morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Camp Spot Near Compton Mountain

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 62 - Dicks Dome ShelterI left the Shenendoahs today and, I have to be honest, the trail got much more boring. It was bad per se, but taking the views for granted in the park was unwise. I crossed the main road that runs in to Front Royal, came around a corner, and sitting there in front of me was Xy! I hadn't seen him for roughly 200 miles and yet here he was! Turns out he was behind me but had accepted a ride from Compton Gap into Front Royal and then out the that road crossing. He's more of the mindset that he wants to see this part of the country and won't turn down a ride if one is offered (as opposed to being a "purist" and hitting all the white blazes).   That would explain the bit of leapfrogging we've done from time to time. He had just gotten a mail drop from him mom and offered me some oreos, which i gladly accepted. Then we both made our way to the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter for a siesta to get out of the heat. It's been almost unbearably hot. The good news is that there have been raspberries galore on this stretch! You can pick and eat them for miles and miles, so that definitely helped me get through the heat. I made it to Dicks Dome Shelter tonight, and tented in the oppressive heat. There was one other guy there who was definitely a little off - thankfully he was in the shelter and I wasn't, and he is heading south!
Date: 2003-06-05
From: Abindon Shelter

To: Damascus, Va
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a great hike into town. I'm so glad I decided not to do the 26 miles yesterday into town. The weather was so beautiful this morning. I finally reached Virgina, and what a nice feeling that was. The first thing I did when I realized I was in Va. was to hug a tree. I hope Virgina brings me lots of sunshine, it has such a great start at that. As I hiked relaxed and peacefully along the AT, I heard frogs singing and greeting me, with an occasional chirp from the birds. I was loving life so much and the feeling hasn't left me. I was kind of disappointed that my hike had to end into town today. But Damascus greated me with bright sunshine, and a park filled with soft green grass. I took off my pack and sat in the grass with a great big smile on my face, thinking how much I love it out here in the woods. A feeling that is so warm, relaxed, loved, and soft teardrops that say you are doing this by choice a choice that you love. Today, was the first time that a sadness didn't apear in my heart, just love and inspiration. Time to go foward with the trail and life. I don't know what the future has before me, but I can handle it like the rain that keeps coming down. Today there is no rain, just green grass, plenty of sunshine, and tears of love in my eyes.Staying at "The Place" hostel. Magic Rat, Paddler (who is leaving do to foot problems, I will miss him much!), Slide Show Bob, Micky and Minnie, Bear Bait, Sqeeze, and 2 cross country cyclists that are full of great information.
Date: 2013-07-19
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: moderate rain

Day 63 - Bears Den Hostel About 9 miles into the hike I entered the dreaded Roller Coaster section of the trail. It's a 13.5 miles stretch of quick, rocky, steep ups and downs. Of course I took it as a challenge and flew through it, dripping sweat the whole way. There wasn't much to see, but it was kind of fun to have a different stretch of trail. I wanted to get to the Bears Den Hostel fairly early, so I pushed it pretty hard (which later I would find would be a bad idea) - i got there around 4:45 and was pretty exhausted. Funny enough, Xy was already there! He had accepted another ride and had gotten there last night. Also there were a couple of SOBO section hikers and another NOBO thru hiker named Hemingway. The hostel is really awesome - it's like an 8000 square foot stone mansion which was owned by a rich doctor and his opera singing wife back in the day. After they both passed away, it eventually fell into disrepair before the ATC purchased it and turned it into a lodge/hostel. The hostel is downstairs in the basement, which is accessible through a walkout in the back. If there are no events, the hikers have access to the rest of the lodge part too, which includes a full kitchen, dining room and huge living room. You can also roam the property, which covers something like 60 acres, and take in the sunset at Bears Den Rocks (which is maybe a 5 minute walk).   The caretakers are a young couple named Dana and Johnny, and we all spent most of the evening upstairs with them just hanging out and talking. For a bit, we went outside and threw a football around, then watched the sunset. It was a great night!
Date: 2003-07-12
From: Fishhatchery Road, Montebello

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

Today, my vacation off the trail has came to an end. Uncle Steve and I did a day jike up to Crabtree Falls. What a beautiful place that was. Then he drove me up to Fish Hatchery Road, where I eill resube the trail. With a late start, I hiked 5 miles to the first shelter, with a great view from Spy Rock inbetween. Spy Rock had a field trip from Blue Ridge Mtn. Camp on it. A lot of little kids,enjoying themselves. I actually hiked up with a boy named Timmy, who had alot of questions, and much to say. It was really fun. On my way down from Spy Rock on the switch-backs that fallow the section I way my fist black bear on the trail. I heard a russel so I turned just in time to see the bear crawl over a huge log.It was very peaceful, and a pleasent surprise! When I got to the Priest Shelter, I was the only one there at first. Then came a weekender from the suburbs of DC. We went to watch the sunset from Priest Mtn. Came back to the shelter where 2 brothers also on a wkend trip. But no other thru-hikers. I'm going to have to makeup some time. the behind buttercup.
Date: 2013-07-25
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Chambersburg, PA
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 69 - Chambersburg, PAToday was pretty awesome. I crossed into PA this morning, which was a great feeling. I was in the south for seemingly so long, and to me PA feels more northern, and I made the transition in a matter of a few days. The hiking wasn't too bad - no views really all day, but the terrain was fairly flat and not yet too rocky. Throughout the day I hiked with four different people who were all day hikers. The first was a guy from western Massachusetts who was in the area visiting family and was doing a short section. I hiked with him for a few miles, and he was kind enough to give me two Gatorades and granola bars. The second was a guy from Frederick, MD, who had done the MD stretch of the AT and was now branching out. I hiked with him for a few miles as well. The last couple of people I hiked with turned out to be mega trail angels (Steve and Jean). As I was at a road crossing, they were arriving at the trail head and getting ready for a hike. I waved and then headed on. Eventually they caught up with me, and we got to talking about trail life, among other things. It turns out that Jean had done about 2000 miles on the PCT, so we had a good time talking about the different aspects of trail life. We ended up hiking together for probably 5 miles until we reached Caledonia State Park, which was their stopping point. When we got there they offered to take me out to dinner! And not only did they drive me to Texas Roadhouse, but they even paid for my meal! We then went out for ice cream - we had a great time, and in the end they offered to let me crash at their place so I could do laundry and sleep in a nice bed - can you believe it?? We went back to their place, drank some scotch and watched Friday Night Lights. It was an awesome time, and I can't believe how giving they were. It's stuff like that that demonstrates the awesomeness of human nature, and makes the trail experience that much more special. Today's quote: "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."- Friday Night Lights
Date: 2003-07-22
From: Bear Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

Yeeha!!! I did it! I made it!! I'm at the mental half way point in the trail! I'm so happy!!!Today I woke up and was able to see the hostel. It is a really great place, its nice and cozy. I was the only one there, and I felt a little sad about that. Bears Den is an old stone building, surrounded by a garden, and great veiws. I would love to bring my sister, my niece, and my nephew to see this one day, so they can see some of my great expierences. This is a great place to meet up with someone hiking the trail. It is super cozy, and friendly even though they put the thru-hikers in the basement (nicely furnished of coarse).The weather was hot and humid! I came across a sobo, who was an interesting character. He asked how far to a water source. There was on right up the hill and I shared that information with him, then I do the next thing after that question is asked, "Would you like some water?" He accepted the offer and I hand him my gateraid bottle. He poured 3/4 of the bottle in his canteen, knowing that there was not a good source of water for me. Good thing I was carrying 2 more liters of water. I just made it into Harpers and ran out of water on the big bridge coming into town.When I hiked into Harpers Ferry the town is not what I pictured it to be. This is an Historical Town, but its not one of those small mountain towns that I've grown accustom to. It was a long tough hike up to the ATC (this might be due to the milage that I've put in the past couple days). When I arrived at the ATC they were closed by an half-hour, and there was no messages from the fellow thru-hikers, except Roadie stating what pub she would be at. So I started to hike to a hostel, and wella Paddler comes by in the Jeep. What a sight! Then we drove and called around different hostels. Finally we decided to go to The Appalation Cafe" and there we saw Singe, Plans too Much, and Boomhouser. It was so great to see all of the old faces from the smokies. After an hour or so then Laughing Bird comes strolling in. It felt so good to see some estrogen! She is doing well, and her and flying bear are doing well. I was so happy to hear that! I was worried for her, but now I'm fine. It was quite an interesting tension at the cafe. Boomhouser was a little hurt. I could see that, but that was not the place for me and him to talk and I explained that to him later in the evening. Then we went to Hostel 230, arriving late after one shot, 2 rum and cokes, and 2 bass ales.
Date: 2013-07-26
From: Chambersburg, PA

To: Camp Spot After Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Day 70 - Camp Spot Past Pine Grove Furnace State Park We all woke up around 8:30, and Steve took me to Dunkin Donuts before dropping me back off at the trail. That experience was really a special one! I was on the trail again by 10, and had some miles to hammer out so that I could get to the Pine Grove General Store before they closed. For those of you who don't know, the general store is home of the half gallon ice cream challenge. What better way to commemorate passing the actual half way point (mile 1092!) than with a half gallon of nausea inducing ice cream? Well, I flew through the 19 miles I needed by 5:15, and started the shenanigans off with an italian sausage, order of chicken nuggets and a cherry coke. Shortly thereafter, I picked my poison - neapolitan. The other hikers that had already taken the challenge said they felt pretty rough afterwards, and to be honest I was a little nervous. I had merely scratched the surface when I realized just how much a half gallon of ice cream is. I told myself to relax, to remember my training (ie: the countless ridiculously huge meals I've eaten), and to stay focused. A mere 25 minutes had passed before I was able to enter my name into the history books as victorious in the half gallon challenge. Afterwards, I considered a career as a motivational speaker. Later, I hiked another 3.9 miles to a camp spot where I met Sir Stooge and shared with him my stories of the past couple days. We then struggled mightily hanging our bear bags (sometimes NOTHING goes right with those darn things) and went to bed. Today's quote: "What kind of guitar is that?""It's a hell spun mixture from the bowels of fornicators, and the sinew of thieves and gluttons, muahahahaha! It's, it's a Fender."- SNL Best of Will Ferrell
Date: 2003-08-08
From: Duncannon, Pa

To: Peter Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Sharing the shelter with a local PA family. Who are out for the night. Very friendly peolple. I'm pretty blessed with this company. The shelter log is new so I don't know how far people are ahead of me. Today was a very hot and humid day that turned into thunder showers while I was on the ridge line.... By the time I arrived at the shelter I was drenched. My new pack has a little wole ont he top which filled up with water. I forgot to zip up the the baggy of bathroom tisue so now my tp is soaked. I hope there are oak leaves in Penn. My sleeping bag also got a little wet. Need tore configur this arrangement in my pak. But my dry clothes stayed drt, that was until I put my wet bag on it. Yikes! I hope things dry out tonight. I can't believe I'm 1000+ miles in my hike and now I have this problem of wetness.
Date: 2013-07-28
From: Boiling Springs

To: Camp Spot North of Carlisle
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 72 - Campsite North of Carlisle Well Stooge thinks he has Lyme Disease - he had a bite on his leg (no bullseye yet), and his folks took him to the doc to get some antibiotics. We'll see how it goes. I had breakfast with Bud at the Allenberry - the best $6 breakfast buffet you'll ever find - and headed out around 11. Through I believe a combination of being over served (my way of getting out of saying hungover - like it's the bar's fault or something) and being dehydrated, my allergies and sinuses were terrible today. I was all sorts of messed up,, but made my way down the awesomely flat, farmland trail until I caught up with Stooge and his folks. They were going to do the 8 miles between BS and Carlisle and then head into town for lunch. It worked out well, because I wanted to watch the Gold Cup final between USA and Panama, and Carlisle was a great option. We all went downtown to the Market Cross Pub, which had some great food. Stooge's parents left afterwards, and he and i stuck around to watch the game. Thankfully, the US pulled out the victory, and afterwards Stooge and I took about an hour to hitch a ride back out of town. When we did hit the trail, we were both feeling terrible (my allergies and his probably Lyme Disease symptoms), so we only made it another couple miles for calling it a day. One funny thing did happen - we had to cross a field full of cows, and to get into the field we needed to go over a stile. Once inside, the cows immediately all started running at us. We weren't sure if we were going to get trampled or if the just wanted friendship. They pretty much got within a few feet of us and stopped. So, we went to the right and swung it real wide to try to get by them. Every single one of them followed us the entire way across the field, and just stared at us as we climbed over the other stile and out of the pasture. It was really strange. Today's song: "I'm Gonna Miss Her" - Brad Paisley
Date: 2003-08-09
From: Peter Mountain Shelter

To: Raush Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Rain, rain, rain...Story of the day. Everything still wet from yesterday........ Miles not done today. The top of my middle toes are raw from the soaked footwear. Marched in streams and showers all day. I stopped for dinner at the shelter and decided too stay. Hopefully early to bed and early to rise, so I can make up those miles missed today.
Date: 2013-07-29
From: Camp Spot North of Carlisle

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 73 - DuncannonStooge definitely has Lyme Disease - he has a bullseye the size of China on his leg now. Good thing his folks were in town to get him to the doctor! The hiking today was a bit rocky, but nothing too bad. I was mostly up on a ridge until the last final descent into town. Along the way i met another new thru hiker named Juno. I had seen her name in some shelter logs, so it was good to put a face with the name, and it was nice to meet her. I got into town around 2:45. Duncannon is a cool town in that it's more real than others I've been to lately. It's gritty, and its glory days are behind it, but the people seem strong and are keeping the town above water. Others I've been to have been touristy or historic - this one is a real town where real people live, and I enjoyed it. I went to a pizza place for lunch and chatted up the workers with stories of the trail. I had every intention of hanging out for a couple hours and then hiking another 4.5 or so. But, as it turns out, there were a few other hikers in town that were going to stay at The Doyle Hotel (which is the stuff of hiker legends - it's in a once magnificent old hotel turned hiker-only establishment, and it's a pretty outdated place with a lot of character - perfect for the hiker trash), so I decided friendship sounded more fun than 4.5 more miles by my lonesome. We all hung out (Stooge, Hot Shot, Juno, and a SOBO named Terbear), having drinks at The Doyle's bar and at The Pub down the street. While at the pub, we met an older fella named Mike, who was house sitting for Trail Angel Mary (there are a few mega awesome trail angels along the way, and she's one of them) as she was out of town. He ended up buying us a round and telling us stories of his thru hike back in 2001. It was fun to be around the locals for sure, and we had another good night in town. Today's quote: "Harry... I took care if it." - Dumb and Dumber
Date: 2013-07-30
From: Duncannon

To: Yellow Springs Campsite
Miles today: 24.7

Day 74 - Yellow Springs Campsite We got up around 7 and went across the street to Goodie's for some down home cooking. I really liked the place, because it's one of those in which you can picture the same locals having come in daily for the last 30 years. Again, it was more of a "real" place. I hit the trail around 8:45, and the first 2-3 miles lead me across town on High Street past a bunch of houses and local businesses. One nice woman told me to be careful and to have a blessed trip - I thought that was quite nice. After crossing the Junianta and Susquahana rivers, the trail ascended quickly up a mountain. Once at the top, two things happened. It got real rocky, and the gnats came out with a vengeance. The rocks are ok in the end - they slow you down and hurt your feet, but you can manage. The gnats destroy your will to live. I thought they were bad before, but now there are swarms of them surrounding my whole body for hours on end. "Would deet work?", you might ask. Negative. They are immune, and may in fact be attracted to it. Thank goodness I have a bandana for my ears and sunglasses to cover my eyes, because I might actually have gone insane without them. There were a couple of views today, but after reading signs posted which warned of multiple Copperheads and Rattlesnakes on the cliffs, I elected to pass. I had also been warned of a rattlesnake nest on the trail a couple miles past one of the shelters, so of course I was living in a state of fear and paranoia for the whole afternoon. I never did see any, thank goodness. Today was a bunch more ridge walking, with limited views or changes in scenery. It was mostly unenjoyable due to the gnats. Hopefully tomorrow is better. Today's song: "Calculating Loneliness" - All That Remains
Date: 2003-08-11
From: 501 Shelter 

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Can you say ZERO? Today I stayed in the shelter to figure out milage on finishing and drying out my pack. I have to hike 15.3 miles a day to get to Katahdin by Oct. 15. I have less then 1000 miles to go! :o)I oraginally planned to hike out at noon, 15 miles to the next shelter. So at 11:00 I decided to nap because I didn't sleep that good last night. AT 11:30 it just started to down pour like no tomorrow. At 11:45 Rodent cam in the shelter drenched! It jus poured outside for four hours straight. So needless to say I didn't leave. The "two Ralph Crew" a father and son, slso came in soaked. One of the guys had a cell phone, so Rodent and I ordered a pizza. YUMM! The road is about 0.3 miles from the shelter, so they delivered to the trail head. We also started a fire with the help of the caretaker and some karisen.Today at the shelter Nugz(sobo), Two Ralph Crew, Rodent and tis I Buttercup the 32 zeroday queen!
Date: 2013-07-31
From: Yellow Springs Campsite

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 75 - 501 ShelterToday there were snakes. The terrain was super rocky, and as I was going through a big boulder field I stepped across a small gap in the rocks. I heard hissing so loud it sounded like a darn Velociraptor from Jurassic Park. It scared the crap out of me and I jump quickly to another rock. I never did see down into the hole, but I guess I assume it was a Copperhead because it seemed aggressive but did not rattle. It was horrifying. Not long after, as I took a break and Stooge went on, he had an encounter with a rattler. It was on the trail (not across it, but coming down it toward him), and apparently it was a big fella. I never saw it when i was coming through, but when i caught up to him he showed me a bunch of pictures. The crazy thing was that it was in the middle of a pretty grassy/brushy section of trail - not the rocky type on which I would normally expect to see them. Again, terrifying. The two of us headed on together, and within a couple minutes we passed another rattler as it had just crossed the path and gone into the weeds. It never rattled but i saw its movement to the side of the trail. Did I mention I don't like snakes? We were both kind of paranoid the rest of the day. Again there wasn't much to see, it was quite rocky, and the GNATS ARE RIDICULOUS. I sure hope these things change soon, because the last two days haven't been much fun...The good news was that there was a good crew of people at the shelter, including those who I've been hanging out with in recent days (Stooge, Hot Shot, Uno, Lotus and Patches). Also, from this shelter you can order delivery food from an Italian joint. We ate like kings, and it was awesome.
Date: 2003-08-13
From: Phyllip's Canyon Spring

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

Las night I slept well in my hammock. I woke up ate my oatmeal and was on the trail at 9:00. I hiked into Port Clinton today. I'm very proud of myself for not staying in town too long. I stayed in town long enough to by new town/shelter shoes. Clogs called "Waldies" that are suer light. Then I went to the post office to send my 2 pound sandles home. Then I went to the nearest payphone at the Hotel/Bar which looked like an historical site. I was able to call my friend julie who is going to meet me at Delaware Water Gap, YIPEE!! But now I have to do 20+ mile days. I also grabbed a grilled ham and cheese sandwichand a monster order of fries that required help from Rodent to finish. Ohh yeah, I was also able to talk to paddler on the phone. :o) Then we left town. Todent and I hiked to the Pinnacle which by then the thundershowers earlier had cleared out. So we were able to get a somewhat descent view. We mad it to the shelter just after sunset but didn't require headlamps.Eckville Shelter is pretty cool. It has a light bulb for light, a refrigerator with soda and icecream on the honor payment system. Tonight I had 3 icecream sandwiches and a Pepsi for dinner. Tomorrow I will need to load up on food in the morning with a big breakfast. Tomorrow I think we are going to shoot for 24.2 miles to George W Outbridge Shelter.