morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: light rain

5:30am and we are up and getting ready for another wet hike, it's raining and a little chilly, so off we set in full rain gear, it rained untill about 11am and we had come 12 miles, talking about it we decided we would attempt the 26 miles into Damascus, after 12 and a half hours, here we are at Dave's Place hostel, for the night , it is our longest day so far and quite an accomplishment, time for sleep, Barbara's husband is arriving tomorrow to visit her, the of a long but good day on the AT.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Zero day, Damascus

To: campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

We left the motel around 9:00am and headed back into Damascus for some brekky and then back on the trail Jim walked with us for a couple of hours before turning back and going home to Georgia, we continued untill we came to a campsite at around 17.5 miles from Damascus, it was getting late so we ate and now it's time for bed.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: campsite

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

We rose at 6:00am and took it relatively easy, both feeling the struggle today, some days are a breeze, other like today, not so, we only did around 10 miles today and are camped at a beautiful area on top of a hill just north of the shelter, with the sun set views of the mountains ranges, it was a short day but none the less a great day on the AT.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

On the trail at 6:37 this morning, it was going to be a warm day and no warm clothes were needed at that hour, it wasn't long before we saw a pony, it did not run but kept it's distance, so of course we took photo's , a couple of miles ahead we saw a small herd of about 5, the also seemed friendly , Barb took out one of her cookies and one came up to her, it allowed her to touch it, on seeing the cookie a painted pony came quickly over and was trying to get his nose into her snack bag, it was realy funny and also very cute, so needless to say we took a lot more photo's , the temp rose to 83 and was taking it's toll, we seem to do a lot more miles when it's in the 40s or low 50s, ideal hiking weather, we have put up our tents and are now ready to have dinner and then it's early to bed and early to rise, which is par for the course on the AT.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We woke early knowing we had a long day ahead of us, it was pretty uneventful as far as the hiking go's, although it was hot and very humid, which calls for frequent water stops and to cool down, we reached the shelter at around 7pm, much to our surprise and delight the shelter was new and had a shower, so I didn't need an invitation and hit the shower, most of the people at the shelter walked a few yards to the visitor information centre and ordered pizza, I was happy with my oatmeal, but did get a 2 litre bottle of Mountain Dew and guzzled it down, after eating it was dark and time for bed, it's only a short day tomorrow, 11.6 miles into Atkins to re supply and back on the trail.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

After a restless night and being woken just before 4am by a hiker singing by the campfire, we were on the trail just after 6am, we made it into Atkins around lunchtime, ate and then collected our re-supply box, packed washed and now just watching TV before sleep and back on the trail in the morning, I hope the rain stops by morning, soggy feet make for blisters, oh well another day done.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Atkins

To: Knot Mall Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

We rose at around 6am, and it was still drizzling rain, after packing we left the Motel and headed up the road to a local restaurant called the Red Barn, we met a couple of other hikers there, Diesel and Castanets, after having our brekky we headed off into the rain and onto the trail,it was a pretty uneventful day apart from me tripping and falling, something I do on a regular basis, we only did a short day today, but the miles are behind us as is almost a quarter of the trail.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Knot Mall Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

We rose at 5am, as was everyone in the shelter, I must admitt, this has been one of the most guelling days we have has so far, not because of the distance but the weather, trail and our usual sore feet, blisters and general ache's and pains, I also think the fact I slipped off of a crossing into a creek of yellow clay, I was on my back like a tuned turtle, my pack holding me into the thick, sticky yellow clay, Barbara using all of her strength and energy pulled me up into a sitting position, getting up, I washed off and we were on our way laughing, which was a good thing about an otherwise awful day, but thats life on the trail.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Jenkins

To: Heldys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Up at 5:30, Glenn and Brian, the twins, were the first to leave, Matterhorn was up and about, our tents were saturated from both rain and condensation, about lunch time the sun came shinning through the clouds dissapeared, what a beautiful day it turned out to be, we finaly got to see clearly some of the Virginia mountains, it certainly is a beautiful state, it's now time to call it a day, 18 miles tomorrow ( ouch ) my poor blisters, but thats part and parcel of the AT.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Heldys Mill Shelter

To: Dismal Falls Camp Ground
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: few clouds

We were on the trail early as usual, knowing we had a long and mostly up hill day ahead, the fist 10 miles we did in 5 hours which came as a bit of a surprise to us, but are we complaining? ( not on your nelly ), so lunch at Virginia Knob SHelter was very relaxing and with the sunshine and clear blue sky it made for a perfect morning, after about an hour we moved on up the trail Diesel was heading for the the shelter to take a break, we saw a slitary lady slipper blooming, Barbara took a photo and we were on our way, at the end of the aftrnoon we came to a road, at about a quarter of a mile away there was a servo/restaurant, I can't believe how cheap things were, I paid $6 for 1 quart of choc milk, 1 burger, potato wedges, and a ham sub, I still can't believe the prices, and a friendly, happy person serving, you couldn't have asked for more than that, well time to put another log on the campfire and get rady to sleep with the sound of the water fall in the back ground, it just keeps getting better on the AT.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Dismal Falls Camp Ground

To: Doc Knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

We were on the trail at around 6:30 it was in the 30s and cold but soon warmed up as we walked, the trail was very rocky and slowed progress, the chance of stumbling and fallins is increased, the temp got up into the 70s and nothing remarkable happened, I am looking ofrward to arriving in Pearisberg in the morning , only an 8 mile day, time to kick back, tomorrow is another day.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Doc Knob Shelter

To: Pearisberg
Miles today: 8.0

We walked the 8 miles into Pearisberg, it was good to feel flat level ground once again, the down hill was extra hard on my knees today, we booked into the Rendezvous Motel, which is right across from the trail, after the usual shower and laundry, we headed off to Hardee's for a much needed fill of burgers, fries and coke, Dr John Davis came by at 4pm and took us to Wal Mart and then to the Holy Family Hostel for a BBQ he was putting on for the through hikers, also with him were 7 students from Michigan, a great group of people, I had a good time with plenty to eat and drink then lots of group photo's and back to the motel for some much needed sleep. it has been a lovely day.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Pearisberg

To: Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

We were up and headed to DQ for brekky, then made our way to a grocery store and headed back to the motel to await Dr John who was taking us back to the hostel for testing, is the follow up to pre start dat testing that was done on March 18 the before we started, I feel I am ding very well, having lost a number of pounds and increased my fitness level, there is no reason as fas as fitness go's why I can't make it to Kathadin, it's been a restful afternoon and evening and we are ready to hit the trail early in the morning.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Zero day

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Onthe trail at 6:15 after a restful stay and lots to eat, it was straight into the hill climb, my heart rate seems to go from 0 1000 in just a few shrt steps, after about a mile it settles inot a rythem as does the breathing, I am pleased with my results of my fitness test and hope to greatly improve in the coming months, the day went by without incident, although the rocks made it hard on my feet I fell on my butt once again, the only thing hurt was my pride, it's that time of day again, bedtime.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Warspur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

It was a warm night last hing and I woke a number of times with a huge headache, I know it was from not drinking enough, it was around 85% humidity, once again, although a short day it was hard going because of the rocks. early morning we met up with some of the guys we haven't seen in about a week, Nobo hobo, Bocirfus, Chillout, Chico and Hyde, they are always good for a few laughs, once again I landed on my behind, good thing I still have some padding left, but the cricket ball size lump from my last fall won't go away if I don't stop fall on it, well time for dinner, apart from seeing two dear, it's been a quiet day, I am looking forward to our 700 miles, coming up soon, over a quarter of the way there, woooohooo.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Warspur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Whew, what a day, up at 5:30 and we got to the shelter at 6:45 , got out our beds sorted out and made dinner, a couple of hikers slack packing came n around 7:45, one of them had nothing but the clothes he was wearing and the other a small back pack, the terrain was tortureous with many hours spent walking on rocks on the ridge, it was quite dangerous at times and needed all the concentration you could muster, especially at the end of a long, hot and humid day, well time to hit the sack,, it's been a good day on the AT.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Niday Shelter

To: Virginia road 624, campsite
Miles today: 18.0

Let me see, how do I decribe today, the only work that comes to mind at the moment is gruelling ( to say the least )I have done rock climbing and abseiling in the past and I have to say I was thinking atg one point that we would find a decending system set up for decending off of the cliffs, but no, it was done on our behinds for the most part, although it was hard going there were compensations by way of the beautiful flowering plants, I said to Barbara it was like walking through a Botanical garden, I got caught up in the beauty of it and had to double time it to catch up, anyway it's been a wonderful experience on the AT today with perfect weather, sunny , warm and blue skies, topped of with a half mile walk to a stor for soda's then back, what more could you want, the AT provides.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Virginia road 624, campsite

To: Tinnker cliffs
Miles today: 13.0

Here we are just short of spending the night on cliffs and watching the sunset, but right at this point in time and day, with being so worn out the sunset doesn't seem a priority, we did however get to spend some time on Mc Afee Knob where we too the obligitory photo's, it was I must admitt, spectacular and something to look backon for many years, this morning we re-supplied at Catawaba, while buying a soda at the store, some cyclists came in , I couldn't believe the accents, yes, Aussies, we chatted for about and hour and we all went on our way.another mile stone was reached today,, 700 big ones, wooohoo.what an achievement and I am looking forward to 800, well time for sleep.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Tinnker cliffs

To: Daleville
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We rose early as usual knowing it was goung to be a s short day on the trail. but none the less arduous, with our reward being a hot shower, clean clothes and a belly full of carbs, this has got to be the first time in my life when I have to eat untill I am just about sick, then eat some more and still lose weight,( what more could a girl wish for )I had better keep it my secret or else the trail will be so crowded it would make Grand Central look deserted, well time to get some shut eye.
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Daleville

To: Black Horse Gap+ half mile North
Miles today: 14.0

We had a sleep in this morn, ate brekky then hit the trail, it's been a pretty walk and not as hard as the past week, I'm laying here in my tent with a full belly, hoping it doesn't rain, the sky is looking a little threatening and the smell of rain is in the air, so I suppose it's going to be a good test for my Aussie tent, well it's time to sign off.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Black Horse Gap+ half mile North

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Well it happened, the rain came along with the thunder, but much to my surprise I stayed dry, it was overcast but dry for our 18 mile day, we ended at a unique shelter, a 3 level relatively new one, there were two section hikers there, Slider and John, Slider having done the through hike in 04, they went to a small store just off the trail and got hot dogs for everyone and lit a roaring fire, so all in all it was a good day.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Creek Campsite
Miles today: 17.2

5am and we are getting up and packing our thinks into our packs, barely light and we are on the trail for a 17 ,ile day, we find we are now needing to dop mid morning to eat, as well as lunch time, I guess fhe longer we are on the trail the more calories we need, we are at a campground with a number of other campers, including Slider and John, two of the nicest people I have me so far and yet the trail is full of wonderful people, well that time of day again, with another great day on the AT and 2 months behind us , it's all good.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Marble Creek Campsite

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

I went to bed early with the wind blowing, thinking at least the tent will be dry in the morning, with clear skies I fell asleep only to be woken by the sound of rain pelting the tent and the wind howling, I lay awake untill 5am hoping a tree or branch doesn't fall on me, although the rain was short lived the wind kept me awake, we were on the trail at 5:40 and with only 7.7 mile to go, I was thinking about how we would get into Glasgow, we crossed the Foot memorial bridge into the parking lot filled with Scouts ending their weekend camp, it was only about 15 mins and we managed to get a ride from a Kayaker/Cyclist, we checked into the Tired Feet Motel, ate, washed and showered, now waiting untill the PO opens in the morning so we can re-supply,then we are back to the trail, we have 70 miles to complete in the next 5 days so Barbara can meet up with her Hubby, they are celebrating their 28th wedding anaversary with the weekend together, it's 3:30 pm not much to do apart from watch TV and wait to eat ( again ), so it's ciao for now.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Pedlar Bridge campsite

To: Saltlog Gap campsite
Miles today: 22.0

We woke at 5 and were on the trail by 6am, the day has been gruelling to say the least, but we are in good spirits with aching tired feet, we have done really well with the miles today and are looking forward to getting into town for some much needed rest, time to sleep,, it's been a good day.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was not our intention to do the miles today that we did but circumstance forced us, there was no where to camp, it was all bolders, rocks and tree roots, so dragging our sorry behinds we made it to the shelter at around 7:45 pm, barely able to get our slepping bags out we just fell to the floor and stayed there for the rest of the night.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynsborough
Miles today: 5.0

Up and on the trail by 6:30, it was a quick trip into town and we were lucky to be offered a ride by a local business person,a very friendly dog with him who just wanted give me big tongue kisses on the face all the way to town, I did arrive with at least a clean face if nothing else.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Zero day

To: Black Rock Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Well back on the trail after some much needed R and R, we entered the Shenandoah National Park, it's benn a long day and we walked 20 miles, we stopped on the skyline Parkway at the 10 mile mark for lunch, after resting for around an hour, we headed back up the trail, we had gone about a quarter of a mile when we heard a noise, then a large bear ran up the hill for a short distance then just went about it's business, it's the 4th bear so far to have crossed our path, we are hoping to get a photo of one while we are in the Shenandoah's, we are staying at Black Rock Shelter with a big group of hikers, Stubbles,Jew Dog, Driftwood, Harry, Elsa, Dan, Green hornet, Gandof as well as a group of young people who are section hiking, we get a chance to buy soda's tomorrow ( yum ), it's time for bed, it's been a hard long day.
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Black Rock Shelter

To: High Top Hut Shelter
Miles today: 21.2

By 6am we hit the trail for our long 21.2 mile day. by the time we arrived we were feeling rather sore and sorry for ourselves, my boots have seen their day and need to be put to rest, I have put cardboard between my boots and insoles, so it looks like I have to retire them pretty soon.We saw a female bear with two young cubs, we didn't get a photo, the better part of valour was to let it on it's way, we are not going to do the big miles tomorrow it's too hard, well another great day on the AT.
Date: 2007-05-29
From: High Top Hut Shelter

To: Barefence Hut Shelter
Miles today: 12.8

After 2 long and difficult days, we kicked it back a notch today, which I might add was a wise thing to do, the humidity is a killer and all of the hikers, young and old are feeling it, we called into the Lewis Mountain camp store and downed choc milk, pepsi and 7up along with a slice of carrot cake and honey bun, no where but on the trail could you do that without feeling guilty, after a shower we headed for the shelter and shared it with Chico, the beave, root beer, cream soda, stubbles and a couple of guys who were tenting.We didn't see any bears today, Chico did get a photo of one, well it's time to have dinner now that the humidity has subsided, I didn't think it was going to earlier, but now I know it has been a lovely day.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Barefence Hut Shelter

To: Rock Spring Hut Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I must say the shorter days are having a beneficial effect on us, our energy levels are beginning to rise ( thank god ), we were both beginning to have doubts about going on, but cutting back the daily miles for a while to below 20 seems to be the way to go from time to time, we may be getting fitter but also realise our bodies are under constant fatigue so ajustments have to be made, we stopped at Big Meadow, ate, showered and washed our clothes, there were a large number of thru hikers there. we met two new people, Rhododendron and GG,both thru hiking, we are sitting here at the shelter looking forward to Saturday and some Blackberry shakes, it's threatening rain at the moment.We saw a bear and also a number of Deer, the film ran out in my disposable camera today, so no more pic's untill I can get another one at Harpers Ferry, two day hikers came by the shelter and asked us if we lived there, it was quite funny really, we did have all of our stuff hanging around and proberly did look like homeless people, well time to hit the sack for yet another night on the AT.
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Rock Spring Hut Shelter

To: Pass Mountain Hut Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Up and on the trail just after 5:30 with a big brakky in mind at the Skyland Lodge, we arrive at around 8:30, we ate a large brekky and hit the trail with full bellies as did Rhododendron and GG, the rest of the day was pretty uneventful with a few sightings of deer and one femaile with a cub who scuttled up a tree when it saw us, we stayed still so as not to come between the mother and cub, the were both reunited and soon dissapeared into the woods, on arriving at the shelter we set up our tents and ate dinner, then in came Chico, Driftwood, Green Hornet and a section hiker who's name I can't remember, time to get some sleep, it's been a long day but none the less a good day on the trail.
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Pass Mountain Hut Shelter

To: Gravel Springs Hut Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

We left the shelter while the were still asleep, we couldn't resista good photo opportunity with there clothes draped on make shift lines and slpping boys under it, Barbara snapped a couple of shots, the on ly animal sightings were a doe and a fawn, later int he day we arrive at Elk Wallow Wayside, I had a famous Blackberry shake, which I might add was delicious, we stayed about an hour or so, then headed back to the trail, I am sitting here feeling good after washing in the cold stream, it's been another hot and humid day.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Gravel Springs Hut Shelter

To: Him and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After a relatively late night ( for us ), 7 of the younger hikers showed up with some beer, it was a good night with lots of laughs, we left at around 6am and shortly after it began to rain, it has persisted all day and looks like it's not going to let up any time soon, it was a long days hike of 18.6, although long it didn't seem like a hard hike, we are at proberly the nicest shelter so far on the AT, it has a patio, shower that wasn't opperating, which didn't matter as I was already soaking wet from the persistant rain, a picnic table under a covered area where I made a line to dry my saturated clothes.Rhododendron and GG showed up and were just as wet as everyone else who hiked today, along with 3 section hikers we all spent the night in the shelter, we are going into Linden to re supply tomorrow ( Mon ), then our next stop is Harpers Ferry, where we will have a zero day and re supply again.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Him and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

We slept in a little this morning having planned a short day for re supply in Linden, the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter must be one of the nicest on the whole trail.We arrived in Linden and picked up our re supply box's from the PO, we then decided to walk one and a half miles to a little restaurant called the Apple House, after eating we made our way back to the trail, along the way we were feeling good, so the short day we had planned turned into 18.3 to the Rod Hollow Shelter, it was 9pm when we arrived, we may have bee feeling good when we left Linden, but not so after a total of 23 miles for the day, I didn't sleep very well after the long day, with muscles twitching and contracting for hours, but all in all it was a great day and good to put some miles behind us.