morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-15
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I had a late start to the day, but enjoyed having a bit of private time to write in my journal after everyone had left. I was able to walk 4.5 miles before taking my first break after having passed three deer at a creek. I stopped for lunch to eat a bagel, more of the whipped cream cheese, tomato, and bacon; during lunch, I realized the Loft Mtn. Campground was closed, so I chose to hike less rather than more. I arrived early to the shelter, watched a deer graze nearby, and read a bit before being joined by Crash, Holcomb, and Postal Poet. Later, another deer appeared behind the shelter; Crash told me they were tame enough to eat out of my hand...however, deer don't like toffee chocolate, so I was unsuccessful at feeding it. :-(
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

I was up early and only the trail by 8am. I made great mileage and didn't stop for my first break until I had nearly hiked 6 miles. I accidentally packed up my bandana in my sleeping bag...and there was no way in hell I was going to unpack my bag...but luckily, I found a ponytail in a picnic area parking lot, which I used to don a "Pebbles Flintstone" do to keep my sweaty hair off my glasses while hiking. I stopped for lunch after 13 miles, running into Crash; today's lunch consisted of bagel, cream cheese, avocado, and bacon. After lunch, I ran across a boy scout troop (thankfully) heading the opposite way, and a SOBO named Ozark, who tossed his leftover nuts into a creek before informing he never filtered his water; I responded by saying I always filter, since you never know what's in the water while gesturing to where he had discarded his nuts. After passing the Park Ranger office, I noticed a brush fire on an adjacent ridgeline and hoped I would not be headed that way. The climb at the end of the day (my new longest day yet) was hellacious, and both Crash and Holcomb where at the shelter when I arrived, as well as a group of 5 mid-20 year old kids from Maryland.Todays animal sightings consisted of a chipmunk and Woodcock.
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up sore and a bit dehydrated with a headache and mild nausea. I spent a good portion of my morning arguing with myself about the absurdity of following a 21 mile day with a 20 mile day. I compromised by walking at a leisurely pace (2.5 mi/hr)and letting my legs decide how far I would go. I didn't stop for a break until lunch at Pocosin Cabin, which is a backcountry cabin and rented only to PATC members. I met a nice NOBO flip-flopping couple who had been on trail 5 days (Puk & Ibu. I received two compliments today: I'm a good conversationalist and I "look tough." I saw the brush fire again and it had spread a bit larger and cast a haze of smoke along the mountains and into the valleys. I was followed (or felt I was) by a creepy kids in a black hoodie, so I put my pepper spray in my pocket...my fears were likely unfounded and did not need to take any further defensive actions. My feet began to hurt 2 miles from my final destination, so I decided I would stop for a 20 minute break. I arrived at Big Meadows Wayside 7 minutes before they closed, so I quickly acquired my resupply items from the store, gave the clerk my credit card, and ordered a burger, onion rings, and side salad from the grill 1 minute before it closed. I felt like a bit of a tourist attraction at the Wayside as a mom explained to her son how my appearance indicated I was a "true thru-hiker." I walked the remaining 1 mile to the campground while eating my onion rings, finding Crash and Holcomb and splitting a campsite. We spoke with the campground host, who informed us they had closed a road and part of the trail due to the spread of the brush fire. Additionally, search and rescue helicopters were out, as well as S&R staff, looking for a young woman who had been reported missing and whose car had been found within the park. Even though it's Sunday, the campground was packed. After finishing my burger and beer, I broke down and paid $1.75 for a 5 minute shower...then used the hand dryer to dry my hair, bandana, and undies I had washed while showering.Animal sightings for today included 4 chipmunks and a "fuzzy wuzzy," which could have been a bear...but I could not confirm this...
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early and Crash and Holcomb had already packed up, planning to head to Skyline for breakfast. I opted to head to the Wayside for breakfast; since one breakfast is simply not enough, I ordered 2: 2 eggs, hash browns, a biscuit, bacon, and a short stack of pancakes. I ordered my eggs over easy and they were brought to me with the white still runny. When I brought this up to the waitress, she tried to tell me that was how over easy eggs are cooked and that I should have ordered over medium if I wanted the whites cooked and the yolks runny...I didn't correct her, and still received properly cooked eggs. While I was eating, some park Rangers arrived to collect a magazine from a gun which had been found in the parking lot. I purchased some bear poo (chocolate covered pralines) for my loved ones at home and hit the trail with an overly full belly. My legs were laden with the weight of the food in my stomach as well as my pack and the onset of my period brought about cramping, nausea, & diarrhea. Hiking did not seem like the best of options at the time, so I decided to stop at Rock Springs Hut after only 3 miles and a few tears. I had excellent cell service, so I opted to take some herbal medicine and binge on House of Cards while laying in my bag at the shelter. I was later joined by Ibu & Pak, who I had met the day prior, Postal Poet, Atlas, Cosmo, Allison & her dog Birdie, and eventually Rosey Eagle. I learned from the others that the wildfire had spread to 700 acres. Postal Poet and I watched the sun dip behind the Shenandoah hills, which were later dotted with the lights of homes and businesses.Wildlife sightings for the day: 2 deer & 1 chipmunk
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early and determined with the goal of eating breakfast at Skyland with Postal Poet, Atlas, and Cosmo. I ordered 2.5 breakfasts (loaded omelette with hash browns, 1/2 of a fruit plate, and chicken biscuit), but ended up not being able to finish the chicken biscuit and all the fruit...so I packed it out. We learned the fire has the trail shut down (it's up to 2,000 acres now) and hikers are being stopped at Big Meadows and the helicopters buzzing around are still trying to locate the missing woman. After letting my breakfast digest enough to walk, I headed out and beasted the miles, stopping at Mary's Rock for the view. There was a serious downhill portion chock full of rocks after this, so I took a 20 at the bottom to rest my feet before finishing the last mile to the shelter with Alison and Birdie. We were stopped by Cosmo, who was watching a baby bear and its mother with Atlas, Pak, and Ibu. We arrived at a mostly full shelter and another full shitter.
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

So I had to move downstairs last night after discovering an occupied mouse nest above my head and ended up sleeping next to a man with definite sleep apnea. I packed up and headed out, stopping once I had reached the AT to green blaze for the first time in honor of the holiday. While I wouldn't say I would prefer hiking while green blazing, I did find that I was unable to accurately tell my pace (was going much faster than I would have estimated), I felt at times as if the ground was closer than it actually was, and I felt exceptionally creative and wrote poetry as I hiked. It is a myth that you feel no pain while green blazing. I passed two day hikers, each of which commented on what a great day for a hike it was, and wondered if they too were green blazing. I also passed a SOBO thru hiker, who said there was a bear in the area...luckily I saw no bears...perhaps she was also green blazing. I stopped at the next Wayside for the infamous blackberry milkshake (which truly is delicious and a must-have while hiking SNP) and some fries. I also washed my socks in the bathroom as the odor they emitted was beyond description as well as acceptability, then fashioned a clothesline on which they could dry. Eventually, the entire gang rolled in; we ate on a picnic table while devising a plan to pool our money for some beer, hot dogs, and S'more makings for our last night together in SNP. We all left one by one, and I booked ass to make it to the shelter by 4:20, passing those who had left before me. We all put our evening supplies in the spring to keep them cool (and solidify some of the chocolate bars that had melted). Living up to my trail name, I built a fire (from natural materials, of course) and lit it with a single match. We roasted weiners, marshmallows, and a few bagels, and Youngish (formerly known as Alison) toasted the fire, with an owl joining in to the cheer. The sense of comradery is overwhelming and I am reminded of why hiking with a great group of people can be so uplifting. This has been one of the best nights on the trail by far. Our trail family (Ibu, Pak, Postal Poet, Youngish, Atlas, & Cosmo) were joined by Bruce, 3 NOBOS & 2 SOBO section hikers.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Terrapin Hostel
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a late start this morning heading for a hostel in Front Royal. The owner was less than normal...and I'm still unsure of whether in a good way or a bad way. He was a self-proclaimed manic/depressive person currently in a manic stage. He was also a bit passive aggressive in regards to my choice of language...he asked if I always spoke "like that," referring to my use of profanity...as well as my use of tobacco products, refusing to take me anywhere to purchase said products. He did, however, eventually take me into town to pick up my boxes from the Post Office while on his way to pick up Cosmo and Atlas. He also allowed me to stay for free after doing 1.5 hours of yard work. The family met up at a Mexican restaurant in town for one last hurrah before parting ways. Pak graciously and unexpectedly picked up the tab for the whole crew. Talk about some serious trail magic! I love trail magic even more when it is conducted by a hiker. Cosmo, Atlas, and I got a ride back to the hostel with Youngish's sister, and Mike showed up after we had gone to bed wanting to talk about Trivia Night, which involved having a drink bought for him and running his van into a tree.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Terrapin Hostel

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

We slept in late and I ate a box of Nut Thins for first breakfast courtesy Youngish's sister. Cosmo, Atlas, and I asked for a ride into town, which Mike gave, but took a detour for breakfast. We went to the post office, then to the library, where I updated my trail journal and spoke with an eccentric Shakespeare lover who was upset so many people did not understand the meaning behind leaving his second bed to his wife and his first bed to his mistress...Atlas and I resupplied at Martin's and got a lift to the trail head from Hammer, who was a postal worker in line behind me at the checkout. Atlas graciously helped me eat my salad before we hit the trail. I had a great convo with Atlas while walking through thick humidity before a light rain began to fall. We arrived at the shelter around 7:00 and were later joined by a fellow thru-hiker (Scrappy).
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up to rain, so decided to stay in bed and read until it let up a bit. Postal, Pak, & Ibu stopped by shortly before the rain quit. Atlas and I decided to stay at the shelter and eat some of my pack weight (I bought entirely too much food at Martins). Many people stopped and commented on the awesomeness of the shelter, but pushed on. Giggles stopped by and told me how she had been stalking (her word, not mine) me for the past 24 days and was so excited to have finally caught up with me. She also said I looked like I was 35. These two comments combined rubbed me a bit the wrong way... I took a shower (the shelter had a solar shower, but it was definitely still chilly, so only the important bits were washed) and played horseshoes (also provided by the shelter...I'm not very good). Atlas and I sat on the porch with the new arrivals to the shelter (Bruce, Jerry, Rob, Munan, Brent, Coyote, Ralph, and a NOBO thru-hiker, Booty).
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

I said bye to the crowd and rocked out to Mumford & Sons and Twenty One Pilots, making me yearn to attend Bonnaroo when I head home for family things and mileage recovery in late May/early June. I ate lunch at Dick's Dome, a small but tranquil shelter soon to be replaced, with Atlas and Booty. I ran into a group of country boys from Hot Springs I had met the previous day before playing Human Frogger across US 50/17 at Ashby Gap. I enjoyed the meadows at Sky Meadows state park. I stayed at the shelter with Atlas, Giggles, Cameron (SOBO flip/flopper), and Nathan (NOBO sectioner); the country boys were too lazy to hike the .2 miles to the shelter, but joined us after dinner and delivered more Werther's candy. Giggles was very happy to have finally been able to share a shelter with me after 24 days and was slightly condescending about my pace. She's 20 and goal-driven. I'm 30 and have adopted the motto "fuck the future." She's also planning on following me to Bear's Den hostel...this makes me slightly uncomfortable and annoyed. I don't like the idea of someone building me up to their own ideals; I prefer to dash expectations. HYOH! (Hike your own hike)
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9

Today I rode part of the infamous "rollercoaster," a 13.5 mile stretch with 11 tightly packed 300-500 foot ascents and descents, some with switchbacks and only one flat section. I passed two men hunting for Morel mushrooms, which look like a domed sponge, we well as a group of 4 individuals clad in camo, one accessorized with a can of Bush Light at 11:30 in the morning. A woman from this group ominously warned me of hiking alone on this trail. I find it annoying when people do this, especially when they suggest I carry a gun. I understand there are dangers in this world, especially as a single female in places where no one could hear me scream, but what kind of life is one dominated and dictated by fear? I am happy I do not live in that mindset; I am mindful, but not constricted. The rollercoaster slowed my pace to 2 miles an hour and I had to have a break 1/2 way through; my feet have begun to ache again, which is a bit upsetting. I arrived at the hostel hot, exhausted, and drenched with sweat. Atlas had already arrived and told me some kind soul had violated the "no alcohol" rule and left 2 Mikes Hard Black Cherry Lemonades, one of which he had drunk and the other of which he offered to me. I showered, drank, an had a smoke, after which I was exceptionally drunk, one of the many perks of thru-hiking (being a serious lightweight). I called my mom and waited an agonizing hour for the store to open upstairs so I could purchase the Hiker's Special: stay, laundry, pizza, ice cream, & soda for $30. Really, I just wanted the pizza. Though I felt I could have eaten 2, as I sat down to eat and watch a movie, I was only able to finish 3/4 of my pizza. Giggles has told everyone at the hostel how she stalked me for 24 days, her goal to catch me...fucking Mary Ellis...
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Campsite

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up early and headed out as fast as I could, excited to make it to the ATC headquarters in Harper's Ferry, the unoffical 1/2 mark of the trail. I arrived after about an hour and 15 minutes to become the 62nd NOBO thru hiker of 2016. I hung out with Atlas, Giggles, and two other NOBO hikers. Bonnie and Clyde showed up later and we all raided the hiker box, where Bonnie found a $5 card for the transit system in Washington, DC. I took this as a sign I should take a side trip to get my new "do." I've decided to cross off the "shave my head" item on my bucket list, but also want to have the AT symbol etched in, a feat that the barber shop in Charles Town, WV did not feel comfortable helping me achieve. I explored historic Harper's Ferry, which is way cool if you like historical things, especially those pertaining to the Civil War. I grabbed a pizza and stayed at the Teahorse Hostel, running into Gbear, whom I had met in Damascus, and who had just returned from a 3 week visit home to Ireland.
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Washington, DC

To: Washington, DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Knoxville, a Duo Hostel employee from Tennessee, made pancakes the next morning (and every other morning she worked), of which I ate 9 (they were small...and delicious), then showered and readied myself for my big adventure to REI, which was across town and would require navigation of the transit system. I walked to the nearest Metro subway station, put a bit of extra cash on the card I had received from the hiker box in Harper's Ferry (my success of which was announced to the nearby workers and commuters), and boarded my first solo subway trip (again, thank you Google maps!). I accidentally exited on the wrong stop, but an attractive young woman helped direct me to the correct train, boarded with me, and chatted me up until learning I was married, a fact which brought obvious disappointment. I'm definitely getting big-headed about my shaved head at this point. I left the bus at the Pentagon (doesn't it seem odd to have a stop here?), where I was told by armed guards I could not take photos, with the exception of the Pentagon Memorial...so of course I waited until I didn't see a "no photo/ no drone zone" sign and took a photo of the Pentagon. I walked to the bus stop, which is across from the public entrance to the Pentagon, and caught a bus to REI. Though it was small and didn't have much staff, those there were extremely nice and helpful; one man purchased some Ova Easy eggs and put them in hot water to see if they would rehydrate without cooking, a hopeful hypothesis of mine as these eggs invariably stick to the pot when you cook them. The experiment failed, but I still purchased the eggs along with an assortment of over-priced and unnecessary foods. Pro tip: never go to REI while hungry with your dividends in hand. I also exchanged my Darn Tough socks; after three years and half the trail, I had succeeded in wearing them thin! I was so proud. Afterwards, I grabbed some McDonalds and boarded a bus back to the hostel, where I would be checking in to my new bunk. I shared a room with a group of Swedish student teachers, who were all very lively and sociable. After dinner from the Mexican restaurant next door and drinks at the hostel, I hit the streets again, this time with Cobalt, a gay dance club, as my final destination. The place was basically deserted when I arrived; when I mentioned this to the bartender, he informed me it would pick up once the free vodka started at 11. Like cows at feeding time, the herd trampled in just as predicted and the dance floors were packed once the lines at the bars had died down. I joined the rest, losing myself in the rhythm and the words of some of my favorite songs of the 2000s. At times, an empty circle would form around me, and I wondered if it may be due to my particular hiker aroma, but I didn't care; I danced my heart's content as the star on my own personal dance floor. As a side note, hiking the AT is nothing compared to dancing with a gay boy in terms of exercising your quads. After tiring myself out, I walked back to the hostel under a pink sky. P. S. Happy 4 month trail anniversary.
Date: 2016-04-30
From: Washington, DC

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I decided to do the obligatory tour of DC, visiting the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Memorial, White House, and Capitol. I would have visited the Smithsonian, but the lines were too long. I briefly toured the US Botanic Garden and wished I had more time. There were many street performers, but my favorite was the man playing buckets and a shopping cart. After my sight-seeing expedition, I checked out of the hostel and caught a bus to Union Station. I bought a ticket to Harper's Ferry from a kiosk and wandered around in search of my last meal. I settled at a posh bakery and ate a sandwich and a smoothie. I smoked a cig and nearly missed my train, having to run to catch it as a conducted was hollering "last call." The return train was much nicer, with a diner car, foot rest, and tray. It was so cozy, I ended up falling asleep and had to be woken up by a fellow passenger when the train stopped in Harper's Ferry. I intended on staying in a hostel, since it was 6pm, but they were all booked. I dropped off the backpack an commuter card I had gotten from the hiker box and hit the trail with a group of 50k and 100k marathon runners. I received many smiles and kind words from the runners and a cheer when I passed one of their checkpoints. It began to rain after an hour, but I was making great time and made it to the shelter by 8:15, where I was told there was no more room. Some of the others in the shelter kindly scooted over so I could lay down. Of the "full shelter," I was the only thru-hiker.
Date: 2016-05-01
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Rocky Run Shelters
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

I woke up next to the crazy lady I had avoided at a shelter prior to Harper's Ferry. I decided to stay at the shelter awhile to avoid the rain and made a sausage egg and cheese burrito. Before leaving, a section hiker offered up a flask and 3/4 of homemade cherry and strawberry moonshine, which I gladly accepted and added to my already overloaded pack. Luckily, the hike was flat and easy, and I met up with loads of section, flip, and thru-hikers at the shelters, one of which was nice and new, the other of which had seen better days. I was reunited with Thunderbolt and Iron Mike, who I had met previously, and we all shared the moonshine while a section hiker played folk songs on his guitar. Two international Lashers (long ass section hikers doing the second half of the trail) got their trail names (Moonshine and Roller) as well as one flip-flopper (Johnny Cash). The night wore on and Moonshine requested some tunes, so I obliged. Bruce (Still Kicking) called me a bitch after not hearing his impolite request to turn off the tunes, but Moonshine was very supportive.