morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-09-14
From: Campsite near Bakeoven Shelter

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Below is an email from Budget's wife, Deb:Budget and Buffalo are staying at the Eckville Shelter tonight. They hiked 17 miles today, which brings them to 956.8 total. The shelter has electricity and water. Also two 50 gallon water tanks for showers, which are sun heated. I told Budget he needed to get to the shower first, before all the warm water ran out, and he was more interested in getting dinner cooked. He says there is a front coming in, which means cooler temps and rain. Wanted to get dinner done before the rain. He may skip the shower. No laundry service available. He says lots of Sobos did not stay at the shelter and are continuing their trek tonight, in order to be near a town to resupply tomorrow. Budget and Buffalo also need to resupply, and it may result in a hotel stay tomorrow night to get to the town to shop for what they need. After 17 miles, their feet were hurting, and they needed to stop. Budget is still looking to the 1000 mile mark as a great accomplishment, and worries that he has not made it yet. He says that there are Sobos behind them, so they will not be alone.
Date: 2016-09-15
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 15.0

LB here,Below is a text from Budget:"We are at a Microtel motel in Hamburg PA. 15 miles today with resupply. Got too dark to get back to the woods. Will send pictures".They're at mile 971.6, only a couple days and they will accomplish 1,000 miles! They also plan to meet up with Evan & Laura on Sunday! Check out Budget's pics for today, & remember to look at Buffalo's Trail Journal & photos! trailhournals.com/buffalo
Date: 2016-09-16
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Hertline Campsite
Miles today: 18.0

Below is an email from. Deb, Budget's wife:"I talked to Dad/BK at @6:45 and it was already dark there. He had not set up his tent yet, and was having to use a headlamp as he talked to me.They are staying at Hertline Campsite. They hiked 20 miles today, but it was only 18 trail miles. (It took them 2 extra miles to get back to the trail after their resupply last night.)They have traveled 990 miles, and should reach 1,000 miles tomorrow. BK does not sound so excited about the 1,000 mile mark, he wants to make it past the exact halfway point & then celebrate!Last night, they were with Claw Hammer, who is a banjo picker from Canada. He was leaving the trail today because his funds had run out. They went to a bar or somewhere and heard him play, said it was good! Sarah and I hope to be able to see them in the next several weeks. We can't wait to see our husbands!"Today the guys have sent 2 photos. One of their usual lunch, & one of PA's notorious rattlesnakes! Keep going guys!
Date: 2016-09-18
From: Hertline Campsite

To: Lickdale, PA
Miles today: 17.0

LB here, the guys hiked 17 miles yesterday to mile 1,007! (Pictures of them at the 1,000 mile mark in photo gallery.) They got a ride to a hotel in Lickdale, PA last night. Evan & Laura picked up Jeremiah, Buffalo, & Budget for a meal & resupply! In a couple weeks they will make it to the official halfway point of the AT! Congratulations to you guys! 1,181.7 more to go!
Date: 2016-09-19
From: Lickdale, PA

To: Clark's Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Below is an email from Deb, Budget's wife:Hey all,Heard from BK at @ 6:45 pm tonight. They hiked 20 miles today and are staying at Clark¢s Ferry Shelter. It is near Duncannon. Jeremiah is still with them. They really enjoyed their time with Evan and Laura on Sunday. The homemade cookies are gone! Thank you, Laura!Hope to see Budget in a couple of weeks. Making plans. Can¢t wait to put my arms around his skinny body!!!Love all,Deb/Mom
Date: 2016-09-20
From: Clark's Ferry Shelter

To: The Doyle
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

LB & Kurtis here, At 3:15 they were at Cove Mtn Shelter filling up water bottles. Buffalo said this place was the first good water source in the last 7 miles. This morning they walked through Duncannon, PA & picked up a resupply box at The Doyle Hotel/Restaurant. The Doyle is a dilapidated old 19th century boarding house that's been converted into a hiker hostel. Downstairs is a bar, upstairs are rooms in varying stages of decay! There are spooky drapes, and overly used mattresses fit for an abandoned asylum. You would walk into this place & immediately think "This is definitely haunted!" The owners are so nice, & 4 years ago they gave me & Kurtis their honeymoon suite looking over the Susquehanna. We wish we were back at The Doyle today as they were so kind to us! Kurtis has yet to find a better steak than the one he had at The Doyle, but...any steak is "the best steak ever" when you're thru hiking!After walking to Duncannon, & visiting The Doyle, they still hiked a respectful 12 miles today. Budget did want to know how long the rocks lasted. Kurtis told him they last through half of Maryland, but they are about to get a temporary relief from the rocks because they are about to enter into the Cumberland Valley. Which is easy walking through pastures, cornfields, and meadows! They're on mile 1,050.1.
Date: 2016-09-21
From: The Doyle

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

LB here, They hiked 18 miles today. They're at mile 1,068. The AT goes right through Boiling Springs. They entered the Cumberland Valley this morning as they walked through a dewy meadow. (In photos). It's amazing the pace they hiked today. Every text I receive, I jot down the time. Between 11am to 4pm, they were hiking 3mph. That's fast hiking! The guys had water at Darlington Shelter at 10:30a, and filled up again from a water spigot at the Mid-Atlantic Regional AT Office. Inside the office was a bulletin board posting of a small hostel outside of the town. It has 3 bunks, and for $12 you can shower & do laundry. It has horses too! (Also in photos) They waited at 'The Tavern' around 430-5 for the hostel folks to pick them up. As they waited inside, Buffalo said that their odor ran guests away from the bar. :-). Now I just received a text from Budget as I'm writing this journal. Text from Budget:"We were headed for the next shelter after Boiling Springs, I promise, but there was this tavern right there. Well after a burger and a beer we figured we'd stay at a hostel here after 18 miles. Thought we'd get more miles on the easiest part of the AT. Met the last NOBO. He came off the Trail in June to work. Also met a SOBO who started on July 28. Feeling a little humbled right now. We re at mile 1068. 94 Miles to Harper's Ferry." Readers Harper's Ferry is the official halfway point of the AT!Keep going guys!
Date: 2016-09-22
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Stealth Camped at Mile 1,085
Miles today: 17.0

LB here, below is a text from Budget:"We are stealth camped at mile 1085. 17 miles today. Good breakfast in Boiling Springs and good lunch at a market/deli. AT Museum and official half way point tommorrow at Pine Grove Furnace." Tomorrow will be Budget's & Buffalo's 101st day on the trail (including zero days). They're daily average is 10.85. Congratulations walking half of the AT!
Date: 2016-09-23
From: Stealth Camped at Mile 1,085

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: clear sky

LB & Kurtis here,Budget, Buffalo, & Jeremiah have completed 1,105 miles today. The absolute hardest half of the Appalachian Trail is now behind them! They passed the official halfway point around 12:30 & cruised into Quarry Gap Shelters for the night completing a 20 mile day! Their daily average is already surpassing what Kurtis & I did in our mid/late 20's. They're obviously very dedicated to their task. Budget & Buffalo said that they were tired, but the last text we received said, "Just another day's Walk in the Woods!". These guys are professionals now, or as the Marines would say "born again hard".
Date: 2016-09-24
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: Maryland
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

LB here, Below is an update from Budget:"Good day today. Hitched quickly in and out of Fayetteville PA. Got a ride with PATC trail maintainer "Inn Keeper" to a great restaurant, Timbers, for the best breakfast on the trail. At Deer Lick Shelter for our last night in PA. Mile 1120.4. 16 Miles today with resupply. 46 Miles to Harpers Ferry."
Date: 2016-09-25
From: Deer Licks Shelters

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

LB here,The guys woke up and walked into Maryland this morning. They crossed the infamous Mason-Dixon Line. Two hours into their hike, they walked through Pen Mar County Park & about 9:30 this morning they met a trail angel named 'Real Deal'. She doesn't hike, but she follows trail journals. She had a spread of bagels, omelettes, Apple pies, fudge, coffee, water, & soda! A little bit later after this scrumptious brunch, a random ice cream truck came by! They hit the jackpot today. Around 4:00 is a text received from Buffalo: "And what should appear b4 our wondering eyes at Warner Gap Hollow 1131.8? RealDeal again with subs & Yuengling!" It's such a morale booster when you aren't expecting anything until you see a complete stranger shows up with hot food and cold beverages. Keep going guys, 1,054 more to go. (See photos)
Date: 2016-09-26
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

LB here,The guys crushed 20 miles again today like it's their job! Kurtis remembers there were civil war graves near Maryland's Washington Monument. A 20 mile day is long for anybody. We just hope they don't tire themselves out too much. At 7:45, Buffalo said it was starting to rain, possible t-storms. Packing your wet gear is aggravating in the morning, but worth it when you know the upcoming water sources are reliable. 1,033.5 more to go.
Date: 2016-09-27
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

LB here,They walked into West Virginia & registered at the official ATC office as SOBO thru hikers 135 & 136. Congratulations Buffalo & Budget! Tonight they're regrouping & getting much needed rest in a hotel in Harper's Ferry. Tomorrow they will start Virginia. The longest darn state of the Trail. 13 miles into VA they will encounter "Roller Coaster". 14 some miles of continuous ups & downs. Anyway they're just getting one mile closer to home. After us, they'll be even closer to the finish line. The hardest half is behind them, You guys are hiking machines! 1,022.5 to go!
Date: 2016-09-28
From: Hotel in Harper's Ferry

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

LB here,I think this is the first time I have more photos than actual journal. Alot of photos added for today. They left Harper's Ferry, walked into VA, and finished today's 12 mile hike to the Blackburn AT Center. The caretaker had hot chocolate & donuts for the trio. They got the woodstove blazing in their little AT cabin for the night. Buffalo has had low jaw pain maybe from the dry socket from his root canal? He had to take a bus to another town this morning to pick up antibiotics. They're also shortening their hiking distance to time it right for a pick up this Friday! I believe Buffalo's daughter and Budget's wife will have a quick visit this weekend!
Date: 2016-09-29
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Below is a text from BK:Mile 1186.5 Bears Den Hostel. After only 8 miles we pulled in here soaking wet. Very windy with a pounding rain. Rain again today but with Elizabeth picking us up to meet Deb. Can't wait!
Date: 2016-10-02
From: Hwy 50 for pick up and ride to Harpers Ferry

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunday, 10-2-16.LB here, the guys hiked 14.8 miles to the Jim & Molly Denton Shelter. It was full fof stink bugs.
Date: 2016-10-03
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Gravel Springs Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

From Deb: "Heard from Budget @ 12:30 today (Mon). Was not able to get the call and it went to my voicemail. He said they had checked into the Shenandoah National Park this morning. They plan to hike 18 miles today to Gravel Springs Hut. He said it was a beautiful day, and much cooler.He has not had cell phone service since yesterday afternoon. He finally was alerted by his text messages at 12 noon today that I had made it home ok yesterday evening.I know he must have been worried. That is all know for now.We had a great weekend together. Love and miss him so very much, as he does me."
Date: 2016-10-04
From: Gravel Springs Shelter

To: Byrd's Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

LB here, the guys hiked 18.6 yesterday & another 18 miler today. I told Buffalo 'you guys are hauling a..'and the next text read "that's how we roll...per Jeremiah". Buffalo said he spotted a bear at a springs! They had Breakfast at Elkwallow Wayside off of Skyline Drive. The terrain in the Guidebook pretty much stays at the 3k level with little ups & downs. Around 7pm Budget texted: "In for the night at Byrds Nest Hut 1250.9. 17 Miles today. Kinda cool here at 3260 ft." The photo in this journal was from yesterday when they were hiking to Gravel Springs Hut (last night's shelter). I just rreceived it with tonight's text. Here is an email from Deb:"Heard from Dad/BK/Budget @ 4:30pm today. He climbed to the top of a hill and got a call and a couple of texts through. None of their phones have been working due to the area being covered mostly by AT&T only. He says they are all doing well and hope to complete 18 miles today. They are headed to Bird¢s Nest #3 Shelter for the night."Thanks to Deb, Sarah, & Elizabeth with any word we receive from these guys! We depend on each other to get the word out when we know cell service is not always there. Keep going guys! Enjoy Shenandoah's! 938.2 more to go!
Date: 2016-10-06
From: Byrd's Nest #3 Hut

To: Big Meadow's Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

LB here, Yesterday they walked 15 miles from Byrd's Nest Hut to Big Meadow's Campground. At Lunch they joined some other hikers at the Skyland Resort & Restaurant. This morning as they were packing up their tents, Buffalo spotted a bear. Kurtis & I saw 14 bears during the entire AT, and I think 9 or 10 of them were in the Shani's. (Shenandoah's). Have a great day everyone! 924 more miles to go. Keep going guys!
Date: 2016-10-06
From: Big Meadow's Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

LB here,Well the guys started their day packing up at Big Meadow's Campground & saw a bear this morning! Today marks 20.8 miles. This is the most they've hiked since start date June 14. Below is a text from Budget: "Got 3 more miles at 3:30. Bad rains on Saturday. Will put in 15 tommorrow and catch a shuttle to Waynesboro." 903 more to go. Keep going guys.
Date: 2016-10-07
From: Hightop Hut

To: Stanimals Hostel
Miles today: 13.0

LB here,The guys have walked 13 miles in intermittent rain today. They made it to Loft Mountain Wayside at mile 1,297.6 & either hitched or got a shuttle into Waynesboro, VA. They're staying at Stanimals Hostel tonight. Below is a text from Budget: "Stanimals Hostel with a bunch of flippers and sobos. May wait out rain tommorrow. It's a big nice house in the middle of a nice neighborhood." 890.5 more miles to go!
Date: 2016-10-08
From: Stanimals Hostel

To: Stanimals
Miles today: 0.0

Budget here,A torrential rain has kept us in Waynesboro for another day. We spent the day shopping and eating. Some of the brave souls went out anyway. Tommorrow we will slack pack 24 miles to make up for our day off. This means we will hike with just our day packs and return to the hostel. The reduced weight gives us a break and helps us with bigger miles. The Hostel keeps us out of the cold too.
Date: 2016-10-09
From: Stanimals

To: US Hwy 250
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: clear sky

Budget here,We did a slack pack today of 27 miles. That was a very long day. We were dropped off on the trail at Loft Mountain camground at 6:30a and finished around 5:00p. Buffalo's mouth still giving him a fit. Don't know what the plan is yet. Back at hostel for one more night.
Date: 2016-10-13
From: US Hwy 250

To: US Hwy 250
Miles today: 0.0

On Monday morning Buffalo's mouth had not improved and he wanted to talk to his own dentist this time after the 5 Dentists he's seen in as many states. He rented a car to drive the 3 hours home. I also had a filling that had fallen out and the cold air was beginning to make it hurt. So rather than wait for it to become a problem on down the trail I opted to go with him. It has been strange coming home. Especially when not being able to conclude the trail. What has been good is spending time with my wonderful wife. I miss her so much. We were never meant to be apart. The time has been spent running from one dentist to another for a root canal. So many things needed to be fixed around the house in between too. Flue shots and my medicine refills were on the list too. My dog Effie went nuts and never left my side. Most hikers find it tough to come home because they don't want to leave. Neither do I.Buffalo saw many specialists and a physicians. I'm not sure if he's come to a conclusion other than we need to get back on the Trail. So we will do so tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. We have lost all of the hikers we were hanging with. It may take some time to catch up or we won't at all. We will really miss Jeremiah. Its our hope we can catch him. He was an asset to our crew. Sorry for those who I didn't get to see while home. My dance card was very full and I wasn't sure when I'd leave. I hope to see the Thomas's and Troop 442 on down the road. Maybe even Todd and Robert somewhere. We just got to get on the Trail and make tracks.
Date: 2016-10-14
From: US Hwy 250

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Dad dropped us off at the Blue Ridge Parkway after a four hour ride and a great lunch. Thanks Pop!It was 3:30 before we started hiking. Made it five miles to Wolfe Shelter. Very cold here.. I enjoyed visiting home. Now its time to turn on some speed!
Date: 2016-10-15
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Below is an email from Ken, Budget's Dad received Fri Oct 14:"As we pulled out yesterday at 9 AM with the two hikers on board headed for Waynesboro, Va and the trail head I looked at my GPS¢¦driving time over 4 hours. For us that meant close to 9 hours on the road. We never do more then six. But I confess it was well worth the effort. We didn¢t get to visit with guys much as they were in the back seat¢¦MaryAnn and me in the front sharing the driving. After arriving in Waynesboro and picking up Bruces' new boots he had mailed to their last hostel (Stanimals Hostel) we went to lunch at a place they had found a few days before. Not only did we have one of the best hamburgers we have ever had but we finally got to have a great visit. Mark had found an ice-cream store...we HAD to have a milk shake!!! By the way, Bruce is doing good after a root cannel job on Tuesday. Mark still can¢t open his mouth more then 2 fingers but says the pain from his root job is at a minimum¢¦poor guy but he complains little. So off to the trail head. As we watched them struggle with their back packs, MaryAnn getting kisses from both, me with tears from Bruce and Marc telling me how he felt like part of the family, I though to myself ¢this would not be for me" but this is a desireBruce has had for as long as I can remember. They are determined to finish the trail and no doubt will. They are dedicated to each other¢¦a subtile bond between both. We arrive home a 8¢¦a long 11 hour day, pooped, but wouldn¢t change it for the world."The email above is when they were dropped back on the trail from Thursday, 10-13-16. Today, the guys walked 15.8 miles and are renting at Harpers Creek Shelter. A few photos added of today and yesterday's hike.
Date: 2016-10-17
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Piney River Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

LB here,The guys summited the Priest Mountain yesterday. The strenuous hike gains 3,000 vertical feet from base to summit. Kurtis & I always playfully made voices of an upcoming big bad mountain. It made the hard climb less intimidating if we continued to sound like "the bad guy" from a video game. "Welcome friends, let's play a little game?" Followed by an evil laugh. You find anything out there to keep yourself entertained. Bottom line, the entire thru-hike is a mental battle. You can't let the trail beat you...even a 4,063 foot mountain called The Priest. Side note: on top of this mountain there's a privy nearby the Priest Shelter that has a quote carved in the floor facing the toilet "confess sinner." Our guys hiked over it just like the Whites, the Mahoosuc Arm like it's nothing. Proud of y'all! Total mileage hiked yesterday was 16 miles. They camped at Piney River at mile 1370. 818 more miles to go! A photo of today is in photos.
Date: 2016-10-17
From: Piney River Campsite

To: PunchBowl Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: scattered clouds

LB here, I did an earlier TJ today for yesterday since I didn't hear from them last night. At 7:04 tonight I get a text from Buffalo:"Punchbowl Shelter, tenting mile 1394.3 marathon day". The guys hiked 23.4 miles today. This is the most they've hiked (with packs). Oh and by the way, they had to walk 3 tenths more to get water, each way. This is more miles than Kurtis & I ever hiked in 1 day. For those of you who have AT maps, put your marker at "The Priest". Keep it up guys! Old Man Winter is coming.***P.S to you Readers: keep in mind that photos are added sometimes without an updated TJ.
Date: 2016-10-18
From: PunchBowl Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Kurtis & LB here,The guys hiked a total of 13 miles. We're so glad they slowed down today as they have been running very hard. Around 2:00 they resupplied in Glasgow, VA and continued on. Their goal was to tent at Matts Creek Shelter for tonight, although we haven't heard from them. I'm sure they don't have good cell reception. The shelter in Glasgow is where BK & Debbie reunited with us for the first time on the SOBO portion of our trek. Keep going fellas. 775 more to go!
Date: 2016-10-19
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Cornelius Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

LB here,They walked 17.7 miles today, 5 pics added. It's exciting to see them get closer! I believe Todd Steinman is gonna try to hike along around Tues. I ran into David Wilson today and he's already planning a scout trip in a couple weeks to catch Budget & Buffalo. Both guys are scout friends of BK & Mark. They continue to do great! 764.4 more to go!
Date: 2016-10-20
From: Cornelius Shelter

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: clear sky

LB here,They broke their record again. Budget & Buffalo's hike will be 25.7 miles to Wilson Creek Shelter for today. It's an additional .6 mile round trip from the nearby stream. Water was an issue today. From Jennings Creek to Bobblets Gap Shelter (10 miles) there was no water. They hiked up a little over 800 feet to Fork Mountain this morning, walked down over 1,091 feet to a dried up Jennings Creek then had to hike 10 more miles until finally a reliable water source at Bobblets Gap Shelter. At 6:00 tonight they had 3 more miles to go. It's almost 7pm. I am writing this journal knowing they will probably arrive at Wilson Creek Shelter in the dark. Then they unpack, cook, crash, get up early with the sun, do it all over again tomorrow. They've been gone for 127 days, has had 12 zero's, with 738 more miles to go. They have confidence, & an absolute determination to finish. Keep going guys, as you sleep on the ground, still hungry, achy feet, soreness in the morning, and the strongest perseverance for tomorrow.