morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-06-16
From: Blackrock Hut - 884.4

To: Pinefield Hut - 897.6
Miles today: 13.2

We slept in the shelter and it was good, except I slept up top and I had the feeling I was going to roll off the bunk. We woke up and made coffee and breakfast. My breakfast consisted of 2 oatmeals and a carnation breakfast. I am trying Carnation breakfast to add some vitamins and calories.We headed out and climbed to Black Rock, the views were 360, and awesome. We continued on and we saw a deer. One of the goals today was to make it to the Loft Mtn. Camp Store. We made it there and saw many hikers. The store had Sandwiches, Chips, Snacks, and beer. We hung out at the store for several hours chatting with hikers and relaxing.We had 4.5 miles to the shelter and we took our time. We saw Ahh Kash slack packing. Then we hit trail magic by Sky & Emily. They have a Chevy conversation van converted to a camper/home, and were doing trail magic. We had several beers and doughnuts while hanging out with them. We made it to the shelter and picked spots. The shelters have been crazy busy. Tomorrow is our last day of hiking before we get back to the truck. I will be able to do some slack packing. We will then set up a base camp and do some trail magic. Wildlife update: Deer, squirrels.
Date: 2019-06-17
From: Pinefield Hut - 897.6

To: Swift Run Gap - 909.2
Miles today: 11.6

We slept good to OK last night. The shelter was quiet. We were the first up and first out. We had a shorter day of just over 11 miles to get to the truck. While hiking a few hikers caught up like BC, and we found Sketch along the trail.I saw a bunny, which I don¢t see many of. While at the first shelter taking a break and getting water I saw a mouse peak out from around the corner at me from under the shelter bunk. The mouse ran back under the bunk then ran back out with a baby in its mouth and ran into the woods. Other hikers then saw a small snake stick half way out from under the shelter bunk. Now we know why the mouse ran. The other hikers thought the snake may have been a rattlesnake, I couldn¢t tell. There were some great views today. We made it to the truck around 1 pm and drove to Big Meadows Campground. There is a camp store, gas station, and a restaurant there. We had lunch at the restaurant to include Blackberry Ice Cream Pie. We found a campsite and set up our home base for the next few days. I am going to get to do some slack packing. On the way to the shower there was a deer standing on the lawn by the shower house. We showered and went to the camp store, we both decided we would just eat the food we had. I did buy bacon and eggs for breakfast. We saw Justin at the laundry, he is a LASH(long butt section hiker). After dinner we just chilled and had a fire.Wildlife update: 2 deer, one standing in the middle of the trail.
Date: 2019-06-18
From: Big Meadows Camground - 926.7

To: Swift Run Gap
Miles today: 17.5

Rick and I both slept well last night. Rick cooked the bacon and eggs for breakfast. I also had a Carnation package, three coffees, and an oatmeal cream pie. I headed SOBO for my 17+/- miles. The trail was quiet and beautiful this morning after a rain. I saw two bunnies that seemed to be guarding the trail, they let me pass. The trail was empty from 745 until 900. At 900 I started running into everyone I know. This went on for about 3.5 hours. In that time I saw a deer. I met two new hikers, one guy named Martha Stewart, and a lady named Moose Liver. Moose Liver had just seen a bear. She is supposed to be Moose Lover but she spelled it wrong and it stuck.I hiked/walked/jogged the 17 miles in 5.5 hours. With four miles to go I was jogging and I tripped. It was full blown Superman fall. I caught myself with my hands and knees, primarily. Luckily I landed in mud and not rocks. I finished the mileage, and Rick picked me up and we drove to town. First stop was lunch. We had barbecue. Second stop was the grocery to buy supplies for trail magic. We are setting up a stand tomorrow on the side of the trail making lunch, providing snacks; and we will have beverages too. When we got back to camp we learned Odie (Hiker Yearbook), and Peaches had bought 2 campsites for hikers and were providing food, showers, and beverages. We opened our campsite to overflow and have additional tents on our site. There are probably 20-30 through hikers in the camp ground. I hung out by Odie and Peaches campsite with many of the hikers for the evening. I enjoyed the fire and some snacks. We played Bocci and a version of beer pong. All was mellow and quiet time at 9 pm. Wildlife update: Bunnies.
Date: 2019-06-19
From: Big Meadows Campground-926.7

To: Pinnacles 
Miles today: 11.6

I set my alarm to get up and on trail by 600. I went to the bathroom as the sun was starting to illuminate the sky. There was a deer walking around the campground. Rick and I are planning on setting up trail magic at Pinnacles Picnic Area. Trail Magic is basically anything along the trail that is given to you for free. We decided to do beef and chicken fajitas with rice and beans. We also had oranges, sweets, and beverages. I made it through my 11+ miles pretty fast. On my  walk I saw a couple deer. I was lost in my thoughts at one point and I looked up. Ten feet to the right of me a bear looked up over the ferns at me. I stopped, backed up slowly maintaining eye contact. I then found two rocks and slapped them together and yelled, Yo Bear! He shuffled along into the woods. Later I was walking a narrow path along the side of a mountain and it was steep on both sides. I saw a deer walking up the path toward me. I then saw a hiker behind the deer walking toward me. All three of us stopped, and the other hiker and I looked at each other, we didn¢t want to spook the deer. It was a buck and had small fuzzy antlers. It came within 10 feet of me and walked off trail about 5 feet. I got a good video and picture. I made it to the trail magic site and Rick had everything set up. We saw a few hikers but the rush didn¢t happen until after 1pm. We had about 25 through hikers stop by to include: Bushwacker, Whistle, Mountain Sage, Greenie, Survivor and Gus, Cowboy, Cheese Curd, BC, the Count, Wizard, Sketch, Flying Fish, Mud Flap, Peaches, Pebbles, 50/50, Belle, 1st Gear, and 2 Cindys.We had a great time giving some love back to the trail and those who hike it. Many different people from different walks of life walking for different reasons. It took us a while to clean up but we made it back to base camp at Big Meadows. It was threatening rain so we didn¢t know what to do. We built a fire and had dinner. It started raining. We decided to go to the Tap Room at the Lodge. It was not very exciting, so we left. I was exhausted and fell asleep early. Wildlife update: Bear, Deer-buck & does
Date: 2019-06-20
From: Pinnacles 

To: Elkwallow Gap Wayside
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept great last night. I was exhausted as I went to bed. When we woke up we had to break down camp as we were moving north. I made some coffee and we slowly moved through getting packed up. When we were about done I suggested we go to the Lodge for buffet breakfast. While we were eating the tent could dry out. The breakfast was really good. After breakfast we completed packing and headed out. Rick dropped me off at Pinnacles and I hiked north. Rick went and scoped out the next campground and then started hiking south. We met about 4 miles from the campground and hiked there together. The Waysides (3 or 4 of them) in the Shenandoahs have stores and/or restaurants. Each offering something a little different than the other. We were all told there are Blackberry milkshakes at the waysides. Well, the only wayside with Blackberry milkshakes is Elkwallow. We had heard the blackberry ice cream was better than the milkshake, so we both got ice cream. I got two scoops and Rick got one. There were many hikers at the wayside and Rick got to say final goodbyes to some hikers. While we were there it started raining and everyone huddled under a pavilion eating ice cream and munchies. When the rain stopped everyone scattered and we headed to the campground and got set up. We started a fire and had Ramen with the left over chicken. Tonight was Rick¢s last night so we just chilled by the fire. Wildlife update: Uneventful day?
Date: 2019-06-22
From: Mile 967.7-Terrapin Station Hostel 

To: Whiskey Hallow Shelter 
Miles today: 19.1

I was the only one in the hostel last night. I thought of sleeping in the recliner in front of the television but decided to try the futon. It was too short and uncomfortable. I moved to the bunk in the bunk room and slept great. I got up, moving, and on trail by 715am. The hike started with a .6 mile uphill to the trail. The trail was quiet because we are exiting the Shenandoahs. Hikers are no longer required to stay in shelters and I started between shelters. I was walking along and came across a hiker getting water, it was Longfeather. I chatted with him and moved on. He is doing well except he¢s got shin splints from trying to keep up with a faster hiker. I found a few blackberries and mulberries along the trail. There was also two coolers along the trail. One had sodas, and one had waters. I picked up a package at Mountain Cabin Inn, very cute place. In and around Front Royal it was loud: dogs, trucks, and lawnmowers. I made it to the first shelter. It was beautiful: front porch, covered pavilion area, privy, shower, and horseshoe pits. I caught up to the MN Hikings. Memorial and Gingerbread are at least 1.5-2 days ahead. It got warm in the afternoon and I stopped at the second shelter. There was a guy dressed in a tyvek suit, helmet, face guard, gloves, ear protection, and boots. He was running a string trimmer and was trimming along the trail-Thanks. I decided to push on to the third shelter-Whiskey Hollow Shelter. I made it there by 430. I decided it was a sleep in the shelter night. There are 6 women section hikers here. 4 tenting and 2 in the shelter.  They are all on the shelter deck preparing and eating. They are talking alot! One more than the other. Maybe I should have tented. All of the MN Hikings showed up at the shelter, they are tenting. I met two guys on trail today, Troubadour and Freebird. After dinner the ladies started a fire. Wizard and Troubadour entertained us with guitar and singing.Wildlife update: Squirrels, bunny, turkey vultures.
Date: 2019-06-23
From: Whiskey Hallow Shelter 

To: Bears Den Hostel 
Miles today: 18.2

So last night turned out nice. Wizard brought down his guitar and he and Troubadour played and sang. The ladies joined in , and a campfire was made. I went to bed early as I was exhausted. I woke up and the two ladies in the shelter were moving also so I didn¢t have to worry about waking them.  I forgot to mention yesterday. I was standing in the shelter talking to the two ladies and I saw a massive spider moving toward one of them. I tried to get her to move but I could not talk. I reached to move her and she didn¢t know what I was doing. By the time I was able to do anything the spider had jumped from the bench, crawled up her back and it was on her shoulder. This spider was massive, not a tarantula, but big like that. I swatted it off and it landed midway down her back. I swatted it again and it fell to the floor. The other lady ran over and stepped on it. There was a noticeable crunch ?. I got onto the trail before 7. I knew I had a long day, and it was going to be hot. The trail started out nice then got overgrown. I was first out so I was cleaning spider webs. There were some open areas today which is nice because you walk in the woods for so long it¢s nice to see some openness. I saw my first other hikers at 8. but they were far away and on another trail. I didn¢t see too many through hikers today. I stopped at 1100 and took a break. I ate a hiker dinner because I¢m out of my normal lunch stuff until tomorrow. While eating I had a butterfly land on me. I knew in a half mile I was going to get to the roller coaster. The roller coaster is a fourteen mile stretch of short (300-500) foot inclines and declines. It was not fun! Especially because I had already walked! almost 9 miles and it was 1200, and getting hot.  Every climb and decent is different longer/shorter more/less incline or decline. I made it through 8 of the 11 inclines and stopped at Bears Den Hostel. Bears Den is owned and operated by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. They have a special where you get a bunk, laundry, shower, pizza, ice cream, and soda for $30. I only needed tent space and shower, $12. I did end up buying a pizza and ice cream for $11. I chilled in the common area and watched part of Blazing Saddles and part of Shaun of the Dead. The place is made of stone and looks like a castle. It is very clean and the hot shower was nice. Oh, they have make your own pancakes in the morning. They supply everything you just have to make them. My alarm is set for 530. I want to get on trail early and finish the roller coaster. I also want to make it to Harper¢s Ferry. Update: I made it to the 1000 mile marker today. Wildlife update: Big bunny, and baby bunny.
Date: 2019-06-25
From: HarperÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Ferry

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 
Miles today: 17.4

I stayed in Harper¢s Ferry last night at the Quality Inn. It was nice and I woke up early and forced myself back to sleep. Usually I¢m up at 530 and on trail around 700. The ATC didn¢t open until 900, and it was a 10 minute walk so I had time to waste. I went down stairs and had breakfast: coffee, waffle, 4 bowls of Froot Loops, a small muffin, and a small yogurt. I watched the news, which I really don¢t miss. I went back to the room and took my time packing. I walked to the post office and mailed some postcards. Next stop was the ATC Headquarters. I walked up and there was already 12 hikers waiting for them to open, alot of familiar faces. They opened and took everyone¢s individual photos in front of the building. Once you have your photo taken you write your information on it and it goes into the class of 2019 book. At the beginning, Springer Mtn. I got a tag I zip tied to my pack with the number 2208 on it. At the ATC today they put a number on your photo marking how many through hikers have made it to Harper¢s and are continuing to Maine. I got number 1104. I then went back to the trail where I had left it yesterday and looked for the outfitters as I needed food for four days. Once that was done I crossed the Potomac and started walking on the C&O Canal Towpath at 1030am. It was nice because it was cinder pathway and it was level. But it was only partly shaded. This went on for almost 4 miles, it got old. I like walking on trail as I¢ve previously stated, I don¢t much care for level surfaces. I was tired today in spite of having slept in a hotel. I got to the first shelter and I took a nap. I set an alarm for 30 minutes. I am pretty sure I was OUT!  I had planned on staying at the third shelter but I found just past that there is a campsite with showers, free. So I was headed there. Water seems to be far off the trail in this area but, there was a park, Gath¢s Empty Tomb, which had water and water bathrooms. I got water there and continued. I don¢t know how to describe it but the trail since the Shenandoahs seems less ¢traily¢, you can hear town noises and it just doesn¢t seem as pretty. It is pretty in places but sometimes it¢s like walking on the Prairie Path behind the old Dominicks in West Chicago, Illinois. Like it¢s nice to be out in the nature but you know town is right there. I have not really felt that until now. I made it to the campground, which is designed for hikers only. There are about 8 tent pads with fire ring and picnic table. There is also a bath house with hot showers and clean water. I set up camp, ate dinner, showered and just chilled out. The other two things that are making it feel less ¢traily¢ is I have not seen much wildlife and I have not seen many through hikers. Hikers seem to be more spread out, and a big group went into DC. I also did not notice any stealth camping spots. Wildlife update: Tiny toads.
Date: 2019-06-26
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 1042.7

To: Raven Rock Shelter - (not to be confused with Ragnar Rock?) mile 1061.5
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I started out slow today, I just couldn¢t get moving. I was the last one out of camp, which is unusual. There was a road crossing a quarter mile out of camp. There were three coolers there, Trail Magic! I got an icy Coke. I normally don¢t drink much soda but man an icy Coke taste so good.I got to Washington Monument State Park and got to climb to the top of the monument. The monument was closed for renovations but the workers let us in. I stopped at the first shelter to take a quick nap. After yesterday¢s nap I decided I really like naps. Early in the trip I took many more breaks. The naps have been great breaks and it¢s only 30 minutes. I feel so much better. While napping a trail runner and a trail maintainer both stopped by to check on the shelter and to clean up garbage.I got back on trial and I saw two different people running the trail. One of them flew past me on an uphill. He was just bouncing and skipping right up the hill, no problem. He also looked like a Kenyan, and maybe weighed 135 lbs. It was hot today and I was getting tired at about 330. I was contemplating hitching into town and getting something cold to drink. At the road crossing I saw a sign for trail magic. A friend of a few of the people I¢ve been hiking around brought magic. I had a coke, piece of chicken, beer, fruit, Oreo double stuff, chips ahoy, and a Powerade. It hit the spot and kept me going.I had 5 more miles and I knew the last mile was steep and I¢d have to carry up 2 liters of water. I came across a SOBO hiker who had really long hair and beard, like a wizard from the hobbit. He was wearing long pants and a long sleeve sweater shirt. It looked like wool. He started talking to about places to see and stay south of me, at that point I was like, I have to get moving, and he just kept talking. After 20 minutes I finally got away. I made it to the shelter and I heard kids yelling. There is a group of six kids, 4 girls and 2 boys doing a school camping trip with two supervisors. They were not that loud, and I chatted with the supervisors while enjoying my dinner. I slept with my rain fly half off the tent to get some air circulation. I haven¢t done that in a month, it was warm last night. Wildlife update: squirrels.
Date: 2019-06-30
From: Stealth Site at Center Point Knob 1120.4

To: Hawk Rock
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Sooooo, I have decided to try and make it Duncannon today. It¢s going to be hot but not as hot as the past two days. The terrain is relatively flat and there is supposed to be some open area walking. Oh, Duncannon is 28+ miles away.I woke up at normal time and started packing. One of the other hikers offered me a ziplock full of Nestcafe coffees. I thanked her profusely. I have only been able to find Tasters Choice lately and I need a change. I headed out and the trail opened up into some farm fields. I saw a blue bird and a doe with two fawn. I met a lady out running and she suggested I go to the diner in Boiling Springs. I went to the diner and it was good. It cut into my hiking time. I move along pretty good but with incline, breaks, terrain, and heat I always figure my pace at 2 mph. If I get there sooner its a bonus. If I get there later oh well, I¢m retired. That being said, to walk 28 miles would take me 14 hours. Leaving camp at 700 means I stop walking at 9 pm. The sun sets at 840ish. After Boiling Springs the trail went through farm fields, meadows, and through the woods. It was a very pleasant day. I saw another fawn, several more deer, ducks, toads, cows, many bunnies, and a snake.As I was approaching a shelter at mile 17 of my journey, I saw medical tape wrapped around a tree and thought it was odd. The tape was holding a sign that said: Trail Magic 2.5 miles ahead: Beer and burgers-breakfast the 29th & 30th. I now continued with a purpose. I was beginning to wonder about the possibility of trail magic today. It was hot and sunny and there were many road crossings. I was beginning to think my trail magic(TM)streak was over.I got to the road where the TM was happening and there were two men in their 20s doing TM. One had through hiked in ¢16 & one in ¢17. They were just giving back. I tried explaining this to a day hiker earlier and she didn¢t understand. Anyway, I had a Coke, two cheese burgers, potato chips, 4 Oreo double stuff, 2 Mooseheads, and a Coronita. I thanked them very much and they invited me to stay and eat and drink more, but I had more miles to do. I got to just outside of Duncannon and found a beautiful overlook of the valley and a nice stealth camping spot. It was about 815 and the sun was setting in my full view. I decided to watch the sunset from here, set up camp at the stealth spot and hike into Duncannon in the morning. The sunset was amazing and got better for the 45 minutes after setting. I did not watch that long but I could see the orange sky as I was setting up my tent. I started to get bitten by mosquitoes. I have seen mosquitoes but they have not been aggressive. They became aggressive and I got into my tent. I have not used bug spray yet, June 30th! I did not make it to Duncannon but I did hike 26.5 miles today. Only one blister, a good one, but only one. Wildlife update: see above.
Date: 2019-07-02
From: Stealth Site - 1163.7

To: Stealth Site - 1183.4
Miles today: 19.7

I woke up in my stealth spot alone as the hikers I met yesterday hiked further. I retrieved my bear bag and made coffee. I decided I needed more calories so I ate 3 oatmeals today. After that I made another coffee and I think I fell back to sleep for a few minutes.I started hiking and found Slim, Buster and another guy as they were packing. I continued and the day was uneventful. It was hot again and humid so I was moving slow. I was wondering what I might write for today, I then stepped over a log and saw a coiled rattle snake sunning itself on the trail against a stone. I made a wide berth around it. I then went back and passed it again so I could leave a note for Slim and his dog. I then walked around it a 3rd time to get headed back north. I left a note on that side too. A few miles later I saw a sign for ¢alternate dry route¢ and ¢wet route, beaver dam.¢ I chose the beaver dam. The beaver dam was incredible. I had to have been at least 300 yards long. There were some stones and logs along the way but no matter what you did your feet were going to get wet. I grabbed a walking stick to steady myself. At one point I was walking on top of the dam. It was an amazing engineering feat. I was about 2.5 miles from my intended stopping point and I got a weather alert and started hearing thunder. I was able to make it to camp, get set up, and finish cooking dinner before the rain started. I did have to eat dinner in the tent to be out of the rain. Wildlife update: Rattlesnake