and could see what looked like the Washington Monument in DC. Got to Ashby Gap at 10:00. My daughter Heather, her husband Jon, and their children Emmie and Logan, Carol and Ben (Jon's mom and brother) found us about 11:15. We drove to Sky Meadows State Park and had a great picnic. I was glad that Emmie was not afraid of me since she had not seen me in 3 months. Logan is a beautiful baby(check out my photos of them). Was great to see everyone. Thanks for coming and for the lunch. We were back on the trail at 1:30 with 10.5 miles to go. We were soon walking the "roller coaster" - a series of steep 400' up and downs for 13 miles. Because of the narrow easements allowed for the trail, the trail went up and down every hill. Reminded me of the climbs in GA. Took a picture of the ruins of an old cellar. A nearby spring was used to keep the interior of the cellar cool in the summer. Got to the shelter at 7:45 with tired sore feet. Looking forward to the next shorter 12 mile days into Harpers Ferry. Shelter full of hikers we haven't seen before. Meeting Tony and Britney tomorrow AM to hike with us into Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Rather eventful day. We completed the "roller coaster" and what a ride it was! I wouldn't care if I didn't see another steep rocky trail but I am sure there will be much more to come. Also passed the 1000 mile mark today. It took exactly 3 months to get from Springer Mtn. to here. Being we are dong somewhat longer days than the first month or so, we should finish somewhere around the middle of September. Tony and Brittney had car trouble and did not make it up here today. They hope to meet us in Harper's Ferry tomorrow. We will be taking 2 Zero days so I guess we won't be ble to hike with them. It is only 8.5 miles into town to the Comfort Inn- lots of food and Elaine!
Date: 2006-06-12
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got into town about 1:30. Checked into the Quality Inn which was just a short distance from the trail. Got showers and walked to the post office to check for any possible care packages - no luck. Elaine got here soon after we walked back to the motel. Just sorta took it easy the rest of the day.
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a BIG breakfast at the motel. Worked on our schedule and mail drops for the next 2-3 weeks. Stopped by the outfitters browse through the merchandise. Otter bought a 2-liter platypus. Spent a time talking with the salesman about some of the other hikers that had come through ahead of us. Had a nice lunch at the Secret Six Cafe. Ran into Techumse and Bravefriend there. They were going into Washington, DC to meet some friends and get back on the trail a day or two later. Took a short waling tour of the town. Spent the rest of the afternoon completing our schedule and mail drops to get us through PA to Deleware Water Gap. Ate a LARGE dinner at the Mountain View Diner in Charles Town, WV. Just wallowed around in the room after that.
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Went through the supply boxes Elaine brought up to resupply for the next 6 days and prepare the next 3 mail drops. Have just about emptied the boxes of the tons of food purchased back in March. Still had to make another trip to the Super Wal-Mart get a few final items to complete the mail drops. When all of the food for the next 20 days is spread out on the bed - WOW I sure do eat a lot! Need to run to the post office to ship this stuff and make a final check for any care packages.Check out where my mail drops are if interested by clicking on Mail Drops!Watched the Canes game and very disappointed in the loss. Maybe they will take the Oilers next game and bring the Stanley Cup home to Raleigh!It will be at least a week or two before I get to a computer again. Till then........
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Went by the ATC HQ, had pictures made and signed the register. I am number 327 thru hiker to sign in at the headquarters. Checked post office one last time ¢ still no packages ¢ Chuck, where is it? Elaine took our packs in the car while we slacked the 1 mile thru Harper¢s Ferry. We finally got our packs on and left town and Elaine at 11:00. After crossing the Patomac River we walked beside the C&O canal for almost 3 miles at 300¢ elevation. The canal was empty but was once used as a major transportation route for barges between Washington, DC and Cumberland, MD ¢ 185 miles. The canal was used until 1924. Had nice view of Patomac River from Weverton Cliffs. Stopped by Ed Garvey shelter for a break and soon passed the Glen Caveney memorial beside the trail. Stopped in Gathland State Park in Crampton Gap. Tried all of our $1 bills to get a soda but neither machine would take them and we only had 55 cents in change ¢ DAMN!! Got extra water there and headed up to the shelter 0.75 mi away. In shelter with Otter and Identity Crisis. Sleepy the Arab and Old Drum are tenting on the hill above the shelter. The trail profile looks rather forgiving for the next 20 mi which will give us time to get our legs and feet working properly after 2 days off in Harper¢s Ferry
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

Left shelter at 8:00. The trail is very wide with an easy grade ¢ like walking in Umstead State Park. Took our first break at White Rock Cliffs with a nice view of the valley below. Our second break was at Dahlgren Back Pack Campground. It had hot shower, flush toilets, and picnic tables. It was only 0.2 mi from there to a nice restaurant, but it only serves dinner ant it was noon ¢ missed timed it again! We soon walked through Washington Monument State Park where the people of Boonsboro, MD built a monument in 1827 honoring George Washington. There was a soda machine there but again, this one was not working at all. Someone needs to inform the MD parks department and tell them thirsty thru-hikers would gladly spend their money on cold drinks! We were able to get water there. We had decided earlier to do an extra 3.5 mi today so we went past the side trail to Pine Knob Shelter. Ponch and Mo were just coming back to the trail from the shelter. They had gone back to Big Meadows in the Shenandoahs after we saw them in Front Royal. They did a near-0 in Harper¢s Ferry and passed by us this morning ¢ they left the previous shelter at 5:30 this morning. Probably will not see then again for a while as they were doing 24 mi today ¢ 4 mi past Pogo.
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite

To: Falls Creek
Miles today: 15.4

Had a good night¢s sleep on a level tent site. Woke up at 6:00 and had a leisurely morning leaving camp at 8:30. Stopped at Ensign Cowall Shelter for first break. Two weekend hikers, Ken West and Richard Youngk, fixed us scrambled eggs, kielbasa sausage, hash browns with onions and peppers. What a great treat! The trail beyond was full of rocks, no, boulders in several sections. Very hard to walk on. Made it to Pen Mar County Park at 4:45. As we started to sit at a picnic table, a lady came over and asked if we were thru-hikers. After we told her we were, she said that she had a friend that was thru-hiking this year. He had told her that hikers are always hungry. She invited us to join her family reunion (30+ people) and help eat up the leftovers. We ate fried chicken, mac & cheese, corn pudding, baked beans, cauliflower salad, cold sodas and desserts. We ate for almost an hour. They insisted we take leftover cookies and brownies when we left. What a great day ¢ trail magic in the AM and PM. Wish it would be like this every day! Passed over the highest point (1880 ft) of the AT in MD. Crossed the Mason-Dixon line (MD-PA border) today. Now officially in PA!
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Falls Creek

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Typical morning ¢ left camp at 8:30. First thing was a 700¢ climb. Not too bad ¢ only steep and rocky in a few spots. Most of the rest of the day the trail was wide and well graded ¢ almost flat in many places. Decided to first break to go ahead and additional 3.5 mi to Caledonia SP instead of stopping at Rocky Mountain Shelters since the shelters were o.2 mi downhill and the water 0.3 mi further downhill. We took a very short break at Tumbling Run Shelters because there were cold sodas there ¢ more magic. The last 3 mi down to the state park seemed to take forever. There were several boulder gardens we had to cross. When we reached US-30 we decided to go down the highway and eat pizza before continuing into the park. The book said is was 0.3 mi to the restaurant, but it was more like 0.5 mi. Had a message on my cell phone from David Hedberg who is with the Scout Troop I have worked with for almost 25 years. I called him back to see how the troop¢s 50-miler was going. They were at Lambert¢s Meadow Shelter on their last night out ¢ finishing up tomorrow at Daleville, VA. Glad to hear they had a good hike. Planning a 16 mi day tomorrow which will put us only 2.8 mi from the half-way point of the AT. It¢s 10:40 and way past hiker midnight (8:30). Nite all!