morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Gravel Spring Gap

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: few clouds

Slackaramathon is OverMala fed us pancakes one last time and the three of us went on our merry way. We climbed North and South Marshall into clouds so there wasn't much of a view. The fog was welcome since it kept the air cooled. Wild columbines lined the side of the trail, as they have been through most of the Park. Mala met us at the last Skyline Drive road crosing and we finished our hot dog and beer supply. We ate 5 chili hot dogs each then walked the last miles of SNP. I'm glad to be away from Skyline Drive. I felt like a tourist attraction every time I crossed the road. People seemed as excited to see a backpacker as they would if they saw an animal. I didn't add any points to the Yogi challenge since we slack packed, but I ended with 17 points.After the park boundary, the trail went downhill for a while. I ran down the hill at almost a sprinting pace. I freedom packed the last 5 so I wanted to take advantage of the no pack situation. Mala met us at Chester Gap and drove the three of us into town. Couch got a ride from his cousin to DC and Earthquake went with him. They were going to zero in DC then come back to the trail. I didn't feel like going that far from the trail or taking a zero so I split a motel room at the Scotish Inn with Mala. Quake and I will be split up now for the first time. I walked downtown and did some laundry. Then I went to the outfitters and inquired about any nightlife in Front Royal. It was as I suspected...none. I walked back to the motel and Mala had already eaten. He drove me to Food Lion for a resupply then dropped me off at the Main Street Mill for dinner. I treated myself to a steak and a few beers. After dinner I cruised around town looking for something fun to do. The party gods wern't rooting for me tonight so I just went back to the motel for some sleep.Today's StatsStarting Point:Gravel Spring GapEnding Point:Front Royal, VAMileage:13.2Elevation Gain:2030ftElevation Loss:3650ftHiking Time:5:21Weather:Cooler cloudy morningPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

AloneMala and I were up around 7 and I packed my stuff and relaxed in the room as he went and got coffee. I helped him repack his truck and then we went and got breakfast. I was back on the trail around 9:30. I said goodbye to Mala and Tucker dog and thanked him for everything. Walking into the woods by myself with a normal pack weight felt foreign to me. Not having Earthquake around made me feel like I was forgeting something. It's like I had to relearn how to do this hiking thing. I now had no one but myself to worry about and talk to. I walked to Jim and Molly Denton Shelter and took a nice long break. This shelter had a spring fed shower, which I didn't need since I was fresh out of town, as well as a large deck complete with a wodden Adirondack Chair. I sat in that comfy chair and ate lunch then pushed on to the next shelter. The trail went through some grassy fields that have not been maintained in quite some time. There was 5ft tall grass that I had to push through and poison ivy all over the ground. I will be surprised if I don't get a rash from it. I took another long break at manasass gap shelter and wiped my legs with a wet wipe. Hopefully that will take care of any poison ivy oils. I also picked 4 ticks off my legs.I then walked past Dicks Dome Shelter and into a wildlife managment area. About a half mile from where I had planned on stopping I caught up to a 300lb bear walking north on the trail. I followed it for about 5 min. Finally it realized I was behind and it took off running into the woods. That makes bear sighting number 11 for this thru hike!I filled up at a spring and found a mowed campsite in a grassy area. I slept on the ground, but used my hammock as a bug bivy. There was some firewood left near the firepit so I made a campfire and watched the stars come out. This was my first night alone out here and I enjoyed the solitude!Today's StatsStarting Point:Front Royal, VAEnding Point:CampsiteMileage:16.1Elevation Gain:3860ftElevation Loss:3010ftHiking Time:9:58Weather:Cool SunnyPain Factor:3 Shouldn't have switched packs again!
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Campsite

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Welcome to the RollercoasterI had every intention to be up before sunrise, but I slept until 7:30. Everything was covered in a heavy dew, including my sleeping bag. I hung my bag in the sun to dry out then ate krispy kreme doughnuts for breakfast. I was walking around 8:45. The trail went through Sky Meadows State park which were indeed expansive meadows. I enjoyed a lesiurley stroll on the well maintained trail down to US50. After dodging 55mph traffic I walked until the next water source. I filled up at a stream and walked a few more miles.I got to another stream and hung my hammock. I laid down for a momment and next thing I knew I had slept for 2 hrs! I love my hammock! When I came to, I ate lunch and started hiking again. After Rod Hollow shelter I entered the rollercoaster. This is a section of trail that is not flat for about 13 miles. The trail goes straight up 500+ ft then straight down then straight up again. It is very rocky too to add to the fun. I know that doesn't sound so bad, but take one look at the elevation profile and you'll get the drift. I made it to Sam Hollow Shelter and decided to call it a day. I was the only person at the shelter. I cooked a mexican rice dinner and had some chai tea. The fireflies started their light show as I climbed into my sleeping bag in the shelter. There is a mouse running around in here already. I can see him up in the rafters. Hopefullly he won't run all over me tonight.Today's StatsStarting Point:CampsiteEnding Point:Sam Moore ShelterMileage:14.3Elevation Gain:3250ftElevation Loss:4080ftHiking Time:9:53 3 hr breakWeather:hot humid sunnyPain Factor:3
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

Border JumperI woke up and woofed down the rest of my krispy kreme cruellers. I made coffee from some java juice Travelling Teacher hooked me up with. It's a concentrated coffe liquid that just needs to be added to water. It tasted pretty good and gave me enough energy to hike on. The trail went back onto the rollercoaster and up and over some more mountains. I finally crossed into West Virginia! It felt pretty cool to see a sign that said Tennessee 535 miles away. I did a little dance on the border and said goodbye to VA. The trail actually followes the VA/WV border for 10 more miles, but in my mind I was done with VA.I continued on to the Blackburn AT center, arriving around 3pm. This is a free hiker hostel run by caretakers. The caretakers this year were Redwing and Hopeful, 2005 thru hikers. Hopeful gave me the tour and showed me where the bunks and shower were. I took a refreshing cold shower and washed my clothes in the sink. I spent the rest of the afternoon doing absolutley nothing. At the hostel with me was half step, owl gourmet, and li cubit. The 4 of us slept in the bunkhouse. Hopeful and Redwing made us a huge dinner. We had burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, salad, and chips as we got to watch a thunderstorm from inside the screened in porch. They let me make brownies in the oven for desert. After dinner half step played guitar and sang for us. The rain continued through the evening as OG told us stories and jokes.Today's StatsStarting Point:Sam Moore ShelterEnding Point:Blackburn AT CenterMileage:10.9Elevation Gain:3230ftElevation Loss:2520ftHiking Time:6:06Weather:Hot humid, evening thunderstormPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Dahlgren Campground
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

Civil War RemembranceUncle Tom and I woke up and went downstairs to check out the breakfast scene. It was pretty sad with only cereal and yogurt. It was raining so I sat on the front porch and caught up on my journal, waiting for the rain to clear. Luckily as I was ready to leave around 10 there was just a light drizzle. I walked down High St. back to the trail and got to read some historic information signs about John Browns raid of Harpers Ferry. I didn't go into any museums, which I should have, but I read every sign in the park and got a good feel for what the town was like during the late 1800's. I crossed the Potomac and got onto the C&O canal towpath which the trail followed for 3 miles. I saw 4 great blue heron in the river as I crossed. I checked out some lock ruins that were used to move the barges from one water elevation to another. The walk on the towpath was great. The Potomac was flowing on my right and the remains of the canal on my left. There were some parts of the canal still holding water that were full of wildlife. I saw 2 muskrats and a female mallard with 6 ducklings. A few freight trains chugged by on the paralleling tracks. I thought it was interesting seeing the trains there, which were the reason the canals went to ruins.The trail eventually crossed the canal and tracks, and headed up to Weaverton Cliffs where I ate lunch. There is an excellent view there overlooking the river with Harpers Ferry in a gap in the distance. After lunch I cruised on the seemingly flat trail.I got to Gathland state park and learned about the battle for Crampton Gap as well as the civil war reporter, pen named GATH, whose estate stood there after the war. Townsend (GATH) erected a large memorial for war corespondants there. A small plaque was placed nearby in honor of some reporters who died in Iraq. I continued on and came to another battlezone, Fox Gap, where two generals died. I believe it was Reno on the Union side and Garland on the Confederate side. The trail followed the battle line where the confederates had to retreat into the valley. It was super interesting learning about these battle sites. I felt like I was walking back in time and tried to imagine cannons rumbling in the distance and riffles firing nearby. I got to Dahlgren campsite, a free campground with hot showers and bathrooms. I hung out with larry, triple deuce and his friend (whose name I forget right now). We cooked diner, listened to music, and talked about running diesel cars on veggie oil. After dinner I went and took a glorious shower then crawled into my hammock. This is 3 nights in a row I've had a shower! I still stink though. :-)Today's StatsStarting Point:Harpers Ferry, WVEnding Point:Dahlgren CampgroundMileage:17.3Elevation Gain:2890ftElevation Loss:2130ftHiking Time:8:26Weather:Misty windy morning, cool overcast dayPain Factor:1
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Dahlgren Campground

To: Raven Rock Cliffs
Miles today: 18.0

Yogi MasterI was up at my normal 7am wake up time. I boiled water for an oatmeal and java juice breakfast. Triple duece, stone age, and larry were still sleeping when I left around 8:45. The trail went through Turners Gap where another civil war battle took place then up to Washington Monument State Park. I stopped at the restrooms to get some water and met some tourists. I told them my story and was able to yogi a bananna and a bottle of poland spring. Then the grounds keeper talked my ear off for like 20 min, telling me about how he just chopped down a cherry tree. I thought that was kind of ironic, with us being at washington monument and all. This stone structure was built in 1827 by the people of Boonesboro to honor our first president. It has since been rebuilt by the CCC into its present form. I continued on to Annapolos rocks where I had lunch. I met a young couple who were out camping for a night. From them I yogied an apple, a pop tart, a granola bar, and some carrots. I think the farther I walk the more people feel obligated to give me food. :-)After lunch I kept trucking through Maryland and decided I wanted a real dinner. The town of Smithsburg was nearby and I figured I could hitch in and out before dark. I got to MD77 and pulled out my "hiker to town" bandanna. I had a ride within 5 min and this guy dropped me off at a small strip mall with a deli, a dollar general, and a liquor store. All a hiker needs! I went to the deli and ordered a cheesesteak and a 3 piece fried chicken dinner and sat on a picnic table in front of the store eating. People were flocking into the liquor store for their Friday night brew and would stop and talk to me when they saw the pack. I got kicked down 4 crappy beers, but wasn't about to turn em down. I then went and bought a 4 pack of Dogfish Head 90min IPA and poured the bottles into my nalgene and empty gatoraide bottle. I got some snacks and another lunch at the Dollar General and was hitching back to the trail in less than an hour. I got a ride in all of 2 min and that dude gave me a beer also. I made it to the trail and hiked into the sunset with 4 quality beers and 5 cans of water beers. Evening turned into dark and I broke out my headlight as I finished the beer in my gatoraide bottle. I walked another 3 miles by headlamp and found myself on this excellent cliff with a view of the lights in the valley below. I hung my hammock on some trees near the edge and finished my IPA's. Life couldn't have been much better!Today's StatsStarting Point:Dahlgren CampsiteEnding Point:Raven Rock CliffsMileage:18.0Elevation Gain:3810ftElevation Loss:3420ftHiking Time:11:25Weather:Cool overcastPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Raven Rock Cliffs

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

Mason DixonNot surprisingly I slept in late and didn't start walking until around 9:30. I met up with Dirty Ernie and walked into Pen-Mar park with him. He is from PA so was pretty psyched to be walking into his own state in a few miles. When we got to pen mar there was a credit unions annual public meeting going on. Basicaly a convention of super old people, nothing very exciting. I hung out with some other hikers that were around and got a soda as I enjoyed the excellent view from the park. I met a southbounder named Edge that I talked for a while with. He gave me a run down on some of the trail towns ahead. When I had enough sitting around I figured it was time to say goodbye to Maryland and cross the Mason Dixon line into Pennsylvania. I crossed the train tracks that I thought were the border, but it was actually a few hundred feet into the woods after them. I could see survey markers and painted trees in both directions, clearly marking the border. I am officially in the North. WooHoo! The south treated me well though. I will miss the sweet tea, the bbq, and those southern bells with their beautiful accents. All that sitting around made me tired and I was feeling lazy so about a half mile after the border I hung my hammock and fell asleep for 3 hours. I just had no energy today. When I came too I ate some PB&J sandwiches and made another whopping 4 miles. There was a stream at PA16 where I left those 5 beers. I figure I'd leave some trail magic for hikers behind me and the stream would keep the beers cold. Larry was at the shelter and had some Dead playing on his little ipod speakers which made me want to stay. I also met BooBoo for the first time. She was off the trail for 3 weeks and had just gotten back on. The three of us talked for a while and ate dinner then I passed out in my hammock.Today's StatsStarting Point:Raven Rock Cliffs Ending Point:Deer Lick ShelterMileage:10.4Elevation Gain:2150ftElevation Loss:1880ftHiking Time:10:58Weather:Warmer sunnyPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: few clouds

CaledoniaContinuing the lazy trend I didn't get out of my hammock until 8:30. Larry and I cooked breakfast and left the shelter around 10. We talked all morning, making the miles go by super fast. Larry and I had a lot in common which made for some good conversation. We climbed up to Chimney Rocks passing day hikers uphill and hung out taking in the view. We could see Waynesboro resivoir below. The trail just kinda cruised after that and we easily walked another 8 miles into Caledonia State park. We did stop for a few breaks along the way though. When we crossed PA30 someone had left a Mountain House dinner on the trail. My leaving magic yesterday had already paid off! When we got into the state park we made a bee line for the pool and the snack bar. We ordered milkshakes then paid $2 and got into the pool area. There were hundreds of people there, a typical summer pool scene. We stuck out like sore thumbs, all bearded and swimming in our underwear, but no one seemed to care. I stayed in that icy cold pool for about an hour then got out and talked with larry, boo boo, kiwi, water, and bucket. Larry and I went in 2 more times before the 6 of us left and went to get a pay campsite. With 6 of us it only cost $2 each and there were showers (cold) and nice bathrooms. We all set up camp then walked a mile down the road to an Italian restaurant. I got, manicotti, stuffed shells, and Larry and I split a sicilian pie. That was some of the best pizza I've had in a long time, even before I started this hike. We personally thanked the chef and stumbled back to camp via headlights. I took a cold shower and sat in my hammock catching up on journals.Today's StatsStarting Point:Deer Lick ShelterEnding Point:Caledonia State ParkMileage:13.6Elevation Gain:2000ftElevation Loss:2410ftHiking Time:6:13Weather:Hot Pain Factor:2
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Half Way Half GallonI got up and packed up my gear then sat and ate breakfast with owl, cubit, and larry. I ate 3 pieces of leftover Sicilian pizza which were equally as delicious as they were last night. I said goodbye to larry since he was going home for a few days then went towards the trail and checked my pocketmail at a payphone. I was back on the trail by 10 and the heat was intense already. I walked through the rest of the park then started uphill. I made it to quarry gap shelter which was one of the most well maintained shelters on the trail. There were even potted plants there. I tanked up on water and flew to the next shelter where I stopped for lunch. After lunch my feet decided to act up on me and I got some seriously painful hot spots on the backs of both of my heals. I put some body glide on them which lessened the pain.I found some blueberries today which were quite tasty. I can't wait until they are fully in season, these early ones are just a tease. My heals were really hurting me which slowed me down a bit, but I had some excellent motivation. I was about to pass the halfway point which meant only one thing...ICE CREAM! Pine Grove Furnace State Park is home to the half gallon challenge thru hiker tradition, where one sits down and eats an entire half gallon of ice cream to honor the halfway milestone. I passed this years halfway point at 1087.0 miles at 5:40pm. I am exactly on track to finish this hike in mid september, 3 more months from now. Today is day 90 on the trail. There was no sign for the halfway point since it changes every year due to trail relocations. I built a little rock carin at the point that I thought was exactly halfway.I rolled into Pine Grove and went directly to the campstore. I choose Neopolitan as my flavor. I figured having 3 flavors would keep me from getting tired of one. I dug in and 45min later finished the half gallon of ice cream. I felt kinda nauseous, but that eventually passed. Stone age, triple deuce, owl, cubit, water, and bucket all ate half gallons as well. The 6 of us along with ziplock and nitro went and got a pay campsite for the evening. We set up a little tent city and made a big campfire. Nitro played guitar as we all sat around a huge fire. I busted out my adult mad libs book which was good for a few laughs. I crawled into the hammock around 11pm.So this trip is halfway over, but I believe the best half is yet to come. My spirits are still high and I am still having fun, which is going to carry me along. I can't say I've "found myself" out here or anything cliche like that. I found that before this trip and thats why I'm here...living out a dream. Today's StatsStarting Point:Caledonia State ParkEnding Point:Pine Grove Furnace State ParkMileage:19.5Elevation Gain:2520ftElevation Loss:2510ftHiking Time:8:02Weather:80's SunnyPain Factor:4
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Nekkid hikingI was surpisingly the second one out of camp in the morning. Ziplock and Nitro are super early risers so they were out first. I was in no rush since I knew the campstore, which served breakfast, wasn't open until 8:30. I walked back to the store and had flashbacks of eating all that ice cream. I was still able to walk in there and I got 2 ham egg and cheese sandwiches, a quart of milk, and a coffee. I sat on the porch catching up on my journal and writing a few emails as I enjoyed the morning. Water and bucket met me there and said they were going to spend the morning at the lake.I thought that sounded fun so I met them there and went for a swim. There were lots of little fish in the lake that were nibbling on my arm and chest hair. It kinda tickled! When I had enough swimming I started hiking around noon. I passed the old halfway marker and signed the register there and continued on my way. It was super hot out so I hiked with my shirt off. I also took advantage of having a kilt and tucked the bottom of it into my pack straps so I was basically hiking naked. It felt super liberating to walk like that, but I kept looking over my shoulder to make sure no one snuck up behind me. I got to pine grove road and dropped my kilt down to cross. The day just kept getting hotter and more humid and I eventually started hearing thunder in the distance. I got to PA34 and passed stone age and triple deuce who had gone to a nearby store. I hiked up and over trents hill as the thunder got closer. When I crossed PA94 the thunder sounded even closer so I took out my cell phone and checked the local radar. There was a whole lot of red heading my way so I continued on until I found water and hung my tarp to let the storm pass.Stone age and triple deuce caught up to me and took shelter as well. The storm rolled through with a mighty intensity as we stayed dry. About an hour later the rain was done so I broke down the tarp and continued on into the evening. There was a lot of amphibian life on the trail. I had to dodge a frog every 50ft it seemed. I even found a box turtle on the trail. I filled up on water at whiskey spring with about 30min of light left. I hiked another 20min and found a campsite. I cooked dinner and enjoyed a night alone.Today's StatsStarting Point:Pine Grove Furnace State Park Ending Point:CampsiteMileage:14.6Elevation Gain:2600ftElevation Loss:2170ftHiking Time:8:57Weather:Hot humid, afternoon and evening thunderstormsPain Factor:3