morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Fish Hactchery Rd.

To: Harper Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain, I don't mind walking in the rain but only when I have no other choices. I "sure" was glad I was at the Dutch Haus B&B. Now that the 1st B is over, the 2nd B provided sauage, eggs, pancakes, coffee and orange juice. I still can taste it all. I'll be walking in my rain gear today. Earl provided transportation for Doc, Hobbs, K-2 and myself to the trailhead. We thanked him for the wonderful stay and headed North. On the trail for 10 minutes and I had to shed the rain gear as the rain was through for the rest of the day. About noon the Sun was shining in all it's glory. Lois and Earl, the owners of the Dutch Haus are "yes" Great People and the Dutch Haus B&B is a great place to stay. I recommend it.The only big climb today was from 1000 ft. to 2000 ft. in a mile and a half. Tomorrow, it looks like a "whopper of a climb from 1800 ft. to 4000 ft. in 3 1/2 miles. Something to think about tonight. There were few views this morning as clouds were thick. I met several day hikers and there are several section hikers at the shelter tonight. Three of the section hikers are females from Maryland- Bayou, Wild Child and Dakotah. Also in the shelter are Doc, Chris and Ellie and Mushroom. Well, it's bag time but my last thought "I like that Bed & Breakfast thing". Good night.
Date: 2004-06-01
From: Harper Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

At 7:00, I departed the shelter knowing that a big climb is just ahead. I started at 1800 ft. upto a place called Three Ridges, elevation 4000 ft. in 3 1/2 miles. Let me tell you this "that was a hell of a climb". At 2800 ft. there was a view making it worth the effort. Doc was already there taking a break so I joined him.The view was picture perfect of a Virginia valley. From here there were two other good stops for views; at 3150 ft. and at 3800 ft.. I enjoyed them both as this was a good day for views. The sky was blue with some white puffy clouds flooting over the horizon. Later in the day,the trail required what I call rock climbing, it was about 50 ft. up a rocky cliff. At the Maupin Field Shelter, I took a break with Doc,Chris and Ellie. At 7:30 arrived at the Paul C. Wolfe Shelter and enjoyed visiting with Adam, Tree Frog, Chris and Ellie, and Doc. Everyone plans to head into Waynesboro tomorrow. It will be a short 5 miles, but as today, it has been a long one,so good night.
Date: 2004-06-02
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

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

It was an easy hike from the shelter into Rockfish Gap. Doc, Hobbes and K-2 were already at the visitor's center. Rockfish Gap Visitor's Center offers information to hikers and seen as the open corridor to Shenandoah National Park. The Park promises some relief from steep climbs and has many intersting stops at campgrounds and places where food is available for breaks. The attendant inside the visitor's center called the Quality Inn and and provided a shuttle. After, we arrived and checked in, we all went our separate ways to do our chores and prepare for the next day's journey. As tomorrow is planned a 20 mile day, so relaxation and rest tonight's agenda.The next morning at 7:45, we were shuttled bach to the trail.
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

The shuttle arrived and we were hiking at 8:30. I spotted my first bear today, thanks to Doc as he pointed it out to me. The mother bear wasn't seen but I suspect she was close by. The weather was cooperating, a cool breeze at higher elevations and some pastoral scenes in the valleys. I entered the Shenandoah National Park today. The shelters are called Huts, but they are the same construction as the shelters that I have stayed in, in the past. They are three sided with a roof and sleeping flatform, now called Huts. At the Southern Terminus of the Park, you have to do the same at the Northern end as well, you have to fill out a registration (permit)with your intent as your hiking agenda. This is filled out in duplicate. Your copy is tagged onto your pack, I guess the Park Service wants to know whose in the Park. Probably a safety thing. Long hike today and I arrived at the shelter, I mean Hut, about 5:30. K-2, Doc and Hobbes were already there, I'm usually the last one to come sloshing in, I mean marching in. There were 3 section hikers in the shelter as well and 4 tents set up in a tent area about 50 yds.in front of the shelter. The miles today were easy, but I'm tired. Only one thing to say--good night.NOTE: Today,I met Yankee Turtle. He has been section hiking on and off for 20 years. When he retired, he had about 1000 miles to complete the trail. His plan was to divide those miles into 3 sections, and when he reaches Harpers Ferry, he will have completed the trail. He soon is to be an official 2000 mile Thru-Hiker. Congratulations, Yankee Turtle.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Black Rock Hut

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: light rain

I'm out of the shelter at 7;30, it's raining and when I arrived at High Top it was still raining. This is the first day hiking that it rained all day. It didn't stop just because I arrived, it rained all night. I can't remember if this is the first day that I've hiked all day with it raining. Hawkeye will have to check my journal. " Hawkeye checked the journal and this was a first" ( Another excting historical fact). I saw 3 deer today, Shanandoah Park deer are "tame, well at least they are not afraid of humans, they just take a look at you and continuing eating, they don't run for cover. There were no views today, raining, foggy and cloudy, but even so today's hike on the A.T. was pleasant, especially when you see wild life. When I arrived at 5:30 at the shelter, I found a very, very full shelter. No room for a very, very tired A.T. hiker. I tried to persuade the shelter residents that one more guy could squeeze in, I slept in my tent. But, considering the situation, the rain stopped for a short period and I had my tent up before it started again. Lucky me. As I laid in my tent throughout the night, I listened to the rain and wrapped myself up in the bag and in the quiet fell asleep. That's all folks, good night.
Date: 2004-06-05
From: High Top Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

What a wet night. It rained all night and about everything that I possess is wet. I packed up and left at 7;30. On the way to Big Meadows, Doc asked if I would be interested in sharing a tent space with him. We could split the cost and save a "buck". But, all that I possess is still wet and I thought that slitting the cost of a room would be much more comfortable. Besides, my tent was still quite wet from last night as the weather has not permitted the sun to come out where I could dry out. Doc went with the plan. Thanks Doc! Well, Doc arrived about 4:30 and obtained the room. When I arrived about 5:00,I inquired as to where Doc was located. At first, I did not think the clerk was going to give me the location, but after the 3rd. degree I finally obtained the location and set off to the room. You wouldn't believe this but the area was so foggy it almost took 30 minites to find the place. When I arrived I showered and shaved. Doc decided to do laundry before showering so he would have clean clothes to put on. We ended up going to supper. I ordered country fried steak, corn on the cobb, mashed potatoes, gravy and coffee. Then I topped that off with blackberry cobbler. Additionally, Doc and I split a plate sampler of fried onions, sweet potato fries (a first for me), shrimp and chicken. Doc ordered a sirloin, corn on the cobb, mashed potatoes, gravy and wine. He topped that off with blackberry cobbler and ice cream. Yes, this day went pretty good. Hiking today's trail presented alot of fog, cloudy and wind. No rain but the wind brought down the water still clinging on the leaves in the trees, sorta like getting wet from left overs. It felt rather cool , felt like the temperature in the upper 40's. On the was I saw 3 deer around noon, seeing more wild life in the Shanandoah's than further south. About 12:45, I arrived at Lewis Mountain Campground about 3/10's off the trail, of course, I stopped. Doc was there. I had 2 cups of coffee, small box of oreo cookies and two packs of powdered donuts. Quite refreshing, It would really be nice if these campstores were spaced all along the trail, but you take what you can get. The hike was pleasurable today even though it was cloudy and no views of the countryside. Well, today is coming to an end and I'm another day to my destination Maine. Good night all and I wish that you all were here with me.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 8.1

It was 10:30 before I got back on the trail. A late start due to lack of laundry soap. The store didn't open until 8:00. Last night I wanted to do laundry then go out to eat but Doc convinced me that eating would be more rewarding and laundry can wait. Well, the store closed at 7:00 and we arrived at 7:30, so no soap and late start. I joked around with Doc that if he would have taken my advice our laundry problem would not have existed. Doc and I have been hiking together for the past 3 weeks. Now that doesn't mean that we walk side by side or behind one another. I leave the shelter first, he catches up and passes me and I usually catch up with him when he is taking a break. I join in the break, he leaves and we tell one another what shelter were planning to stay at that night. Doc wants to be in Harpers Ferry by Friday, so he can visit some friends in D.C. My plan is to meet Hawkeye at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter, Friday. So Doc and I are departing company. I hope we will link up further up the trail. It has been a great pleasure hiking with him and I'll miss his company. Tomorrow another planned big mileage day, so that it for tonight.
Date: 2004-06-07
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up and on the trail by 6:15 and it is a beautiful day.I passed 3 deer today on my way to Panorama Gift Shop and Snack Bar, which is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway about 1/10th mile off the trail. By the way the trail crosses Skyline Drive numerous times. After 8 miles, I stopped at Elkwallow Gap, where a store with a grill is located another 1/10th mile off the trail on Skyline Drive. I ordered a soda and cheeseburger. Little Chicken was here with a friend and she plans to be back on the trail tomorrow. Also at Elkwallow, was Wrong Way Brown and Dimple Rock, I met them back at Big Meadows. When I arrived at the Hut at 6:00, no space in the hut so I set up my tent. Tonight's crowd included Wizard, Wrong Way Brown, Dimple Rock, Switchback,Zippy, Riva Queen and Pokey. There were 6 section hikers in the shelter.
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

The weather looks like it's going to be a beautiful day, so out on the trail at 6:45. Not after I walked a short distance saw two deer. As usual "you look at them and they look at you" then we all move on. Great views today, Virginia and especially, Shanandoah National Park are brilliant in their splendor. The higher elevations afforded views as far as one can see. The Shanandoah National Park is a section hikers dream and I expect that I'll be back. I'm thinking that Hawkeye and his wife, "Yellow Poppy" might be talked into hiking here with me next year. What I liked is that the Park has two campstores about 25 miles apart and only about 1/10 mile off the A.T., places where you can get soda, snacks, coffee and Ice Cream, burgers,"well you get the idea". Additionally, there are two lodges providing rooms, restaurants, laundry and generally a restful break. Today, I'm leaving the Park and in four days I'll be in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The total miles then will be 1002.9 - whew! Now that's a long way and I still have 1171.2 to travel. In three days I'll meet Hawkeye at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter, he plans to hike the 10 miles into Harpers Ferry. At that destination , I will be taking several zero days to visit, sight-see and rest. At the shelter tonight are: Riva Queen, Pokey, Switchback and Zippy. Also, there are about 5 tents set up near the shelter. A note about the shelter; This shelter sleeps 10, has a deck with railing, a bench running along one side, a wooden lounge chair that seats three. About75 yds. from the shelter is a cold water shower, just pull the string. It seems that someone had an imagination or a vision, what else would a hiker won't!
Date: 2004-06-09
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: few clouds

Awoke the morning to blue skies and hiked out from the shelter at 7:00. I stopped at the Manasses Gap Shelter and Dick's Dome Shelter for breaks. At Dick's Dome Shelter visited with Joanne. The last time that I saw her was at the Dutch Haus B&B. She was headed for Sky Meadows State Park, she reported that her ankle has been hurting but seems to be healing. I 'll probably see her again on the trail. She seems to pop up somewhere. I arrived at the Rod Hollow Shelter at 5:30 and I had alot of company. At the shelter were Riva Queen, Pokey, Switchback, Zippy and section hikers Fire and his dog, Buddy,and Citizen. Citizen headed South and Fire and Buddy headed North. There were 5 other section hikers going North, as well. About a mile before reaching the shelter, I saw a doe and her fawn. Well. again, it time to hit the bag, good night.
Date: 2004-06-10
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Today I started the stretch that is called the Roller Coaster. A series of 10 ascents and 10 descents in a 13.5 section. The "skinny" on this stretch is that it is brutal. This section didn't seem as brutal as reported, since Georgia I have been going up and down and I expected this would be no major ordeal. Well. I hiked 8 of the 10, and detoured to the Bear Den Hostel. I'll do the other 2 in the morning. At the hostel, I phoned Hawkeye and we decided to meet tomorrow in Harpers Ferry rather than at David Lesser Memorial Shelter. He was concerned that he might arrive in Harpers Ferry too late to get shuttled to Keys Gap. I'm glad I stopped at this hostel, yes it is another one of those great places. It was originally built in the 1930's and was transformed into a 26 bed hostel in the 80's. It looks like at one time it was a Mansion., I found a bunk, went upstairs to the store bought Ice cream and a frozen pizza, which I ate later. I made a fresh pot of coffee, which was free, and did laundry. At the hostel is Riva Queen and Pokey. Riva Queen is getting a ride into Harpers Ferry as she has an infected toe and Pokey plans to slackpack into Harpers Ferry. Riva Queen will haul Pokey's pack for her. Tomorrow will be a 20 mile day and the most noted feature is hiking over The Devil's Racecourse, a boulder field with a stream running beneath it. That's sounds interesting, well see. Good night.
Date: 2004-06-11
From: Bear Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: light rain

I had a comfortable night at the Bear Den Hostel, I departed at 7:15 after a bowl of oatmeal and cup of coffee. I finished the Roller Coaster with no problem and the next landmark I was looking forward to was the Devil's Racecourse. The Devil's Racecourse is two boulder fields about 50 ft. and spaced about a mile apart. The first lag ,no problem. But, on the 2nd section, I stepped on a rock, it shifted, tried to regain my balance but down I went. I went down on my left knee and then on my back. I looked like a turtle on it's back. Aussie, from Australia, was starting on the Southside, when he saw me on the ground, well rocks, he took off his pack and came over to see if I was alright. I assured him that I was not hurt, nothing broken. My pack actually broke my fall. But, there is no way that you can get off your back unless you unstrap the pack. We talked for awhile and moved on. Thanks, Aussie for being there. I wish you well on your hike. This wasn't the first time that I have fallen and probably will not be the last. About 1:00 it started to rain, not a downpour but steady. The fog was light and the rain was steady and a cool temperature so not bad hiking conditions. About 2 miles from Harpers Ferry, a hiker was headed up hill heading south, he was yelling something, I couldn't make it out. I thought to myself this hiker has been on the trail too long. It turned out to be Hawkeye. Younger brother. He started hiking from Harpers Ferry to meet me out on the trail. We greeted, he was glad to see me and I him as well. When we reach the bridge at the Potomac River, we sat under the bridge on the cross walk and Hawkeye broke out coke cola and chocolate cupcakes. We talked for awhile, took pictures and headed to his truck parked on the road near the ATC office. He had reserved a room for us at the Quality Inn. I took a shower, we went out and ate and returned to the hotel and watched TV and talked. I'm planning to stay here for a couple days with Hawkeye and then back on the trail.
Date: 2004-06-12
From: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today no walking as in hiking. I arose early and Hawkeye was soon up as well, we headed over to the Hill Top Hotel for breakfast. The Hill Top is a land mark, I didn't get the history of the place but it has been there a long time. It is located on the bluff looking down to the Potomac River, a beautiful view and a place that would be fun to stay. The breakfast was prentiful, all you can eat and it was all there. We ate and ate, after all, I had oatmeal and coffee for breakfast yesterday and Hawkeye said on the drive he had gum drops and cokes. I bet his food pack would be interesting to go through. At breakfast, we talked to Riva Queen and Pokey. It seems their families were visiting as well. Yes, we took the historical tour. I liked it. We headed back to the hotel after supper and talked, watched a couple of movies and went to bed.
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

You can bet on it, we went to the All You Can Eat breakfast at the hotel. It's alot of food but not as interesting nor was there the ambience of the Hill Top. Today, laundry, food shopping and going through my gear. Hawkeye brought my sleeping bag liner and a fleece sleeping bag. He'll take my bag back home. He, also gave me his gaiters and the nipple from his water bladder, as I lost mind. He remarked that every time were together it seems that his gear becomes my gear. Hey, what are brother's for anyway? The rest of the day spent walking through Bolivar Heights Battlefield, eating an early supper at Ruby Tuesday's in Charles Town and spending leisure time together.
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Hawkeye took me back to the trail this morning, I headed North and he South back to North Carolina. We took pictures, shook hands, he wished me well and we said our good byes. It was 7:30. It was a good weekend with my brother. Walking about 15 minutes, I passed the Jefferson Rock, this is a place where Thomas Jefferson viewed and described the confluence of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River when he visited Harpers Ferry in 1783. I'm visiting the "Rock" in 2004, 221 years later. Around 1860, the U.S. Armory Superintendent ordered that red sandstone supports be placed under the "Rock" because it was endangering the lives and property of the villagers below. The "Rock" must have been resting on two other rocks, now there is only one rock. Further down the trail, I passed the ruins of the Saint John's Episcopal Church built in 1852. It served as a hospital during the Civil War and it was abandoned in 1895 when a new Episcopal Church was built in the Upper Town. The Lower Town frequently flooded and continues to do so even today. Not long after leaving Harpers Ferry, I walked along the historic C&O Canal Tow Path. This is a canal dug prior to the rail road for shipping commerce and industrial needs to the area. The canal came to it's demise after the rail road entered the picture. I liked this area, interesting history and the walk was gentle. I hiked to the Gathland State Park,I enjoyed a soda and had a snack. I sure am thankful to Dakotah for the trail magic. At Gathland State Park, there is a monument, a Correspondents Arch. This monument commemorates the 157 correspondents and artists who recorded the Civil War. The monument was built in 1896. What I liked best is that honored both the North and the South. At the shelter tonight are Mountain Mama, Jeff, a weekend hiker, John, who will leave the trail tomorrow and those tenting: Lush, Gump and their dad " Gangbuster". I also want to thank Dakotah for taking the group picture at the shelter. That's it for now, good night.
Date: 2004-06-15
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

I said farewell to the shelter at 7:00. I passed the South Mountain Battle Field, another Civil War site, the details are too numerous to mention here. I don't want to wear out Hawkeye typing. So for your history homework assignment look up the details. Some hints: 1. It took place in Maryland, 2. Two Generals were killed, one from each side. Can you name these Generals? No you can't. Don't give up so easily. Another trivial "thing" Rutherford B. Hayes, you know the guy became a president, was wounded at this battle. Later in the day, I came to the Washington Monument, no not the one in D.C., the A.T. does not go that far East. But this one was the first Washington Monument built to honor George. It was built by villagers of Boonsboro, Maryland, July 4, 1827. Enought is enought, let's get back to business. Today, I met Pace Car, who has been section hiking the A.T. for the past eleven years. He has one more day. When he reached Harpers Ferry,he will have completed his journey. Congratulations on your 2000 miler status.
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the Ensign Cowall Shelter at 7:10 and arrived at the Tumbling Run Shelters at 6:00. Did you notice "shelters", if you didn't, pay attention. There are two shelters here, you won't believe this, one marked for "snoring". The other for non-snorers. I'm a non-snorer. Now back on the trail, I hiked this morning with Mountain Mama. Parts of the trail was rocky with a few boulder fields thrown in, I'm glad it was not raining. I came to a place called Pen-Mar State Park about 12:30, ate lunch and had three cans of Diet Pepsi. The most unique thing about Pen-Mar is that it has a Sunset Pavillion overlooking the Maryland and Pennsyvania farmland to the West. Very unique! This seemed to be a good place for a long break. I stayed till 2:00. Mountain Mama was still there when I took off. I hiked 1/10th of a mile and crossed the Mason-Dixon Line, which put me in Pennsyvania. I remember reading about the Mason-Dixon Line in school. I never thought that I would see it, that makes 6 states down and 8 more to go.Today no big climbs, a 700 ft climb in a mile and a 800 ft climb in a mile. It would be a really nice hike, but oh, those rocks and boulder fields.I saw some scary wild life today, chipmunks, lots of chipmunks. It seems that I have been walking with them for a couple of days. Good news, I haven't seen any snakes lately, matter factly it has been quite sometime.Back to the shelter, I mean shelters, In the snoring section is Crazy Horse, a section hiker. He said that he has hiked the A.T. two times. He is by himself, you know "snoring department". The non-snorers are Snowman and myself. I'm thinking and I bet you are to- what happens if a snorer sleeps in the non-snorer shelter? I guess all hell would break loose. Well that all for tonight, it's 8:00 and time to crawl into my fleece liner.