morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Jennings Creek (747.3)

To: Thunder Hill Shelter (761.3)
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's challenge was to make it to the "Friends of Loon Hiker feed". This apparently is the third Annual. Loon is a manym time AT thru hiker who is slacking the trail again this year with his buddy Eastwind and their driver Bayou. We have been with them off and on since the start. Anyway, the big feed occurred just off the BR Parkway from 3-7PM. We arrived early and hiked the .3 mile up to the shelter and set up our tents, rested, then went back. Soft drinks, fruit drinks, water, beer, fresh fruit, fruit salad, all kinds of vegetarian stuff, quesadillas, breads, apple dessert, and more. Loon, Eastwind, and Bayou were there and it was good to see them again. Maybe 25 hikers came in. They will be doing the same thing tomorrow!m Trail Angels Rule!!!Teach your Children to Share.
Date: 2010-05-30
From: Thunder Hill Shelter (761.3)

To: Johns Hollow Shelter (777.6)
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Up and out by 0630. Today was to be hot and we wanted to get some miles in before it got unbearable. We managed to get in 15 to the James River before noon and hitched into Glascow for a small resupply. Got PB, tortillas,candy bars, and some cheese at the Dollar General. We ran into Ace who was waiting for a shuttle from Ken, back to the trail. So we got a pint of Oreo ice cream and waited with her. Got back on the trail by 2:30 and then walked a short uphill to the shelter, pitched our tents, ate and now we're ready for bed. So let's all brush our teeth and say good night.Teach your children to pick up after themselves!
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Johns Hollow Shelter (777.6)

To: Browns Mtn Creek Shelter (795.9)
Miles today: 18.3

Happy Memorial Day. Today's challenge was again to get up and out early and get in some miles before it got too hot. Yesterday the heat-90' and the high humidity were absolutely draining. So we were underway by 0640 and made it to the halfway point (Punchbowl Shelter) by 10AM! I took an hour rest/lunch break and when I started back up again it wasn't long before the heat really got to me. I finally got to the shelter at abou3PM- very tired and very foot sore. I worked for a couple of hours on my new MSR Hyperflow water filter and finally figured out how to operate it properly! It should make filtering water a lot easier now. We're still finding good springs which don't require any treatment (my opinion) but I fear things will get worse as we move further north.Teach your Children to compete fairly.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Browns Mtn Creek Shelter (795.9)

To: The Priest Shelter (818.6) 
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Life is full of small pleasures and mine was getting a full night's sleep last night. the last time I looked at my watch it was 8:40PM and the next thing I knew it was 5:15AM!!! Beautiful. i usually don't sleep very well on the trail but last night I was camped right on the side of a river. Maybe it was the sound that did it, I don't know, but it sure was nice. Today's hike took us past the 800 mile mark. Cold Mtn was beautiful, a place I'd like to do a winter night hike on perhaps. At Hog Gap, I met a young man who was taking his elderly mom for a stroll. We talked and the gave me a bag of fruit (apples and bananas) and a quart of a strawberry yogurt drink. Sweet. Today's hike was to end at Seely Woodworth Shelter (15.8 mi) but when I got there at 2PM I found a note from Laid Back saying that he had shoved off to the next shelter and urged me to follow. I was bushed and there was a thunder storm approaching so I took a short nap to see what would develop.hen I awoke after 3PM, the storm had passed and the sun was peeking through, so I pressed on and walked another 7 miles and arrived exhausted at the shelter at about 6:30. Fixed a hasty Ramen dinner, st up my tent and retired for the night before 8.Teach your Children to eat all their vegetables!
Date: 2010-06-02
From: The Priest shelter (818.6) 

To: Maupin Field Shelter (832.3)
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

The deal today was to simply beat the heat. We got underway by 0615 and began the long descent down the Priest then it was up to Harpers Creek Shelter. (Snowball,s favorite of all.) A nice break for water and a snack there then it was off for the long and hot and brutal 3 mile climb up the Three Ridges. I finally got to the shelter at about 2PM and have simply been lying around all afternoon watching hikers come and go. Since we'll be getting off the trail for a few days on Fri in Waynesboro, there's no need to hurry.Teach your Children History.
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Maupin Field Shelter (832.3)

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter ((848.1)
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

All days should be like this one. Early to rise and be off. We lunched and hung out at Humback Rocks for over an hour and then when we got to the shelter I took a bath in the stream there.It was so refreshing and pleasurable. A little cold though. But clean I got. I washed my clothes as well for tomorrow Snowball will be picking us up for a few days R&R and I don't want to stink up the car! So tomorrow it's up early and hike the five miles to Rockfish Gap for the reunion. Two days at home to do some chores, eat lots of good food and basically re- energize for Sunday's return to the trail. So, now I'm clean. I just hope that I can maintain that nice Dr Bonner Peppermint Soap aroma for the five miles out to the road tomorrow!Teach your Children how to identify ten trees.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter ((848.1)

To: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro (853.1)
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well the day has finally arrived. For me, although it's only 850 or so miles, I feel like this is like the halfway point. The five miles to the Gap was fast and easy. We were there by 0800 and Snowball was there at 0830. Incredible actually since she got lost and also received a speeding ticket! Oh what people go through in the name of love. But we're together again (albeit briefly) and love is apparent and that's what's important. We gave Magnet a lift into town and did all our errands. Breakfast at Wheezie's, Post Office, resupply at Kroger's, then it was on to the Quist Family Hostel. It was so nice to just chill for a while. We ate a lunch of nothing more than a huge Strawberry Shortcake! After that we did a couple of loads of wash including our nasty sleeping bags. Some chores needed to be done around the house and with Laid Back's help, those were dispatched with quickly. It was so good to be home. Everything looked so good and Snowball has been so busy doing things around the place. (Too numerous to mention, but quite impressive none the less.)Spaghetti for dinner and a homemade Blueberry Pie for dessert! In bed early and a restful night's sleep. That's what I'm talking about.Teach your Children to identify ten wildflowers.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro (853.1)

To: Black Rock Hut (873.1)
Miles today: 20.0

What a delightful break at home.It was everything I could have dreamed of. Snowball was/is amazing! But, now it's time to get back to "work". She brought us back to the Gap and we were walking by 0900. Not .5 miles into the woods we came to the Shenandoah Park Hiker Registration Station. Who was standing there, signing in, The long lost Timber! So is our "team" reforming? I hope so. Anyway, we hike on more or less together for 20 miles to the shelter. When we got there it was full but we all managed to find a manageable tent site and settled in. Who was sitting at the picnic table there? None other than my old hiking companion, Dr Dick, who I hadn't seen for several years. It was really good to see him again and get caught up on everything. He's hiking the park as a tune up for his final 200 miles section to complete the entire AT. Good luck Dr Dick!Teach your Children to Honor Good Relationships.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Black Rock Hut (873.1)

To: Hightop Hut (894.5)
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Was one of the first ones out this morning. I was really dragging, even after a good breakfast. I snacked and snacked and finally stopped at the Loft Mountain Campstore and downed a Starbucks Frappachino and a huge 380 cal Blueberry muffin and at last seemed to get some of that missing energy. Continued on and continued eating two more 300 cal Brownies and with all that, I was able to make it to the shelter in pretty good shape. At the shelter, there was a note from Laid Back saying that he was pushing on and was going to try to get all the way to Harper's Ferry by the 12th. There is no way I can do that so I guess the last of the original Fab Five is gone. I met him on my second day on the trial and we've hiked together almost ever since. A great guy and I'll miss him and I'm sorry that I didn't get to say "good bye" and "good luck" but that's okay. That's kinda the way guys do things. Good Luck to you Laid Back. I hope our trails cross again in the future. I'll be the guy in the Depends and drooling all over his shirt.Meanwhile, things are good here. the shelter and tent sites aren't all filled up and it's rather quiet. Tomorrow, I have another big day planned. I need to get into the Front Royal PO before noon on Sat the 12th.Teach your Children how to identify 5 stars.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Hightop Hut (894.5)

To: Rock Springs Hut (918.4)
Miles today: 23.9

A great day by any measure. Up at 0530 after a pretty cold night. Hiked most of the morning with my rain jacket on for warmth. Timber left before me just to get walking and warm up. Got to Lewis Mountain Campground (12mi+/-) before 11AM and lounged around there for 2 hours drinking coffee, eating ice cream, and trying to decide what to do next. I pretty much decided that I wanted to go all the way to rOCK sPRINGS hUT AND JUST STOP IN bIG mEADOWS FOR DINNER. Timber and Safari thought that 19 miles would be enough for them and planned to rent a tent site there and shower and do laundry as well. So I moved on and when I got to the Lodge, it was 4PM and the Dining Room didn't open until 5:30 so so I found a nice sunny place with a picnic table and downed a couple tuna wraps and a Snickers bar. About 5:15 I set off again for the last 4 mile stretch to the shelter. It was crowded so I found a nice tent site for the night. They're calling for rain both this evening and tomorrow so I hope I can get out before the rain starts in the morning and get to Pass Mtn Hut before it rains too hard. Today my feet were really bothering me. I have blisters starting on my big toe and the next one on my right foot. It seems like my toes are being pinched and the shoe is too small. I called Snowball and asked her to send a reserve pair to Front Royal for me. There are all "new" folks in the shelter tonight. Teach your children to identify 10 wild animals.
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Rock Springs Hut (918.4)

To: Pass Mtn Hut (933.7)
Miles today: 15.3

Another good day. It rained all night. About 1AM I heard a bear working his way through the campsite. It passed about 50 ft from my tent then it went down to the shelter area and came back through my area (closer this time) about an hour and a half later. When I woke up it was a little after 5 and I got myself ready in the rain and dark. I made it quickly to Skyland where I had an awesome breakfast- 3 egg omelet with mushrooms and red peppers, a huge bowl of grits, two slices of whole wheat toast and about 7 cups of coffee. I ate with Biscuits and Gravy. After that, I sat in the lounge and wrote postcards. At about 1130 I set out in the rainy mist for Pass Mtn Hut. On the way, I stopped at the Pinnacles Picnic Area for lunch again with Biscuits and Gravy. I finally got to the shelter at about 4:30. It's now about 8 and I'm ready for bed. Sharing the shelter tonight with Pyro (the wise), Warrior (a retired marine with 38 yrs service), Biscuits and Gravy and a family wh're out for a month (One Lucky Man, Veggie Momma, Flowers in her hair and Cowgirl)Teach your children to identify 10 Constellations.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Pass Mtn Hut (933.7)

To: Tom Floyd Wayside (957.3)
Miles today: 23.6

I woke up early and realizsed that I had a ASnickers Bar in my pack hip belt, so I got up to move it so the mice wouldn't get it if the already hadn't. Well they hadn't so so now what do I do with it? Simple, I put it in a smelly sock and brought it into the sleeping bag with me! A no braineer, right? I finally got up at about 0530 and as I was packing, the Snickers fell out of my sock, which I took out of my bag. To those who observed this, it must have seemed like a "magic show" or something. Anyway, the day is beautiful. The sky is nice and ble and the breeze is gentle. I went 5 miles to the Elkwallow Wayside and had a $10 breakfast and brought a few snacks to tide me over until tomorrow. I've taken over a picnic table and have my gear all spread out to dry. I'll give it another 30 mins or so before I pack up to leave. I have a short 5.5 miles to the next shelter. Whether or not I'll stay there or move on, I don't know yet. But, I'll probably lunch and nap there then decide if I want to do an another 11.5 miles or not. LATER. Well I did decide to move. Pyro set off ahead of me and I told him that I knew of a good tentsite 2 miles short of Tom Floyd Shelter. When I passed him, i told him that I would mark the turn off for him I pressed on and encountered a mom and two exhausted daughters also going to Tom floyd. I told them also about the tentsite and how I would mark the trail and pressed on. As it turned out, I couldn't find the turn-off so I continued on to the shelter. I was a bit worried about the women and felt bad about misleading them. It was 6:15 when I got there. I claimed a spot in the shelter then went down to get water. At 7:15 the women had not yet arrived so I set off back up the trail to find them and bring them in or otherwise help them. I backtracked 2 miles with no sign of them. It was getting dark and I had forgotten to bring my headlamp. At some point, I encountered a big black bear on the side of the trail. Great, now they're going to get attacked by a bear as well as getting lost, Right? I called out repeatedly, no response. I finally had to turn around. When I got back to the shelter, it was dark. I was really worried and felt a little responsible for whatever might happen to them. Finally, maybe a half hour later, we could see three lights dancing through the woods. They made it! I expected there would be tears and arguing, but nope. A bit tired but happy as clams. I apoligized for any misleading and explained my "rescue" attempt. They were "blown away" by my actions! It was after 10 before I went to "bed". I put in a lot of mile today. I hope the Vitamin I works its magic.Teach your Children to have Concern for Others.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Tom Floyd Wayside (957.3)

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter (965.4)
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

I had a pretty good nights sleep in spite of Pyro's and Tracker's attempt to keep me awake with their snoring.(I forgot to take out my earplugs) I only had 3 miles to go to the road for my hitch into town so I slept in a little- to after 6AM! (Is this how Rome fell, do you think?) I said my goodbyes to the folks. About a mile or so later, I came across a stream and decided to take a bath- at least wash up a bit. I'm going to town right? Well, I sitting in Mom's Restaurant now and have this huge breakfast in front of me and do you know what? I still have that Dr Bonners Peppermint smell about me! Sweet! Well town (Front Royal) was great. I got picked up quickly and was dropped off at the bank where I did my ATM business. I walked across the street to check out the Dollar General before going to Mom's. Next stop was up the road a mile or so to the PO. Got my boxes, bounced my shoes to Duncannon, resupplied out of the other (food strewn all over the floor in a corner of the PO Lobby) and sent the rest on to Duncannon also. Talked to a lot of nice folks while I was doing my stuff.Among other things on my "to do" list was to find a place I could watch tomorrow's World Cup match between US and UK. I found the Lucky Star Pub. Perfect. I'll be there. I then went to the FR Visitors Center to ask where I might get my glasses tightened. They suggested that the Clock Store across the street might be able to help me so I went there. I went-They fixed. Another Perfect. On my way out of town, I went to McD's for a Sundae. While eating, I noticed a big SUV pull up and on the back there was a UDT?SEAL sticker! You don't see those very often so I went up to the guy. He had a SpecWar ball cap on. I introduced myself and asked what his connection to the Teams was. It turned out that his association with then is rather long and extensive. I had a lond and very enjoyable conversation with him. We have many mutual friends/shipmates that we talked about. Ultimately he brought me back to the trail and brought his cold McDonald order back home to the grandchildren!It was a short 2 hour walk to this beautiful shelter. I'm here with Shirtless aka Splash and another fellow: Tom, who tenting and only doing an overnight with a lady friend. tomorrow will be another easy day: a 3 mile walk to the next road crossing and a 7 mile hitch back into town for the game.Teach your Children to identify 10 Insects.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter (965.4)

To: Manassas Gap Shelter(970.9)
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: scattered clouds

"Oh what a beautiful morning, oh, what a beautiful day. I've got a wonderful feeling...." Left camp at 7 and walked three opr so mol;es to the road. Just short of it I crossed a stream and stripped to bathe and wash clothes. Chores done, I moved on encountering Magnet who dragged me to some Trail Magic on the otherside of the road. Sure enough, there were three guys serving breakfast (eggs,bacon,ham), snacks drinks, fruit and more. I ate my fill then one of them took me into town!I went into Food Lion to pick up some last minute items then went over to the Quality Inn to see if I could find Winston and Churchill (two Brits) and/or LOROD. In the Lobby I met Ace and she was going to be brought back to the Trail by Barbara, LORODS wife, so I followed her to their room Home Brew was also there. Later Barbara took me around to try to find some denatured alcohol but we found none. Later we all wen to the Lucky Star Pub to watch the game. The place was packed. I sat a table with a bunch of thru hikers- Krispy Kritter, Draggin' Tail, Sherpa, Shirtless, Biscuits and Gravy, Caribou and dog YOLO. Fun time. the US lucked out with a 1-1 tie. LOROD took me back to the trail at 5 or so and I was settled into the shelter by 6:30. I spent an hour or so talking to some section hikers from Cleveland, then wen to bed. My goal is to start doing some serious hiking tomorrow!
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Manassas Gap Shelter(970.9)

To: Bears den hostel (993.7)
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up this morning with the intention of turning it on. I was on the trail by 0615 but right away I didn't feel.right.It was humid right off the bat and I could never really find my stride. Before long, the heat came and sapped whatever energy had left. throughout the day the rocks were bad and my feet began to ache. then I hit the "Roller Coaster", a series of ups and downs over a 13 mile stretch. well the short of it all is: all of the above factors above combined to absolutely wear me out. I essentially crawled into Bears Den Hostel at 6:30 or so- totally spent. the folks there were terrific. Redwing and Hopeful who I knew from before, were mAnaging the place. I got a great room and the "hiker special"-room, shower,laundry, pizza, a pint of Ben and Jerrys and a coke, all for $27. I showered, got into some clean clothes and got my pizza going. Before to long, I began to come around. Mary Sue (Southern Harp), an old friend, came in to tell me that my old friend Muligan was in town and was coming over. In notice, he wa there and we got caught up on each others lives. I called home and then went back chatting with Mulligan and Mary Sue. I finally went to bed about 10 and slept like a baby.Teach your children to sing.
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Bears den hostel (993.7)

To: David Lesser Shelter (1004.8)
Miles today: 11.1

Today was easy! am I back in gear? anyway, I woke up and Magnet asked me ifIwanted cream and sugar in my coffee, then he brought me a cup! A very nice way to start the day. I got up and began straightening out my stuff. Not long thereafter, another hiker "Ohibro", had fixed pancakes and s offering those. I downed about six and a couple more cups of coffee. Mulligan came inane wew made some plans and chatted some more. Finally I went down to the computer and brought my journals up to date. I finally got on the trail about 1. My plan was to take It real easy and not overdue anything in the heat and humidity. But, I found the heat OK because of the cloudiness- the humidity seemed down a bit too. So I took my time and plodded along. At the top of one of the climbs, I met Jeff, a minister at one of the local churches. We talked for well over an hour and shared a lot of insights with eachother. It was truly a predestined encounter, I believe. I only wish that I had gotten s contact info. We said our goodbyes. Today I thought an awful lot about my life and the people who have had an influence on who I am today and what was the "gift" that they gave me. Maybe tomorrow I'll journal about that. I finally got to the shelter about 6:30 and was really feeling good. I went down to the spring to get water, cokes some dinner and now it's raining. I'm ready for bed!Teach your children to respect their teachers.
Date: 2010-06-15
From: David Lesser Shelter (1004.8)

To: Crampton Gap Shelter (1024.5)
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I literally flew into Harpers Ferry and was at the ATC HQ before 0930! I had my picture taken and was the 343rd NOBO. Sent out an email and then met Muligan as planned. He took me to Walmart for a quick resupply then we went out for pizza. I mailed some cards from the PO then went to theOutfitteers for some Super Feet in anticipation of the rocks that are ahead. I finally got on the trail at a little after 3PM. I hiked up to the Ed Garvey Shelter and was tempted to stay but the water was way down the hill and I pre fee to walk trail miles instead of water miles so I pushed on to the next shelted which was an easy 4.5miles away. I arrived at the shelter at about . Ohibro and Snoopy were there. when I arrived, they were looking under the shelter deck at a young fawn that had been chased under there by a couple of dogs. Moments after I got there the fawn took off but only went a short distance and hid by a tree. It w still there when we went to bed but was gone in the morning. Snoopy had lot to say and that could be a book in itself. Her most interesting contribution was when she showed us a device which allowed her to pee standing up like a man-no demonstrations please! (Could this be next years Christmas presentss for all the women I my life? went to bed about 9 and slept well.Teach your. Children to be able to laugh at themselves
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Crampton Gap Shelter (1024.5)

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter (1045.2)
Miles today: 20.7

Happy Birthday Snowball! A perfect day for hiking really. It had rained some over night and for most of the day it was foggy with a slight drizzle off and on. I had lunch and a short nap at the Pine Knob Shelter then got here at about 4:30. all is well but my feet are bothering me a bit. The outside tendon on the arch of my left foot and a point on the outside of the ball on my right foot hurt at times. I'm try to Ibuprofen them into submission and keep an eye on them.Teach your children to sing in the rain.