morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-04
From: fairfax, va

To: loft mountain wayside
Miles today: 0.0

Took another zero day. Woke to Lady GaGa and did some basement dancing....had a colossal size bowl of cinnamon toast crunch...than REI for some gear....Chipoltes for lunch....post office...than back to the house for an afternoon of tv.....resupply at the grocery store....Wendy's for dinner...and its now after ten and we are just getting back to the trail. Zero days are exhausting!! Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-05
From: loft mountain wayside

To: bearfence mountain hut
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: broken clouds

Crickets, daddy long legs and spiders or bears, snakes and thunder storms? So which group would I rather not encounter? Let's see....crickets overtook my waffle pad at the last shelter. The daddy long legs had some sort of convention on my tent the other night....seriously there had to be at least 50 of them! Spiders are just everywhere and no matter how hard I try to stay away from them they always end up on my body somewhere. Oh I forgot to add big, beefy black ants to the list. Bears just run away and even if it was to get my pack it would be ok...I can just get some new stuff in the hiker boxes. Thunder storms are welcome because the rain washes all the slimy sweat off my body....plus what are the chances of being hit by lightening? Snakes make noise to let me know they are around and slither away. So my preference is the bears, snakes and thunder storms. I hate insects!!! They are everywhere!!Its nice being back on the trail after two days off.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-06
From: bearfence mountain hut

To: Byrds Nest hut
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: broken clouds

Long day again and feet are very tender. Had a new pair of boots in my hand two days ago and now I am kicking myself in the but for not buying them. My boots have over 900 miles on them now....not much tread left and the sole on one is started to come off. Maybe I can get some new ones at the outfitter in Front Royal. Saw a baby snake today which I mistook for a pretty shoelace....and than later on I caught some movement from the corner of my eye....turning my head I see a cute little black bear about ten feet away! It did not run away like it was supposed too so I was able to get a nice picture. Had a big salad at the Skyland Restaurant....oh so yummy....and then I spent the next couple of hours walking through downpours. I am at the shelter now and even though it has stopped raining things will not dry....need sunshine for that! I am the only one here too....this is the first time I have had a shelter to myself. Fynious and Icabod should be here later on. Heads Up got off the trail yesterday to spend some time with his aunt. Its nice to have some time alone.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Byrds Nest hut

To: gravel springs hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The passing of yesterdays storms was followed by a cool and dry air mass. Its a nice relief from the heat and humidity. The wind has been blowing all day and sometimes I wonder if the trees are talking to me as they sway and swirl. There are abundant clouds in the sky and although some look threatening and ominous I stayed dry all day long.Each step I take I leave a little bit of myself behind. My footsteps are helping to carve out this trail so others will be able to follow it in years to come. With each step I also take something from the trail...its not just sweat and blisters and sore feet. The trail has given me confidence, courage and an inner strength I never new I had. I feel as though I can tackle any challenge set before me. Its a very satisfying feeling. Everyday I am out here walking I am thankful to be living my dream. The trail brings me such a feeling of happiness and peaceful within. I can't imagine what life will be like when I am done....can't think about that now. I can only think of one other place I would rather be right now and that would be to back home to meet my new niece Isabella. I hope she will hike the trail with me again when she is old enough.So my advice to myself today is to embrace every opportunity and experience that comes my way. Second chances do not come around all that often. I do not want life to pass me by with regrets and what could have beens. Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-08
From: gravel springs hut

To: jim and molly denton shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day on the trail! Woke to cool temperatures and it felt almost fall like. I love the fall and look forward to being back in New England for the foliage. Crystal clear skies today too. Got up early and did a fast 13 miles or so into Front Royal. Saw two bears on the way out! Both took off fast so I was not able to get a picture. Had an awesome lunch at Anthony's and then went to the grocery for resupply. Just a few more days till I reach Harpers Ferry! Whoo-hoo!!!Looking at doing a big day tomorrow but I might just make it a lazy day instead. Life is good.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-09
From: jim and molly denton shelter

To: sam moore shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: moderate rain

Woke this morning to a steady rain. Rolled over and went back to sleep. When I woke up a couple hours later I contemplated taking a zero day at the shelter. Then I thought I would do just ten miles....and then I thought the 18 mile day would be good enough. Ended up doing over 25 miles instead! It didn't rain too hard so I did not get soaked like I do in the downpours. The last seven miles are in what is known as the roller coaster which is a 13.5 mile stretch of trail with lots of ups and downs.I am at the shelter now and there are some young kids here....they filtered my water and gave me a beer! My feet are sore and I can't wait for my new shoes. The trail was muddy and wet today so lots of slipping and sliding.Two more days till Harpers Ferry!!Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-10
From: sam moore shelter

To: blackburn AT center
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Said farewell to Fynious and Icabod this morning. They are doing another big day to Harpers Ferry where friends are meeting them for some time off in DC. I decided on a short day and I am glad I did. The second half of the roller coaster was tiresome and the heat got to me. Crossed into West Virginia today and crossed the 1000 mile marker! A good day indeed!Another short day to Harpers Ferry tomorrow and then a couple of days off. Relaxing at the Blackburn Center right now. Beautiful building on a lovely piece of property. Nice gardens and I am totally enjoying the screened in porch. Solar shower was awesome too!! The caretaker is making dinner now and it smells delicious.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-11
From: blackburn AT center

To: harpers ferry
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke early today to the beautiful sound of birdies singing and tweeting. Its amazing how they all sing a different song yet its like listening to a well rehearsed symphony. No need for alarm clocks out here! Saw a doe and her fawn on the trail today....another beautiful sight. Tried to get my camera out but they took off. Its amazing how quickly they disappear into the woods and blend in with the surroundings. I stick out like a sore thumb with my bright pack....no chances of me going into hiding quickly. Even if I was able to hide my stinky smell would give me away.Rolled into Harpers Ferry sometime after noon with Freight Train. Got my first care package at the AT Conservancy!! Thanks Cruddy Toes!! Also got my new boots....my tootsies are going to be so happy now!Thinking of doing the Four State challenge....its a 42 mile stretch of trail that starts in Virginia and ends in Pennsylvania. Not sure if I am up for that especially with my fat pack.Thank you to everyone who has signed my journal, sent me e-mails and phone calls. Your kind words are so nice to read and hear.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-12
From: harpers ferry

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

Got all my chores done last night so today has been a very lazy zero day. I was hoping to do some sight seeing but its about 100 degrees out and humid. Well I might be exaggerating a little...let's just say I sweat standing still even in the shade....not my favorite kind of weather. Lots of history here and I hope to come back some day to explore what I missed. The buildings and gardens are beautiful and everyone is extremely friendly. Looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow! I don't think I will do the 4 state challenge as it involves backtracking back to Virginia. Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Camping
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another hot and sticky day. So what does one do to stay cool?? Tubing down the Potomac! What a blast! And how does one celebrate afterwards?? Wine tasting!! Its nice to take some time off from hiking. Back to business tomorrow though. The trail flattens out considerably so I should be able to do 20 plus miles for some time. Hoping it will cool off but I am afraid its just going to get warmer. Fynious and Icabod are back and its nice to be with them again....Heads Up should be catching up in a few days. I enjoy my trail family very much and it will be nice when we are all back together again.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Camping

To: pine knob shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Camped out last night by the river which runs parallel with the train tracks. Trains went by all night long so I didn't get much sleep. Oh well. Got a fairly early start today so I could avoid the heat. The trail was relatively flat today so the miles slipped by very quickly. Took a short break at Weverton Cliffs and Ed Garvey Shelter. Took a much longer break at Gathland State Park. Got an ice tea from the soda machine....it tasted to good!!It was really hot and steamy today and thankfully water was easy to get. Sometimes the water is quite a ways off the trail. Took another break at the Washington Monument....nice views from the top. Got to the shelter just as the sky opened up. Seems to be a little cooler now which is nice.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-15
From: pine knob shelter

To: deer lick shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

So I am wondering why this is called Deer Lick Shelter. Does this mean a deer will come and lick my face while I am sleeping? I am also wondering why I hiked most of the day with a pebble in my shoe. It would have been so easy to stop and remove it but for some reason I thought it might get wedged somewhere so I would not feel it. Wrong. It rolled and annoyed me for the better half of the day. I am wondering why I did not think to remove it during my rest stops. I am wondering why I missed the path to one of the shelters. Could it be I was supposed to meet Growler who is a fellow hiker who was having a really bad day? I did my best to cheer him up....I hoped it helped. I guess what I am getting at is that everything we encounter each day happens for a reason. It may not be apparent right now or in a week or even a year from now as to why. The answer will come some day and it will be a joyous moment when things come to light and start to make sense. It was another long day on the trail but a nice one indeed....even though it was raining lightly most of the day. Crossed into Pennsylvania today and shortly after that I crossed the Mason Dixon Line! They say there are a lot of rocks in PA but so far it has not been bad. I guess I will have to wait and see how bad it might get. The indian pipes are starting to come up and I passed several honeysuckle plants and they smelled delicious!Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-16
From: deer lick shelter

To: quarry gap shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Fell asleep last night to the sound of a whippoorwill singing and woke this morning to the sound of light rain and distant thunder. I am not sure what time I started walking today....maybe sometime around 7:30 or so. The walking in PA has been nice so far and the climbs have been relatively short and easy. At a power line a decided to stop and take a look at my book to see where I was. Sitting down I noticed I was in a huge patch of blueberries! What a nice change of color....seems like I see green and brown all day long so a new color is very refreshing to the eye. In Fayetteville Fynious, Icobod and I walked to a pizza place just under a half mile from the trail. Had an awesome eggplant parm sandwich and a chocolate ice cream for dessert. Yum yum!!Back on the trail a couple was doing trail magic and I got some fresh fruit, homemade cookies and a soda. Life is good!Staying at Quarry Gap shelter tonight and a nice one it is! There are potted flowers, a bench, checkers and the privy even has a book!Gearing up for the 1/2 gallon challenge tomorrow. I have no problem eating a pint of ice cream but a 1/2 gallon might be interestingJibitz
Date: 2010-06-17
From: quarry gap shelter

To: camping
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Felt like a rock star today! Not sure if it was the Starbucks Via, the cool breezy weather or the flat easy terrain....but I rocked out 14 miles in just over four hours! Whoever said PA is all rocky and horrible must have been the same person who said VA was flat. So far PA has been most pleasant. I will welcome the rocks when I get to them.Today I walked with a smile....can't help but feel this is where I am supposed to be...I am at home out here and I feel such sense of peacefulness and fulfillment.... I just want to share this joyous time with everyone I am with or meet along the way....and there is no better way to spread happiness than with a smile. Big patches of giant delicious blackberries are also a reason to smile....and getting a double yahtzee! But the sight of a large black snake can take that smile away in less than a second....but the smile comes back after it slithers back into the bushes. Smiles and laughter also come from watching my friends attempt the half gallon challenge....and yes, they are part of the half gallon club now! I was smart and ate only about a quarter of my ice cream. Camping out under the stars tonight. Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-18
From: camping

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Woke up in the middle of the night to an owl hooting close by. Couldn't sleep after that so I star gazed for a while from my tent. A beautiful night it was.Redhat camped with us last night and she surprised us all with coffee, danishes and muffins this morning! What a treat!Started walking sometime after 10 and just really took my time. Short day planned so its nice when I can stretch the miles out. Stopped at the Green Mountain Store for lunch and got a huge italian! I was so full afterwards and didn't move on till about an hour later. When I did start walking I could still barely move. Oh well.Even though I took my time I am at the shelter early. That's ok because it will give me some time to read my book.Short day into Boiling Springs tomorrow...my friends who are a day behind will be there too! Time for a reunion party!Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: boiling springs
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early and did a quick four miles to town. Staying at the Allenbury tonight with several friends. Breakfast buffet was out of this world! Had a surprise visit today from Jimmy Legs and Little D! So nice to see you again and thank you very much for the whoopie pies and the ride to town. The whoopie pies will provide the necessary fuel to get me to Duncannon tomorrow....hopefully I can to the big day. Having a fabulous nero day....totally worth the money to stay here...there is a pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, game room and 57 acres of grounds and gardens to explore. Best of all its only $20!!! The dinner buffet was out of this world too. Would be nice to stay another night but I get antsy when I stay in town too long.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-20
From: boiling springs

To: darlington shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Rolled out of Boiling Springs sometime after noon today. Really enjoyed my stay at the Allenberry. Fynious and Icabob left early and I will miss hiking with them....chances are we will meet up later on down the trail though.So now I am back with Heads Up, Hot Feet and Crusher. My feet will enjoy the slightly shorter days. The trail was really flat today and I could have done the long haul to Duncannon but the flat stuff rips my feet apart. Went through several corn and hay fields today, crossed several roads, walked by a creek for a few miles and saw lots of cows. It will be nice to get out of the low hills and back into the big mountains. Was fueled by yesterdays whoopie pies from Jimmy Legs and Little D and a spontaneous side trip to a diner for a cheeseburger!At the shelter now....getting up early to head into Duncannon....looking forward to some beers at the Doyle.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-21
From: darlington shelter

To: clarks ferry
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Early morning dash to Duncannon. Got there a little before noon. Spent the afternoon at the Doyle eating and enjoying a few beers. Got the 4 o'clock shuttle to the grocery store and bought way too much food...seems to happen every time I go to town. With heavy pack did some more miles back into the woods. Its still pretty flat but the heavy pack and heat make the body feel like a cement block. At the shelter and I can still hear traffic an trains. Big day planned for tomorrow!Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-22
From: clarks ferry

To: rausch gap shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got some good miles in today! PA is very flat so doing big miles is very doable. The rocks still have not been an issue either. Had a good climb just over half way into the day. Saw a big rattle snake. This one was much darker compared to the others I have seen. It was moving very slow so I was able to get a few good pictures. Had a few thunder storms pass over late in the afternoon.Just had dinner and I am full. Feet are sore but that is expected. Hoping I sleep better tonight...last night I heard trains and traffic for most of the night. I have a headache which I think is from being slightly dehydrated despite drinking about 5 liters of water.Short day tomorrow to the 501 shelter.....heard from someone that you can order pizza there!!! Whoo-hoo! Rumor had Fynious and Icabod will be there too.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-23
From: rausch gap shelter

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Thought I was going to get an early start but hung out for a couple hours with Heads Up, Crusher and Hot Foot so I never got moving until sometime after 9:30. Wish I had done the early start because it was really hot today. There was a group of cub scouts tenting nearby and they treated up to their leftover chocolate and pistachio pudding!Spent most of the day up on a ridge. Very little water lately and the trail was overgrown with prickers and poison ivy. I am guessing I am not allergic to it as it has been quite abundant on many sections of the trail. I got my Ipod sent to me in Duncannon so that helped pass some of the time but the battery is over half dead just after two days.At the 501 now and had an awesome shower...feels nice to be clean. The cub scouts are here again and we got to pick at their leftovers. Heads Up is really sick.....not sure if its from a spider bite, possible lymes disease or if its just the flu. Hopefully he will be feeling better in the morning.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-24
From: 501 shelter

To: eagles nest shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Long day but short day mileage wise. Heads Up was feeling worse this morning so we went into Lebanon to find a doctor....no luck. Had to pay $45 for a cab ride back to the trail. Started walking around noon time. Lots of sharp pointy rocks which make the feet terribly sore and tender. Dodged some afternoon thunder storms and than dodged the largest rattlesnake I have ever seen! It was at least five feet long and had about fifteen rattles on its tail!!! I got some good pictures. At the shelter and the spring here is dry. The scouts went and got me some water that was a mile or so back up the trail. Heads Up is feeling really bad again and Crushers feet smell really bad. Hot Foot was supposed to be here too but he has an eye infection and went to town to get it checked out. Its not all so bad....tomorrow there is trail magic at the Pavilion in Port Clinton. Tomorrow will be a better day and hopefully my hiking friends will feel better in the morning.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-25
From: eagles nest shelter

To: port clinton:
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

Got into Port Clinton today. Lots of sharp pointy painful rocks again. Turned my ankle twice within five minutes....not fun. It was short miles to town but I had less than a liter of water. Also had some of Heads Up gear so pack was heavy. Rolled into the Pavilion and enjoyed trail magic....Heads Up went to the clinic and was diagnosed with lymes disease. Red Hat, Icabod and Fynious were there too and it was nice to see them again. Hoping we all get to hike together sometime soon.Staying at the Port Clinton Hotel and it was nice to do laundry and take a shower. Ankle is sore and bottoms of feet are tender. Bought some heavy cushion socks so I am hoping that will help.Feeling tired and looking forward to sleep.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-26
From: port clinton:

To: eckville shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

So I have been stalked again......in the most awesome way!! As I was leaving the bathroom this morning the door knob broke off so I had to yell for help. When the door opened I was greeted by M&M and Pootz who both did the trail back in 07! They have been following my journal and decided to surprise me with trail magic....slackpack and dinner! What a great way to start the day. I emptied my pack of all my gear except for some water, snacks and my camera. I felt so light and my legs hardly had to work...a nice break from the fat heavy pack. There were a couple of nice outlooks. The first was Pulpit Rock where I took a break and then I took a longer break at the Pinnacle....well, I took a nap there which was heavenly. Encountered a couple of shredded snake skins....eeewww! After my nap I was ready to move and did the last five miles.Upon arriving I was greeted by M&M and Pootz....they provided an amazing spread of cookies, chips, cheese steak sandwiches and beer! Their kindness and generosity was overwhelming....thank you for everything! Not only was I fed upon arriving but I was also treated to shampoo, conditioner, pretty smelling soap and a towel for the shower. Words can not describe how much I appreciated all you did for me today and for the other thru hikers. I am looking forward to providing magic for hikers in years to come.Hope to get some good sleep tonight....retired early....past few nights sleep has been not so great. Should be out of PA in a few more days and hopefully the rocks will be kinder later on down the trail. Hot Foot showed up and his eye is healing....Heads Up is taking some time off till he starts feeling better.Life is good.Jibitz