morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

The hike today was just lovely. It was very easy and gave some beautiful scenery. I made good time and got to Partnership in the early afternoon. After setting up my tent and making camp, Wooden Spoon and I hitched into town and went to Taco Bell. Important tasks first, of course. We resupplied at Food Lion, and while we were shopping there a torrential thunderstorm came through. We didn't want to stand in the pouring rain trying to hitch, so we called a taxi to take us back up to the trailhead near the shelter. By the time I was back at camp, the rain had mostly dropped off. There were a lot of folks here tonight, including two ladies also from Columbus! I enjoyed talking with new acquaintances, and trading tent tips with City Slicka. We both have the same tent which can be a finicky tent to pitch. After tomorrow the weather should be clear for almost a whole week, thank goodness!Happy birthday to my Dad! I've met many older than you out here - get your ass out here and hike!
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6

Guess what happened this morning - rain! Are you surprised? It actually was a mere drizzle mostly, with some heavy periods. Luckily it cleared up around noon and turned into a beautiful day. The day started with a few tough pointless ups and downs. But the rest of the terrain was downhill and easy. We got to I-81 near Atkins around 3. The trail passes a restaurant here called The Barn that has a hiker burger which is 16 oz.! I took that puppy down with chocolate pie a la mode for dessert.While eating, I looked at the weather which reported thunderstorms starting around 5. We decided to split a room at the luxurious, $40/night Relax Inn to avoid the storm. After all the rain we've had, plus knowing the next several days will be nice, we just didn't want to deal with moisture again tonight. The bad news is it really didn't end up storming down here, but we are telling ourselves that it did storm where we would have camped - just to make us feel better. A couple cold, near freezing nights coming up tomorrow and Monday, but I'll take it as long as it's dry!Happy birthday to my sister, Gretchen!
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Atkins, VA

To: Campsite by stream
Miles today: 14.5

Today was a beautiful, warm, sunny day. I had a great hike. The best part is that the big climb of the day was wonderfully switchbacked and was not difficult at all. As I was walking today, I was thinking about the rain. I realized that day after day of rain, or even one day of rain may really stink, but it is necessary. After a long stretch of great weather, the hiking becomes just hiking and making miles. After rain and bad weather, though, the next day or two of sunshine are not just nice, but invigorating. It makes hiking feel good, exciting, and inspirational - even the hard parts. Even in the sparse living of life on the trail, I find myself taking things for granted - nice days, for example, after many. Similar to the idea of needing darkness to enjoy light, rain and cold is necessary to fully embrace the beautiful weather. Today was a day where the sun was invigorating. Nothing could get my spirits down. It was a wonderful hike.Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mom! Wish I was there!
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Campsite by stream

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike today was tough! There were lots of ups and downs, and lots of miles. The day started with a small 600 foot warm up, and then soon after we had a gargantuan 2,100 foot climb. The first half was steep and nasty, but the second half was more gradual. It was hard, but at the top there was a breathtaking view of an entire Appalachian ridge. You could see where it started near us, and then it literally ran until it disappeared. Just awesome. At the top of the climb was a neat shelter in an open field. The shelter was fully enclosed with a closing door, and individual bunks. I wanted to stay there but mileage-wise I had to keep going, plus the forecasted low temperature of tonight is 35 degrees - and that's at 2,000 feet below the shelter. I figured I'd be cold enough tonight, no need to add altitude. After the climb we had a steep descent and then followed ridge line for about 8 miles. We were all deceived by how easy this stretch looked on paper. It was really just one small and steep up and down after another. It was challenging, especially after the big climb earlier. At one point I came upon a deer that was very close in front of me, and stayed long enough for me to snap a few pictures (didn't get one on my iPhone though, sorry). When I arrived at Jenkins Shelter there had to have been at least 15 tents set up, maybe 20. It was nuts, and it felt like early Georgia all over again. The privy here has no walls, which was interesting. I was a little nervous about getting walked up on! It was also heavily used as indicated by the less-than-a-foot distance between the seat and the top of the, uh, "pile". It amazes me, the things that would gross me out at home, but out here are just "oh, well"!
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Fort Bastian
Miles today: 4.8

Today we woke up with plans to hike a ten mile day to a place called Fort Bastian. Once I was up the first climb, I got service on my phone and called Trubrit, the owner of Ft. Bastian. He said it was easier for him to pick us up at the next road crossing, which made today's hike only about five miles. This was also good because Wooden Spoon's foot had started bothering her yesterday and was continuing to do so today. Trubrit showed us around the area and where we could set up our tents, and where the "party tent" was. He also told us all about his plans for the area which includes a huge outdoor recreation center. It sounds like a very cool idea but it appears there is a long way to go. The people hanging around here partied until early morning, but I was so tired I hit the sack around 10. I did enjoy a few beers though, and also learned some banjo!
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Fort Bastian

To: Random spot on ridge
Miles today: 14.0

This morning I got my phone charged up at Ft. Bastian and then we got a ride back to the trail. It was nice hiking all day, although it got really hot!I got ahead of Wooden Spoon after a while, and then got to the last water source before an eight mile waterless stretch. Lo and behold, creepy duffel bag man was here. I said nothing to him, filled my water, and then waited for Wooden Spoon back up the trail a little ways. Once she showed up we moved past him and kept hiking. Later on the day I got a text from Spoon saying she was stopping for the night as her foot was bothering her a lot. I hiked on a little ways and then stopped for the night myself. Believe it or not, this is my first night on the trail where I am camping by myself with no one else at the site. I am enjoying the solitude and hope to get a great night's sleep!
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Random spot on ridge

To: Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 11.5

Today I did an easy walk to Trent's Grocery, a gas station / restaurant that allows camping. They also have showers. We crossed a suspension bridge today that was really bouncy and freaked me out a little bit. We crossed mile 600, which was an awesome feat. The hundred-mile checkpoints are getting to be big enough numbers to really boost my confidence and excitement. Six hundred miles is a long way! It was really cool, and I made a shrine that is the number 600 made up by larger rocks. Hopefully the hikers behind me enjoy this marker. Wooden Spoon's foot is really bothering her, so she is getting a shuttle tomorrow to Pearisburg so she can rest it a couple days. I'll meet up with her on Saturday in town. Tomorrow I'll hike on to the legendary Woods Hole Hostel, about 15 miles away.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Trent's Grocery

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 14.9

Today's hike was awesome. There was a six or seven mile stretch that was just beautifully flat. After that was a large but easy climb, and then a rocky downhill to the road where Wood's Hole is located. I did the first eight miles of today's hike in only three hours. This is some of the quickest hiking I've done so far and it was awesome! I stopped for a break at Wapiti Shelter, which I was informed was the site of a nasty double homicide years ago. Creepy! I'm glad I wasn't staying there. I got to Wood's Hole and was greeted by many friends. Aquaman is here! He's been hanging out here for a few days getting over a bad sinus infection. They have many animals such as chickens, pigs, goats, and bees here. We had a delicious dinner of homegrown salad, calzones, and ice cream for dessert. Tomorrow's breakfast should be awesome!
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4

Breakfast was incredible. We had cr me br»l©e French toast with homemade yogurt, fresh eggs, and fresh fruit. My sister would love this place. The hiking was nice today, despite heavy fog. It rained for a couple very short periods, but the fog was thick all day. The fog blocked a couple views, but it allowed me to stumble upon a deer at ridiculously close range. I didn't even notice the doe until I looked up and she was just staring at me from about 15 feet away. She stood there for about two minutes and allowed me to get a bunch of photos and some video. It was really cool. I got a ride into Pearisburg from a group of three day hikers and met up with Wooden Spoon at the Holiday Motor Lodge. She is letting me crash on the floor of her room tonight. I got an extra pair of shorts at a Goodwill and resupplied my food at Food Lion. After a pizza dinner I am ready for bed! Hoping to get close to or past twenty miles tomorrow!We heard about the accident at Trail Days today, and I am hoping everyone ends up ok! I didn't make it down to Trail Days, but know a lot who are there. My friend Rainbow Brite was injured, luckily not too seriously. I wish her the best in recovering and look forward to seeing her out on the trail soon!
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: The Captain's
Miles today: 20.5

Today I broke the 20 mile barrier! It feels awesome to have done such a huge day, but I am wiped out. Today started with some road/bridge walking, and then a humongous climb. The climb was tough but was followed by some very tame ridge walking that I enjoyed very much. It was a rainy morning but cleared up and turned into a great afternoon. I got to the Captain's around 7:45 and took the zip line over to the Captain's yard. The Captain is an AT enthusiast who lets hikers camp out in his yard. He also keeps a fridge full of free soda, which was totally amazing after such a huge day. He has a neat zip line system as his place is across a good sized stream. I imagine if the weather was wet and the water was high, crossing may have been a challenging task!
Date: 2013-05-20
From: The Captain's

To: Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Today was crazy hot. I had a steep climb and at the top was just drenched in sweat. The rest of the hike was not too bad, except for a long downhill. Long downhills are now dreaded at least as much as long uphills!I stopped at the bottom of the big descent and right before a huge climb since I just didn't want to do a big climb in the afternoon/evening heat. I think it was a good idea to take it easy after my first 20 miler, as well!
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Campsite

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today was hard. Really hard. It took me longer to do these 17 miles than it did to do 20 the other day, and was way more exhausting. The day started with a big climb, but near the top was a cooler of trail magic. I had a soda, an apple, and an oatmeal cream pie. That certainly helped finish off the climb. After a steep descent I hit an insanely steep, 1,000 foot climb right at the heat of the day. It was exhausting, but at least according to my guidebook I had only smooth ridge line after it. NOT! I learned a hard lesson today. Even smooth, flat looking terrain in the book can actually be rocky, strenuous, tiny ups and downs. This ridge line kicked my butt and by the time I got to the shelter it had taken me 12 hours to do 17.3 miles. I quickly ate dinner and went to bed, as I was very tired. Tomorrow I go to Four Pines Hostel and clean up.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 8.8

Today I did a short day to a road crossing where Joe from Four Pines Hostel picked me up. I did a small day so I'd have time to shower, do laundry, and figure out what I can't bring on the plane back with me to Ohio. Oh yeah, surprise! Tomorrow I'm flying home to surprise my dad. He is getting married on Saturday and thinks I'll still be on trail!I'm really looking forward to my trip home. Thanks to Joe for helping me get to and from Roanoke airport as well!
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Columbus, OH
Miles today: 0.0

I had an awesome long weekend at home!Thursday night, I got to have dinner with my mom, her husband, and my Nana. We had a delicious Chipotle dinner and I got to show them all my real camera pictures. It was nice to see them. On Friday I went into preschool and surprised all my kids and coworkers. It was a blast to see all of them! Friday night I got to see some friends and had a fun time showing off my beard. On Saturday my dad got married. He was shocked when I showed up on Thursday. The ceremony was very nice and then we had a wonderful dinner after. I got some quality time with my siblings that was cool as well. Sunday night I got to see even more friends and saw a great movie with Renee (Mud). Now I'm back at Four Pines and will hit the trail again tomorrow!
Date: 2013-05-28
From: Columbus, OH

To: Campsite
Miles today: 12.9

It is awesome to be back on the trail! Today I took it kind of easy in order to get back into the swing of things. The big sight today was the Dragon's Tooth, a stone monolith on the top of Cove Mountain. It was a neat sight and I even climbed to the top of it. It was very cool. The descent down was a steep, rocky one. There were some spots where it was just a flat rock that was too steep for someone to get down, so they added metal bars to use as steps. I'm camping by myself tonight up on top of a ridge line. In camp I have seen two black widow spiders, and the lizard in the picture. I didn't know that there were lizards in Virginia!Tomorrow I'm hoping to do a really big day all the way into Daleville. We'll see how it goes.
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Campsite

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 20.8

Today was very long, challenging, and rough. I really wanted to hit Daleville, and I did, however not until 9:30 PM. The day started great with a neat hike up to McAfee Knob - an amazing spot. It was breathtaking and gave the opportunity for an awesome picture. After that it was tough ridge line hiking in mid-nineties heat. On top of that, the last 9.4 miles into Daleville had no water sources. This plus the heat of the day led to me becoming dehydrated and utterly exhausted. It took me four hours to hike the last six miles of the day!I felt terrible when I got into town, so I am taking a zero day tomorrow. I feel bad doing this so soon after being home for five days, but there is just no way I could hike tomorrow. I pushed it way to hard today. Hopefully things shape up after a day of rest.
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Resting today. I'm trying to rehydrate myself and get back into hiking shape. I was able to resupply my food for the next 5 days or so, and made a trip to the outfitter to pick up a new shirt and some insoles. I'm planning on starting early tomorrow in order to beat the heat, and taking an extended break during the hottest part of the afternoon. I hope this helps the heat issue!
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

What an awesome day of hiking! I feel great even after such a big day. I got on trail at exactly 7:30 this morning. It was still cool out and I loved being out so early. After the past two days, I decided to start hiking earlier and to take a long break during the really hot hours. I also decided to stick to 14-15 mile days. The trail was just awesome today and was not tough at all. I did 11 miles by 1:00 this afternoon and took a nice break until 3:00. Leaving the shelter I rested at, I still felt strong and full of energy and decided to try for a shelter that would put me at 18.5 miles for the day. I took a bunch of nice breaks during the day and got into camp at 6:45. I can't believe that I feel so good and not-exhausted after doing 18 miles on such a hot day. Today was a much needed confidence boost after the hard day two days ago!
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.6

Another early start, and another amazing day! Two for two!The first half of today was very nice, easy hiking. I was looking forward to my long break today, as it was to take place at a swimming hole. I have been looking forward to the weather lining up with a spot to swim since I started this trek and today it finally happened. There were a bunch of us hikers at the swimming hole and we just lounged and swam for a couple hours. A few hikers got a ride to town and brought back beer for everyone as well - even better! It was nice to cool off in the water on a warm day and the rinsing of my underwear was just icing on the cake. The second half of the day consisted two climbs - one not so bad, and one really hard. The last three miles of my day were straight up a steep mountain, and I stopped and made camp at a campsite about 3/4 of the way to the top.I am really happy that at the end of a 16 mile day, going up a steep climb, I was not tired or irritated. I felt great! I am sensing a change in me and I think I am really achieving thru-hiker legs. Starting early, and many not-rushed breaks are helping so much!
Date: 2013-06-02
From: Campsite

To: Marble Spring campsite
Miles today: 14.0

Today was a nice short day. I had a few decent climbs and it rained and stormed during the afternoon and evening. As I was walking under the Guillotine I met a fellow who was taking a very professional picture of it. His name was C.W. and he has hiked the AT (twice), CDT, and PCT. He recognized my Block O tattoo and said he lived in Upper Arlington for ten years! He was nice and I saw him again at his car a few miles down and he gave me a cold Coke! It was awesome. I stopped earlier than expected just because I liked the campsite. It was nice to stop short of my planned miles not because I was too tired, but just because I felt like it!
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Marble Spring campsite

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I did a big day today with a couple of tough climbs, but feel great. The first half of my day was easy, pleasant hiking. I enjoyed the trail very much. I crossed the James River Foot Bridge which is the longest footbridge on the AT. It is common for hikers to jump off into the river, but there were no other hikers around and it didn't seem as fun to do alone. Just as I was starting the big, steep climb of the day a storm front came through. It didn't end up raining but brought the cool air, wind, and feeling of a storm. This made for some ideal hiking weather! At the top of Bluff Mountain, there was a monument for Ottie Cline Powell. He was a little four year old in the late 1800's who, while gathering firewood for the schoolhouse, got lost and wandered to the top of the mountain and died of exposure. It was very sad to think about and put me in a somber mood whilst enjoying the view from the top. I'm staying at Punchbowl Shelter on a nice cool night. Ottie is said to haunt the shelter but I'm not worried about it. If anything, it seems he'd be a nice ghost.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 11.3

Today was an easy hike! I was heading to town for a resupply and a clean up, so that helped with the motivation. The first half of the day was around the perimeter of a large reservoir which was scenic and lovely. It was a nice morning and I was enjoying the hike a lot. Near the end of my hike I walked through a section of trail that until the 1920's was a small farming community inhabited by freed slaves. It was neat to see the remnants of their community. I got to the road crossing around 1:30, and started trying to hitch a ride into town. Unfortunately, it was a tough spot in the road to hitch and I had no luck. I had already called the Bluedogart Caf© (also a hostel) where I'd be staying and the plan was for them to pick me up on their 3:30 shuttle if I hadn't gotten a ride into town by then, so I knew I'd get a ride somehow. It was frustrating to have to wait two hours though. At the hostel I met Hugs, and Earth Balance. They are really cool. Hugs got her name from giving out hugs all the time, and she gives a great hug. I told her my Nana would love to meet her!I'm hoping to get to Waynesboro by Saturday, but I have a couple big climbs between me and there.
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Porters Field campsite
Miles today: 15.1

The first shuttle back to the trailhead this morning was at 10:30, which was unfortunate. I would have liked to get on trail earlier and done a few more miles today, but it wasn't in the cards. The day started with a big 2,000 foot climb. Luckily it was overcast and cool out, which certainly helped. The rest of the hiking was just mellow, small ups and downs. At Salt Log Gap, I came to some outstanding trail magic. One cooler was literally filled to the top with candy bars, honey buns, and nutty bars. The second cooler was filled with ice cold soda. It was some of the best trail magic I've encountered. When I got to the campsite, Earth Balance and Hugs were already there with a fire going. That is always a nice situation to show up to. We had a nice evening and shared some poetry with each other. They are both very talented!It's looking like rain the next couple days, which is a bummer. However, I'm hoping this will let me bust out some big miles due to cooler temperatures. I may even shoot for Waynesboro Friday night.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Porters Field campsite

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Rain! It was pouring rain all day today. I got used to it after while, and actually didn't really mind hiking in the rain. It just stinks when it comes time to take a break. So I only took two breaks today, one in each shelter that I passed. Luckily the rain makes it easier to do more miles between breaks and this also improves my timing. The big stinker of the day was a massive, 4.2 mile, 3,000 foot descent followed immediately by a massive, 6 mile, 3,000 foot climb. It was tough, to be sure, but this climb was the last major, huge climb that we have for hundreds of miles! This was all the motivation I needed. I got into camp around 7, and unfortunately my tent was soaked from rain last night/this morning. I had to wipe down the inside and get it dry before unpacking my sleep gear. This isn't hard, just a pain in the butt. I am thinking about trying to do 21 miles into Waynesboro tomorrow, as the terrain looks good and I found out Wooden Spoon and Gaia and Aquaman will be zeroing tomorrow, so I could finally catch up with them! We'll see how it goes.