morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Once again we have been blessed by beautiful weather all day long. A cool morning was followed by a warm afternoon. By then, we were at Loft Mountain Campground where we got a shower for $1 (five minutes of hot fresh water)! and lots of lunchmeats, cheese, whole wheat bread and pigged out on sandwiches, then ice cream! I even did some laundry in the hot water and soap from the sink. Quite a few hikers stopped to enjoy the spot.Today's AT Hiker Profile are the TURTLES, an older married couple from Toledo, Ohio. They are section hiking for a couple of weeks then will take three weeks off before doing a long term section hike. Dana has chosen "Friction Writer" as her Trail name. She says it is because she usually writes about conflicts. She is excited about the hiking and did the miles today without complaint. She thinks she is ready for 20 miles, but we will see. The Florida Hurricane is still a storm headed our way so we are expecting rain tomorrow. 'Dick Tracy' has gone on ahead as he was chaffing at the slower pace.Again today I went bear sightless! The shelter logs are full of everyone seeing bears, mama bears with cubs, big bears, but not me, Bare Bear. You would think the bears would give The Bear a break. Maybe tomorrow......
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence hut
Miles today: 20.6

Gloomy day with a little drizzle to start at 7:20 a.m., but it makes for overcast cool days of hiking so that is very good, and all of the springs are running again after the heavy rains we had the other night. Still No Bear sightings for me, but I have hope. Sadly, 'Friction Writer' and I have had to part ways. A common "trail separation" as we hike differently in speed, break taking, cell phone use, etc. I will miss her company and ready smile, but it is not fair to expect her to hike the type of miles I am used to, nor is it fair to me to slow down to her pace and not meet my target miles daily. 'Friction Writer' made it to High Top Hut and was planning on going on one shelter tomorrow. For now, she is going to hitch out at the next road crossing to a motel to rest and let her blistered feet heal some.I am pressing on to try to get 12.6 more miles to Bear Fence Hut. I may be hiking in rain and darkness as I had to wait nearly 2.5 hours at the 'lunch meeting hut' (Hightop Hut) for Friction Writer to catch up to me. Oh well, it was a good experience and she is on her way to learning about thru hiking. I suggested she go to Front Royal and enjoy the slower miles, then go to Neels Gap and go SOBO to Springer to see what real mountains are like after the tame Shenandoahs. Well, surprise me again. I got to the South Picnic Area late in the day, and stopped for water, then spotted a bear right beside the AT. I was able to get a poor photo, but at least I got the "no bear sightings" stigma off me. At the shelter I enjoyed the company of old friends 'Sleepwalker' and 'Willow' and her boys. I had been too late for the camp store, but made a nice fire and when the rest of the group returned from the camp store and got to the shelter they had hot dogs, marshmellows, and rye bread (a favorite of mine). Yummy. I managed three hot dogs in spite of just having finished my mashed potatos and tuna dinner. And I am still losing weight everyday.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Bearfence hut

To: Skyland Cabin
Miles today: 16.1

Spectacular views and the usual climbs up and down today made for a typical 8-mile morning. At Big Meadows Campground a 1.5 hour lunch break was unusual, but a nice chef salad, multiple huge glasses of iced tea, and the signature (Blackberry) milkshake sure were good and made the afternoon 8 miles enjoyable. While hiking, I became the center of a Park Ranger's interpretive hike as she questioned me about thru hiking,and mistook 'Bare Bear' for 'Care Bear'. I escaped after only 10 minutes of grilling and about a hundred photos from the day hiker car crowd of 25 tourist day hikers.At Skyland, 'Sleep Walker' and I stopped for a cold drink which somehow became several cold drinks then we decided to spend a night in comfort and share a cabin. Somehow, showers, laundry, and a night of lounge music was somehow better than doing the additional miles of hiking we had planned. Since my personal committment is to do at least 15 miles a day, I felt OK with stopping. There is a mail drop coming up and that was also figured in as I might be able to get it Saturday, but probably Monday I stand a better chance of it being there. So, tonight it is clean sheets, a warm bed and Real Food.WOW this AT stuff is getting pretty good now. Seriously, though, I miss my family and loved ones at home, miss my friends, and am anxious to finish out the next 90 days and complete this quest. Peace to all, good night.
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Skyland Cabin

To: Gravel Springs
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

A nice evening with TV (a few minutes of NBA Finals), a cold drink, and a dinner of Chicken Caesar Salad and home made bread ending with a "real" bed. Then first thing this morning I blew $7 for a huge omelet, potatos and a biscuit. A quart of water later and I was off full of energy. I am very aware that I only have 89 days to reach Katahdin by September 15th. If I have to go until October lst, I figure that gives me a two week cushion for any emergency. Todays AT continued around the ridge providing wonderful Postcard views of Luray Valley below. I made it to Mary's Rock and even caught up to all the twenty-somethings who had passed me earlier in the hiking day. I pressed on after getting a photo of 'Lucky Dime', who seems shy but is really nice once she opens up. I hiked on to Elkwallow Gap where there is a camp store. I again gave into temptation and got a half sub of turkey, lettuce, tomato and onions. Then, of course since I am almost done with SNP, I got another Blackberry milkshake!! Pretty good and filling, but pricy at $3.70. I never saw 'Sleepwalker' all day after leaving Skyland. Not sure if he went on or stopped short of our goal shelter. I caught up to "42" when she took a break, who is very funny and hiked a few miles talking to her until I just couldn't keep up her pace anymore. That lady is fast and I am still having some foot/leg soreness that does not go away. No more bears sighted today, but the usual deer (Aka Forest Rats) everywhere.
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Gravel Springs

To: Front Royal, VA Budget Inn
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

All night I was harassed by deer. They walked around the tent waking me up repeatedly. I got up twice just to chase them away from my pack which was hanging on a nearby tree. They were licking salt from the sweat-soaked pack. I was afraid they might eat a part of the pack trying to get more salt. Stranger things have happenned on the AT. I know one hiker whose hiking sticks handles got eaten by animals (probbaly a skunk or woodchuck) trying to get the sweat salt. I always hang my hiking sticks up high just to avoid that. Tonight will be a treat in a motel again. The last of the cheap places as they get expensive the further north you go. Today was too funny as I caught a ride into town to pick up my mail drop and who should I see walking along the highway but DT! We U-turned, stopped and picked them up and I thought DT would die laughing when he saw it was me. Small world! We got a ride back to town, got DT and 'Lone Wolf's stops worked out for food, mail, etc. then headed out again to find a motel. The motel is nothing great but it has AC and good showers,and a clean bed, so I am a happy camper.
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Front Royal, VA Budget Inn

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

Father's Day was not very happy being so far away from my baby girl. The cards, notes and pictures sent from home all helped, but there is nothing like holding someone dear in your arms. I left one drawing from home posted on the shelter wall wishing Happy Fathers Day for all the other Dads that are out here missing their kids. There was nothing special on the AT today, no bears, no deer, few other hikers, no views of note, or spectacular scenery - just the satisfaction of another 15 miles north towards Katahdin. The Denton shelter (which we did stop at for a snack) was pretty neat as it was twice the size of a "normal" shelter, had a separate covered cooking pavillion with table, wooden couch on the huge porth, and upper windows so it is not the dark cave most shelters are. The best part was the piped water source with solar shower, which I did not test as it was only afternoon. But it looked very workable although I doubt it ever gets very warm. And, to a hot dirty hiker, any shower is better than nothing. The 'Dicks Dome Shelter' is down a steep ugly trail, very buggy, and the shelter is an old small geodaesic dome in poor repair, barely big enough for three sleepers although the AT Guide says it will sleep six. RIGHT! It is certainly the worst Shelter I have seen on the AT and very deserving of being torn down. I had wanted to go on up one more climb to get another mile in, but DT refused. I knew there was good camping at the top by a beautiful meadow from previous hikes through here. Oh well, Buggy-ville it was.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel, Bluemont, Va
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

The "AT Roller Coaster" lived up to its name as it was an extremely hard 18 mile day. Ten ascents and descents with very little break in between of level walking. The 13.5 miles of the Roller Coaster with almost no views, and nothing remarkable, is known as the hardest stretch in Virginia. Reaching the Bear Den Rocks however, you can see out for miles (except today as it was very hazy). I sat there for half an hour enjoying my accomplishment before walking the last 1/4 mile to the 'Bears Den Hostel'. Some day hikers had a hugh bottle of whiskey so I had to have just a taste to celebrate the view.This AT Hostel is a circa 1800's home built of stone by a Doctor and his wife and is just an outstandingly beautiful estate now owned by the ATC and used as a hiker hostel. I took many pictures. For $25 per night you get a nice clean bunk with mattress, hot shower, a large Tombstone Pizza you cook yourself, a pint of the Ben & Jerrys ice cream of your choice, laundry, and a huge breakfast. No wonder it is considered the best hostel on the AT. It is nice seeing so many of the old hiker acquaintances here as well -'Bright Eyes', still doing well in spite of her Vegan diet being so difficult on the trail. Unfortunately she is pressing onward. Good luck girl. Jason (formerly 'Scarecrow'), now 'Sammuri' due to his long black hair tied into a top knot. He looks very Tom Cruiseish from the Samuri Movie. Many others, "42", 'Pillbox', 'Sleep Walker', and too many others to name them all.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Bears Den Hostel, Bluemont, Va

To: Stealth camp l mi past Keys Gap
Miles today: 15.7

Easy day after a huge wonderful breakfast provided by Queen Diva (Louise) at the Bears Den Hostel: Cheese eggs, big hunks of Virginia ham, fresh cantelope, bananas, grapes, homemade biscuits with a variety of homemade jellies, fried potatos, pancakes, juice - and 22 hikers could not eat it all! I did my fair share! It is nice to eat as much as you can possibly hold and still be losing nearly a half pound a day! There are definitely good things happening to your body when you engage in strenous exercise for 8-10 hours everyday.The Trail had two more serious ups today then the descents as I passed the final section of the infamous Roller Coaster, then a steep descent to the Blackburn Trail Center which I just wanted to check out. It is not as unique or impressive as Bears Den, but still has a 1980s era charm and would be a fun and easy stop on the Trail if you want low miles as it is only about 8 miles from Bears Den. After that it was all easy ridges up to the Virginia - West Virginia State Line marker. Another milestone as it was also today where I passed the official 1000 Mile Marker for Northbound hikers. Since I was alone on the trail, which is typical, I had to finagle a timed photo but managed it. I caught up to DT and 'CheezWhiz' at a Pizza/bar resturant a tenth of a mile west of Keys Gap. We had planned to meet, have one cold drink, get lots of water, then hike a mile or so on towards Harper's Ferry so we would be getting there early to go to the Post Office and hike out without losing a day. Once again The Vortex grabbed us. A chefs salad, cheeseburger, and three cold drinks later we escaped the suction of real food and made our way back up the hill to the AT and continued north to our campsite. I am consistantly going over my anticipated $10 per day budget lately. I also have to lighten my food load and get a lighter pack. My Gregory Shasta pack while well made, is 6.5 pounds empty and I need a pack no more than 3 pounds. I had my GoLite one pound pack sent to Harpers Ferry. I also need to cut about ten more pounds of weight from what I considered necessary before. Too much food is one error I keep making. I'll try to carry just a four day supply and re-supply more often when I can. It it amazing what you will do without when you have to carry it around on your back everyday.
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Stealth camp l mi past Keys Gap

To: Trailhead to Bear Spring (Harper's Ferry W Va)
Miles today: 18.5

The Summer Solstice and it has been 95F degrees for three days straight. Water has suddenly become a concern as springs are dry and hikers are having to carry more water plus you use twice as much in this weather. I had been getting by carrying 64 oz. of water but am now doubling that at times which means more weight to carry. A 06:15 a.m. start got me into Harper's Ferry by 08:00 a.m. for the Post Office opening where I changed out to my lighter summer pack (a GoLite Jam 30) and sent home some items: big thermorest,gloves, and fleece jacket. Then we quickly explored this tourist town, where I got my AT Picture at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. 'Shasta' and 'H Bomb'were sleeping on the bench outside the ATC Office waiting for it to open. I am thru hiker #418 of the Class of 2006! DT and I walked around for an hour, hit the post office again, then went for a big AYCE breakfast that I really didn't want but DT is concerned he is losing too much weight. Gee that hurts! I am still trying to lose more.Laura at the Outfitters was another good person to meet today. She and her husband have the Outfitters and a bike rental in town. The outfitters shop is built right into the mountain so when you walk in you are confronted with huge boulders and solid rock that are literally the walls. Hiking out of West Virginia into Maryland was along a barge canal, past many Civil War Historical places and some very interesting estates. Harper's Ferry is a great place to spend a week, kayak on the Potomic,etc. Grand old homes everywhere you look.
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Trailhead to Bear Spring (Harpers Ferry)

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter/MD
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Another day of relatively easy hiking through the Historic areas of Maryland. It rained the first couple of hours then cleared up and got Hot, 97F degrees. Everyone was feeling the heat. Even at sunset it is still over 80F degrees. At Dalgen Backpackers Campground I caught up to 'Rip' and 'Tree Hugger' minus 'Pillbox' who is behind somewhere, for the first time since the Smokies. They have to hurry as they will run out of money Sept. l and have to get back to work. It would be sad if they cannot finish because of money, but it always costs twice what you think it will. Today I also finally caught up to 26 yr old Chicago girl, 'Fiddlehead', a fiddle afficionado. She is very short of stature and her pack is as big as her yet she manages somehow. I was happy to hike at her 2 mph pace all day as we chatted for hours helping to pass the day. She has an Ecology degree and was with the Peace Corp in El Salvador for 27 months. After the AT she will be going to Graduate School in Anchorage. She is a very sweet young lady and helped me not be quite so homesick for my own 26 yr. old baby girl, Paula.Passing the first monument made to honor George Washington, Annapolis Rocks, and many Civil War battle sites kept me taking photos all day long. Some may think that 18 miles is not much but try getting on a treadmill walking at 2 mph for 8-10 hours with at least a 30 lb. backpack and then you will have a taste of the AT. Oh, don't forget to add the ups and downs and the miles of rocks along the trail too. I do not mean to whine in your face but I am trying to give readers a realistic idea of what it is like.
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter/MD

To: Chimney Rocks -stealth tented (PA)
Miles today: 19.3

An exciting day as I passed the historic Mason-Dixon Line (Railroad tracks) and exited Maryland into Pennsyslvania. Relatively easy hiking so I am inching closer to 20 miles per day. That will not last as the terrain will soon become more mountainous again. Unfortunately, the cloudy day kept me from being able to see the Capitol Dome but I could see a very hazy Lincoln Memorial spire in the distance. Camping by myself tonight as I thought I had enough energy to go on to one more shelter but really died coming up a 1000 foot climb late in the day. So even though I am short on water I decided that enough miles had worn out my feet and it was time to rest them and me. I am trying to get on the Trail by 6 a.m. so that I can get over half of my daily miles in before it gets real hot, then take it slower the rest of the afternoon. Tomorrow I plan on treating myself to a pool dip at Caledonia State Park. It sounds like a deal for $3. I will be able to shower and hand wash out my clothes, then go in the pool to cool off, then dry off in the sun while my clothes dry off too. Sounds like a great way to spend a two hour break. I should get 9 miles in before the park, leaving 10 for later in the afternoon when it will be cooler.I thought I should close with an original thought of the day:"People come out to the Appalachian Trail to find their limits and when they get out here they find out they have none". Bare Bear AT 06
Date: 2006-06-24
From: Chimney Rocks -stealth tented

To: Woodrow Road, tented (Past Caledonia)
Miles today: 23.5

After a long night of heavy rain, I decided to go on at my usual 6 a.m. time so I could be at Caledonia State Park to meet my brother who is driving down from New York where he lives. It felt good to have 10 miles done before 11 a.m. The rain made for cool hiking but slippery, dangerous rock climbs up and down. At Caledonia State Park I saw a man struggling with a heavy cooler and went to help him. It turns out that he was a hiker (whom I dubbed 'Bob the Cooler Man')and his church group was setting up a Trail Magic station for thru hikers today. My good fortune continued as I got the first magic - an ice cold bottle of pure icy cold water. Excellent! I then went for a coin operated hot shower and rinsed some of the dirty sweat off my clothes before meeting my brother, Mike and his daughter Diana for lunch. Unfortunately it kept raining off and on all day so I gave up on the pool idea. It was great seeing my relatives as they live so far away from Florida (Ilion, NY) that we only get together every couple of years. They even hiked several miles of the AT with me! They had a 6-7 hour drive back home, so they dropped me back on the AT where I hurried on to catch up to DT who had said he was hiking 20-25 miles today. I'll be hiking on late this evening to make up the miles until I tent again. I am not sure if I'll catch DT or not. After a longer than normal day, still no sign and the other hikers I met along the Trail have not seen DT either. It started raining hard again so I stopped and just tented here in the woods near the Trail. I sure picked a poor spot as thousands of voracious biting ants started coming out due to the rain and the tent is covered with them. At least only a few got inside and I quickly killed them off to avoid the painful bites. A long tiring day and I am exhausted.Today's Original Thought (TOT) "Focus on dreams, not regrets."
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Woodrow Road, tented 

To: Boiling Springs Garmanhaus B & B
Miles today: 23.9

ARGH! Fist thing this morning I head out early only to get to the shelter only about 1/4 mile short of my poor tent spot in the woods! Since it was still only 6 am I did not want to wake the shelter hikers so I just went on past but it sure would have been nice to be in that shelter rather than fighting ants in the rain! Except for one 1,000 footer climb; today was easier as the Trail had fewer rocks and mostly ridge walking, then a solid four miles downhill to Boiling Springs, PA. Rain kept it cooler and water was no problem as every spring was overflowing the Trail. For a change I was passing other hikers. I must finally be in shape. The highpoint was reaching the Midpoint Marker of the Appalachian Trail, an equal distance from Springer Mountain,Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. I made it to Furnace Springs State Park around 9:15 a.m. Super great feeling as I felt so rejuvenated to know that every mile I walk now is less than I already have done! I saved time and a tummy ache not stopping for the Half Gallon Challenge. I saw a lot of hikers sitting outside eating the ice cream but it just did not appeal to me at all. I did stop long enough to get a nice chicken sandwich and a diet coke. I am getting closer to 2.5 miles per hour and Extra Strength Tylenol is helping control my pain better, enabling me to go faster and longer. The Trail is just plain easier through this section and I know I will have 8-10 mile days ahead in the White Mountains. I did The Whites when I was young and they are just as diificult as everyone says, but some of the most beautiful parts of the Trail as well. "Hikers pay for views by walking up mountains." Bare Bear AT 06Still no sign of DT and he has not returned my cell call messages. I did not see his name in the register at the midpoint or shelters I checked getting to Boiling Springs, so maybe I passed him last night or early in the morning? Sooner or later you seem to see everyone again, so for now I will be patient. Waiting for the Post Office to open on Monday in Boliing Springs to get my mail drop. I wish I had never done any of the mail drops as it is just slowing me down. Going to local stores and buying what you need when you need it is quicker, you just run the risk of not getting exactly what you want. So far I have been able to do just fine even living on junk food where necessary. The double dose vitamin-mineral daily tablets I take keeps me somewhat on a healthy nutritional track and tonight I had a restaurant steak & salad which is pretty good. No room for dessert. Todays Original Thought (TOT) "You only reget those things you never try, even failure is better than not trying to live your dreams." Bare Bear AT 06