morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Luray
Miles today: 17.5

I got up later than usual, since breakfast wasn't served till 7:30. Packed up and went over to the lodge to eat. After breakfast, I ran into Conan and Backwards again and said our "see ya's". I hiked the AT down to Skyline and continued doing what I do best... road walk.   It was great and I arrived at Skyland in time for lunch. Fantastic! Then it was more roadwalking for the afternoon. I seriously planned to stay at a hut, but about 3pm the skies opened up and thunder started roaring. Fog came in and I couldn't see the road and I was sure the cars couldn't see me. At a lookout, a car pulled over and asked where the nearest road out of the park was. I told them and they drove off. Funny, I'm dripping wet and they didn't offer a ride. But a mile or so later a car stopped and asked if I wanted a ride. Hey, I was almost to 211 anyway, so why not! Got a ride into Luray and here I am at the Best Western. Word of the day: Trail Magic reprise. Today at lunch I found myself in an awkward situation. Apparently a hiker had heard that I bought dinner for the kids yesterday. So he appeared at my table while I was having lunch. He didn't order but kept looking at my food. He proceeded to tell me how he was having money problems. I'm sorry, but you shouldn't be out here if you don't have the money to fund your own hike. I did get a bowl and share with him, because I felt uncomfortable. While I want to share with others, making me feel guilty is not trail magic. It's not even proper yogying... (getting food without asking)
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Thornton gap/ 211

To: Skyline 19.1 / Front Royal
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Back at Skyline drive I headed for my last wayside, Elkwallow. At lunch I realized that it was Friday and if I wanted my mail, I needed to get to Front Royal. I hiked a few miles further and got a ride at mile 19.1 just before the shelter. Front Royal has a number of motels, but I remember my experience from 2005 was not pleasant. I decided to pay for the Quality Inn rather than take a chance on another cheapy. It is the best motel room I've had so far. I got a kingsize bed right in front of the swimming pool. Luxury at it's best and it's a lot less than that cabin in the Shenandoahs. I know I've spent too many nights in motels, and I've almost forgot what my hammock feels like. Anyway, I got my mail and I'll figure out how to pick up the rest of Shenandoah tomorrow.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Skylinne 19.1 / Front Royal

To: Front Royal/ Hwy 522
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

On the Loose and Braids arrived last night. I didn't know that they had another hiker with them, Seeker. I hadn't met her till this morning. She and Squeeze Cheese arranged a cab ride to the trail. I asked if I could come with them and they agreed. Cheese headed north and Seeker and I went south. We were headed to the same place. The first miles went fast as we passed houses, then ran along trail that is amazing. There were a couple of rocky areas, but nothing awful. At Jenkins Gap the trail crosses Skyline and I decided to finish with my road walking. Again, there are a number of great overlooks that the trail doesn't see. It was beautiful! The sky was cloudy and kept the sun from being unbearable. I really enjoyed my last day in the Shenandoahs...that is until I tried to hitch back to Front Royal. The road crossing at 19.1 is not great for cars to pull over so I walked back to the next overlook. It was on the wrong side of the road, but cars usually pull in from both directions. An hour and more than 20 cars later, I still didn't have a ride. So I started walking back to the next overlook, which was on the right side of the road. I was almost there when a car came along with Seeker in the back seat. They stopped and we headed into Front Royal. We cleaned up, had a late lunch, then Loose and Braids came in and we went for a swim. After swimming, I went to my room and ordered dinner, watched a movie, and curled up with my new book from the used book store. Character of the day: Seeker. Seeker is a 50something female triathelete. She trains other triatheletes. Wow! Anyway, I finally found someone with about the same trail pace as me. Of course, I take more breaks to catch my breathe, but we walk at about the same pace. We are both careful over rocks, which slows a bit, and we both speed on the downs. Seeker is from upstate New York. I hope to see her again along the way. She was fun!
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Front Royal/ Hwy 522

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I tried to find a church with an early service, since I haven't been in a couple of weeks. The Front Royal United Methodist Church has services at 8:30am and I just made it. The people looked at the old lady in her hiking kilt a little funny, but they were welcoming. I really enjoyed the service and needed it.At 10:30 the motel shuttle delivered us back to the trail. I started hiking through the narrow corridor up to the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. There I had lunch with Braids and On the Loose. They headed out quickly as they are doing a longer day. I, on the other hand, lingered, resting before moving on.After walking an hour or so in the rain, I managed to set up camp after it stopped and in between downpours. I cooked and was in my hammock early, curled up with my book. I could hear folks coming in, but didn't know who it was.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

The first part of the day seemed to fly by. I was at the sign for Dick's Dome Shelter a good 20 minutes before I expected to be. I walked on the Sky Meadow's State Park and sat on the bench where Dorothy and I had lunch back in 2005. The park is beautiful with open meadows, and is a nice relief from the monotony of the usual trail in this area. The afternoon seemed much longer. I thought I would never get to the shelter. According to signs in the area, it is more like 14 miles between the two shelters, but I'm using the mileage in my book. Anyway, I got in, took a rest, then put up my hammock for the night. Most of the younguns decided to hike on to the next shelter. Again, I was in my hammock reading before dark.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

I took my time getting up this morning, knowing that I had a short day. When I did get up and walked over to the shelter, I saw Thin Mint. I hadn't seen her since Damascus! We visited a bit, before she hiked on. I ate my breakfast and started out. The next 13 miles are the "Roller Coaster". That means up and down rocks... blah! It's not really any more difficult than anything I've already done, but it's just so boring. No views, just a narrow corridor of rocks and forest climbing up and down. I was glad to get to Bear's Den. Bear's Den Hostel is owned by the ATC. The caretakers are friends from my 2005 hike, Hopeful and Redwing. They now have two children. I was aware of the oldest, trail name Hikelett, but not the latest addition. I grabbed a soda, a shower, and a bunk. Now I just wait until 5pm when I officially check in and get my pizza and ice cream. What a place! I can't seem to get my photo from 2005 to come up in this journal. To see the photo copy and paste this in the window: http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=296838
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn Center
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

The rains came. I waited till 9am to start walking. I walked in the rain all the way to the Blackburn Center. I finished the "Roller Coaster" and checked in as per instructions on the sign entering the 13 mile stretch of ups and downs. Creepy was there with Col. Mustard. They were trying to get a fire started in the fireplace at the hostel. It was cold and dark inside and all the wood was wet. Creepy eventually decided to move on. Col. Mustard did finally get the fire started. I chose a bottom bunk and took a little nap. Folks poured in out of the rain. About 6:30 the caretakers called everyone for spaghetti. Lucky us, Wednesday they serve the hikers a spaghetti dinner. It was great and everyone had a good time. We were asleep early, as everyone was eager to get to Harper's Ferry tomorrow.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Blackburn Center

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

I woke up early, but not as early as some folks. I ate my breakfast and started hiking. The sun was up and it was a great day! The miles went pretty fast, but every half mile or so there is a pile of rocks to slow me down. Anyway, I got to town about 1pm. I decided to walk right over to the Comfort Inn and get a room. Since check-in is not till 3pm, I put my name in but I had to come back. I managed to get a room that will work for my family coming to visit. I checked in at the ATC office as thruhiker #290. In 2005, I was #377 on June 22nd. I am pleased with my progress so far. Lots of folks are in town, but I'll be hanging out with my daughter and grandchildren instead of hikers for now.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Harper's Ferry

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

I got up and caught the bus to Charles Town Walmart to do my resupply. I also decided to buy some town clothes in case we go into DC. My hiker apparel would not work there, I think. After lunch at Long John Silver's, I returned to Harper's Ferry and wandered around town for a while. I ran into Baltimore Jack at the ATC office. He is trying to decided where to hike for the next month or so. I just got back to the hotel where I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my family. Then it's dinner and decide what to do for tomorrow. I'll let everyone know what we figure out. It has to be something fun for my two grandkids.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Washington DC/Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0

We were up early for our adventure. We ate breakfast at the hotel, then drove to the nearest Metro parking. We caught the train into DC, then jumped on a "hop on/hop off" double-decker tour bus. We had dim sum for lunch in Chinatown, visited the Lincoln Memorial, plus the Museum of Natural History, Museum of American History, and the Museum of Air and Space. We walked along the mall eating ice cream and enjoyed visiting the "castle" and it's garden. Of course, I left my camera back at the hotel in my backpack, and my daughter (like me) didn't bring hers since she knew I'd have one. We ended up buying a couple of disposables from vendors. (One expired in 2007!) I hope at least a few pictures turn out, but even if they don't we'll have memories forever. It was a great day and everyone enjoyed themselves. We were all tired and ready to head back to the hotel by 6pm. Of course, so was everyone else in town, it seemed. We got to experience the Metro at it's most crowded time. There was not even standing room! But hey, it's all part of the adventure!Tomorrow we'll see a bit of Harper's Ferry, then hike a short distance on the AT together, before I head north again.
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Washington DC/Harper's Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

We were up early, had breakfast, then went down to see the sights in Harper's Ferry. Tyler and Josie seemed to enjoy seeing the museums. Then I got my daughter and grandchildren to walk down the C&O canal with me, after which, they headed back home and I walked north. I think I love Maryland! The trail here is wonderful! There are some rocks, but they are surrounded by leafy cushion. At the Ed Garvey shelter I found GIGI, a hiker who read my journals from 05 and has been in touch. She is just starting her section hike. We had a nice visit, but I had to move on.At Gathland State Park I came across Wayfarer who was sitting there with a sore ankle. I told him to take it easy. I tried to buy a Powerade but the machine was empty and kept my money. It would have been so nice...I finally decided to stop at the Rocky Run Shelter, which was a real blessing. The old shelter was built by the CCC back in the 1930s and is a historical site. It has a wonderful spring with fresh water, and a swing overlooking the stream. Up the road a little is the new shelter and new privy. Eddy (from Germany) and I had it all to ourselves. well, actually, he had it all to himself, since I was in my hammock...The gnats were bad today. They were like suicide bombers that went straight for my eyes. Eddy started a fire to help keep the bugs down at the shelter. I jumped into my hammock right after dinner.
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: MD17/Smithburg
Miles today: 15.5

My friend, Merry Mary, said that I should call her when I was near Smithsburg. I got to the Dahlgren Campground and realized that I could slackpack, if she was willing. I called and she said yes! She came right down and took most of my stuff. I just carried water and snacks in my pack. The morning was great, as I visited the first Washington Monument. Then I crossed my favorite road crossing, the hiker bridge over I70. Then I climbed up to Annapolis Rocks. I was still thinking that Maryland is wonderful, when the rocks came. I guess it was inevitable...a couple of miles of big rocks, without any leaf cushion. Whatever... anyway, I finished the day and called Mary. She seemed surprised that I was done so soon. I wouldn't have been, if she hadn't taken most of the weight out of my pack. Anyway, tonight I'm staying at her place. It sure is nice to have hiker friends.
Date: 2010-06-15
From: MD17/Smithburg

To: Deer Lick Shelters, PA
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: mist

Mary dropped me off to slackpack a few miles, then met me down the road so we could hike together. It rained gently most of the day, which was fine because it kept us cool. We relaxed and drank a gatorade at PenMar Park upon entering Pennsylvania. Her son picked her up at PA 16, and gave me the rest of my gear. Hiking on to the Deer Lick Shelters, it seemed like my pack weighed a ton! That's the only problem with slacking, when you get the whole pack back, it sure is heavy! Pennsylvania has this thing with dual shelters. In several places there are two small shelters instead of one larger one. At the Deer Lick shelters I met Jibitz. She is a young lady from Maine with so many "jibitz" in her Crocs, they are hard to even count. I hung up my hammock after dinner and went to sleep. Maryland was fun.
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Deer Lick Shelters, PA

To: PA 30 Fayetteville
Miles today: 13.2

I woke up with a really bad rash and was concerned that it might be Lyme Disease. I caught a ride to town at the first road crossing. The doctor checked me out and said it was just hives and could be caused by most anything. He wrote me a prescription. I got a ride back to the trail with a volunteer and was hiking again right away.By late afternoon, I was hiking with a young lady from Maryland who had just started at Harper's Ferry. She doesn't have her trail legs yet, so we were hiking about the same speed. At the road crossing there was a note to come down to the Pizza joint. So we did.Jibitz, Ichabod, and Phineas were there waiting. I had a cheese steak for Frank. He would have loved this little Italian restaurant. Jibitz, Ichabod, and Phineas decided to hike on a bit, but Let It Run and I decided to go to the motel down the road and clean up. I washed clothes, did a short resupply, and ordered more Italian food for dinner.
Date: 2010-06-17
From: PA 30 Fayetteville

To: past Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Today just flew by, the trail was amazing! I planned on just doing 15 miles to Toms Run Shelters, but I got there midafternoon. So I decided to head north 3.7 more miles to Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the Ironmaster's Hostel. When I arrived at the park I found that the hostel was closed. I went over to the store where hikers take part in the "half gallon challenge". I knew that I couldn't eat a half gallon of ice cream, so I did the pint challenge. Then I ordered a hamburger for dinner. I had already done nearly 19 miles and wasn't ready to go much further. Camping in the park is $21 and that seemed pretty steap, so I had to hike on. I found a campsite just north of the park and set up my hammock for the evening.That's when I realized that I had a maildrop sent to the hostel. All my maps for Pennsylvania were in it. Without my maps, I would be lost! I tried to call the Ranger's office, but they were closed now. I would just have to wait till morning. Jibitz, Ichabod, and Phineas arrived to share my campsite.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: past Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.0

The trail in PA is amazing! I love this state! I flew down the trail and arrived at my planned destination way too early. I had been reading in the registers about a resort in Boiling Springs that had $25 hiker rooms. It sure sounded tempting. I decided to hike 3.9 more miles to check it out. Just before the town, you hike through corn fields and wheat fields that are gorgeous. When I got to town, I got turned around somehow and couldn't find the resort. Finally I found the Allenberry Resort and it was everything people had said. They had raised the rate for hikers from $25 to $40, but it was definitely a $100 room! I checked in, went down to the pool to cool off, then, after a shower, headed to dinner. Mr and Mrs Limestone were there so I joined them. They were enjoying it so much they were going to stay another night.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington Shelter, PA
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

After breakfast at the Allenberry, I headed out. Still confused about town, I wasn't sure which was was out, but I figured it out eventually. Today was all about road crossing. Besides the regular roads, I crossed the Pennsylvania Turnpike, US 11, and I81, all on overhead bridges. At US11, you can walk down to the interchange and go to a motel or diner. I had lunch at the diner, then took out four pieces of apple struedel to share at the shelter for dinner. I knew that Bulldog and Hitchcock wouldn't go much farther than I would and Eddie usually does 15 miles or so, so they should be at the shelter with me. When I arrived Eddie was there, but he had passed Bulldog and Hitchcock, and had no idea where they might be. Oh well, we each had to eat two pieces of struedel.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Darlington Shelter, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I packed up early, anticipating lunch in Duncannon. This was the most rocks I've seen in PA, but still not bad. I did the 11 miles in less than 5 hours. I grabbed a Gatorade as soon as I hit town. Then I went over to find my car. (Lion King drove it here for me) Trail Angel Mary had the keys and I got my computer out so I can do my updates. I also have new shoes here and more maps to mail. I'll be busy today and tomorrow getting everything done here. I plan on hiking out tomorrow afternoon. I headed over to the Doyle Hotel for lunch and had a great meatball sub. Now it's just time to get all my stuff done. I always wish I would take more pictures (and better ones)...but downloading them from my camera to the computer and uploading them to this website takes forever!
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter, PA
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I finished up everything I needed to do in town and headed out before noon. I crossed all the bridges over the Susquehanna, then started the climb up. At one point I passed a man sitting down resting. He said he was okay. A little later I came upon another man hiking slowly. He said he was hiking with a group of boy scouts. Shortly I came upon two boys in their early teens. They were sitting down with their packs off. When I got to the shelter I found the rest of the troop. Altogether there were six boys and five adults. They are Boy Scout Troop 75 from Ohio. They are doing a 100 mile week. That is quite a bit! They shared water so I didn't have to do the steep down. I ate my dinner, hung up my hammock, and went to bed early.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Peters Mountain Shelter, PA

To: Rauch Creek campsite, PA
Miles today: 18.6

The boys were up early and on the trail shortly after 6am. I was out about 6:30am. It was a nice day and the trail was great. At one point I was hiking behind one of the leaders. He apparently upset some bees, but I was the one who got stung (four times)! About noon, I came upon the four fastest boys who were stopped having lunch. One of them said he was dead from all the rocks. I joked "rocks, what rocks? These are just mere pebbles." They were not amused. To clarify, I have definitions...Pebbles - anything small enough to be picked up (even if it takes two hands)Stones - those too large to be picked up, but small enough to step on or overRocks - those too large to step on or over, that must be climbed up on or go aroundThese definitions make me smile and keep my perspective on the "Pennsylvania Rocks". The day went really fast and I was at the trail to the shelter before I knew it. I decided to hike on a bit. But in less than a mile I came to a perfect campsite at the creek. The creek was large enough to get water upstream and bathe downstream. I did. I had dinner and was about to crawl into my hammock when a couple of southbound sectioners came in and shared the space. It was a great day!
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Rauch Creek campsite, PA

To: Pine Grove, PA
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

As great as the past few days have been, this one was not! It started out fine, and I was hiking around 7:30am. The trail to Swatara Gap was great. Then the climbs began. The recent rains have made the shrubs all overgrown. Unfortunately, a lot of that is poison ivy. I used my poles to try to push it out of the way, but it still brushed my arms in several places. As the day went on the heat went up. It was up in the 90s. I was sweating profusely, itching from my poison ivy, and stinging from my recent bee stings.This was not good. My emotions were raging with the heat. I nearly broke down more than once. I was heading as fast as I could get for the 501 shelter. This is a shelter near the road with a caretaker, where you can order pizza. Then I realized that it was going to be very crowded since that is where the boy scouts were headed too. They were having a surprise cookout with steak, I heard from one of the leaders. Then there were all the hikers who would also be there. I decided to get a ride into town and get a motel room. A lady took pity on me and drove me to the Econolodge where I soaked in the tub and began to feel like a human being again. I ordered pizza from the pizza joint that delivers. I ordered a small vegetarian pizza. When the delivery arrived it was a large pizza and cost $18! I was not happy, but I was hungry so I paid for it. I ate less than half and went to bed.Oh well, as Scarlett said, "tomorrow is another day".
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Pine Grove, PA

To: campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, "another day" it was. I slept in, then went to the truckstop for breakfast. There I ran into Jakebrake, who was driving a friend up to Katahdin to start his southbound thruhike. After wishing them luck, I caught a ride back to the trail. It was still hot, but not like yesterday. Impending rain brought breezes. When the rain did come, it was welcome. There is a Bible verse that I keep thinking about: Psalm 18:33. "He makes my feet like hind's feet. He sets me in the high places". I can see David wanting to have feet like a mountain goat or deer. They don't fall off the rocks on the mountain. When I'm up here in the high places, I wish I had feet like that myself. So far there are nice stretchs of trail, interspersed with rocky stretches of trail. But it hasn't been as bad as I expected, all in all. I found a campsite somewhere before Eagles Nest Shelter and called it a day.