morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Spy Rock Rd/Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 16.3

As I was getting out of my tent it started to rain, ugghhh. We headed to Burger King for a cheap breakfast and a few items from the store to make it to Waynesboro, VA. The rain sort of subsided and we got back to the trail head. Right about then, something I ate from the night before, or this morning, decided it wasn't going down without a fight. So Kittens and Beowolf headed out and I planned to meet up with them in a bit. So I found a good tree and then started my hike up to Bald Knob. Then nature called again and it began to rain and nature called again and it continued to rain. It was a 30 minute uphill climb that ended up taking almost 1:45 to complete due to things that need not be said. i came to Hog Camp Gap and found some parents of Boy Scouts out hiking and they were waiting for them to show up. They gave me some clean water, 2 apples, a 1 lb family size bag of Doritos and a brand new roll of tp. As much as I appreciated it all, I just was being drug down by the lack of energy and the constant rain. I passed the Boy Scouts about 5 miles from there. They asked if I had seen their ride and I felt terrible telling them they still had 5 more miles to go but it was the truth. They groaned and headed on. I got to Seeley-Woodworth Shelter and was soaked through to the skin. I still planned to do 6 more miles to get to where the rest of the group was heading. I was about to head out and I decided to write in the shelter logbook. Upon opening it, I saw that Rat Bucket had been there earlier and he was going to a hostel 2 miles away. That pretty much settled it, get out of this rain and get a free meal. Arrived at the Dutch Haus B&B just in time for diner. It is run by an extremely nice couple named Louis and Earl. Stepping foot into here was as close to walking into my parents house as I've experienced out on the trail. They are so warm and welcoming, you really do feel at home. It's nice. I got a shower and Louis took all my dirty soaked clothes to be washed. There are about 10 thru hikers, 4 section hikers and some guests all staying tonight. Alot of food was consumed with plenty for seconds, and thirds which I refrained from still having an uneasy stomach. I was given a new trail name "Cow Action" due to my mishap with my camera. I may just shorten it to Cows and go with it since it gives a good story. (There's no need to differentiate myself from another Ben any longer since he's weeks behind me now. So why not, right?) So I'm going to be Cows formerly Philly Ben
Date: 2012-05-06
From: Spy Rock Rd/Dutch Haus B&B

To: Spy Rock Rd/Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 0.0

I'm zeroing at the Dutch Haus today since I still didn't feel great this morning (I feel better but just wanted to be safe). Louis is such a nice woman. She truly loves doing what she does for us hikers and I hope everyone that comes through here appreciates it. I took my time off today to update trailjournals, congratulate my friend Derek Gingerich on graduating from Penn State University yesterday, dry out my soggy tent and shoes, chat with my monkey (Sarah) and rest up. I am feeling much better as I write this so I will be back at it tomorrow but I figured since I have some spare time I could address a few questions that have been asked through emails.Here is a link to a spreadsheet showing all the gear I'm carrying...http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=7846My feet are doing great since Damascus where I purchased some Montrail Mountain Masochist shoes (they seem to have discontinued this model). The shoes have been holding up pretty well considering what I'm doing on a daily basis. The tread design seems to work good across most the terrain.I am not sore, achy or otherwise uncomfortable while out here. Except when it rains a lot and i soak all the way through, then some chaffing happens.So far if I have to pick a favorite section of trail it would be the Great Smokey National Park, followed by the Grayson Highlands. But to be fair, everyday has had one, or many, "holy shit that's amazing" moments.Noisy Rod, I remember you man. How are you?
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Spy Rock Rd/Dutch Haus B&B

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't want to leave the Dutch Haus today. I had such a nice time there. Thank you Louis and Earl for such a great place to stay!The hike back up Spy Rock Rd was pretty steep and continued into the climb to Spy Rock. I had no view because of fog. The hike up to The Priest was easy and I'm glad I didn't have to do the Priest in the opposite direction since it was steep and long. Again, the views were obscurred by fog. The next climb was Three Ridges Mtn. It was a long but easy climb. There was a side trail that went around the mountain, The Mau-Har Trail, but I didnt take it. Hiking in the fog is fun sometimes but missing views and the boring sameness of all the terrain is usually the experience I get out of it. Got to the shelter and met a guy named Wes that was on a practice hike. He plans to start a thru hike in a couple weeks. He better keep a good pace once he starts. So he and I are sitting there talking gear and up comes a dog. He was a cute little Beagle but in bad shape. Skinny, losing his fur, nails over grown and stinking worse than roadkill. A perfect fit with hikers. We waited to see if someone would show up looking for him. No one came for him and he didn't leave. I gave him some of my food since I couldn't help but feel really bad for the little guy. I laid out my sleeping pad and quilt and he laid down and went to sleep. Didn't really intend to have a wet smelly dog sleep with me but he was my new friend. I named him Juan Pablo. He slept by my side all night.
Date: 2012-05-08
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Blue Ridge Parkway mile 6.0/Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Juan Pablo and I woke up to another dreary, foggy morning. I split my breakfast with Juan and we headed for Waynesboro. The terrain today was pretty easy and it was a nice hike for Juan Pablo and I. The sun did break through for a little around Cedar Cliffs and we stopped to see what we had been missing around us. I was planning on hiking 21 miles to get to Waynesboro but Juan Pablo started slowing down after 10 miles and I didn't want to have him get hurt so I stopped at Humpback Gap and called Lyle Kirby, a local AT shuttle driver, to come pick us up. What a good decision. Right about the time Lyle showed up, it started to pour on the mountain. Lyle was a dog lover and a hell of a fun guy to chat with as we drove into town. He suggested we stop at the one local vet where all the hunters take their dogs. They checked him and found that he had a microchip in him and was in fact a customer's dog. So I said a teary eyed good bye to my little friend and came into Waynesboro. I'm going to miss that little bastard. I got some diner and did some laundry. Then I headed to the YMCA where you can shower and tent for free. Got cleaned up, called Sarah, walked to the grocery store to get a drink and then set up my tent. Now I'm tired and ready for sleep. Good luck Juan Pablo, I hope you find your way home.
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Blue Ridge Parkway mile 6.0/Waynesboro, VA

To: US250/Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 8.1

So last night I was in Waynesboro when we last left off, the evening's story continues...Around 10, after getting off the phone with Sarah for the night, I went to the Kroger grocery store and got a sandwich and a drink. I also got a second wind. I found a dude that just got off work at the Kroger to give me a ride up to the spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway where I got off earlier. I decided to night hike into Waynesboro so I can get that section out of the way. It was an easy hike and it went by pretty quick. I missed some chimneys and old house foundations along the way. I guess I really had tunnel vision with my head lamp because they were supposedly right on the trail. I got back into Wboro sometime around 1:30am. I couldn't bring myself to walk the whole way down to the YMCA to set up a tent so I found the next best free option. At the Ace Hardware store there were pre-manufactured sheds sitting around for sale. I picked a nice clean one, laid out my pad and quilt, set my alarm for 6:30am so I'd be out before they opened for the day and went to sleep. Slept excellently in the shed. Came out and walked to McDonalds to get a cheap breakfast. Spent sometime watching Sportscenter and sipping a coffee until I was awake. Then I headed over to Dollar General to get some of the items I needed for resupply cheaper than the Kroger. After that I went to Kroger and got the rest of the items that can't be found at DG. I bought some of the manager's special lunch meats from the day before and had a feast. While eating, I got a message from Whitewater saying he would be in town in about an hour. I figured I would wait for him. I met up him and Grok at their hotel room, they offered for me to sleep on the floor that night. I graciously accepted. We went to the outfitter in town so Wwater could get a replacement pack and then to the all you can eat Chinese buffet. I don't feel that I did justice on the buffet since I was still full of lunch meat but it was good none the less. The sunset tonight was really really nice after the rain this evening. All in all, today was an interesting fun day.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: US250/Waynesboro, PA

To: Calf Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

2 month anniversary on the trail.Woke up and took advantage of the continental breakfast at the Quality Inn. We got a "trail angel" to give us a ride out to the shopping complex outside of town so Grok could get new shoes. As soon as we got dropped off, another local "trail angel" walked up and asked if we needed a ride. His name was Pablo. He hung out while Grok got shoes and drove us back to the trail head. Right about there we ran into Hobo/Uno saying goodbye to his girlfriend. Funny how everyone runs back into everyone out here. Today we entered the Shenandoah National Park. The first 7 miles were really easy and nice. I hope it stays this way throughout the park haha. Got to the shelter around 3pm and decided that it was too much to try and do another 14 miles to the next shelter, or hut as they're referred to in the SNP. In the park, to the best of my knowledge atleast, you're supposed to stay at the hut sites. (similar to the Great Smokey National Park) Got here to find Critter and Chicken Little already here. It is a nice group of people to spend the afternoon and evening with.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Calf Mtn Shelter

To: Loft Mtn Wayside
Miles today: 21.5

Slept in a bit later than Wwater, Hobo and Grok since I knew I could catch them. Today was a nice easy day so we planned to do a marathon since it was either too short to the first "hut" and then it was 26.2 miles to the following one. So I filled my water bladder and started off. There were some nice views from the trail but they were all mostly while looking through the trees. I stopped in at Blackrock Hut and found the guys sitting eating lunch. I munched some food and chatted with a southbound section hiker. Since we were all going to the same place, I hiked with Hobo and Wwater for the afternoon. We found some good photo spots and had a good time talking while hiking. The plan was to stop at the Loft Mtn Wayside and get diner and then finish the hike. We ate some food. I went cheap and just got grilled cheese and fries with ice water. Afterwards we sat outside quickly losing interest in hiking anymore. So my suggestion was to wait until everyone went home for the day and then we would just camp at the store, out of sight. After awhile, we went around to the back of the store and set up our tents and others cowboy camped. An lady pulled up and was really surprised to see a bunch of hikers sleeping out back. She didn't care and said to have a good night. There's been a couple deer checking us out for most the evening. They seem pretty used to humans. I'm ready to get to sleep.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Loft Mtn Wayside

To: Elkton, VA
Miles today: 15.2

We all woke up pretty early so we could roll out of our "campsite" undetected. The Shenandoahs has been pretty easy and today was more of the same. I'm late again writing this so all I recall was I hiked with Uno (formerly Hobo, I don't know why it changed) and Wwater. It was just another day in paradise. The weather was great and we had a good time. As the day drew near an end, I suggested we go into Elkton to resupply and get burgers. That became the plan. Wwater, Uno, Grok and I came down to the road crossing and, conveniently, a lady that runs shuttles (I foget her name) was dropping off other hikers and we were able to jump right in. She dropped us at the grocery store and Burger King. After that we grabbed a guy to give us a ride to a motel in the back of his pickup. He dropped us off, we walked up and found out it wasn't open yet for the season. So we called the Country View Motel. The owner gladly drove down and picked us up. We got the "honeymoon suite" since it was his largest room. We finished the night by telling stories of days past and drinking some beers. A good day well spent.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Elkton, VA

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Mother's Day Mom, Mona and Michelle.Before leaving town, we stopped at the country store and got some breakfast sandwiches. I had a thick cut bologna, egg and cheese bagel. It was the best egg sandwich I've had since leaving home. (Sarah makes a good egg sandwich!) Leaving the road, the climb up to Baldface Mtn was really easy but long. After about 8 miles we stopped at the Lewis Mtn Campground, which was a very nice car camping spot with a small campstore which had decently priced food and drinks. I had a cola and sat for awhile with Whitewater. The afternoon was nice and easy, just like all of the Park has been. We saw a bunch of deer this afternoon. They are completely accustomed to people and most don't even care that you're walking within a few feet of them. Towards evening we were near the Big Meadows Lodge and wanted to see if the taproom was open. Took a side trail over to the area and walked up the hill to get to the lodge. We were 3 days too early, it doesn't open until the 16th. Disheartened. Wwater and I were walking the final 3.5 miles to the hut for the night when up in front of us two adult black bears walked out and quickly crossed the trail. This is my first bear sighting for this hike. We were excited. We walked another mile and a mother bear with two cubs was just off the trail. The cubs were learning to climb trees. They ran off as soon as they saw us. Walked a little farther and another adult bear was downhill beside us. We ended up seeing one more bear cub by the time we got to the hut. I'm so glad that I got to see some bears, finally! They run away so quickly that I didn't get any pictures though. We arrived at the shelter, I cooked and laid out my sleeping pad and quilt. Right about then everyone heard a bunch of rustling from behind the shelter. It was 4 deer that were looking for food handouts. Obviously these deer had been fed before because I was standing within 7 feet of a couple. They just stared at my hands to see if I had any treats in them. They hung around just outside of the shelter until about nightfall. In total today I saw 11 deer, 6 bears and 1 turkey. I wish I had my camera back and didn't have to rely on my slow Blackberry camera...
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: moderate rain

It started raining last night. I slept in until about 9am due to the rain and also because I was up late updating my journal entries with photos (since I just figured out how to upload pictures from my Blackberry). I planned on heading to the Skyland Resort & Restaurant which is about 4 miles from the hut. I got there and met up with the guys hiding from the rain. We hung out in the surprisingly cold lobby while charging our phones and drinking coffee. Around 1pm we set out to get some more miles done. It had stopped raining but there was still a thick, soupy fog everywhere. All of the overlooks and views were just big white voids. These days are generally kind of boring since there's nothing to look at. I did find one thing that caught my eye, a momma bear that popped out onto the trail and just sat there staring at me, from about 20 yards away. I could hear one of her cubs running around right beside me. I know normally its not a good spot to be but she was just watching me standing there watching her. It was pretty cool to see her so close up. We had a moment together and she hustled into the woods after her cubs. Uno and Wwater were behind me and were trying to get their cameras out to take a picture. Unfortunately, all of our cameras were still in our packs from the earlier rain. Kept on truckin and we got to the Pass Mtn Hut a bit before 5. We called it a day and are trying to dry off. The rain has just started up again. I'm glad we are under cover already. Tomorrow we are going to be done with the Shenandoah National Park. Soon, I will be done with VA!! Looking forward to Front Royal to do some laundry.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: light rain

Today was really easy, that's one thing I will certainly miss after I leave Shenandoah today. Well that and the bears. From the shelter I went about 7 miles and stopped at the Elkwallow Wayside and bought a root beer. Then I hiked another 6 miles to eat lunch at Gravel Springs Hut. then it was on to North Marshall Mtn and then another 5 miles to Compton Peak. It was 3.5 miles to the end of the Shenandoah and I managed to see one more bear before leaving the park. After leaving the SNP, I came to Ton Floyd Shelter and met up with Uno. Additionally, I ran into Switchback, Boxhead and Jonas. It was cool to see them before they got off the trail for some leisure time. Wwater, Uno and I ran down to the road crossing for Front Royal and Wwater's buddy (Rob) came and picked us up. Finally got my first marathon day after many half hearted attempts. We headed to the Quality Inn. Rob ran me to Best Buy to get my new camera and then we all went to get diner. I tried eating the Challenge Burger. It was a 2lb burger with 1lb of toppings and then 2lbs of potato wedges. If you ate it all in an hour, it was free. I ate the burger with no problem and then slowly ate half the wedges. I threw in the towel on the challenge with 10 minutes to go because I was absolutely full. It was fun to try...
Date: 2012-05-16
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

I got to sleep in a little bit while Whitewater did our laundry. Jonas, from Germany, came down into town today and stopped by our hotel room. His hike ends today so he can go tour the rest of the US before his visa runs out. It truly was great to have met and I'm glad I got to hike the Smokies with him. I got his phone number so I can stay in touch with him throughout the rest of his trip.We screwed around in the morning and then around noon we got resupplied. Shortly afterwards, we hit the trail. We didn't really have a plan for the day and it was rather warm so we only went 5 miles today. This shelter is really nice. It has a porch and a separate pavilion with a picnic table. Upon arriving, we found The Dude (he looks JUST like The Dude from The Big Lebowski) was at the shelter already. I met him once before and I'm glad to have run into him again. We still have lots time and sunshine so this will be a nice afternoon to just sit and relax.
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I Slept in, as has become normal now. The morning was an easy walk in the woods with some small hills. I stopped by the Manassas Gap Shelter to break up the morning. There wasn't anything or anyone at the shelter so I didn't stay for long. During the next four miles I caught up to Uno, we got to Dick's Dome Shelter and decided to take a break. We were just eating on the side of the trail since the shelter was 0.2 miles off the trail. Then a local guy walked past and suggested we go down and check out the shelter since it was, in fact, a dome. Appropriately it is a geodescent dome. It was neat to check out and would have been a great spot to stay but it was far to early to stop and not feel like we didn't waste a day. We kept going and there really wasn't anything to look at except for some trees and bushes all day. After screwing around all day, we still got to Rod Hollow Shelter around 4pm. Whitewater, his friend Rob and The Dude were already there. Made some plans with Sarah to meet up in Duncannon in about a week so I greatly look forward to that. A mostly boring but good day.
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

1000 MILES!!!This morning I woke up at 7 so I could get the "Rollercoaster" over with early in the day. The Rollercoaster is a 13.5 mile section of trail where you go up 500ft and back down 500ft over and over and over. It's not really tough, it just ends up being sort of tiring. So I started out and one by one, caught up with Rob, then Uno and then Whitewater. We stopped at the first shelter and hung out to get a break from the rollercoaster. After about an hour of bs-ing we headed back out with plans to stop at the Bear's Den Hostel to grab a soda. The Bear's Den was a really cool, old stone building up on top of a small mountain. It was built in the 30s (I think I remember that correctly) and its now a hostel owned by the ATC. There was a fridge stocked with 50 cent sodas and we drank a bunch since Inchworm so graciously put a $10 bill in the jar so that we could get our fill. So then we headed back out and lethargically made our way to Snicker's Gap. Upon arriving, we found out there is a tavern right down the street. The unanimous decision was made that a pre-1000 mile celebration was needed. So we walked down and got some excellent burgers and some beers. Unfortunately, now we are getting late in the day and there's still 11 miles to get to the shelter we were aiming for. So we all headed out to hit 1k and finish the Rollercoaster. I was glad to find a nice little overlook .3 miles after the thousand mile point. The rest of the day was on a tree covered ridge with nothing to see. I did however see a red fox! It was really cool and unbelievably fast as it ran off through the woods. The David Lesser Shelter is very nice and I'm glad we got here after a tiring day of procrastinating. Tomorrow I will FINALLY be done with VA and in turn also blow through WV. But not without stopping in Harpers Ferry to get my picture taken.