morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: John's Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 44-Tough climb near and around Dragon's Tooth--technically difficult hiking which decreased mileage significantly. Some spots were so steep that metal bars were inserted in the rocks to help the descent. A 4 foot black snake crossed my path, I was eyed by a big black bull, walked past a group of cows where the calves walked away as we passed, and I passed a dead skunk. The highlight of the day was 15 thru-hikers eating at one table at the Home Place Restaurant. It was great country cooking. We had fried chicken, ham, BBQ pulled pork and roast beef with all the fixins. Dessert was peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Everything was delicious and the camraderie was wonderful. Charlie, thanks for buying dinner! The potatoes would have been better if they were grown in Homestead, Florida.
Date: 2005-04-22
From: John's Spring Shelter

To: Econolodge on Highway 220
Miles today: 18.8

Day 45--I hiked most of the day with "Pinetree," a 62 year old from St. Petersburg, Florida. The last few miles of the day were very difficult on the body. Since I wasn't feeling well, I decided to take an off day tomorrow. "Pinetree" and I shared a room at the Econolodge on US 220 near Interstate 81 and Daleville, Virginia. We arrived about an hour before it started pouring rain. The hotel was loaded with hikers. "The Great Wazoo," "Headlamp," "Paladin," "Senior Nobs," "Pinetree," and I are taking a zero day (day off) tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Econolodge on Highway 220

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 46--No hiking today.I had a great night's rest! I went to the outfitters and bought some inserts for my hiking shoes for thirty bucks. I am hoping they will alleviate most of my foot problems. I resupplied at the Kroger Supermarket. The checkout girl was finishing up her degree and was considering hiking next year. As a joke, "Team Dumber" left me a packet of soothing, anti-stress, foot soak and smoothing foot lotion. Well, the joke is on them since I filled a trash can with warm water and used the foot soak and applied the spearmint and balm mint foot lotion. Thanks guys--my feet appreciate your gesture. It is about 5pm and I'm heading to the Mexican restaurant for a last meal before hitting the trail in the morning.
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Econolodge on Highway 220

To: Bobblett's Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 47--It has snowed most of the day. Although it is not sticking to the ground, it is freezing. I've been in my bag since 3:30pm and don't plan on moving until morning. The day's hike was one of the easiest so far. We've crossed Blueridge Parkway 3 or 4 times today. Snow on April 24th--ughh!I'm staying at Bobblett's Gap Shelter with "Pinetree," and "4 Cheese." "Senior Nobs," and "Paladin" arrived after the rest of us were already in our bags
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Bobblett's Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 48--Very cold start to the day. The temp was at 37 degrees at 6:30am. I started hiking with most of my winter clothes on. The winds were very strong until about noon. The sky cleared and the temp climbed into the mid 50s. The hiking was fairly easy, even the 2,400 foot climb didn't seem so bad. "Pinetree" decided to stay at the last shelter. I had a difficult time sleeping since snoring permiated the shelter most of the night. The stars were very bright until the full moon rose and lightened up the sky
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Mom & Pop's Restaurant & Hotel in Glascow,VA
Miles today: 19.9

Day 49-The hiking was easy most of the day. We stopped and took photos at a boulder suspended over the trail named the guillotine."Senior Nobs," "Paladin" and I decided to hike two miles past Matt's Creek Shelter to resupply in town. What a comedy of errors in Glascos, VA. First the hotel didn't take credit cards, then my shower had standing water in it. The grocery across the street charged double for hiker food, the laundromat was filled with screaming toddlers, the hotel had no phone in the room, my room's carpet was soaked and the management made me take a shower in a diferent room because they couldn't fix the drain.Tip to hikers---AVOID GLASCOW and hold off resupply until Montebello or Waynesboro.
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Mom & Pop's Restaurant & Hotel in Glascow,VA

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Day 50--A guy at the restaurant charged us ten bucks to take 6 of us back to the trail (about 6 miles). Just as we got to the trailhead we noticed a hiking pole. Since we didn't know who the owner was, we left it. Unfortunately, we caught up to "The Great Wazoo" and he was missing a pole. I think he walked back down the trail to retrieve it. The climb up Bluff Mountain was a bear! The second half of the day was easy. I even cooled down when it rained lightly near Pedlar Lake. Since no one else chose to press on to this shelter, I have it all to myself. It's 8:10 pm and I don't think anyone else will show up. The shelter sits about 40 feet up the hill from the creek. The creek is quite loud and hopefully will be soothing to sleep by.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 30.1
Weather: broken clouds

I broke the 30 mile mark today. You read it right. Thirty miles in one day. I figured I could hike big today, do a 22 miler tomorrow, then only have 5 miles to hike Saturday and take the rest of the day off. It would be truly a nero (near zero) day. The driver behind this is some legal documents my Mom sent to Waynesboro, VA. The post office closes at 11:00am on Saturday, hence the big mile schedule that allows me to reach town before the post office closes. Whoever said Virginia hiking is easy must be smoking crack! This hiking is NOT easy. Now the claim is that Shenandoah National Park is very easy. I'll be in the park starting May1st--I'll give you the real story. Second night in a row I've had the shelter to myslef. It was very cold. I did not sleep soundly.
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: moderate rain

Day 52--I was literally and figuratively in the fog most of the day. Yesterday's long hike really drained my energy. It rained a steady drizzle most of the day and there was no sign of the sun. Walking over large wet rocks was today's theme. There were many overlooks but the visibility was near zero. It seemed to take forever to get to the shelter. For the third night I am alone at a shelter with a loud stream in front. I'm writing this at 6:30pm and it is already cold.I'll be brushing my teeth and getting in the bag soon. I wanted to mention how cool it is to whistle back to the birds. I'll repeat their calls (the best I can) and we'll have a good 5 minute back and forth until I'm out of their area. Within minutes another bird will start up and we'll go through the same ritual. Just in the last few days I've seen many orioles. They are very colorful and use their tail feathers quite a bit to control their flight. There are purple and white budding trees sprinkled throughout the forest (which is really coming to life)I talked to a day hiker today and he asked me if I got bored. I told him absolutely not. The mind takes you places you'd never think of. Off to bed, I'm going to get up very early (5:45) so I'll be at the highway by 8:30. I hope the hitchhiking is easy - only 4.5 miles to Waynesboro.
Date: 2005-04-30
To: Update from Marie
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone. I just wanted to let you know Chino called today and he sounds like he is doing great. He said he's having a great time and he is in Waynesboro, VA. He sent journal pages today at the post office and I will update as soon as I get them. Since it will be two weeks worth of journal entries it may take me a while but I'll get them posted as soon as I can.Thanks for all the encouragement in the guest book. Although Chino doesn't have access to a computer, I have printed all his guest book entries and sent them to him at his next mail drop. I'm sure he appreciates all the comments from his friends.Thanks again for all your support!Marie
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Quality Inn - Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 53 -I walked in the pouring rain most of the time until I hit Rockfish Gap. I attempted to hitchhike but the fog was so thick people couldn't see me. I walked over to the gas station, bought a coke, and asked a customer for a ride. Although he wasn't going in that direction, he drove me all the way to Waynesboro Post Office. The kindness towards hikers amazes me. A big thank you to the guy who gave me a ride.I arrived at the Quality Inn around 10:00am. I was glad to run into "Team Dumber," "P.J.," and "Scrubs." They were heading out that morning and will remain at least one day ahead of me.Bad news--"The Great Wazoo" was in town because his feet were hurting. He and "Headlamp" decided to leave the trail and return to Texas. I really enjoyed the day. I had a great lasagna meal topped off with a chocolate milkshake.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Quality Inn - Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrot Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 54-A big thanks to "Snowdog" and his brother for driving me back to the trailhead. The weather was perfect and the trail was easy. Great Day!I ran into "Scarecrow" sleeping on the trail and we hiked the last 3.5 miles together to the shelter.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Blackrot Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 55-Awoke to a cold morning just above freezing. The deer are plentiful in the park. Since they are not hunted, they don't move, even when you are within 10 feet. I was disappointed Loft Mountain Campground store was closed. I'll really need to resupply tomorrow because I'm short on food. The shelter is crowded and it is nice to have some good conversation. One of the guys bought a St. Louis Cardinal hat because it was comfortable before he hiked, although he is from Pennsylvania. Each person that showed up asked if he was a Cardinal fan or from St. Louis. It was kind of funny. One guy had hiked the entire AT last year and provided me with good advice.
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 56-I woke up to a 30 degree temp. It was very cold and difficult to get going. I knew it was going to be a long day, so I started hiking at 7:00am sharp.At the eleven mile point, I stopped at the Lewis Mountain Campstore. I pigged out on a honey bun, milk, turkey and pepsi. Very tasty! I also bought a couple of days of candy bars. I was planning to stop at Big Meadows Wayside but missed the turnoff. Instead, I went to the lodge and found the tap room was the only thing open. I ate some nachos and drank two beers before I hiked the final 4 miles to the shelter. Three section hikers are staying at the shelter. One lady has a Cleveland Indians hat and grew up on the East SIde. It is almost 8:00pm and the temp is dropping quickly. It is time for bed.
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 57-What a great day! Five miles from the last shelter was a dining room at Skyland. I really pigged out. I ate eggs, corned beef hash, potatoes, two orders of English muffins and a large glass of tomato juice.Since I was hiking a short day (15 miles), after I finished my meal, I bought a pop and sat by the fireplace. All in all, I took a two hour break. As soon as I left, the temperature dropped and believe it or not, very light snow fell. That's right, snow in May in Virginia. A few miles later at Pinnacles campground, I was surprised to see "Running Moon's" Mom passing out Trail magic. A huge thank you goes out to her. The view of the valley below from Mary's rock completed this wonderful day. "Running Moon" spotted "Diesel" and says he is only two days back. I look forward to seeing him again.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Terrapin Hostel in Chester Gap, VA
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 58- What a surprise last night when "Diesel" showed up at the shelter after I was in my bag. He got sick about a week ago and left the trail. He went to see his grandparents in Nashville to recuperate. After four days he was back to normal and on the AT. I hiked at a record pace to get the 7 miles to Elkwallow Wayside to get the famous Mountain Blackberry shake. Unfortunately, they were out of ice cream. Two egg muffins and two creme sodas filled the void. I saw my first turkey today. She waddled off when I passed. Also, I saw a rabbit and many chipmunk. The dogwoods and redbud trees are beautiful. Stayed at Terrapin Hostel, a bunk area set up in the basement of this house. The "Grateful Greenpeace Guy" runs the place. He thru-hiked in 1995.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Terrapin Hostel in Chester Gap, VA

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 27.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 59-The last two days I must have walked through 25 spider webs. Normally, you walk through 3 or 4 a day. It seemed like I was constantly wiping my face to get rid of the webs. I thought today's terrain made for the easiest stretch of the AT so far. "Diesel" and I decided to do a whopping 30 miles tomorow to get into Harper's Ferry, WV.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Appalachian Trail Center
Miles today: 17.8

Day 60-I ran into "Longhaul" today. He had to leave the trail for knee surgery and was recuperating by hiking in the area. His plan is to continue from the Fontana Dam area when he fully recovers. Since he is following my journal, I wish him the best of luck, a speedy recovery and a successful hike. Another great surprise was running in to "Grandpa Spiderman." We had hiked together down south but the weather and an injury forced him off the trail temporarily.I was hiking near Virginia/West Virginia border when I ran into him. He is great and now heading from Boiling Springs, PA back south to cover the section he missed followed by a flip flop to the north. He heard I wrote a song about him to the tune of Spiderman. This is the first verse:G. Spiderman, G. Spiderman,does whatever younger hikers can,Clingman's Dome, to the top,Lipton noodles, in a pot,watch out, here comes G. Spiderman"Grandpa Spiderman" recommended we stay at the Blackburn Center instead of going in to Harper's Ferry. What great advice. We had a blast, "Diesel," "Jay," and I were treated like royalty. There was a trail maintenance volunteer team working the day and they all stayed for dinner. We had a delicious Cinco de Mayo feast consisting of tortillas with all the fixings. The caretaker, Bill is a retired Army Veterinarian who was stationed with me at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Chances are good he even examined my dog. What a small world. Although they can't always guarantee a meal, I still recommend stopping them for a free coke.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Blackburn Appalachian Trail Center

To: Hilltop Hotel in Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 12.6

Day 61-Great day. I passed the 1,000 mile mark and put the state of Virginia behind me. I signed in at the ATC Headquarters and found out I was the 23rd Northbounder to pass through. I was surprised how few thru-hikers are ahead of me. I looked at my picture and hardly recognized the person. On top of my longer hair and beard (most of it white), I've lost almost 30 pounds and weigh 156 pounds. To counter my condition, today I inhaled an Italian sub, chips, an ice cream cone and many cold drinks. The Hilltop Hotel's patio has an incredible view of the Shenandoah River. I have a very easy week ahead. I only have to hike about 75 miles to the halfway point by Friday to meet some old friends, then zero hike on Saturday when I meet my sister at the same location. I'm looking forward to a great week. Since this is Mother's Day, I want to thank all the Mother's for their hard work. Without you, the world wouldn't be the same. Of course, a special thanks goes out to my Mom. Thanks for everything. I love you.
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Hilltop Hotel in Harper's Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 62-Before leaving town I read some information about the local history. Most people are familiar with John Brown's raid but I didn't know the abundance of Black History in the city. The Storer school was one of the first integrated in the country and the Niagara Conference for equality was held there.Easy hike out of Harper's Ferry. I walked along the C & O Canal towpath for a few miles. I didn't realize how important the canal was until the railroad made it obsolete. Gathland State Park was great! Not only did they have a Coke machine, but two Civil War Museums. I spent over an hour reading about the rich history in the area.
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Devil's Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 20.5

Day 63"Jay" got a ride to the Maryland-Pennsylvania border out of Harper's Ferry so he could hike back to town to meet some friends. He talked to "Team Dumber," "Pacer," "Scrubs," and "PJ" and found out they are headed to Trail Days. "Diesel" heard this news and is doing big miles to catch them in Boiling Springs, PA to ride with them. Since I'm meeting friends and family this weekend, all of us hikers will probably return to the trail about the same time. I stopped by the original Washington Monument today. There was a great view of the valley below. Water at the last shelter was not up to my standards. I walked the extra 5 miles to get to this shelter. At 8:30pm "Orphan" showed up. It is always great to see one of the group.
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Devil's Racecourse Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: few clouds

Day 64- I put another state behind me, Maryland. I came to the end of Maryland at Pen-Mar Park where I drank a cold Mountain Dew and a Pepsi. The south was enjoyable but I'm glad to be north of the Mason-Dixon line. The day's hike was easy and uneventful. I had to work hard to find the pop machine at Caledonia State Park. The extra half mile was well worth it for the two Brisk Iced Teas. I was planning on an early day but since I was hiking with "Orphan," I pressed on figuring I could get to the hostel at the halfway point on Thursday and have more free time. The bugs started getting bad in the late afternoon. The constant buzzing around the ears really irritates me. I built a fire as soon as I came to the shelter (there were two side by side) to ward off the buzzing creatures. I hardly slept mostly because of the caffeine surging through me and partly because it rained during the night.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel

To: Zero Day in Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 66-No hiking (zero day). I relaxed in the park all day. The temperature dropped and the wind picked up, making it too cold for the half gallon challenge. I stayed at the hostel for a second night. Jim from Ontario, Canada was also staying at the hostel. Since he just visited the Edgar Cayce foundation in Virginia, and I have read most of Cayce's writings, we had a great conversation.
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Zero Day in Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Day 67-No hiking (zero day). It was a wonderful day. My sister Gayle and our friend Annie drove from Ohio to spend some time with me and celebrate passing the midpoint.We went to Carlisle, PA and checked into a hotel. It was enjoyable catching up and telling stories about the trail. I want to thank both of them for the visit. The food was good and the conversation great.
Date: 2005-05-15
To: B & B in Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.4

Day 68-After a huge meal at Friendly's, Gayle and Annie dropped me off back at the park and I started hiking at 11:00am. With a belly full of food and fresh legs after two days off, the trail seemed easy. I ran into "Jay" at Kennedy Shelter and we decided to press on into Boiling Springs, PA. Since it looked like it was going to rain and I didn't want to break my record of never using my tent, I paid cash to stay in a B&B.Many hikers are camping on the lawn for a nominal fee. Some folks are back from Trail Days and the word is my hiking buddies will be back tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll see them in Duncannon, PA.
Date: 2005-05-16
From: B & B in Boiling Springs, PA

To: Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 25.6

Day 69-I ran into "Pig Pen" and "Gunter" hiking a short southbound section. I hadn't seen them since Damascus, VA. They were heading for Caledonia before heading back northbound. I hiked some of the day with "Jukebox," "Running Moon," and "Bassmaster." The Doyle Hotel in Duncannon, PA is a classic hiker stop. Although rooms are inexpensive, and the building is old and rundown, the hiker conversation made it a great stop.I met "Bed and Breakfast" at the hotel. It is always a pleasure meeting hikers my age.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Doyle Hotel

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 28.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 70-It was a long day out of Duncannon. If I knew I would hike my second longest day, I would have started much earlier than 9:15. I stumbled into the shelter just as it got too dark to hike without a headlamp.
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 71-I met "Lopsided" at the shelter last night. He is hiking from Harper's Ferry to Maine. I ran into two black snakes today. Neither of them left the trail, so I went around them. The second one had its head and a third of his body down a hole; probably scavenging.The 501 shelter is a fully enclosed bunk house with a large plexiglass window in the ceiling. A caretaker lived next door and looked after the place. Since I was almost out of food, I was excited to see a pizza menu and, even better, the place would deliver to the parking area about 100 feet from the shelter. The problem was we had no phone. The caretaker claimed he didn't have one(hard to believe). Fortunately, when "Jay" showed up he still had his cell phone from his time off the trail."Free Spirit" informed us today was her 20th birthday, so we sang her the happy birthday song.
Date: 2005-05-19
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 72-I ran out of food early in the day and looked forward to resupplying at the outfitters, which our handbook claimed was open until 7:00pm daily. Not only was it closed, but it is only open on Saturdays. Since there was no store in the town. I had to buy food at the Peanut Store. I bought two days worth of shelled salted pistachios and some trail mix.I went over to the unfriendliest place on the trail, the Port Clinton Hotel and Restaurant. When "Lopsided" and I approached the lady yelled loudly and asked if we had showered. I informed her that I just hiked over 23 miles. It seemed that hikers are not welcome, only clean ones. She let us sit at the bar and eat. The hiker burger was the biggest and the best on the trail so far. Too bad the folks are not more cordial. I do NOT recommend going to this place until their attitudes are readjusted."Chestnut" was so displeased he left town and walked to the next shelter. The best part of town is they let us sleep at a pavilion for free.