morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Lynn Creek Campsite

To: Burkes Garden
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

Sleeping in a deep valley with a "babbling creek" sounds great, but add rain and a rhododendron forrest the combination makes for a humid moist environment. Everything feels clammy and wet. Then the sun came out, creating a sauna effect. Up and up the hike progressed, it took five hours to go 8 miles, an impossibly slow pace. Add water was scarce on this section, and I really thought I would have a heat stroke. At the top is Chestnut Knob Shelter, a terrific and well maintained one. View was off into a buconic valley that was either created by a dormant volcano or collapsed limestone sinkholes. The locals say volcano, due to the rich fertile soil. Around 6:00 our group had grown to 10, that came to a consensus we wanted to stay at the well reviewed hostel here. Unfortunately the proprietor did not answer or return our calls. At the gap (a gravel forestry road) was an adorable Amish family with their buggy and horse tied up while they cooked hot dogs and snores over a fire. They saw our plight and suggested we contact a local parishioner who came up with three vehicles to pick up some weary travelers, take us into the valley to the cutest little valley, for $10 per person! As we were getting settled in, the local Amish opened their cute country store up and prepared a warm healthy meal for us. I can't tell you how many times I heard ummm this is so good! After stuffing ourselves, stepping outside was a double rainbow. The trail provides!
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Burkes Garden

To: Helveys Mills Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Not much to show or tell except hiking in rain. Started late 10:30, due to ride from hostel. Storm clouds in distance. Hiked nine miles before stopping at Laurel Creek for lunch, soaked feet in creek. Started back and didn't stop till I got to shelter. Poured for the last 3 miles, stopped long enough to set up hammock, fix dinner, then crawl in the sack and rub my feet. Fell asleep to a thunderstorm rolling over me. I could feel the humidity rising in the air.
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Helveys Mills Shelter

To: Lickskillet Hostel
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: few clouds

Packed up camp, hiked out at 8:00. I've developed a blister in my arch of the left foot. Along with the bruise in the same spot, seems an odd place to develop both. Rain is predicted at 11:00, fortunately it didn't hit till 11:30. Oh it's the small things that matter. We found out there is a new hostel that has opened on donations. So made a beeline for the Lickskillet Hostel near Bland. Owner attempted a 2015 thru hike, he bought a closed church and is in the process of building his facility. It has an outdoor shower, smallest washing machine I've ever seen and limited resupply. I took advantage of what I could. Hopefully weather is predicted to clear up tonight for a good hike tmw. I need 21 miles tomorrow to get to Woods Hole Hostel for the resupply B-cubed has sent me along with a zero day to get some rehab on foot. Tired of the rain and the wet clothes.
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Lickskillet Hostel

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: broken clouds

Due to some Magic from Magic Mike, he arranged for us to slack pack to Woods Hole. Up and at it at 8:00 - big day - 20 miles. Skipped breakfast - due to a little market 8 miles in. Trents Market turned out to be .7 off the trail, but that's ok I'm hungry. Once arrived found a neat little country store similar to what my great uncle had near Lewisburg. It had a little bit of everything, from bear traps, to plumbing or electrical supplies to food, prepared or packaged. I opted for a balogna and cheese sandwich with chips, honeybun, peanut butter crackers, and topped it off with a Gatorade. Back to the trail and short ways in came to Dismal Falls. Beautiful site and would have been a great campsite. Onward came up on a good size pond with fish in it. Wish I had a pole and could relax here for the ray of the day. Short ways past this was Wapiti shelter (log book says two women were murdered here - google this for more about the 1981 murder here) This section of trail has water every 15 feet, we follow Dismal creek for most of the day, but once leaving the shelter it's a dramatic climb up and the water is scarce. But guess what? So far no rain, but it is humid, dripping wet humid. After all the AT pretty much follows a temperate rain forest. The climb is from 2500 to the top of Sugar Run Mtn at 4023'. Nice view from the site of a cell tower site. Nobody climbed the towers, we still had 3 miles to the hostel. As we hiked the discussion flowed in and out of staying st the hostel. Some bad reviews, some were concerned about resupply (paying to shuttle into a town that was really right on the trail but 11 miles further). Once we arrived there I was of the mind to keep on hiking to Docs shelter 2.3 more miles. While there Rocket & Rockette were there! He had to stop for a few days to give his knees some rest. I'm sorry I didn't get to talk with them more, but it was getting late and we had to move. Picked up the resupply box and proceeded to get a lecture from the owner about how this wasn't right (is having our backpacks dropped there but not staying the night) I have no patience for this and don't see where I caused any monetary harm to them, after all they charged me $5 for the box that the post office delivered to them. But she is entitled to her opinion. I may write her an apology letter later. Arrived at shelter around 8:00- what a day. If you count the side trails today I have walked 28+ miles. My dogs are screaming. Too tired to heat up a meal, I tear open a tuna pack with a tortilla and an energy bar. Set up hammock and take off the shoes to see the damage. Two big ugly blisters. Not sure why I'm getting blisters and bruises, my feet should be tougher now than at the beginning. I think as soon as I laid my head down I was out.
Date: 2017-06-21
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 9.4

Trail tradition is to hike naked on 6/21.Will he or won't he? What do you think?Weather was still cooperative and with a good breeze it was a very comfortable hike today. Great view of the valley and into Pearisburg, VA. Lots of history here from early settlers to the Civil War battles. At one battle here three future presidents fought here. At one time there were 5000 acres of an apple orchard for one land owner. What? Hotel we stayed at was very clean and priced reasonably for thru hikers. Spent most of the afternoon soaking in the hotels pool hoping it helps with blisters and sore muscle recovery. Found a bag of epsom salt in the hiker box - score free. Spent most of night drying and cleaning gear out. Shoulder straps still smell like a pigs armpit, but the rest is as fresh as a spring meadow. Imagine how those two attack the senses.
Date: 2017-06-22
To: Pearisburg 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I slept till 8:30, which in my book is wasted half the day. But I needed it. Walked to Hardee's for breakfast then on to Food Lion for grocery shopping. Next town is almost 90 miles, so I need five days worth of food and keeping the weight down is important. I look for food that will deliver over 100 calories per ounce. So meals become a random conglomeration. Tortilla with peanut butter, Nutella, and honey. Ramen with instant potatoes and some kind of summer sausage. Honey Buns, nutty buddy, chips, and pop tarts. For some town food I got a bag of nectarines and bananas. Ate dinner at a Mexican Restaurant followed up with a few beers to round out the carbs. Spent a lot of the day soaking my feet and nursing the injuries. Weather reports are showing Tropical Storm Cindy coming through and dropping 3-5 inches of rain - so there may be another zero, which I won't be to upset about for numerous reasons.
Date: 2017-06-23
To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Tropical storm Cindy was predicted to roll through and dump 3-5 inches of rain. I chose to stay inPearisburg and avoid the possible danger of extreme weather. Most of the day was not stormy at all. As usual if I plan around the weather, it does just the opposite. However at 12 midnight the tornado warning horn went off, but no damage could be seen the next day except leaves blown around.
Date: 2017-06-24
From: Pearisburg

To: Stony Creek VA 635
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After escaping the matrix of town, about the only thing exciting to report today was the bridge crossing of the New River. The bridge has a barrier protecting pedestrians from traffic. Once across we passed a landfill, entered a Forrest that warned us of Lyme disease and due to Forrest infestation of the gypsy moth not to camp in a large section. Also an iconic campsite at a private individual called the "captain" was closed. He has a zip line across the creek to his home and allows hikers to camp in his yard for free. Due to his dog biting someone it was closed. We did cross a large meadow dotted with apple trees, so that was interesting. Made it about as far as I could to a creek crossing with a footbridge that had flat spots for campsite.
Date: 2017-06-25
From: Stony Creek VA 635

To: Campsite near Sinking Creek
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: clear sky

Views started getting better today. With large views of the valley below the day started better than yesterday and ended with us crossing several fields that have cattle stiles allowing us onto private land (I suppose). Beautifully maintained fields but the streams warn us not to get water here due to runoff. Made it to a quasi campsite that apparently had an old home on it at one time. And the only real choice I had for hanging my hammock was across the trail. Didn't really want to do this because it's rude, but it was late and didn't think any hikers would come through. Wrong three did and I apologized each time. Made a campfire and ate dinner and quickly to bed.
Date: 2017-06-28
From: Campsite near Sinking Creek

To: McAfee Knob
Miles today: 54.9
Weather: clear sky

Dear reader, I apologize for neglecting this journal. We have been moving and shaking down the trail and so much has happened since my last entry so I'm compressing entries for the next few days till I catch up. Campsite at Sinking Creek was ok, but no stress had another encounter last night with a mouse. This one chewed a hole through the net to get in. Food was safely hung, so we have no idea why it wanted in so bad. But as we went to bed, I could hear him cussin, so up I get to see what's going on. Another battle royale as he attempts to dislodge the critter from all his gear in the tent. So glad I'm elevated in my hammock. As we left and hiked over the next three days, we saw lots of pastures, cows, and farms. Of course people will say VA is flatter, what they leave out, are the scattering of steep climbs and ridges with rocks scattered every which way. In of it by itself rocks are ok if solid large and flat, but not here. Loose, pointed, and sometimes slippery. Lots of fun with shoes that are worn out. Can't wait for B- cubed to bring my new ones next week. We did stay one night at Four Pines Hostel. My recommendation is to skip this pit. I slept on a pool lounge chair. One of those with the rubber / plastic straps. Half of which were missing. Which made for an interesting angle of sleep, otherwise it might have been better on the ground, even with the interesting stains on the concrete floor. Notable event was McAfee Knob. This is an iconic photo spot. If you've seen the movie "a walk in the woods" you know what I'm talking about. We got there mid day, I face timed with my wife, parents, and in-laws. Wonderful to talk with them and share this beautiful landmark. We walked down the mountain about a mile, as signs warned of steep fines for camping on the ledge. Slept at the campsite labeled "old pig farm". As someone who raised hogs, this didn't sound appealing, but there was no sign of a Farm, much less pigs. Enjoyed McAfee so much we hiked back up for a sunset view. Gorgeous, is about the only adjective that comes to mind.
Date: 2017-06-30
From: McAfee Knob

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 27.2
Weather: few clouds

Left McAfee to Tinker Ridge- this Ridge is a little lower but has great view back down the east facing McAfee valley, so we can see down the beautiful valley south facing with its farms and homes. The terrain is decidedly dryer, so it reminds me of some of the ridges on South Fork in TN. Hiked into Daleville to eat at the Three Pigs restaurant- hikers get free banana pudding. This was deliciousness- and not from a tub- the real stuff. We gathered up our missing wolf pack member- BushMaster was waiting for us. Headed out to the next shelter- stopped early in day and set up camp. Bushmaster had a bear jump out in front of him about Five feet. Sounded as if he scared the bear more than it scared him. He was more upset about not having his camera ready.
Date: 2017-07-02
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Glasgow 
Miles today: 46.0
Weather: scattered clouds

B-Cubed is coming Saturday so the time slowed down for me. We all needed a mini-vacation. One guy who we leap frogged with was named tree house- he started in Feb. but had done some work for stay in Damascus. Something like 90 days, he was wearing a tie- asked him why, his comment was just another day at work. Not something I want this hike to turn into. Anyway, once Trinda arrived she brought White Castle burgers from home. Magic can't get them in NC and had never had them before. We gobbled them down as two park rangers came up. Another story for another day- ask me sometime I'm positive I will always remember this situation. We got into Glasgow where they have a free shelter with shower near a grocery store and Italian restaurant. We took a zero and met up with Ginger and Captain and Radar. Got a quasi cooler some adult beverages and went to Cove Mtn Lake park for a swim in the refreshing lake.
Date: 2017-07-03
From: Glasgow Glow

To: Martinsburg, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

it's my Birthday!We drove up to No Stress's cousin home in West Virginia. They were so kind to allow us stinky strangers to use their beautiful home. Rod put together a feast and it was much appreciated. Bcubed surprised me with a cake and some gear for camping - I had no idea how she snuck a birthday cake into our little truck that was jammed full of gear. We washed and treated our gear for ticks, showered , then showered again.
Date: 2017-07-05
From: Martinsburg, WV

To: Washington, D.C. 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I know the days are piling up with zero's, but I had plans to hike into Harpers Ferry, take the Amtrak train into D.C. and see the fireworks on the National Mall. We did all of that and Magics family made it up  as well. What a blast- literally. We gathered on the lawn between the Washington monument and the Capital and a good time was had by all. On the fifth we walked the mall again and visited the air and space museum, natural history museum and the WW2 memorial. Makes one proud and fortunate to be Americans. Caught the train back and gotta tell you that is a nice way to travel. Easy breezy. We got back to harpers in time , park closes at 7pm and the rain. So we drove down to Waynesboro, VA with plan to hike southbound as slack packing with B cubed running the truck between gaps.
Date: 2017-07-09
From: Waynesboro

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 77.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Waynesboro south for five miles is a wonderful trail - pretty much like walking in a park  After that 72 miles of mountains and rocks. I did take one day off because the gaps were on ugly gravel forest roads and didn't want to chance a truck breakdown in the middle of nowhere without phone service. I enjoyed the alone time with Bcubed and made the most of the time I had to be with her. At the end on the James River Bridge we staged this shot -see if you can read it. And then back to Waynesboro for our logistics day to Aqua Blaze. This involves renting canoes to float on one of the few rivers that flows north. It shadows the Shenandoah park and AT. Bcubed and I will come back this fall to hike the 100 miles - hoping the fall colors cooperate. Birthday is rejoining the pack and will float the river with us. Then we all plan to flip up to Maine at Harpers Ferry (150 mikes from here). This will allow us to hike in cooler temps up north and hike closer to home. That's the plan right now. Bcubed left this morning, and I was seriously tempted to just stop and go home. It's really hard to be away from the security and comfort of your own home along with your loved ones. I truly miss my wife and know it's potentially 3 months before I can hug her again. That's a tough one for me. Trinda- Thanks for your support and encouragement- love you
Date: 2017-07-16
From: Waynesboro

To: Watermelon Park
Miles today: 150.0
Weather: clear sky

After Bcubed left, five of us guys bunked in a Days Inn motel room. It looked like a frat house with exploded backpacks. We had two coolers, food for an army, and one kayak. Monday 7/10 we got a shuttle to PortRepublic boat launch. Three canoes rented and a kayak for the 7th person. Captain and Ginger met us there and off we set up the southern fork of the Shenandoah river. Day one Magic and I were in a canoe together. My knowledge of canoes and class 1 river rapids is pathetic, and magic wasn't any better. By three day one we had dumped our gear by getting sideways in a rapid and stuck against a rock. Down the river The rest of the pack was picking up honey buns and other food that got away from us. Luckily only pride was hurt and the gear can dry out. See if you spot the wildlife in the posted picture  We had three portages, one was supported by the outfitter, so it wasn't bad at all. The other two required emptying the vessels and carrying canoes and gear below the dams. Most of the river is class 1 or flat water. But when it was class 1 the water level was so low we drug bottom, or got out and pulled the boats through low water. After day 1 I switched with bday for the kayak, better on my back and my stress. But quickly found I had drug bottom so many times I had developed a hole in the bottom and needed to stop every five miles to drain. Day two we stealth camped at someone's cabin. No sign of a recent stay by the owner and no signs warning us not to trespass. We left it same if not better than when we got there. Day three met up with JoJo, Mr Snickers, Tin Man and Sunset. We enjoyed a lazy paddle down the river and swam at a good deep pool of slow moving water. Very refreshing. Day four JoJo and her group went to the Luray covers, while we continued down the river. Found out Duct Tape will stick to a walmart plastic kayak and keep the water out! Stayed at Low Water Bridge campground- free for thru hikers. Well worth twice the money....seriously nice campground with showers. Day five made it to Front Royal, and stayed at a VFW picnic pavilion - stealth. That day it freaking poured on us for about two hours - serious fun  Day six- 35 miles to watermelon park and our exit point. Seven pm and four miles to go - wore out and ready to get back to hiking  missing the backpack and my arms feel like jello while my hands are seriously cramping from using a paddle instead of trekking poles. Watermelon Park, let's say I thought we had crossed the Rio Grande, almost the entire campground was playing Mexican music and the food being cooked smelled wonderful. There are some wonderful families here enjoying the weekend and beautiful river.Checkedboats in for refund and spent Sunday relaxing and planning for our re-entry to the trail. We all enjoyed the break, but want to get back to life in the woods.
Date: 2017-07-22
From: Watermelon Park

To: Millinocket, ME
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After spending the night in hammock at edge of creek at Watermelon park, we were taken in by a fella from GA who became a trail angel to us all. Thank you Warren Wren. He shuttled us to town for supplies and laundry, then Monday on his way to work at 4:30 am dropped off a truckload of hikers - all nine of us - the 5 Wolfpack, two Canadians, and Captain slippy and Ginger. Hiked into Harpers Ferry, first hike with head lamp. That was fun and somewhat cooler - I'll need to do that more often. 20 miles and as the day progressed it got exponentially hotter. I should have drank more water, but sources were scarce. Harpers Ferry is a beautiful historical town, I could spend days here looking at sights. Stopped at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy office and had my picture taken and recorded as the 1608th thru hiker to make it that far  We ended up in a B&B that had cots that were very comfortable, maybe too comfortable. No- Stress arranged with his father to drive the wolf pack to Maine so we could flip-flop south and avoid the oppressive heat. The heat index for HF was 107 - way too hot to hike safely, at least for this fella. Ride up was comfortable in his van and we stopped one night in Sturbridge, MA. We went down the street to eat at a BBQ joint, and came upon more trail magic. The fella running the register noticed magics AT necklace and even though the place was packed and he was obviously very busy asked if we were thru hikers and proceeded to pay for our dinners, through in a bag of jerky and some beers - thank you PigPen 2015 AT thru hike. On the ride up we finally started looking into how we start a flip flop. Apparently Baxter State Park doesn't follow the rules of every other park I've been to. They limit how many people they allow in and the size of your vehicle, how long you can stay, what you can carry, and too many other rules th mention here. When I called to get a permit, they advised they were booked for a week, but if we wanted to wait at the park entrance we could possibly enter as "stand by". Meaning if someone who had a permit to enter failed to show up we could take their place. What a catastrophe!