morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-08
From: BRP 9.6

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke to a sunny sky in the east and a very dark sky blowing in out of the north. I was immediatly motivated to get moving. I was hiking at 7:00 and soon ran into Bill - a section hiker going south. He came over Humpback Mnt last night. Crossing over a rocky ledge area as it was getting dark was startled by a rattlesnake that he could not see. From that point on I would poke my poles out in front of me as a hiked. There were a few rocky areas that I crossed and worked those poles. Coming down the trail I heard a rustling in the woods off to my left. I tapped my poles on rocks as I usually do so a bear won't be startled to see you. The next thing I see is the ass end of a small black bear. The small size immediatly made me stay on alert for possibly others. The poles did more rock clicking than ever before. The wind continued to blow strong with dark clouds coming and going. It never did rain and by 11:00 the wind blew everything away and a deep blue sky was the result. A nice cool wind kept the temps nice and I was hiking strong and felt like I was making good time. It was a rocky hike up and a better trail going down with the last 5 miles being mostly level with moderate climbs. I made it the 9.4 miles before noon when I arrived at the Paul C Wolfe Shelter. This was a very nice shelter and Mill Creek ran right in front of it. Another one of those great locations that I won't be taking advantage of. If I stopped and stayed at every place that looks great I'd never get done. Virginia has done a outstanding job of taking care of the trail, shelters, privys and keeping the trail cleared and well marked. I took a quick lunch after getting some water and headed for Waynesboro. There was a small elevation gain but the trail made for easy hiking. I covered the 5 miles in 2 hours. Hitched a ride right to the YMCA. I sat in the back of a pickup truck with the sun shining on my face as I was headed for some R &R. I checked into the Y which is a very nice large brick building with exercise room, gym , swimming pool and showers. The lady at the counterhad me pick out a ditty bag with a mix of soap, razor, toothbrush and paste, floss and hard candy. Then she walked me out to the side of the building and pointed to a parklike setting down the road. hikers can use all the facilities for free. Donations are appreciated. They also give out a pamphlet about the town and all the services available. Included is a list of merchants and a map of the town. It was (is)a great stop as I will be taking a zero day. No miles hiked. I have a maildrop here so I must wait till Monday. I ran into here at the tenting area Dethmarch and Sugarbush, FlowEasy, Picker and Schlep. We sat around for awhile adding calories to our shrinking frames and doing a mighty good job of it. Picker picked. It was a fun night. Good to see and be with hikers again. From the just as I thought file there is a tree that is used for making syrup as well as a ski resort in Vermont both called Sugarbush. Her family is from the area and have been making syrup.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Waynesboro

To: YMCA
Miles today: 0.0

Went to breakfast with Easy & Picker. Walked around town looking for a coffee shop to sit around, journal and just relax. Didn't find anything so I headed to the store and then back to the camping area. It was a nice sunny day so I tried to even out my tan a bit and do nothing but hang out all day. Had some new hikers arrive during the day. First to come in was Snowman. I met him near the beginning and he started seeing my journal entries and couldn't understand how I got ahead of him. Then came Flying Turtle, Utah who looked a whole lot better but said he was still hurting and then General Lee who I met for the first time. Got to hang out into the night and tell trail stories. More hikers are in town but staying at hotels. This YMCA was to good a deal to pass up. I also found out that everyone has some level of foot soreness going on all the time. I thought it was just me. Not so. Into the Shenandoahs tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-10
From: YMCA

To: Sawmill Run
Miles today: 10.0

Got up early and headed to the Y to shower one last time and to try and charge my phone. Went down the street and got a cup of coffee and a couple lottery tickets. Took my time getting my pack together as I had to wait for the PO to open at 9:00. Waiting in line for the doors to open I went thru a lot of question and answer with the folks in line. I am amazed at how interested people are in the life of a thru hiker. When did you start. Did it snow while you were out. How do you resupply. How long do you think it is going to take you. Do you get lonely, scared, tired, hungry or wet and many other questions. It's almost a celebraty sort of thing. Very cool. Finally got out of town and caught a hitch to the trailhead. Filled out a backcountry permit and was on my way a little after noon. There was a shelter at the 7 mile point but it was a little early and .03 off of the trail. Picker and Easy passed me and was not sure how far they were going. At about the 10 mile mark I found a suitable camp spot and pitched my tent. It was a little warm and muggy and my legs felt very heavy. My feet for some reason felt very sore so I cut the day short. I will get a good nights sleep and be ready to go in the morning.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Sawmill Run

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

With an 80% chance of rain I was glad to be able to break camp as it was still dry. On the trail just after 7:00. Ran into Picker and Easy as they were just hitting the trail. They were heading to the shelter(called huts in the park) about 21 miles away. I thought if it was gonna rain as predicted I might attempt to go that far also. I began the day without much water so I only had food to munch on. My next possible water was at the 10 mile mark. The rain soon began as did the wind and I weatherproofed myself and the pack and decided early to try to do the 20+ miles to get to the shelter. Hiking without water is not good and I had visions of a nice long lunch at the shelter first shelter where I could heat up some water for coffee and oatmeal. Once again I missed the sign for the blueblaze turn off and climbed another mountain before realizing my error. I could either hike back down .07 or continue on. I chose to go on and hope to find some water up ahead. I dug into my food bag and ate pop tarts, snickers and some gorp. A bit of a let down but it was the best I could do. I had less than 10 miles to the next shelter and water. The trail had been nice all day. A nice moderate elevation change with a good trail surface. The sky was dark with much fog and clouds with absolutely no views at all. The kind of day that a hiker would rather keep moving in order to get done with the day rather than stopping to rest. I pretty much did the last 10 miles non stop. It was great to finally get to the dry confines of the shelter where Picker and Easy were already set up and done eating. Young legs. I'm jealous
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Shelter
Miles today: 20.6

It rained most of the night. It had cleared up nicely by morning and looked like a nice day. It looked like another 20 mile day so I got going as soon as I could get myself going. There was a shelter around 8 miles that also had water so I intended on stopping there for lunch. Throughout the morning the cloud cover came in and it really got hot and muggy. Met some section hikers at the shelter(hut ) and talked a little about a thru hike. Far off in the distance I heard the rumblings of a thunder storm so I got back on the trail. I had 12 miles to go and I was hoping to get it done before or if it came my way. There are many up and downs thru the Shenandoahs but they are nice and gradual which helps me maintain a pace and keep it up for a long time. The thunder kept getting closer and the rain began about 1 hour after I lunch. With it being hot and muggy I didn't put my rain pants on just my pack cover and raincoat. After awhile as the storm really blew in I began to get a bit cold. I had no place to stop and take off my boots to put my pants on so I kept moving. I felt myself getting colder and thought about hypothermia. I began putting my arms and poles to work with much more activity and I also picked up my pace. I was sweating from the inside and my clothes were soaked from the sweat. I couldn't stop because I would cool down immediatly. I got to the point were I no longer was cold so I kept up the pace. It was never so dark that I could see lightning but the thunder continued all around me. I was making good time and was very anxious to get this day over with. I had just over a mile to go as the trail passed the Lewis campground. I filled up with water at the pump and dried myself off with the electric dryer in the restroom. I then walked up to the camp store and bought some mayo and crackers a six pack of beer and made my way back down the trail the 1 more mile to the shelter. I had been carrying a jar of smoked salmon since my maildrop in Waynesboro and shared a little treat with Easy and Picker. Another hard day done and in the dry shelter for the night.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Bearfence Shelter

To: Birds Nest #3
Miles today: 22.4

In the early morning rain I began my hike. It was not cold but it was damp with heavy fog. Soon the light rain faded and was replaced by a thick, heavy wet fog that remained thick all day. Another day without any views of the Shenandoah Valley. I was startled by deer right next to the trail that would appear right there through the thick fog. They are very used to people and didn't move till I was almost on top of them. Must have seen 30 deer today all very close. Skyline Drive is the roadway that runs along the summit of the Shenandoahs. There are campgrounds, waysides, restaraunts, lodges and picnic areas that the trail traverses through or around. Some facilities are already open as others will be in operation real soon. Tens of thousands of people utilize this area in season. The wildlife are protected here and seem to know it. I began the day by putting on wet socks into wet boots that stayed that way all day. My legs were tired and it was all I could do to keep them moving. Much moderate ups and downs with the unfriendly rocky trails. Every day is a nice day when it is over. Take the pack off of the back. Get your pad and sleeping bag ready. Heat up some water and have something hot to eat. Once all settled then into warm dry clothes and sleeping bag. With headlamp on and all warm and cozy in the bag I end the night by journaling and planning out tomorrows possibilities. Tonight felt extra good.
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Birds Nest #3

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

A strong wind blew out the thick fog and rain as the night progressed. Picker ,Easy and myself had the shelter to ourselves. The lights of a town far below could be seen long after dark. It was hazy but clear and a bit cool to start the day. There is a wayside at 12 miles that has a grill and small store. It's only a 17 mile day so that wayside will be a nice lunch stop. Saw a small black and yellow snake on the trail that I walked around to avoid. I have had 3 over 20 mile days in a row so today's 17 seems like a short day. When I got to the wayside Picker,Easy,Dethmarch and Sugarbush were hanging out in the sun enjoying a cold beer. I ordered a cheese steak ,fries and a shake. Best lunch ever. Then a nice cold Sam Adams to wash it all down. Had a couple of people come up to us and inquire on the thru hike. Some hikers are botherd by the attention but I kind of like talking and sharing what I have so far experienced. Only had 6 more miles to get to the shelter so it was a real nice relaxed afternoon hike. It began to get a little muggy and again the far off rumble of thunder could be heard. Nothing ever came of the thunder and I made it to the shelter nice and early. There were about 15 hikers who were tenting all around the shelter but it was just us thru hikers staying in the shelter. A couple of gals considered taking space in the shelter but after sitting around with us for awhile decided to set up their tent. We are all stinking pretty bad at this point. I'm not sure if that was the reason but we do stink.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 9.6

There was much activity around the shelter as everyone was preparing to move out. The sun was shining and there was a cool breeze blowing as I left camp. Dethmarch & Sugarbush were meeting some friends on one of the road crossings for a day or two of over indulgence. Picker was meeting some family later this afternoon for some easy hiking and campground camping. Easy and myself had plans to head to the Hostel about .05 miles off of the trail just outside of Front Royal VA. So it looks like this group will split up and perhaps reconnect sometime later on. I need a shower and to get my clothes washed as it has been like way to long. I also need a ride into town to do a resupply for the next 3 to 4 days. That will be enough to get me out of Virginia and into Harpers Ferry WV. The unofficial 1/2 way point. It was only a 10 mile hike today so I took it nice and easy. Not slow just easy. I now have a good idea what it means to have your legs. It's a term that hikers use as a measuring stick for ones physical ability to hike all day. I heard that it takes about 2 to 3 weeks for a thru hiker to acquire that form. It has taken me about 2 months. I realized just the other day when I had 8 more miles to go for the day and it was already 3:00pm. I thought to myself. I could be there in 4 hours plenty of time before dark. The idea that another 8 miles might be to much never crossed my mind. That is a new mind set for me at this point. The entire me is now conditioned to walk all day if that is what the day is calling for. My milage has gone up from 1.5mph to over 2mph. I begin the day at a comfortable pace where I can listen or pay attention to how everything is behaving. With each step I try to detect some soreness that is familiar or even worse unfamiliar. It's like the guy who has owned a car for many years and instinctively knows every sound that the vehicle makes. When a new sound appears immediate awareness goes into action. It's like that with each ache or pain. Just like the first minute unusual sound a slight pain has me going into the diagnostic phase. I wonder what is causing it. It all began with my feet. I had to try something a little differant to help ease the pain I was feeling. I remembered from yoga that by strengthening the insides of my feet would help with my balance. I noticed that when I walked I was applying most of the pressure to the outside so I changed that and concentrated on the inside. Phycosymatic perhaps but that seemed to help. Now I notice that my steps are done automatically to the inside. Self diagnosis and remedy is about all I have out here. Do what works. If it ain't working then change it. Right now the body is doing good. From the feet to the head all gears are catching and turning in unison. Getting ones legs is not only about the legs it is when the entire system is working together and performing in peak condition.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early to cloudy skies and a good chance of rain. Easy was the first out the door because he was planning to do 27 miles today. I was only going to go as far as I could but I was on the trail just after 7:00. It was a 1/2 mile hike up just to get to the trail. Within 1 mile I was out of the Shenandoahs for good. My next destination is Harpers Ferry. I have a maildrop there but I decided not to spend to much time there. It is going to take me about 3 days to get there. I hiked in the depths of the deep dark Forest for most of the day. The vegitation is abundant to say the least. From the forest floor to the thick covering over the head green is the new brown. All those leaves from last fall are now mostly covered. Many birds sang from hidden branches as I moved along the trail. Today was typical for coming out of a town gap. This day was long gradual climbs that make turning on the auto pilot and keep chugging up the hills. Head down, even breaths, poles moving in unison with the steps, keep moving. It's amazing the stamina that I have been building up and my ability now to propel myself up the steepest of hills and the longest of climbs. The idea is to keep moving and I am now able to do that. Today was about getting the job done and see how far I can get. When I finally got to the shelter it was about all the energy that I wanted to expend for today. This is a nice but small dome shaped shelter built right in front of a nice creek. Snowman and Bonny Boy stopped by but left to tent it. It was expected to rain into the night and all day tomorrow so I opted for the dryness of the shelter. Match Stick is a section hiker and is here also.
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

The rain began sometime during the night and I woke to it pounding on the metal roof. I glad to be where it was dry. I dressed for a full day of rain and was glad I did. After hiking in the rain the other day without my rsinpants on was not a good move as I got very cold. I knew I was going to sweat beneath my raingear and get wet atleast I would stay warm. The rain fell hard all day and everything was saturated in moisture. Vegitation hung across the trail being heavily ladened with rain which had me ducking and weaving to avoid getting a facefull of wet leaves. This section if trail had many creeks and they all were flowing strong with dirtied water from the runoff. Being so wet there was no reason to stop for breaks without the cover if a shelter. I hiked over 8 miles befor stopping for my 1st break and another 7 for my second. I had done 15 miles in about 8 hours which is less than 2 mph but I had many steep uphills and the trail was often covered with rock. I hiked through a 13 mile area known as the Roller coaster. A series of steep ups and downs that are the very last of what Virginia has to offer as I am only 3 miles from the border of WV now. At the 2nd shelter I decided to go another 3 miles to a place called Bears Den Hostel. It's a older mansion turned hiker hostel and is quit the set up. It is owned by the Appalachian Conservsncy and is a high class place for hikers to stop over. Tomorrow I will again begin another long hike in the rain with a start if dry clothes. A couple more thru hikers I didn't meet before are here also. Bonny Boy, Specks, Twigs, Slapshot and a section hiker Waterfall.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn ATCenter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The Bears Den Hostel was a great place to relax and begin the day warm and dry with exception of the boots. Got up early and had a couple cups of coffee and 1/2 dozen pancakes for breakfast. The Rain fell all night and was still falling as I looked out the dining room window at the drops hitting the puddles on the walkway. I went into full rain gear with expectations of yesterdays rain. The sky was grey and a grey mist hung in the air. The forest was wet and dripping with the saturation of the last 24 hour rain. There was a coolness beneath the heavy vegitation cover but not enough to keep me from breaking out in a sweat under the rain gear. It wasn't raining so I took them off and hiked in my shorts and tshirt. I was colder than I like but I did not sweat. I stayed dry and worked to create heat. The last of the Roller Coaster series of hills helped keep me warm. I also crossed the West Virginia line and have completely walked through the 500 miles of Virginia. I entered Virginia on April 11 and crossed into WV on May 18. That's 5 weeks to go 500 miles. Hikers from the Bears Den passed heading all the way into Harpers Ferry. A 21.2 mile day. I didn't want to get there late so I elected a short day with a free hostel just off the trail after only a 8 mile day. I will hike into town early afternoon tomorrow and pick up a mail drop. Decide what I will do then. Rain is still in the forcast. A town stay is always nice but that is where the money gets spent. Some hikers don't stop here. They attempt the 4 State Challenge. Hike from Virginia into WV thru that into and out of Maryland into Pennsylvania in a 24 hour period. A total of 58.2 miles. Maybe next time.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Blackburn ATCenter

To: Towns Inn
Miles today: 13.0

The morning was cold and dark in that little hostel as the fire burnt itself out many hours ago. The sky was still that familiar steel grey but no rain was falling. The hike into Harpers Ferry was the most level yet but the rocks were a pain to deal with. The trail was scattered with every kind of rocky condition that there is. Some of it was navigable by steping between rock and be able to get a firm footing on solid ground. Most of it was finding the best route thru the torturous jumble by stepping from jaggered rock to jaggered rock. I hear a good portion of Pennsylvania is like that. Anyway I successfully hiked my way into town by crossing the bridge over the Shenandoah River. I went to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Office and got myself registered as #85. That # will change when I finish but for now I have been reduced to a 2 digit number. I got one package that I was expecting but I will need to go back to the PO for another one tomorrow before I hit the trail. I stayed at the cheapest place in town called the Towns Inn which serves as both a Inn and hostel. Flying Turtle, Waterfall and myself as well as other guest stayed here. Had a couple of beers and a bite to eat across the street before they closed for the night at 7:00. Sleepy town. I'll wait for a better suited celebratory town for my 1/2 way celebration. My friend Bruce is picking me up on the 25th in Boiling Springs Pa so from here I have some hiking to do to make that. The next couple of days are calling for some sunny skies and temps in the 80's. I'll be crossing the Potomic River and entering Maryland today. Another State down. Pennsylvania here I come.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Towns Inn

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

The first couple of miles out of Harpers Ferry was nice and smooth. The trail followed the Patomic River before climbing up and out of town. It was nice to begin a days hike on level ground. The river was on my right and a drainage canal and railroad track was to my left. The sun was hitting the water on the canal and many turtles were sunning themselves. It was loaded with turtles on every log that was sitting in the sun. I was glad to have gotten my maildrop early so I could make an early exit out of town. I remembered reading about the abolitionist John Brown as I crossed the railroad bridge leaving town. He was a radical religious fanatic that took the fight of abolishing slavery into his own hands which ultimately ended with his death and the death of those that chose to join that fight. Some of the houses that stood a long the streets then are still there today. I was carrying a 5 day supply of food so my pack was a bit heavy and I was feeling it. I got to a spot that had 2 shelters. One was an older shelter located next to a nice flowing piped stream of water. There was also another brand new shelter about 1/4 mile away. I filled my water and struck out for the newer shelter. Just before I shut down for the might a section hiker familiar with this area stopped by and chatted for awhile before heading up to the ridge to tent for the night. He said his name was Dirty Harry. I had this brand new shelter to myself.