morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Hay Rock
Miles today: 14.8

"McAfee Knob in the Rain" At 5 a.m. I was surprised to here light sprinkles hit my tent. I had left my vestibule open on my tent, so I closed it. I woke up One Stick so he could do the same. We leave them open to keep condensation down on the inside of the rainfly. The rain was very minimal. We just decided to pack up our tents while they were still dry. Dry tents weigh less and you would rather deal with a dry tent. We headed out at 6:30 and the rain came down. We got soaked by the cold rain. McAfee Knob is one of the most popular views on the trail. Today it was cold and wet. We took our pictures and went on to warm up. A hiker came up behind us and he said he was Bookworm. We had seen his entries in the shelter registers. I knew this hiker from 2006; we hiked in Maine some and even summited Katahdin on the same day. This was no Bookworm -- it was the Sexy Monk! He hiked with us for most of the day. It was good to see him.He is going to Trail Days in Damascus so he will catch up down the trail. We hiked to the next shelter, had a snack, and got out of the rain. We hiked on to Tinker Cliffs. The rain quit and the skies started to clear. We had a decent view of the valley below the cliffs. We headed to the next shelter to cook a hot meal. We would push to town if the rain started again, or we would try to find a place to camp closer to town. This way we didn't have to carry a lot of water with us. We ended up at Hay Rock. It's a large, tilted sandstone upthrust. The local kids have put a lot of graffiti on it. Not the best campsite, but it will do. It leaves us a short 4 mile hike to town. Sometimes it¢s hard to find a place to stop with water that works out with your miles that day. I use a hiker guidebook, but the last campsite was 9 miles from town. This gives us time to do our chores in town tomorrow. GOODNIGHT FROM THE TRAIL. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Hay Rock

To: US 220
Miles today: 4.0

"TIME TO CLEAN UP" We woke up and headed to town. We had 4 miles to get there. We were working our way along the ridge when One Stick had a sharp pain in his knee. He sat down for a break to let it rest awhile. He started to hike again and it seemed it was to be no worse than before. We made it to town and we talked to Radio Phreak. He said he had shin splints and he was going to Trail Days, then home to heal. He said if it felt good he would be back. We checked in and got cleaned up. I felt great after a hot shower. We went to Wendy¢s to get some lunch. We then went to the outfitter to get some gear. I got a summer sleeping bag and some shoe repair stuff. One Stick had to get a stove problem fixed. While we were there Growler came in. We then went to the grocery store to get our food for the trail. We always buy too much food. We went back to the motel and did laundry. We also did repairs on our boots since they were coming apart a little. Growler came by and we all ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant. We came back and broke our food down. That means we got rid of most of the packaging. One Stick walked up to the store to get something else. He came back and said he needed to talk to me. He said his knee gave him a problem on the way back from the store so he was going to stay another day. He said he wanted me to go on. He said he thought that was best. He said he would lower his miles for awhile. We have been hiking together for the last 250 miles. I hope he didn't push too much due to me. I hope we can hike together up the trail. I have learned a lot from One Stick. I will miss hiking down the trail with him. Take care of those knees, One Stick. Mudflap
Date: 2009-05-13
From: US 220

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

"CROSSING THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY" I had breakfast with One Stick and we said our good-byes. At breakfast I talked to Mad Dog. He thru-hiked in ¢06. I last saw him in the Smokeys in ¢06. He was out for a week hike. It was great seeing him again. Today was the first time I have hiked alone since Damascus. The trail was not too hard. I ran into Growler at the first shelter. I crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway several times today and the weather was great. I missed not hiking with One Stick, though. I hope his knee gets better soon. GOOD NIGHT. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

"VIRGINIA KICKED MY BUTT" I forgot to mention yesterday that I had passed the 1/3 mark on the trail. The first 1/3 was not too hard. I had something in my boot which caused a hot spot on my heel. I covered the spot with duct tape and moleskin. I should have covered it sooner. I had a hard time with the last 5 miles. There was a 2000 foot climb at the end of the day. I'm going to bed now. MUDFAP
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: US 501
Miles today: 19.9

"MY FEET ARE SCREAMING" I had a rough day today. Yesterday I had a problem with my boots. I now have blisters on my heels. I was a stumbling mess today. I fell on some slippery rocks. I also rolled both ankles. I got to Matts Creek Shelter and Growler had no cell signal. Gothic was hiking with his girlfriend. Her car was at the road. They were going to stay in town. They gave us a ride. We can resupply and clean up too. I will also try to tape up blisters properly. I hope they heal quickly. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-16
From: US 501

To: US 501
Miles today: 0.0

"LET THE FEET REST" Growler and I stayed another day to let my feet heal a little bit. Thanks to TOP OF GOTHICS and T MAX, this was possible. T Max comes out and hikes with Gothics when she can. She has a car, so she said she would take us back to the trail tomorrow. Thank you to both of them.We went to the outfitter in the next town, but they didn't have the type of boots I need. I will just wait till Waynesboro to buy some. My foot should be a little better by tomorrow. Thanks to JJ for suggesting I let it rest a day. A big front is coming through tonight with rain. It will clear up tomorrow with some cooler temps. I think the highs will be in the 60s with the lows in the 40s. That¢s great weather for hiking. It should be good all the way to Waynesboro. The trail from Waynesboro north is a very good trail. I should start being more consistent on my miles. I'm about a week behind my mail drops. Thank you for reading my journal. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-17
From: US 501

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

"BLISTERING UP THE TRAIL"Tmax and Top of Gothics had us back on the trail around noon. Thanks to them we had a great break. My blisters are better than before. They are sore, but bearable. There was a 2000 foot climb right off the bat. Other than that, the hike went well. The weather was good too. There is a small pond at this shelter. I can hear the frogs as I do my journal. Good night. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

"BIG CLIMB TO COLD MOUNTAIN" I did not sleep well last night. We packed up in the morning before the sun came up. The morning temps were cool. The day went well until the big climb. It was a 2000 foot climb. It was steep most of the way up. It flat wore me out. I just wanted to get it done so I could end the day. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

"BELOW FREEZING" It was freezing last night. I had ice in my water bottles. I just bought a 45-degree summer bag. I did not freeze; I slept with lots of clothes on. Growler got up at 2 a.m. and started a fire to get warm. We got going and had to take layers off as we warmed up. We talked to the Ridge Runner before we reached the next shelter. He came back to the shelter while we were eating lunch. We hiked on to Spy Rock where we had some great views. We hiked to The Priest Shelter for the night. Growler, Jeremiah Johnson, Eric, and Rufus, his dog, were all there. Eric got a trail name tonight. His dog went off running in the woods and he went after him. Rufus went threw some wet, grassy area and Eric was trying to grab his leash. The wet, mucky grass sucked his flip flops off. He looked, but he could only find one flip flop. His trail name is now MUDFOOT. His dog is a lab/husky mix he¢s had for only 3 months. Rufus was rescued from a shelter. Good night. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-20
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

"BIG CLIMB UP THREE RIDGES" This morning l climbed the last 4000 foot mountain until New Hampshire. We came down The Priest only to go up another mountain. This was a 2900 foot climb. The beginning was not bad, but it turned rocky and very steep in places. I was very tired, as usual. I can honestly say I have never had an easy day. They are all hard to me. I hobble around till I warm up some. However, there were some great views today. Nothing is ever easy out here. I wonder if I will ever get my trail legs. I just try to push on north. I hope I get better at this hiking thing. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

"READY FOR TOWN" This morning we left about 7:30 a.m. We had a 300 foot climb right out of the shelter. Then the trail became real nice, almost like a dirt sidewalk. I went at a faster pace to make up for when I'm slower. There were a lot of rocks on the trail. We took a break at Cedar Cliffs and took some pictures. Mudfoot and Rufus showed up while we were there. We went on to hike up Humpback Mtn. We took a lunch break on some rocks on top of the mountain. We could see Evergreen Ski Resort from our lunch spot. We headed down the mountain to the shelter. When we got there I soaked my feet in the creek. It was freezing, but felt good on my sore feet. At the shelter are Mudfoot, Rufus, Kiwi, Javlin, Growler, Cricket, and me. Tomorrow we have only 5 miles to town. Mudfoot said he would give us a ride to town and to the outfitter. I need new boots. Weather was great today. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

"WAYNESBORO" We got to Rockfish Gap pretty fast this morning. Mudfoot took us to the PO, the outfitter, and to the motel. I got two packages: one from JJ, and one resupply from my parents with some extras. It¢s great getting care packages from home. They were perfect! I got some new boots from the outfitter and Growler got a new tent, a pot & a stove. I sent some stuff home and resupplied at the grocery. I did laundry and took care of other things. I talked to One Stick. He has a stress fracture. He is done on the AT this year. He will be missed out here by all the hikers that know him. I learned a lot about hiking with him. He said he will be following me on the journals. He said I need to "get¢r done". I will do my best. I miss my life back home. It¢s hard being away from JJ. I miss her very much. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO MUDFOOT & RUFUS FOR SHUTTLEING US ALL AROUND TOWN. It was great being around them those five days. Good night. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

"SLOW START IN THE SHENANDOAH'S" We got picked up at 7:30 a.m. by a local trail angel, Norm. I made a couple calls from the parking area and then we left. I had way too much food, so my pack was very heavy. It was also hot outside. We talked to several southbound hikers and trail maintainers. There weren't any good camp spots between the shelters. It was either a 7-mile or a 20-mile hike today. We decided to do the 7 miles when we got to the shelter. My boots are ok so far in the break-in process. I hope I can do more miles from now on. It¢s time to get down to business. Thanks for everyone¢s support out there. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

"FINALLY ANOTHER 20" We hit the trail at 6:25a.m. hoping for some miles. The day went well. There were only a couple of climbs. There were places on the trail that were as smooth as sidewalks. I went much faster on the easier trail to make up for the climbing and rough trail. We had done 13 miles when we stopped for lunch. We were going to camp around the Loft Mountain Campground. When we got there we noticed the sites you walked to had some vacancies. We got something to drink and snack on at the camp store. We also paid 1 dollar for a 5 minute shower. You would not believe how sweaty you can get out here. At least I can go to bed somewhat clean. We had a good campsite with a picnic table and a bear proof metal cabinet to put the food into. It was a little weird seeing all the day hikers on the trail. The campground was packed with holiday weekend campers. There were flags, Tiki torches, and food everywhere. No one felt sorry for the deprived thru hikers. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

"WHERE IS GROWLER?" We were on the trail by 6 a.m. this morning. We were hoping to have a day like yesterday. I was hiking along as normal and noticed Growler wasn't behind me. I kept going. He is faster than I am. I found a Croc that belonged to Cricket on the AT.I don¢t think Growler passed me while I was at an overlook. Nobody on the trail had seen him. South and North hikers had not seen him. I hope he didn't hurt himself and had to get off at the road. Maybe he went to a wayside to get a Blackberry milkshake. I hope he is safe. Before I got to the shelter the skies let loose and I got drenched. I have some blisters from my new boots. They (the blisters) are not too bad for breaking in new boots. I hope the rain quits by morning. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Hightop Hut Shelter

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

"TIRED SORE AND SOAKING WET" It rained most of the night. I was glad to be in the shelter. Growler never showed up last night. I'm sure I will find him today. The forecast was for rain today and it was correct. I got soaked from the hard rain. I saw several deer today on the trail. They don¢t run off from you; they are used to people here. No views today due to being in the clouds. I found out that Growler was ahead of me the whole time. He thought I developed some super hiker speed. I stopped at Lewis Mtn. Campground to get out of the rain and get some food. I ate some food plus bought some food to get me threw the park. It was still raining, but I pushed on the 8 miles more. I decided to splurge and get an overpriced room at Big Meadows Lodge. I needed to dry out. I ran into Growler just before getting to the lodge. We got a room and ate dinner. We walked to the campground to put our wet cloths in the dryers. I had a rough day. It¢s good to be in a warm bed. GOOD NIGHT. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Big Meadows

To: Byrds Nest #3 Shelter
Miles today: 14.4

"DRY AND SORE" We got a late start out of Big Meadows. We were in the clouds, but at least it wasn't raining. We saw a lot of deer again today on the trail. The trail wasn't too steep today but I was very sore. I have a sore muscle in my right thigh. I rolled my good ankle a couple times too. I didn't have any energy. I just wasn't feeling it today. We didn't have any rain though. I hope I feel better tomorrow. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Byrds Nest #3 Shelter

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

"NO BLACKBERRY SHAKE?" We left about 6:30 a.m. heading north. We took a side trail to an overlook called Mary¢s Rock. It had views of the valley with clouds rolling in. We stopped to get water at a parking area. The skies cleared some during the early day. I headed north to get lunch at the Elkwallow Wayside. They have burgers and other fast food items. After having some real food I waited for Growler to show up and eat so we could go to the next shelter. While he ate thunderstorms rolled through the area. We waited until they went through before we left. We did get some rain for a little while. We got to the hut, ate, and tried to dry out. The day went OK considering all the stops we made. Tomorrow we go to a hostel to clean up and resupply. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Compton Gap Trail
Miles today: 9.6

"FRONT ROYAL HOSTEL" Today we had a short day. We are going to a hostel to clean up and resupply. We only had a couple of climbs today. The weather was good while we hiked. The Shenandoah Park was graded well and many spots were like a sidewalk. I would never say it was easy, but I would say some sections were easier than most places on the trail. I'm glad to be leaving the park. It's hard to camp between shelters. They have no designated places on the maps other than hut areas. The Front Royal Hostel is a great stop for anyone headed in this direction. Mike has thru-hiked the AT & PCT, plus he has been a Ridge Runner. He knows what hikers need and it is set up very well. He even brings you to Front Royal to resupply. We¢re hoping to make it to Harpers Ferry on the first of June. I hope I can be more consistent with my miles. I'm still a week behind on my mail drops. Thanks for checking out my journal. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Compton Gap Trail

To: Manassas Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

"SLACKPACKING" We got up this morning and we decided we would stay another night and ¢slackpack¢ today. Slackpacking is when you hike without all your gear. We didn't sleep much so we thought it sounded like a good idea. We didn't start until 10:30 in the morning. It was a little weird hiking with a little day pack at first. We met several hikers we haven't seen for awhile, or whom we had never met. I just missed a hiker going south who is also called Mudflap. I also met Keystone, who thru-hiked in ¢06. His brother had been around us in the park. When we got back to the hostel I met the other Mudflap. He is going southbound for awhile. We actually hiked southbound back to the hostel. Back to the trail with full packs tomorrow. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-05-31
From: Manassas Gap

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

"BACK WITH THE HEAVY PACK" It was back to the trail today with a full pack. I had a great stay at the Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel. Mike has a great place and he knows what hikers need. The day started out with a climb. Today I was tired. I just wanted to get done. Growler went on to the next shelter. I'm falling asleep while I'm typing this journal. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-01
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn A.T. Center
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

"THE ROLLER COASTER" I left around 6 this morning. I knew today would be a hard day. Today was the Roller Coaster! It's a narrow corridor where the trail goes up and down constantly for miles. It took me quite a while to do the miles today. I didn't think I would ever get to my goal. I planned to stay at the Blackburn A.T. Center tonight. I used the solar shower to wash the sweat and grime off me. The caretaker made the hikers pasta to eat for dinner and brownies for desert. It was great. I also talked to RXR & CRITTER and we are going to meet in Duncannon. I will have to do consistent miles to get there to meet them. Good night. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Blackburn A.T. Center

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

"IT'S ABOUT TIME" I forgot to mention yesterday that a raccoon followed me down the trail in an aggressive manner. He came behind me and hissed at me. I turned around and he kept coming at me, so I swung my hiking pole at him and he stopped. I left Blackburn early so I could get everything done in town. I was doing well until I fell and the pack came off over my head. I bet it look hilarious if someone had been watching. I didn't get hurt, at least on a physical level. I got to Harpers Ferry at 11:15 and went to the ATC building. I got my picture taken for their records. I don¢t even remember what number I am. I had three boxes at the ATC. One was my resupply with some extras from my parents. The 2nd was two big bags of homemade brownies from the Fouts family. The third was all kinds of good stuff from RXR & CRITTER. The brownies I shared with severalhikers. I stayed in town at the Town's Inn, which is a fancy hostel.
Date: 2009-06-03
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

"GOOD START OUT OF TOWN"I left early so I could get a good start. I crossed the Potomac River and entered Maryland. The trail follows the C&O Canal Towpath for less than 3 miles. I took a break at the Ed Garvey Shelter. I stopped again at Garthland State Park where I saw Radio Phreak getting ready to leave. I passed a couple of civil war monuments for Civil War generals. I camped at the Dahlgren Back Pack Campground. It's a site where there is water, showers, tables, and tent platforms for hikers. I showered, ate, and set up my tent. Radio Phreak, Loon, and I walked up the trail 2 tenths of a mile to a restaurant with a bar. The Old South Mountain Inn has had several US Presidents dine there in its 200 year history. We had a drink and went back in the rain. Today was a great day out of town. Mudflap
Date: 2009-06-04
From: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground

To: Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

"HERE COMES THE RAIN"It rained most of the night. I passed the first Washington monument. The next was the trail to the Annapolis Rocks. It was cloudy so there wasn't much of a view. There was a section on a ridge with just rocks. Rocks slow me down quite a bit. The last climb was a little steep. When I got to the shelter I was in bad shape. It was also way off the trail and down a bit. Some of us got water and camped closer to the trail. Even though it was raining and there was 100% chance of rain for tomorrow, we tented. The shelter was that bad. Today was a wet and dreary day. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: moderate rain

"THE RAIN BEAT ME DOWN"I packed up this morning in the rain. I put my wet, cold clothes back on and hiked on. The trail was saturated from the rain coming down all night. There was a section with a boulder field that took a while to navigate through. My feet were in bad shape from being wet for more than a day. I had blisters in new places. My goal was to hike about 20 miles, but I could not make it. When you are wet that long, your feet aren't the only thing to suffer. The rain and drenched clothing caused me major chaffing issues. Loon said she was going to the next shelter. I changed into dry cloths and got set up. I was there a while until Cricket showed up. She almost went on, but decided to stay. It was her B day today. She actually hitched to town and resupplied and got back on the trail in the rain. I would have stayed in town if that was me. She shared a Little Debbie snack cake with me. Today was a rough day for me. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-06
From: tumbling Run Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

"Caledonia Snack Bar" I got up this morning to find the rain had stopped. I left early so I could do some decent miles today. I had to climb some large rocks on a ridge. I worked my way to Caledonia State Park. I ate some cheese fries, cheese burger, lemonade, and an ice cream cone. Yes, I'm roughing it out here, eating at every grill. I left and had a short, steep climb. There have been some nice shelters lately. I took a short break at Quarry Gap Shelter because it was so nice. I hiked on to Birch Run Shelter. It was a nice shelter too. There were two different Boy Scout groups there. I met a hiker from FL who is doing a 500 mile section. His name is Flying J. Today went pretty good after a bad day yesterday. Mudflap