morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... During the night the winds really picked up and kept waking me up. In the morning I had to go around and pick up all our clothes we had hung around to dry! This morning we ran out of drops to treat our water and with fuel running low, Topofgothics asked to borrow Wags' filter to fill our water bottles. Wouldn't you know it, that darn filter chose to blow a gasket while it was in TOG's hands! He felt so bad and made plans with Wags to meet her in a couple of days with a replacement. She was very gracious, but I'm not sure she believed he would actually do that for her. Clearly she doesn't know him very well! The hiking today involved quite a bit of elevation gain but at a fairly easy grade most of the way. We climbed Apple Orchard Mountain, a 4000 footer (the last in the AT until you get to the White Mountains in NH) and made sure we touched the actual summit so I could count it on my list! Gusty Rabbit passed us on the trail and then we joined her at the Thunder Hill shelter. Shortly after we arrived, her friend (now called Greyhound, because she's always chasing Rabbit!)also joined us. A wonderful trail angel by the name of John Hasty came up to the shelter and prepared a meal for everyone. He made sausage, eggs and pancakes served on real plates with real forks for eating! He even had orange juice and gave everyone M&M's for dessert. He packed up and was just leaving when Sir Richard arrived. Well, Mr. Hasty came back, unpacked and cooked all that food all over again for Sir Richard!
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Last night the skies opened up! We got hit with a very strong storm that was dropping rain at better than two inches per hour with lightening and thunder. The tent didn't perform as well as it should as the rain pummelled it and started to seep through the roof as a fine mist. We wound up with one sleeping bag between us and under the other one which we had over us in the hopes that we could keep at least one of them dry! We then put our rain jackets over the top of the surface bag. It just went on and on but we did manage to fall asleep eventually. When it stopped, we woke up because things were suddenly quiet! We sopped up some of the water and were mostly dry. We discovered Sir Richard had to retreat to the shelter from his tent as the water started to get deep all around him. But the rest of the day was mostly sunny and quite humid with some patches of foggy terrain. I was hiking strong and I was out in front of folks for most of the day. I feel like I'm just getting my hiking legs and it's time to come off trail! We did climb High Cock Knob and that seemed pretty tough to me. It was oppressively humid and one of the steepest climbs of the week. But then on the other side, I stopped at Marble Spring and Topofgothics caught up with me for lunch. Hurrying Hoosier and Hodgepodge joined us there for a little while and I offered them a ride into Glasgow the following day as they needed to resupply and my car was out at the trailhead. We made it to Matt's Creek Shelter and while a brief downpour came through, we decided to head out to the car and to drive into town tonight instead of in the morning. Topofgothics' sleeping mat sprung a leak and the company sent him a new one to the post office at Glasgow and we didn't want to risk not getting to the post office before it closed tomorrow. Mudflap and Growler asked if they could hitch a ride in to town with us as they wanted a night in a hotel to dry out and clean up. So the four of us walked out the last couple of miles and over the James River footbridge. We are staying at the Budget Inn in Buena Vista and I strongly discourage any hikers from going there. It's not a nice place!
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Glasgow

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Mudflap and Growler decided to take a zero today as well and joined us for the ride into Lexington to the gear shop. We managed to get a replacement filter for Wags and then drove out to meet her where the trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Punchbowl Shelter. We then had a nice lunch at a viewspot and then the rest of the day was spent just hanging out enjoying each other's company. Tonight some pretty heavy storms moved through and we were grateful to not be out in a tent! I'll take David back to the trailhead in the morning.
Date: 2009-05-17
From: Glasgow

To: Pedlar River
Miles today: 15.0

Tmax for Topofgothics... Dropped Topofgothics, Mudflap and Growler back at the trailhead this morning in the rain. The powerful rain last night really raised the level of the James River and we watched some folks try to rescue a canoe that had been tipped and lost by the boaters in it. We didn't hear how the boaters faired. I then drove the 10 hours home. David called and he made it 15 miles today and is camped near the Pedlar River. He has a drop in Montebello and will get there tomorrow night or Tuesday morning.
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Porter's Field

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: clear sky

Tmax for Topofgothics... Great day of hiking. Went into Montebello to pick up mail drop and had to do a lot of wandering around to get it but got right back on the trail. Had lunch on The Priest with great views. Then came down 3000' in an hour, impressive anytime but especially with a very full belly! David described today as "this is what it's all about."
Date: 2009-06-01
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Tmax for Topofgothics... Topofgothics got back on-trail today after 11 days off to hike in the Adirondacks. He was able to join his best friend Tracy when she got her Adirondack 46er certificate. They also climbed Gothics on one of the days of this "vacation." David entered Shenandoah National Park today and managed 20 miles after driving all night to get back to the trail. I bet he sleeps well tonight.
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

Tmax for Topofgothics... TICKS! There were way too many being pulled off the body today. The AT follows Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park so there are lots of opportunities to stop at waysides and concession stands for views and food. The AT crosses Skyline Drive 28 times. The concessions are well known for blackberry shakes, but David hasn't tried one yet! He's planning on doing some serious writing over the next few days so with any luck his muse will visit him and he'll do low mileage days
Date: 2009-06-03
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Woke up with a headache this morning, took some migraine meds and went back to bed for a couple of hours. Was able to do a little writing today but was hut-bound due to the rain and the hut was full of people, most just out for a day or two. Still no blackberry shake, but hopefully tomorrow. The plan is to be in Harper's Ferry by Monday or Tuesday. Topofgothics had one of his poles break (which also hold up his tent) and is waiting to get to PA where the company is sending him a replacement. So there will be lots of hut/shelter stays for awhile.
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: moderate rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... Cell reception is pretty bad so I got a quick call at work today telling me he was 11 miles into his hike today but was planning to get to the Tom Floyd wayside (which is actually a shelter)that is just outside the park. He's happy to be through SNP as there are lots of tourists and touristy things along the way, not much of a "woodsy" experience. Today has also been all rain and cold. David hopes to be in Front Royal saturday morning where Longhaul will pick him up and take him to his house for a shower and a bed.
Date: 2009-06-06
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Northern VA 4-H swimming pool
Miles today: 1.0

Tmax for Topofgothics... Short day today. Walked out and met Longhaul who took TOG to his house for a comfortable relaxing day eating and sleeping. I called David from the top of Gothics mountain today (I was hiking in the Dacks) and woke him up! Longhaul is full of southern hospitality and has been shuttling hikers all day!
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Northern VA 4-H swimming pool

To: lounging about
Miles today: 0.0

Tmax for Topofgothics... Took a zero day today and layed around the pool eating all day. Too much sun means a bit of a sunburn! Lots of hikers hanging out at Longhaul's house swimming, eating, drying out, and watching movies. Gunna be hard to get going again!
Date: 2009-06-08
From: lounging about

To: Spring just past Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 19.2

Tmax for Topofgothics... Back on trail this morning. Very hot and humid day with threats of thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow. David plans on going back to Longhaul's tomorrow night (you can never get too much of a good thing!) but will get right back on the trail. He's hoping to hit the halfway point Monday with the "girls" but may hold off until Tuesday which is his birthday.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Topofgothics is "super-stealth" camping tonight. Took a good bang to his shin and decided to call it a night. Took a break at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter that TOG says is really nice. There is a covered area for cooking and even a swing! Will go into Harper's Ferry proper tomorrow to get his picture taken and receive his official thru-hiker class of 2009 number!
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... Good day today! Even though the weather was calling for thunderstorms and the possibility of flash-flooding, TOG stayed dry all day. Started his morning by coming across water in a cooler left out by a church when he was out of water. Then went to a cafe where he met a ridge-runner and an ATC staff member and had breakfast paid for. Then the cafe even gave him an ice-cream for dessert from breakfast. Went into ATC headquarters, got his picture taken and was given his official thru-hiker number of 296. A fairly easy day on the trail and David was at the shelter and calling it quits for the day by 3:30. The plan is to get to Old Forge park by Friday night or Saturday morning where we'll get to spend a couple of days together. This will put off David reaching the half-way point by a bit but he should still get there by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: just past the Mason-Dixon line
Miles today: 26.0

Tmax for Topofgothics... Long day with some struggles given the wounded shin. Coming downhill was torment and yet Topofgothics was still trying to push to get to the route 16 crossing where I would arrive in the wee hours. He passed the Mason-Dixon line without seeing the marker and stopped to ask some kids hanging out which state he was in! They told him he crossed over into PA and that there was a water source up the trail a short distance. David wound up stopping there for the night.
Date: 2009-06-13
From: just past the Mason-Dixon line

To: Old Forge Park
Miles today: 6.5

Tmax for Topofgothics... I arrived at the parking area on Route 16 a little after midnight. The road is a very busy one so there was little sleep to be had in the back of my car. TOG showed up about 8:30 and then I drove him in to Waynesboro for a quick stop at a couple of stores and then into Blue Ridge Summit to pick up his replacement part for his hiking pole that was waiting at the post-office. I then dropped him back at the trail so he could walk to the park while I drove around. We had planned this meeting spot because our friends, 2007 thru-hikers M&M ( www.trailjournals.com/MM ) and Pootz ( www.trailjournals.com/Pootz07 ) were planning to do a weekend of trail magic there. When I drove up, they had already been doing an awesome breakfast for a couple of hours. I added my "magic" to the gathering and we proceeded to feed hikers on and off for the rest of the day. I got to meet a whole bunch of folks TOG has been hiking with and a whole bunch of new folks as well. Tog showed up a couple of hours later and we passed a long lazy day together hanging with friends, old and new. Set up our tent at the Antietam Shelter.
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Old Forge Park

To: Beyond Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: few clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Another morning of trail-magic for hikers and then TOG and I spent the day together hanging out at the park, running some errands, and just enjoying being together. David didn't get on the trail until about 5:00 this evening but plans to make it to the shelter before stopping for the night. (Actually made it about 1.5 miles beyond the shelter!)
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... WOOOO HOOOO! Made it past the halfway point today! There was an ice-cream shortage at the half-gallon challenge (a regular event for thru-hikers, if they can eat an entire half-gallon of ice-cream they get their name logged in and a wooden spoon!) but TOG was able to put together enough to meet the standard and ate it all! (Rumor has it Rapunzel puked while trying!) He's caught back up to the crew (Newt, Miss Scarlet, Samwise, Half Moon and Sunbeam, even Hammock is there) and sharing a tentsite with them tonight. Cell reception was lousy so it was hard to get a full report. I did catch that the shin is feeling better but is still uncomfortable. Everyone is still talking about the great trail magic they received over the weekend! Thanks again M&M and Pootz!
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Topofgothics!!! Good hiking day today with some very nice views. Visited the ATC office and went to dinner with a small group of hikers he's been running into the past couple of days. That's one nice feature of the trail, if you speed up for a few days or slow down for a few you get to meet a whole new batch of hikers! TOG plans to get into Duncannon tomorrow and hopes to get a bed at the famous Doyle.
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Boiling Springs

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: light rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... Topofgothics spent the day hiking with Solo who must be a talker like TOG and a real good listener as they managed to walk past two trail junctions as they were absorbed in good conversation! It rained most of the second half of the day. They made it into Duncannon but they have to share the last room in the Doyle. The Twins, Samwise, and Col. Mustard are all there as well. Everyone's having a good time tonight!
Date: 2009-06-18
From: Duncannon

To: Clark's Valley
Miles today: 17.8

Tmax for Topofgothics... Late start today. Solo took his time while downing two breakfasts. No Pennsylvania rocks yet! TOG got bit by a tic, had to pull it out of his arm. Says he really needs a massage! Thank-you to Snackbreak (2007 thru-hiker)who left a huge box of snacks and drinks by the road.
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Clark's Valley

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Big miles today, TOG and Solo did 17 miles in less than 6 hours. TOG took a freezing cold shower at the shelter. His boots are finally failing him and he needs to get to an outfitter to replace them. For about a two-mile stretch of trail the "flesh-eating plants" took over the trail and shredded exposed skin!
Date: 2009-06-20
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... "Toughest day of hiking so far" is the quote from TOG. A four mile stretch of flooded trail (actually an old woods road) made for a tough end to the day. TOG and Solo are at the shelter recuperating!
Date: 2009-06-21
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Topofgothics and Solo hiked the 8 or so miles into Port Clinton where they did laundry and washed up. Then they got picked up by employees of Cabela's and brought out to their superstore in Hamburg. Topofgothics got new boots and they even had an all-you-can-eat buffet. Then they were given a ride back to Port Clinton where it promptly started to rain! A little rest to let the high-carb buffet digest and they will be back on the trail with the plan of reaching the Windsor Furnace shelter for the night.
Date: 2009-06-22
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: broken clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Topofgothics and Solo had a long day today. I could hear the weariness in his voice when we spoke. Lots of the famous Pennsylvania rocks but they also had several miles of an old woods road that wasn't too rocky. They spent almost an hour on the Pinnacle with some nice views. There was some wasted time and mileage having to go back over ground already trod when he noticed he lost an important item - but it was recovered. They hope to cover a lot of miles tomorrow with the plan of getting into Deleware Water Gap by Wednesday night, but my guess is they need a little break! We'll see...
Date: 2009-06-23
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: Delps Trail
Miles today: 21.7

Tmax for Topofgothics... Another long day but Topofgothics and Solo didn't get quite as far as they wanted. They took a long break in a huge blueberry field and stuffed themselves with the ripe berries! Got to hike over the knife edge today which David described as "pretty dramatic." For him, that's saying something! There was a steep rocky climb out of Lehigh Gap that Topofgothics told Solo was a hint of what they would come across in the Whites. Ran into Bill (a friend of Snickers that we met on trail in the Adirondacks this winter) who was looking for him as he knew he was in the area. That was pretty cool! Where TOG and Solo are camped tonight it was a 3/10 of a mile walk and a 350 foot loss of elevation to get to the water. Having to reclimb that to get back to the tent was tough after a long day!
Date: 2009-06-24
From: Delps Trail

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Another good hiking day but with a couple of extra miles hiked to go into town so Solo could resupply. But they did get a ride back to the trail. Hiking over Wolf Rocks was a little challenging! Sleeping in the shelter in case it rains tonight. Only 6 miles out of Delaware Water Gap.
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Deleware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

So how the hell can they call it the half-gallon challenge when there was only 48 ounce boxes to choose from? About halfway from Georgia to Maine, there is the Pine Grove Furnace Park, and a tradition is to eat a whole half-gallon of ice cream to celebrate (this eating anything you want stuff is phenomenal). Only the boxes were not half-gallons. Needless to say, I ate mine anyway, and since it had peanut butter in it, I think I should get bonus calories. What I can tell you is this. Pennsylvania does not quite deserve the 'Rocky' reputation that is has, but there is a good sixty mile stretch that makes one come up with some interesting curse words. I also found the perfect pack cover, and it costs only pennies. Take an industrial type garbage bag, put some duct tape where the straps need to protrude. Cut through the tape on one side of the bag, and walah!!!! This works better than anything else I have found, and Topo has stopped bitching about being wet and not seeing anything! Tomorrow I enter Ney Jersey (tonight I am at Delaware Water Gap and enjoying the hospitality of a church hostel, who is supplying a hiker feed tonight (we don't ger dinner, we get fed, like cattle)) and then the next four states get covered in a matter of three to five days apiece. Before long (notwithstanding my Fourth weekend off to see fireworks at St. Huberts with Terri) the Vermont border will be before me, and then Franconia Notch will loom in the far distance. Last chance to get rid of every extra gram of weight you can, and forget about hauling more than a half-liter of water and no extra food as you go over 20 4000 footers (with side trails to eight more) in the Whites. Time to pad the Northeaster 115 list. Heck, I plan on getting all of the ones in Maine before I leave, since I may be wary of entering a state that has only one sylabble again. If anyone wants to join me anywhere, just let me know. I figure to be done by about the 21st of August, so make your plans to hike with me on the 100 mile wilderness or a few of the Whites, or maybe just a little old mountain they like to call Baxter Peak. I hope you all have receive some enjoymant out of my adventure. now that I just bought expensive good new boots (with an assist from Jenniffer and Terri), I just might have scared the rain away. Who cares if I ruin my feet breaking them in. The flat lands are aobut me, so I better enjoy my reprieve while I can I wish all of you the best...
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Deleware Water Gap

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

Tmax for Topofgothics... Another long but interesting day. Passed Sunfish Pond which is the southernmost glacial pond on the AT. TOG said it reminded him alittle of a particular spot in the Dacks. About 7 miles into the hike, Topofgothics had stopped to wait for Solo and spotted his first bear. Unfortunately, going for his camera scared it away before he got a picture. Lots of severe weather and they crossed over the slightly exposed Ratlesnake Mountain during some of the worst of it, including lightening. Solo is in the overcrowded shelter tonight, but TOG decided to tent it.