morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

It was raining as predicted and I figured that if I hiked the 11 miles in the rain to meet Karen, I might be a little "out of sorts" (pissy).  So, we changed plans and Karen met me at the shelter. This was my first zero day in the woods.  Some people prefer them to zeroes in a town, but not me.  I was bored out of my mind!  Nothing to do, nowhere to go, ...  It is always fun to talk with hikers, but I had spent the better part of the last week with these folks so we didn't have much new to talk about...  Finally, Karen came and all that changed. We drove away (boy do cars go fast) to spend a zero day together in Marion, Va. at the Windswept B&B.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Marion, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was/is a bittersweet day. It is the first anniversary of my dad's passing, so I am a little preoccupied with that.  On the other hand, I am with Karen at a beautiful B&B, and I can't imagine a sweeter way to spend the day.  She helped me do all of my town chores (we ate, hung out, did laundry, I ate,  we re-supplied for the next leg of the hike, I ate, and we went out to dinner).  The B&B is wonderful, but it won't exist much longer; the couple who run it are moving to NC to be near their grandson.  Marion is one of the larger towns I have been in recently, about 6,000 people.  It is nice enough, and has a few nice restaurants, but the B&B has made the town so memorable.  I will try to remember to take pictures tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-22
From: Marion, Va

To: Davis Path Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

A week ago, just after Karen dropped me off to continue my hike , I hurt my knee.  She brought me back to Raleigh and I have been rehabbing it since.  I am happy to report that the knee is fine and I am back hiking today.  Just to let folks know, while I write my journal entries each night, I don't usually have the ability to update my journal until I get to a town.  Also the upload feature seems to rotate the pictures sometimes.  I fix whatever I notice - please bear with me.  Next update should be in about a week when I reach Pearisburg, Va.
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Davis Path Campsite

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Transitions are sometimes difficult.  For quite a while I had been thinking how great being at home would be.  Karen would be there, the food would be great, a bed to sleep in, a big screen TV, my recliner, etc.  Well, I was home last week and it was hard.  Being with Karen, spending some time with my sons, and seeing friends was great.  But, Raleigh felt crowded, the bed wasn't comfortable, TV was boring, and I had no purpose.  I just wanted to be back hiking the trail.  Well, this is my second day back and I know I want to do this hike more than ever.  I think I am finally a long distance hiker.  I also know that when the hike is done, I want go home to Karen, family, and friends.  People say that is a difficult transition too. We will see.
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

I don't believe I have ever described the nighttime hiking routine.  When I reach camp for the night, the first thing is to pitch the tent (wouldn't want to get caught by rain) and get everything inside that goes in the tent.  Next, I usually throw my bear bag line over a tree branch and get it ready for hanging the food.  Next is filling up my water. Finally it is time to cook and eat dinner and then brush teeth. Then bear bag the food and smellies (tooth paste, etc.).  Then we socialize until dark when most people go to bed.  When I go to my tent I text Karen (when there is a signal) and then I write my journal entry for the day.  After bigger mile days, like today, there isn't much more time (it is 9:52 PM right now), but on other days I can fit a couple other things in.
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was the first day since my return to the trail where there was no rain.  5 miles into the hike there was a beautiful river crossing where I stayed for 2 hours.  I don't remember  doing anything special, but it felt like one of those lazy summer days when I was a kid. I talked with the other hikers as they came through, ate, and drank water. Finally, it was time to move on.  I made it to the shelter pretty early and spent some time around the campfire with Sunshine, Jabs, Firefox, and PR.  All in all a great day.
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Va. 606
Miles today: 16.0

Another sunny day. Did my 4th 10 by 12 and then finished the last 6.  I wound up with Squishy, Kennedy, Buda, Jabs, Coyote, Going Slow, and Firefox at a road crossing. There was a store/deli down the road, so we went there and filled up (ham and turkey sub with cheese, French fries,  Doritos, 3 sodas and 3 candy bars).  Then we came back to camp and cooked hot dogs and bacon over the campfire. I know it sounds disgusting, but a hot dog wrapped in bacon with cheese and ketchup in a bun tastes amazing.  And it is a vegetarian meal because we all know there is no meat in hot dogs or bacon.  Lots of time for socializing too!  BTW, I passed 600 miles today.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Va. 606

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Okay, so the hot dogs didn't sit so well this morning.  Otherwise, it was a great day.  Slept in and didn't break camp until 8:30.  Then I ate breakfast at the falls.  Finally, I wound up at the Woodshole Hostel. This place is amazing!  It is a sustainable living place owned and operated by the friendliest, young couple you will ever meet.  They have gardens, fruit trees, herbs, chickens, goats and pigs.  I was able to take a nice hot shower, do my laundry, and charge my electronics. They made big, delicious smoothies and they sell homemade bread and Amish made cheese. I can't wait to come back and spend a relaxing weekend here; I'll have to add it to the list.  Another wonderful place run by wonderful people.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Plaza Motel, Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.0

I walk down a side trail to get some water. 20 feet in front of the spring I see a baby deer lying across the trail. It couldn't have been more than two feet long and it's legs were curled up under it.  I immediately stop and look for the mother, figuring I might be in a bad spot. No mother to be seen and the baby still has not moved. I walk around it ( within two feet) and continue on to the water. It still hasn't moved. I get water, purify it, drink it and eat some bread and still the baby deer hasn't moved.  I figure the worst; it must be sick or injured and its mother left it.  I decide I am going to feel bad if I don't try to help it anyway.  I will give it some water and some bread. How to give it water?  Not in my hand, it is a wild animal.  Not in my cooking pot, especially if it is sick.  I will drop it from the water bag and hope to hit its tongue.  I get to within 3 inches of its head and start to dribble the water.  I figure it will stick it's tongue out but instead it gets up and bolts away.  Of course I don't have a picture because who wants to take the sad picture of a sick or injured baby deer?  And when a deer decides to run away there is no time for a photo. All's well that ends well, but it was cool.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Plaza Motel, Pearisburg

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 12.0

Today was a bit of a tough day. I was late leaving Pearisburg and didn't get to the trail until 11:00AM.  So, it's hot, it's the middle of the day, my pack is as heavy as it ever gets because I just reapplied in town, and I have a 1,500 ft climb out of town. Need I say more?  Eventually I do make it up to the top and continue trudging on. Around 4PM the skies open up and I get a little wet. I cover myself with a tarp, lean up against a tree, snooze a bit and wait out some loud thunderstorms. But I am between campsites, so I decide to go on when the storms lessen. Probably not the best idea as I got totally soaked to the bone - shirt, pants, underwear, socks and boots were all drenched. Finally I see a spot where people have camped before and I set up camp for the night.  I have changed clothes and gotten into my sleeping bag and now things seem a little better.  At least I am dry and warm.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a good day.  The morning started out cool, foggy and not raining.  This is good weather for hiking and I enjoyed the first seven miles to the shelter.  By then the sun had come out and I stayed extra long to let my clothes from yesterday dry out.  The dry clothes made me very, very happy.  The next four miles were very wet and the streams I had to cross were overflowing.  Towards the end of the day I got to Wind Rock and saw my first view of the day. Then I pushed on to the campsite.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Campsite

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Today there were some good views and so I took a lot of pictures.  The AT is often compared to "hiking in a green tunnel", referring to the constant canopy of leaves.  Since the leaves are now out, there are many fewer views. This is true in the valleys as well as up on the ridges.  In fact, I don't think any peak in the south gets above tree line, even Clingmans Dome which is higher than Mt. Washington.  But, like I said, today was different and there were views.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

The weather started out foggy and threatened rain until about 3PM. Usually, I just leave the camera packed safely away on days like this.  However, I thought that today I would try to show what it is like in messy weather.  Plus the Continental Divide and the Audie Murphy Monument were both cool.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

6/217 miles. 19 pics. 1 video.  Campbell ShelterToday I saw both Dragons Tooth and McAfee Knob.  Although "the book" says McAfee Knob has the best views in Virginia, I thought both spots were equally spectacular.  I couldn't bring myself to get closer to the edge of McAfee Knob; it was a long way down!  I did hear of one hiker who did a hand stand right on the edge... that's just wrong.  Also, I passed 700 miles today.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, Va.
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today I passed the Tinker cliffs. The views from there were awesome; at least as good as McAfee Knob yesterday.  Soon after, my feet started throbbing again, I mean really hurting, and all I could focus on was getting to town and getting off my feet.  My feet have been hurting for the past 3 days, and I am hoping that new insoles will solve the problem.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Daleville, Va.

To: Daleville, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I decided to take a zero day here at the Howard Johnson's, so I thought I would write about one issue the summer heat has brought about.  I sweat a lot during the hot days (everyone does) and couldn't figure out how to get my clothes dry by the next morning.  It is not much fun putting on wet underwear, socks and pants in the chilly morning air.  After many conversations and some failed attempts, I think I have the answer.  All the cotton stuff that helped keep me warmer in the colder times has to go because it never dries.  The rest I can dry on the back of the pack as I walk.  However, the trick is to then put the clothes into a zip lock bag at night so they don't get wet again from condensation in the tent.  If this works, and I think it will, it will be an absolutely huge improvement!  There are still some questions, like what happens when it rains, but I'll take what I can get for now.  It amazes me that this is even an issue, but I can assure you that it is.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Daleville, Va.

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

The dance with the beast has long since passed the physical phase (as long as the insoles work as expected).  But, the psychological  phase is far harder and lasts the entire dance.  Giving up modern life (city food and drinks, a hot shower, a comfortable bed and a dry room), putting on the heavy, smelly pack and walking back onto the trail each week is by far the harder test.  So describes today.  I am still committed to the dance, and so I write this journal entry from my tent instead of a motel or a bus heading home. Today, I win the dance.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Not much to say today.  I did meet some section hikers around lunch time who were into photography.  They showed me an app for my camera (Photosynth) that allows me to take panoramic pictures. Plan to try it as soon as possible.  Wish I had known about it back at McAfee knob and Tinker Cliffs. Oh well, maybe I will just have to go back there sometime.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I have decided that I will summit Mt. Katahdin on or before 9/15.  That means after today I have 100 days left on my hike.  I also have 1407 miles to go.  If I hike 15 miles each day, I will get about 6 zero days.  So, this is how I will be measuring each day; 15 or more miles is good, anything less is bad.  BTW, I will be trying to do more than 15 in order to build a cushion.  Wish me luck!
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

My first 20+ mile day.  I am exhausted, sore, and my feet are screaming at me. However, I had a thimble full of whiskey and some vitamin I and all of a sudden I feel much more relaxed. One might even say comfortable. It is now fair to say that the insoles worked as hoped.  While my feet are usually sore at the end of the day, they are not injured.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter

To: Buena Vista, Va.
Miles today: 2.0

We got an early ride into Buena Vista from Michael. He owns a wine shop in town and organizes rides for hikers.  He dropped us at the Bluedog Art Cafe where there was a terrific AYCE (All You Can Eat) breakfast.  Pan cakes, French toast, eggs, bacon, biscuits, fruit, juice, coffee and more!  It was so good that I went back for lunch!  After breakfast, I went to explore the town.  Apparently, it used to be called Green Forest until the government contracted for the town to make cannon balls during the Spanish American war.  The town is still recovering from two 100 year floods suffered in 1969 and 1985, and it is trying to attract hikers.  It is a nice town with very friendly people. I am glad I stopped here.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Buena Vista, Va.

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a nice day. The best part was just after I reached the shelter.  A group of 10 students and 3 instructors from the Virginia Wilderness School (not sure that is the correct name) came into the shelter for the night.  I got to meet just about everyone and thoroughly enjoyed talking with them and seeing their setup.  In the morning they will give me a piece of "brick" (peanut butter, oatmeal, honey, M&M's, and raisins mixed together).  they say it tastes good and is very filling.  I am looking forward to trying it.The hike was good today.  The first bit was a very tough climb, but after that it wasn't too difficult. Very nice weather for taking pictures.  I also passed 800 miles today.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Today was one of those miserable days.  It started to rain by about 10:30 AM. I got soaked and made it to the next shelter by about 11:30 AM.  I was cold and couldn't get dry, so I covered myself with the tent rainfly and watched a movie in the shelter.  At about 1:00 PM the rain stopped and I pushed on, still wet.  The last couple of miles was a tough climb and I sweated through my clothes and that soaking lasted the rest of the day and evening. It started really raining again about 7:00PM and is still raining (9:00).  It is still raining (1:00 AM) and some water has gotten into the tent (from the sides not from a leak). I guess this is just going to be an all around wet, uncomfortable day.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today, like yesterday, the beast came to dance.  Last night's rain lasted until about 10:30.  I had taken down the tent, packed up my backpack and started hiking by then.  So, needless to say, everything got wet, including me.  It stayed that way until about 4:00 PM when the sun came out. I sat on a rock ledge, looked at a nice view and set some clothes out to dry.  Then I saw a storm brewing, but it didn't hit until close to 8:00 PM, again soaking me (because I was still hiking because of the late start caused by the morning storm).  I am in the tent now; the inside is wet (a big no no) and it smells extra bad because of all the wet clothes.  Today the beast came to dance. At least I will be in town tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Campsite

To: Waynesboro, Va.
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good things come to those who wait. I am staying at a very nice bed and breakfast, Tree Streets Inn, in Waynesboro, Va.  I am lying in bed, dry, in an air conditioned room, with a television.  Oh the things we sometimes take for granted.It was a beautiful day and I was able to get all of my town chores done.  I also got two pig-out meals.  Since I am going to stay another day, I really have very little to do except rest and relax.  Good things come to those who wait.P.S.  I will try to remember to take pictures tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Waynesboro, Va.

To: Waynesboro, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Apparently, I am pretty single minded on zero days. I ate a wonderful breakfast at the B&B (eggs, bacon, home fries, toast, juice, granola and yogurt), watched TV, washed my sleeping bag (during which I ate 8 pop tarts, a candy bar and drank a soda), went to Weasie's Kitchen for lunch (grilled chicken sandwich and French Fries), went back to the B&B where I ate 3 bananas and drank a quart of orange juice.  I talked with the owners of the B&B (great people) and then spent the evening watching TV. I did get hungry around 8:00 PM so I ate another couple of pop tarts.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Waynesboro, Va.

To: Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a great day!  Just after I returned to the trail (I started the Shenandoah National Park today), I met up with Funny Bone. I had not seen him since April 11th at Fontana Dam. We spent the day walking together and catching up on the last two months. It still feels strange to have met up with him again after all this time.  We saw massive cell phone towers at the beginning of the park.  And then, to top it all off we saw a bear!  We were walking and heard a rustling noise off to the side in the leaves. I looked up expecting to see the usual squirrel, but it was a bear!  He scampered about 20 - 30 yards off the trail, stopped and watched us as we passed by. My first bear!  It only took 860 miles, but I saw my first bear!!!  I didn't make my planned 20 miles and I didn't make the necessary 15 miles, but somehow it didn't matter. Today was a special day.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Campsite

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day. I left camp around 7:00 AM, leaving Funny Bone behind. After about six miles I caught up to castaway and we walked together the rest of the day.  We went to our first camp store (the store services the adjacent public campground in the park) and pigged out. Then we met Robo and Tink, a couple hiking together.  Then Comma Kazi came in and finally Blue Sky joined us. The six of us decided to go to the Wayside (the name for restaurants in the park).  Who did we see there?  Funny Bone!  So, the seven of us pigged out and talked until about 5:30 PM.  After that, I could barely move, but still made it to the hut (in the park shelters are for daytime use only and a hut can be used at any time) along with the rest. During the hike I saw lots of great scenery and a deer just ahead of me on the trail.  The weather was great today.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn. hut
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My second 20+ mile day in a row!  New record!  Also, we passed the 900 mile mark today.  Hiked with the same group of folks as yesterday  and visited a camp store at the end of the day. I am very tired, so this is all I can write.
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Bearfence Mtn. hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a rain shortened day. It was raining in the morning and I decided to wait it out. So, I didn't leave camp until about 11:30 AM.  I then did the miles to the wayside (campground restaurant) and had a very nice meal. I then pushed on to the next shelter and outraced the rain. I had just put up my tent when it started to rain. So, I was able to stay  pretty much dry today and that is a good thing because it is a couple of days before my next town stop.  I really hate being wet for days in the woods.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Today I left camp early and had breakfast at the Skyline wayside. I was a little worried about going in, it being my fifth day on the trail, but the allure of bacon and eggs won out.  Fortunately, they were able to seat me far away from the other guests.  I guess they are used to this. Later in the day I met a couple from Iowa, yes Iowa, who were giving out trail magic. I got a soda and an orange. Their son  thru hiked last year and told them exactly what hikers would like. The soda was great, but the orange was like a thing from heaven.  Hiked with pretty much the same group as the last couple of days. I think this bubble will break up tomorrow as we are getting near the next town and we all seem to have different plans.  It has been a great group to hike with.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Pass Mtn. Shelter

To: Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 23.0

BIG mile day (for me at least).  I wasn't quite sure how I was going to resupply at Front Royal and Blue Sky mentioned this hostel. Mike, the owner, offers a shower, laundry and a trip into town to get groceries.  He is a hiker (thru hiked in '96), so he really knows what we need.  I got here about 5:30 PM and everything was done by 10:30!  After  shopping we sat around talking, eating, listening to music, and watching TV.  It was a great ending to a long, hot day.  When I walked in Sunshine was here. I have not seen him for about three weeks. It was good to see him and catch up.  Blue Sky and about five other guys were also here.
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Left the hostel somewhat late (9:30 ish) considering how hot it was today. Hiking in the early morning and taking a long lunch is way smarter. I won't make that mistake again.  Sunshine left at the same time and we walked together for the morning. Early on we saw a bear cub. This bear was not at all scared of us and after looking up at us went back to what he was doing.  We hurriedly checked for the mama bear, and not seeing her decided we needed to frighten the bear into leaving the trail. So we made a lot of noise, and the bear eventually left the trail.  Sunshine is a much faster hiker than I am and he pushed ahead after lunch. The afternoon hike was brutal;  it was very hot, the pack was heavy after my resupply, and there were some very steep climbs. I am not quite sure how I made it to the shelter, but I did. Now it is time to sleep because tomorrow is supposed to be hot again and I need to go a long way.