morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-26
From: Gamelands road stealth spot

To: Hertlein campsite (stealthed past it)
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I found a nice stealth site last night before the rain/storm came! My hammock started rocking and the gusts of wind on the ridge were terrible. Gotta love it..haha. I fell asleep right about when the lightning and thunder started only to wake up at 3:30am looking AT THE SKY AND TREES!!! where the fuck was my rain fly??? haha...ok..the gusts of wind pulled one of the stakes out of the ground on my hammock fly (rain cover over my hammock). Thank god it wasnt raining much then. I cought it right after it happened or I would have been soaked. In the morning I packed up and stopped a bit up the trail for a break at Eagles Nest shelter. I used up the last of my water there also! For the next ten or so miles every stream was dried up! Its amazing how thirsty one becomes when they cant find water! I finally found water at this awsome campsite called Hertlein campsite. I am definately coming back to this little gem of a camp area when I get done with the Appalachian Trail (or shall I say down to Georgia since I realize I will never be done with the A.T. - its instilled in me). I was so happy to find water!!!! There was a pond and a spring with plenty of water! I pulled out my new Katahdin Pro water filter pump (that my sis bought for me...thanks sis...it works awsomely)..and filled my 100oz Platypus bladder (hydration bottle) and also my 32oz Platypus plastic bottle. It appeared that this little campsite had at least six sites and all of them were sooooo nice. They were at a point between the mountain that dipped down to the campsite. A little gap as I would say. There were a few picnic tables at some of the sites also. The great thing about it is the only way to camp here is to HIke in a long way to the sites!!! As much as I wanted to just stay their I decided to push on a bit. Didnt make it to far before I lost all the daylight. I did find a stealth campsite with a fire ring at it. I set up my hammock (this time I placed two large rocks on the rain-fly stakes to hold them in place)- I started a campfire and enjoyed a nice dinner in the woods (haha...like this was the first time..) but it was nice. Stealthed a bit past hertlein campsite
Date: 2008-09-28
From: Rausch Gap shelter (stealth right behind it)

To: Peters Mtn shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Last night it poured! I came into camp late and made a last minute decision to put on the rain fly of my hammock since it didnt look like it was going to rain. I was wrong! Since I put it up so quickly I must of not covered one corner because I had a small trickle come in my hammock on one side. I wiped it up with my bandana and made sure I was away from that side the rest of the night. The poison Ivy drove me F-ing insane all night and i was awake until 6:00am. I awoke at 8:00am , put on my wet socks and quickly unmade camp and hit the trail! The trail wiew today was pleasant but not much view outside the trees on the trail. It did rain most of the afternoon. Abut mile 1024 I stopped and put on my fleece since the shirt I had on was soaked. The rain jacket I have is great when it rains a little but steady rain just saturates it. Im thinking its better as a windbreaker. It does keep me warm and I love it though. I then wrung out my soaked sockes and wrapped my feet up in a dry shirt for ten minutes. I put moleskin on the blister on my right foot and wrapped some around my right pinky toe because the toenail seemed very loose and I have this incredible urge to keep it! I arrived at Peters Mtn. shelter. This shelter has two floors. The top for sleeping and the bottom for eating (or sleeping). On the bottom there is a picnick table. The view from the shelter is of the Pa. countryside. I had a great sleep only waking up twice due to the F-ing poison ivy. Caint wait to get to Duncannon to Zero baby!!!
Date: 2008-09-29
From: Peters Mtn shelter

To: Duncannon, Pa.- The Doyle Hotel!!!
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Felt good this morning after getting some sleep. eaded out for the Doyle hotel in Duncannon, Pa. This is a hotel that some of the A.T. Pioneers of the trail stayed at. Its been a stop for A.T. hikers for quite sometime. The weather turned into a really nice fall afternoon. I pushed on until I came to a great view through the trees of one of the bridges crossing the Susuahanna river. I pulled all my wet gear out of my pack, took off my wet socks and sat on a large rock in the sun while everything dried. Its so nice to have dry gear again!!!! I continued on straight for Duncannon! I first crossed the susquahanna river which I took in a beautiful view as i walked across the bridge. Made a left after the bridge and followed the street into the small town of Duncannon. A few minutes later the Doyle hotel appeared. There is a "welcome hikers" banner hanging off the second floor balcony. very nice. I checked into a room (25 dollars a nite). My room was number 12. I took a shower then went downstairs and had dinner. The owners of the hotel are awsome and very hiker friendly. There is also free internet on the first floor where the bar/restaurant/pool table are. The hotel gives me that turn of the century feeling and I really liked it alot. Southbound hikers Grizz, superman, and earthworm also stayed at Doyle. We Rocked the Doyle that night!!!! I hope to return to the Doyle hotel someday after this hike.
Date: 2008-09-30
From: Duncannon, Pa.- The Doyle Hotel!!!

To: Cove Mtn shelter
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

In the morning we all went to breakfast at Goodies Restaurant across from the Doyle. I took off then and headed up the mountain south. The climb out of Duncannon started with switchbacks up the mountain. Once on the top of the ridge the trail leveled and was nice. I stopped at Cove Mtn. shelter for the night. I ran into Smokey and fire fairy then Superman showed up. WE started a fire and roasted hotdogs and marshmellows for dinner! Great awsome night! I love the woods!
Date: 2008-10-01
From: Cove Mtn shelter

To: Backpackers Campsite (Boiling springs, pa)
Miles today: 21.6

Woke up and took off along for Boiling springs. The hike was a bit rocky but didnt slow me down much. I entered Boiling springs in the dark and purchased some food at a local minimart where I had a very cool conversation about the A.T. with one of the locals. I then headed for the backpackers campsite where I set up my hammock and crashed for the day. One little note...if your planning on sleeping here anytime remember that a train runs right near the campsite almost every hour it seems and the ground WILL SHAKE!!! hey..what do ya want for free..right? Nice hiking day.
Date: 2008-10-02
From: Backpackers Campsite (Boiling springs, pa)

To: stealth site past Limekiln rd.
Miles today: 20.5

Woke up and headed out a bit late...maybe nine thirty. I was up late due to that train that seemed to always come by. Haha...W.T.F. Anyway...I hiked south until I came across the Half way point marker and sat for a break. I took a few pics (by the way..its the old half way point marker...its now farther south for us southbounders) then after a bit of hiking hiked through Pine Grove Furnace state park- famous on the A.T. as being the half gallon challenge place- where you try to eat a half gallon of ice cream as fast as you can. I stopped at the Pine Grove Furnace Store and since it was ten in the morning and cold decided to do the egg sandwich and ice cream challenge. It worked out fine for me. I ended the day at a stealth site past Limekiln rd.
Date: 2008-10-03
From: stealth site past Limekiln rd.

To: Quarry gap shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I hiked pretty much all day with minimal breaks. You know...there sure are a lot of squirrels in the woods. I see them everyday since maine. Always busy doing something. I think if they were alot bigger they would be the king of the jungle..not the lions! I hiked until about nine p.m. and came to the Quarry gap shelter. There i met four thru-hikers doing a reunion who hiked the A.T. north two years ago. I had a great time hanging out with them during the evening.
Date: 2008-10-04
From: Quarry gap shelter

To: stealth one mile north of Devils racecourse shelte
Miles today: 24.4

Got up early and headed out. My agenda for today is to cross the Mason-Dixon line before I sleep!!! I hiked a good portion of the day then when I came to a road that led to Blue Ridge Summit (a town) I walked two miles (appx) to the store there and bought peanut butter and a loaf of bread. I also went to the local diner and had a steak sandwich. It was awsome and pretty inexpensive. my kind of place. I then walked back to the trail (in the dark) and hiked south until..yes...I crossed the railroad tracks and the Mason-Dixon line!!! Yahooooo...seeeee ya Pa.- Im in Maryland now! I hiked through Pen Mar park and into the forest toward Devils racecourse shelter. I walked a few miles when I looked into the woods and saw what appeared to be three cayottes or something like that. Lovely...i just kept walking. What is one to do. haha. then came to a mountain with a rock scramble on it. Whats a rock scramble..lots of rocks and no trail. Sooo...my headlamp started to go dim and I was hiking for quite a long time (about an hour) when I realized that I was back near where I saw the cayottes (ok..I cant spell..so what... I was livid. I somehow hiked about two miles...got turned around and hiked back north two miles...duh....W.T.F. - I immediately pitched my hammock to two trees and sat there fuming at my wonderful pathfinder skills that night.
Date: 2008-10-05
From: stealth one mile north of Devils racecourse shelte

To: Pogo memorial campsite
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

I took it easy today and enjoyed the trail. Marylands trail here really turned out to be something very enjoyable to hike on. I enjoy the pleasant triaL and views. I hiked to the Pogo memorial campsite which is a campsite in the forest with maybe four sites to set up tents. I pitched my hammock there then walked down this really clear nice looking stream and filtered my water for dinner. While I was there a couple came by and we chatted. The woman had on a long pink dress and a white bonnet which looked very nice and I said..Are you Amish...and they said..No..where from Waynesboro. Boy..did I feel like an ass. Anyway...I lived...and really enjoyed the evening at Pogo.
Date: 2008-10-06
From: Pogo memorial campsite

To: Ed Garvey shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Headed south and went through Washington Monument park then to Turners gap. There is alot of civil war history on the trail now and Im absolutely digging it. Theres signs at sites of battles and such. I love civil war history so I took alot of time reading and just digging the day. During the hike i also stopped at Dahlgreen backpacker campsite which had free showers! Yahoooo. I havent had a shower since the doyle hotel and was feeling...how do they say...a bit unfresh..haha. Ok...I smelled like shit. Is that better. So I showered...emptied my garbage bag (or shall I say bear attractor bag)...and headed out. I eventually ended the day at the Ed Garvey shelter. I did the ritual..ate..slept.
Date: 2008-10-07
From: Ed Garvey shelter

To: David Lesser memorial shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Hit the trail early and two miles into it I came across a very nice mountain vista at Weverton Cliffs. The trail then decended rapidly to US340 where the trail went under the overpass. I continued onto a canal towpath for about three miles. Easy trail. I then crossed the Potomac river via the Goodloe byron memorial bridge which is also a train tressle. There was a tunnel which had "Harpers Ferry 1933" engraved into the top of it (the entrance to the tunnel) and i took a picture of a train going into it which just happened to come by while I was crossing the Potomac river. Harpers Ferry is a nice historic town due to the civil war history of it and also the story of John Brown. I stopped for coffee at a local coffee shop there then made my way up to the Appalachian Trail Headquarters where I had my official picture taken (I did it net to the historic harpers ferry plaque out in front of the building just to do something different). My southbound number is officially "74". I also signed the ATC register book. Yahooo. Im official! I hung out there for a bit then headed to the post office and picked up my mail drop my sis sent me. Thanks lani! I recieved my food for the next few days. Stopped at a pizza shop and had the 2 slice and soda for 3.00 special. After a time back at the ATC headquarters (a very nice and pleasant crew there!!!)...I headed out and up the long assent out of Harpers Ferry. I also crossed the Shenandoah river to get to it. I hiked into the night and slept at the David Lesser memorial shelter. Oh...Im in West Virginia now!!!!
Date: 2008-10-08
From: David Lesser memorial shelter

To: buzzard hill stealth site
Miles today: 15.6

Headed out about seven am. The tril had a few ups and downs but leg tiring long drawn out grades. I was happy to cross into Virginia at mile 1182.1 (from Mt. Katahdin). Virginiais the longest state on the Appalachian Trail by the way. About three miles later I came to a great view of the Shenandoah valley at Bears Den rocks. I took a side trail to Bears Den hostel. Its .1 mile off the trail on a blue blaze. This place is really nice. There is a hiker room where i went and ate lunch. Actually- a free lunch! There was a "cup of ramen noodles" veggie flavor in the hikerbox which I microwaved while watching some game show on the television. I also maraculously found poison ivy medicine (that pink stuff) and put some on! Very cool and relaxing place. But since i was so early arriving there I took off then and moved on. I stealthed about 4.5 miles later when the sun went down near Buzzard Hill.
Date: 2008-10-09
From: buzzard hill stealth site

To: Manasses Gap shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It appears my blisters are gone! Fantastic. They suck. Ive been wearing two pairs of socks the last three days and it helps alot! I took off today and it was sunny and beautiful. I played the "try not to get a spiderweb in your face" game all morning but lost. I must have walked thru 50 webs and strands. Spiders 50 points, Bearwalker 0. Luckily I only had three nail me square in the face. Ive come to the conclusion I hate when that happens! Fun game. Try it sometime. I hiked some loooong ups and downs most of the morning but the forest was such a pretty site. I like the trees here. A bit later i crossed us50 road (Ashby gap) and came to a stone wall. Here is where George Washington at the age of 19 did a boundary survey. I took a pic and moved on. Later I stopped at Dicks Dome shelter for lunch. It was so nice to get off my feet and relax especially since the forest view was majestic. I ended up there for one and a half hours..lol. I then took off and did the next 5 miles in 1 and a half hours to the Manassas Gap shelter where I crashed for the night. Wonderful day on the Appalachian. P.S. - I almost stepped on a three foot black snake this morning.
Date: 2008-10-10
From: Manasses Gap shelter

To: Tom Floyd Wayside (shelter)
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: few clouds

great morning! I had breakfast at the picnic table in front of the shelter then hiked 2.5 miles to VA55 where I hitched a ride into Linden, Va. I was picked up immediately too and dropped off at the post office. My pal Dan sent me a package. I then went next door to the General store and re-supplied. The woman at the counter was extremely nice and I sat and chatted while having coffee with two of the regulars there. Very nice people. I hitched back to the trail and hiked south. Lots of squirrels today running everywhere. Almost forgot- a large brown bird flew into the shelter this morning as soon as I woke up. It landed, slid on the floor, then turned about and flew back out. Being that i hadnt even been awake 15 seconds I was watched it leave the branch..head toward me...and the whole time Im thinking "is that a hawk attacking me..haha...I was ready to fly into the sleeping bag. It was pretty awsome. The trail was up and down all day. Lots of long ups and long downs...I now call this section "The Shenandoah Rollor-coaster"! I was really into checking out the details of the forest on my hike today. Hiking alone gives me much more oppertunity for seeing so much more details in the forest. Right before mile 1220.5 two deer appeared 10 feet off the trail. They didnt run either..i must be getting closer to the national park. They just looked at me and kept chowing. It was a great opportunity for pics and vid.
Date: 2008-10-11
From: Tom Floyd Wayside (shelter)

To: Pass Mtn. hut
Miles today: 23.6

Got out of Tom Floyd wayside (shelter) a bit later than i wanted. Still before 9am. I stayed up last night drawing a pen and ink drawing in the A.T. journal at the shelter. Upon leaving I arrived at the Shenandoah Natl. Park permit booth. Its in a podium in the woods and its a self check in deal. Fill out the Back-country permit then put the carbon-copies in the box and attach the original top copy to your backpack. I quickly did that then continued through the park. The trail immediately changed to a more Park path with less rocks. I hiked until about 3pm when I had lunch at this nice little shelter. I met two weekend hikers there who just moved to Virginia from Michigan. I had a great time talking with them during lunch. I then hiked southward and into the night until 10pm or so. I finally arrived at Pass Mtn. hut. Yeah...they call them huts now..not shelters. I did 23.6 miles today!! I also ran into a big deer on the trail that startled the shit out of me. Just standing there right in the middle of the trail (at night). I first turned the corner and saw two eyes glowing in the dark..Yiks..haha. It then slowly moseyed (is that a word) away and into the darkness. I like when things run away at night!!! W.T.F. This is very strange to get used to. So far the park has been fabulous. Slept at Pass Mtn Hut tonight.
Date: 2008-10-12
From: Pass Mtn. hut

To: Rock spring hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

I woke up at 6:45am and was hiking at 7:00am. I then decended the Mtn I was on into Thortons Gap, crossed skyline drive rd. and assended a ridge up to 3500 feet. It was so wonderful walking up this ridge with the mountains spanning across the horizon to my left. The sun was coming up over the mountain to my forward left also. It was a perfect fall morning. I stopped on the ridge at about 3000 feet and sat down and just took it all in for about 20 minutes. The huge sweeping landscape, the warmth of the sun, the leaves falling one by one off the multi-colored trees! I continued 500 more feet where I trail-blazed up the backside of these large boulders that were up at the peak. I stood there on them with a 360 degree view all around of rolling ridges and mountains and farms. Quite a site. It was a truly lively feeling standing there. I climbed back down and continued hiking the ridge enjoying many more spectacular vistas. The Blue Ridge mountains are something of a gem. At 1:30pm I came to skyland rd. north where there is a restaurant close by. I went to the lodge office there where they charged my cell and phone battery (both were dead as a door nail) and had a burger and fries in the restaurant. I cant even begin to explain how awsome it was! After lunch I headed south to more scenic vistas until I reached Rock Spring hut. It was full so I set up my hamnmock at the campsite on a hill. Oh-I actually hung my food bag from a tree branch. First time since New Hampshire!!! Thats because one of the super friendly bears in this area were spotted on the hillside Im sleeping on tonight....
Date: 2008-10-13
From: Rock spring hut

To: Bearfence hut
Miles today: 11.5

I hiked out at seven thirty. Took a few more pictures of the vistas along Franklin Cliffs and tried to get a good squirrel picture with no success. I came across Big Meadows campground where I went to the mens room to fill up my water bottle. I got into a conversation outside with a guy walking by about my thru-hike and he invited me over to his campsite for breakfast. I met his wife, two kids, and a cool family friend. They were fantastic! I answered lots of trail questions for them and their kids also. They made me eggs, baked beans, sausages (two kinds) and coffee and orange juice!! Best breakfast on the trail so far!! Awsome. It was heaven! We took some pics and even took on with there little girl with my backpack on. I guess my pack isnt that heavy after all. When I left they gave me some food to go!! What a suprise that was so early in the day. Im set for Waynesboro, Va. ! The real suprise was the five hershey bars they gave me! I love chocolate! Thanks so much trail angels! I hiked about 20 minutes when i came tacross a squirrel. I tried to take its pic but as usual it ran. I followed it with my camera ready when a chipmonk scurried about a foot from the squirrel. The squirrel became engrossed in what the chipmonk was doing and stopped to watch all the commotion! Perfect picture I did get (as yoda would say)!!! Finally! Thank you little chipmonk my partner in photography taking. I love playing the squirrel picture game. A little later i came across a bear which I think didnt want company and it ran off rather quickly. Then- a bit down the trail I came across a nice sized deer who ate and posed about 8 feet from me. The day ended nicely at Bearfence hut (love the name...)
Date: 2008-10-14
From: Bearfence hut

To: Pinefield hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Well, last night a hiker came in late named D.A. (former district attorney). He is from N.C. but lives in Oklahoma now and is sectioning. We had a good time chatting about stuff. Todays hike was uneventful. I had getting to the shelter 20plus miles away on my mind. There really wasnt any vistas along the way either. Just a hiking day!! After 18 miles i came across two deers. They started cleaning each other as I video taped them. It was so awsome. I then went another 2.2 miles down the trail to Pinefield hut. I met a girl there named Sunshine who plans to hike the A.T. northbound next march. She was with three pals and they all worked at Blue Mtn. Sports. One of the guys gave stuff to make a chicken fajilla (i cant spell) for lunch tomorrow. So cool! The day ended on a nice relaxing note. I am moving along steadily through this very beautiful area of the country. I love the Shennies (Shenandoah Natl. Park). Im still waiting for that view thats gonna floor me!
Date: 2008-10-15
From: Pinefield hut

To: Blackrock hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up and had breakfast before heading out. I decided to enjoy the Shennies and only do 13 miles today and go to the next shelter. Along the way I stopped at the Loft mtn campground store and bought ice cream and cookies. I hung out there for a bit talking to this nice fellow from New Jersey before heading down the trail. Hiked a bit and eventually came to a summit called Blackrock (3092ft) where I was to find my favorite vista so far in the Shennandoah park. It was the one i was waiting for! Its a sweeping multi mountain landscape and at the time of day the light separated the mountains in tones from light in the distant to dark closer to me (atmosphere as they call it in the art world)..Very distince definate changes in hues. Of course the closer ones being more colorful and radiant, the middle distant ones more blue, then the farther-most mountains a sun-bleached light blue that only the sun can create....the blue that the atmosphere gives to distant mountain. If you dont understand all that I just covered...please refer to my new book out at book stores tomorrow titled..."what the hell did Bearwalker just say??????". seriously...this view was the huge large sweeping vista the great painters look for. It was majestic. I sat there for at least half and hour taking it all in.