morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

Snag and I tried to get a move on early this morning, but breakfast didn't start until 7:30 at the Lodge. They certainly don't cater to hikers there or breakfast would start at 6AM, there would be a laundry room and a computer for internet use. I understand we aren't they're main clientele, though. There was a concern the included breakfast wouldn't be enough food but our server was sympathetic. We started with a cinnamon roll, then a tall stack of pancakes, eggs, and sausage each. Not a bad start to the day. It was beautiful out - blue skies and a cool breeze. Again, there were a lot of people hiking and we must have talked to every single one. We were offered food by so many people I can't even mention them all. Candy, lunch, fruit and a Mountain House dinner. We couldn't possibly take it all (it would weigh too much) but we did what we could and now we have too much food to get us to Front Royal tomorrow. I'm not complaining, though. The people are so nice here and it's better to have too much food than not enough! Stony Man Summit, the Pinnacle and Hogback Mountain were the spectacles today. They follow very closely to Skyline Drive (we're never too far in the park) and a ridge overlooking the valley below. We got a milkshake at the last Wayside in the park at 5PM and hiked 6 more miles to our destination. We got in later than we usually like to, but it was nice hiking in the dusk hours for a change. The light is less harsh and it's cooler out. We kept our eyes out for bears (we were told by a local that these hours are considered "bear-thirty" since they like to move around a lot at this time). Sure enough we saw another bear, a big one (probably a lone male) right off the side of the trail. We yelled at him a bit, which startled him, but he just sauntered on his way, not in too big of a hurry.Snag and I are the only people at Gravel Springs Hut. In Shenandoah National Park, shelters are called "huts". I'm not sure why. We're sheltering tonight so we can get another early start tomorrow!
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Quality Inn -- Fort Royal, VA
Miles today: 13.4

We had boxes waiting for us at the post office in Fort Royal, and with the limited Saturday hours, we had to get in town at a reasonable time. We got up at 5AM and made it to the post office by 11AM. Hitching was the easiest thing ever. A couple that lives near the park picked us up immediately and gave us a small tour of town before dropping us off. I got my new Keens - I finally threw my old pair away! I've had to sew up the seam about once a week which has been fine, but the tread was worn to bits and it was just time. They made it 950 miles on the trail, though!Apparently the "Wine and Craft" Festival in Fort Royal is this weekend, so after doing laundry we stopped by to listen to the band and, of course, eat. We thought we should probably stop walking around town and settle in. It's been a great couple of hiking days and we're feeling pretty good despite a few blisters that have popped up lately. We can't believe we've hiked 950 miles already! The first 100 seemed to take so long, but now it's going by so fast. Thanks again for all your support, I'm surprised and happy that those that don't even know us are "hiking along" with us.There should be some new pics on our album if you want to check them out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/76874496@N05/
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Quality Inn Fort Royal, VA

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast at the Quality Inn was perfect - fruit, bacon & egg sandwiches, yogurt, muffins and juice. We ate twice, at 6:30 and 8:30 to make sure to get our money's worth. At the Food Lion we got a little food to get us forward 2 days. A guy that thru-hiked in 2006 gave us a lift back to the trail. We ran into Dickel, who was just crossing Hwy 522 and we all continued north.I thought once out of Shenandoah National Park (which we are now), the terrain would immediately be more difficult. Not yet, but I'm sure it will be soon enough. It was warm when we started (close to noon) and it just got warmer until 4. Notice I didn't say "hot" because I know it will actually get hot this summer!We stopped at Manassas Gap Shelter for a break and we talked to a young guy from VA who was just starting a southbound section from Harper's Ferry. He just graduated from college and has no idea what he's doing so he thought a few weeks on the trail will help, and I agree. I told him that hiking the trail can be so much more than a vacation - it can be really productive because all you really have is space from the normal pressures and time to think.Soon there is a section called the "Roller Coaster". It's a 13.5 miles section that includes lots of ups and downs. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be difficult or not, but I've decided just to wait and see. We have to hike it anyway so there's no sense in anticipating.Doc and Veggie Greens are at Dick's Dome Shelter tonight. It's a small, 4-person, dome-shaped shelter. It sprinkled a little and we heard some rumbles in the distance, but we're dry for now. I'm excited for tomorrow because we're meeting my brother and his girlfriend at Bear's Den Hostel!
Date: 2012-05-21
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Doc, Veggie Greens, Snag and I awoke to sprinkles outside the dome. The rain started in the night and it looks as though it will continue all day. We left at 7AM heading north, knowing we have a full day of hiking and probably all in the rain, but we really want to already be at Bear's Den Hostel because my brother, Jeff, and his girlfriend, Ruth are waiting for us there. Our socks and shoes got soaked through within the hour, just by all of the grass and overhanging vegetation on the trail. We snacked with Doc and a section-hiker heading to Harpers Ferry. It sprinkled constantly with intermittent rain. The rain even seemed to stop in the early afternoon just before it picked up again with a vengeance during the last 3 miles before reaching the hostel. Snag and I both decided to forgo rain gear, as did almost everyone else we saw (minus pack covers, of course). Luckily we get to dry out tonight.We met Jeff and Ruth at Bear's Den, where there are 37 beds available, bunk-room style. It's a large, old house-turned-hostel run by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and has deal: for $27.50 plus tax you get a bunk, shower, laundry, pizza, soda and a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream! After a shower and doing laundry, we sat up talking by the fireplace while our shoes and socks dried. I'm excited to go on a hike with Jeff and Ruth for the next 2 days - they're actually here! Too bad it's raining, but they seem up for it. Also, we started the "Roller Coaster" today. A bit hard on the feet for sure (rocky) and definitely more difficult than what we were doing in the Shenandoahs. They are the kind of hills that make you wonder - why are we going up when we're just going to go back down again? PUDS they're called: pointless up and downs.
Date: 2012-05-22
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

What comfortable beds this hostel has. We all slept well and awoke around 6:30 to make pancakes for breakfast. Pancake mix was compliments of the hostel. Everyone was kind of dreading the hike today, I think because of what we all walked through yesterday, and we all expected more of the same. We're troopers and we headed out into the foggy morning, donning our rain gear. Jeff and Ruth got acquainted with the trail and the white blazes as we finished up 4 miles of the "Roller Coaster" and crossed a busy road intersection at Snicker's Gap. Slowly the sky began to clear and our rain gear was no longer needed. We were moving at a really good pace - Jeff and Ruth are good hikers.We stopped to have a snack at a nice rocky area and had been there for about 20 minutes when we noticed a Copperhead sitting peacefully between me and Snag on the ground. A bag of almonds actually fell right on his head and as I bent down to pick it up, Snag and I both saw him. He was maybe 3 1/2 feet long and must have been cold, because it hardly phased him. He didn't coil or become defensive at all. It was a close encounter and a nice reminder to always check the area before you sit down! It was our first venomous snake encounter on the trail.The rest of our hike was great today. We had pretty even terrain (with maybe a few small hills). It was rocky and wet from yesterday's rain, but we made it into camp early and relaxed at this nice shelter. It has a porch swing and nice, long benches. Jeff even packed in a beer that we all got to taste. A great ending to a great day!
Date: 2012-05-23
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Teahorse Hostel
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

It was a pretty typical night staying at a shelter on the AT, I'm glad Jeff and Ruth got to experience it. There were no mice that we could tell, and there seemed to be lots of rain overnight. There was heavy fog in the morning which left everything wet, but we had hopes of that burning off as we got hiking. It was one of the easier hiking days with lots more down than up it seemed. We had some slow ascents and then a more steep descent down into Harpers Ferry. By 11:30 we were all at the ATC headquarters downtown, having our pictures taken for their records. We are officially thru-hikers #194 and #195 for the year so far. How exciting! Although Harpers Ferry is at mile 1016, it's considered the "psychological" halfway point on the trail. The real halfway point is a little ways up the trail. At the post office Snag and I got a postcard from a trailjournals follower, Kay. It was so nice of her to send us a card welcoming us to Harpers Ferry! We also received some care packages from family. Thanks guys! It was fun opening the boxes at the post office and digging into candy right away. I'm so thankful that my brother and Ruth got to join us these past 2 days and experience the trail. I like that they get to talk to other hikers besides us and to see that we're not crazy for wanting to do this after all. I hope they had a good time!
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Teahorse Hostel

To: Teahorse Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

Jeff and Ruth left early this morning. They might tour around D.C. for a couple days before heading back to Texas. There were a few hikers that took the train to D.C. as well for a day off there.Snag and I are taking a zero day here in harpers. 2 of our packages (bounce box and food drop) didn't arrive yesterday so we're waiting for them today. We need a day off anyway, it's been about a month!Harpers Ferry is a very old and historic town, so it's neat to see historical markers as you're walking around describing civil war places of interest. Today is about getting a few things done, but mostly relaxing! We hope to get back to it tomorrow.An update: our bounce box and food drop box arrived this morning at the post office, yay! We're glad to have a drop here because Harpers Ferry doesn't have much of a grocery store. Sorry Bea for not giving you enough warning as far as the boxes are concerned. Thank you for the muffins and thanks to Kathy McQuate for the absolutely delicious granola bars! We have plenty of food to get us going, that's for sure.
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Teahorse Hostel

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept in a bit this morning, until 7:30. There were only 5 of us staying at the Teahorse hostel last night. Sit-a-bit, Johannes, Snag, me and a woman who came to Harpers Ferry from Missoula, MT on business. I made myself waffles with strawberries on top and a glass of orange juice. We had a lazy morning, not having a big day planned - just 16 miles to Rocky Run Shelter. We left town at 10:30, stopping first to buy some cheese at the grocery/outfitter, then to buy an ice cream cone. It was getting warm already and they were melting quickly, so we ate them fast. We were done before we crossed the Potomac River just outside of town. All of a sudden, we were in Maryland. Where did West Virginia go? The white blazes brought us along the river on the flattest surface you will ever see on the AT for 3 miles. We climbed then, slowly and got into a rhythm. Clouds of bugs were following us throughout the afternoon, distracting us and buzzing in our ears. Will all of Maryland be like this? We stopped at Crampton Gap at Gathland State Park for a long while in the shade where there are a lot of historical markers describing events leading up to the Battle of South Mountain in the Civil War. The Rocky Run Shelters include a new, 12-person, 2-tier shelter, where there are many section-hikers. It seems strange to us to not know any of them. We wonder where all the thru-hikers went. Snag and I chose to tent tonight near the stream and the old, 6-person shelter nearby.
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

I'm impressed with the number of bugs trying to get into our tent last night. I could hear them and see them on the outside. Maryland is buggy and muggy, as we continue to find out on our hike today. The air is so humid that the least bit of effort creates a lot of sweat, and something tells me we need to "get used to it".Snag and I reached the first monument to George Washington that was erected in 1827. We then went across the I-70 footbridge, and up to Annapolis Rocks. Eric has been planning to meet up with his friend, Nate from college, and we decided Smithsburg, MD would be a fair distance for him to drive from Baltimore. As we were crossing Wolfsville Rd toward Smithsburg, I caught a flash of a white sign where the AT disappeared into the woods across the road. Yellow caution tape was hung from it and it read "Trail Magic - 1st Tent". Trail Magic! We were so excited we just started walking on the trail, temporarily forgoing our town stop. At a campsite near Ensign Cowall Shelter, a couple Jessie AKA "Party Girl", and his girlfriend, Katie, and their friend Lewis from York, PA were cooking hot dogs and handing out cheetos, Powerade and brownies. Jessie thru-hiked in 2008 and always wanted to do some amazing trail magic to give back. They packed in coolers with ice, lots of camp chairs, and more heavy things that were so appreciated. They also said they would give us a ride into town to meet Nate. Hiking buddies Navigationally Challenged and Easy, who we stayed with in Harpers Ferry, were enjoying a break here. In Smithsburg, Nate and his girlfriend met us and we hung out at a nearby state park and then ate at Vince's Pizza in town. We didn't take any pictures with them, though! Bummer. We had a nice time and are glad they made the trip out. They gave us some beer and running Gu to go and dropped us off at 9PM at the AT. Only 1/4 miles to our campsite and everyone was still up having a good time with the trail angels around a fire. Salt Bomb was another thru-hiker that showed up along with some section-hikers and their dog. We all stayed up too late talking about the trail. Jesie ("Party Girl") told us some interesting things about his hike. He lost nearly 50 lbs on his hike (and he only started at about 185). He ended on a Saturday and went back to school on the following Monday. He said now after the hike he struggles with feeling uncomfortable. He doesn't like hiking so much, definitely not backpacking, and is very specific about temperature, being wet, hungry, etc. He said the hike was the best and worst thing that has happened to him.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

Getting up was more difficult than usual, seeing we didn't get much sleep. In the morning, we said thanks and goodbye to Jessie, Katie and Lewis. What a wonderful thing for them to do for us hikers. I really enjoyed talking to both Jessie and Katie about their experiences on the trail.Snag and I hiked in the morning heat, sweating. We hit an unexpected surprise though at lunchtime: Pen Mar County Park had a Sunday music festival for Memorial Day weekend. There are concessions, drinks and lots of locals to talk to. We got some hot dogs and root beer floats and sat on a bench for nearly 2.5 hours. When the heat of the day passed, we started walking again. It was still hot, but there was a breeze unlike this morning. We crossed into Pennsylvania at the Mason-Dixon line. A sign marked the spot. One more state down! Maryland wasn't very big at all, just over 40 miles. Our first PA miles were buggy, but pretty darn flat. We came across Old Forge Park and a baseball field. A family asked us to join them in a picnic dinner of hamburgers, beer, coleslaw and cookies. It was fabulous! Hot dogs and hamburgers in one day - both completely unexpected! The family was very nice, a great grandmother, a pair of grandparents, and a young couple with 2 small children, all curious about our hike. At 6:00PM we decided to move on and this was the best hiking temperature of the day. Tumbling Run shelters (there are 2 - one for 'snorers' and one 'non-snorers') are clean and well kept. The privy even has toilet paper and hand sanitizer. It started raining and so everyone is in the shelter tonight - Salt Bomb, Navigationally Challenged, Easy, Jonas, and Boxhead. Jonas and Boxhead are new to us. Boxhead did the 4-state challenge recently, which includes a 44 mile hiking day in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Ouch - that's a lot of miles. He basically took today off because he wasn't feeling well, but he's back at it tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

the rain went on a lot of the night, and by morning there was just mud. Snag and I left the shelter at 7:45, but our first climb seemed so hot already up to Chimney Rocks. It was very rocky in places, but I hear northern PA is where the state's rocky reputation comes from. At lunchtime we came upon Calendonia State Park where lots and lots of people were barbecuing and swimming in the river. We soaked our feet and ate lunches of peanut butter on tortillas. Climbing just above the state park was easily one of the best taken care of shelters, Quarry Gap Shelter. Potted flowers, a welcome sign and the cleanest skylight you've ever seen. A quaint rocky stream runs just in front, but a nice, clean spring is the actual water source just East of the trail from there. Jonas, Easy and Boxhead were there, along with Ma and Pa, hiding out from the heat. Eventually we moved on to Birch Run Shelter, which is also a very nice place to spend the night. Here we have nice, flat ground for tenting. Kosmic Zian (who we last saw on Easter Sunday for trail magic! - that was long ago), and section-hikers Music Man and Stripper are here. Everyone else moved on. Tomorrow the halfway point!
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: James Fry 
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Here we are sitting just out of the rain in a shelter tonight, and it started out to be such a beautiful day. We had a nice morning hike, although it was very warm. By the mid-morning, hikers Balls, Sunshine, Salt Bomb, Snag and I made it to the halfway point at a new sign marking this momentous occasion. Balls and Sunshine are a father/daughter team (sunshine is 12!). They hiked the PCT last year and are working on their thru-hike of the AT this year before moving on to the CDT next year. Ambitious folks! After taking pictures of each other at the halfway point (we made it halfway!), we all made our way together to Pine Grove State Park, the AT museum, and to the famous "half gallon challenge". I did not partake in the challenge, but Snag bought and ate a half gallon of ice cream (cookies and cream flavored) and was awarded a prized wooden spoon where in the center it is stamped "MEMBER OF THE HALF GAL CLUB". Salt Bomb, Balls, Navigationally Challenged and Easy all conquered their half gallons of ice cream and rolled their way to Fuller Lake, where many locals were swimming and lounging in the sand that is trucked in. Some of us swam in the lake to wash off and wash our clothes. We hung out for hours, despite rumors of a big storm coming in later this afternoon. By 4:00 large clouds had formed, which shut the sun out. We decided to move on, but we should have started sooner because 45 minutes later, a big gust of cold air came through followed by brief periods of high winds, then lightening, thunder and heavy rain. The lightening never seemed to come too close - I counted 4 seconds to the closest one, so I am glad about that, but everyone was soaked. Slat Bomb, Ma and Pa, Navigationally challenged, Easy, Jonas, Music Man and a section-hiker are hunkered down. Luckily this shelter just fits all of us. The rain lulled for 30 minutes, but is now to a steady rhythm. I bet it will rain all night.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: James Fry (Tagg Run) Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: overcast clouds

All is well in the morning when we wake up to no rain. The trees were dripping, but I knew the sky would clear up and my clothes would dry soon enough. Snag and I left before 7AM, and Salt Bomb was the only one up in the entire shelter. Weird! Usually hikers are up before then. It stayed relatively cool until about 10AM when it warmed up a lot. There was a little bit of rock scaling early on and then at Center Point Knob, but not bad. We arrived in Boiling Springs, PA at noon. It's a quaint, old town with a few eateries, a post office, and convenience stores. We "resupplied", but the gas station hardly had any real food, so we are stuck with ramen tonight. We met up with Salt Bomb on our way out of town. There is not much of anything (camping-wise) between Boiling Springs and Darlington Shelter, so we made it a 27 mile day. Cumberland Valley is very narrow and crosses lots of roads (like the PA Turnpike) and is bordered by lots of private property. It was busy stretch of trail. At 7:45pm we finally got to eat dinner and relax our feet for the night. Salt Bomb and a section-hiker are here enjoying the shelter and the quiet night.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle Hotel -- Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hikers Easy and Navigationally Challenged (I'll just call him "N.C." for short) came into the shelter at midnight. They said Snag and I were completely passed out, and they're right. I didn't even notice them coming in. I think sleeping in shelters has turned me into a heavy sleeper, I put my ear plugs in and I'm out like a light.Salt Bomb, Snag and I got up and left just before 8AM, only having 11 miles into town today. There were longer stretches of rocky areas, which are hard on the feet and easy to turn ankles. By noon we made it to the Doyle Hotel where we ordered lunch. Salt Bomb continued onto the next shelter, but Snag and I decided to stay. The Doyle is a cheap place to stay, offering the basics: bed and shower. We do have a corner room on the third floor, giving us lots of windows, light and a good view of the main street. This hotel is old, one of the original Anheiser-Busch hotels that's over 100 years old.