morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-15
From: Saunder's Shelter

To: Thomas Knob
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Late start from shelter this morning. Heavy rains came in the early morning and I didn't leave shelter until 9:15 when the rains slowed down. It rained on/off all day. The trail was pretty gradual the whole way. Traveled through a couple of cow pastures and one giant cow grazing right in the middle of the trail next to the whiteblaze would not move for me. Just stared at me and kept eating grass and all I could think of was I'm getting a cheeseburger in the next town.Some decent views but mostly in cloud cover. Entered the Grayson highlands today and heading up to shelter I was run off trail by a group of ponies heading down, probably because a storm was coming in tonight.I got to shelter to find it full. Not of thru-hikers but a group of weekenders who set up their tents in loft of the shelter. With the temperatures dropping I had to force my way into the loft. It's going to be a cold night with my new 55 degree bag.
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Thomas Knob

To: Hurricane Mtn
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Miserable cold night, didn't get much sleep trying to stay warm. Left shelter at 9:30 trying to warm up in these unseasonably cold temps. When I finally left trail their was a group of ponies right next to the shelter. They are incredible animals able to survive in the highlands of Virginia. Gryphon tried to pet one and got kicked right in the leg.The Grayson Highlands are an amazing place. Even though I was clouded in it was still a unique experience being up their in dense fog. I could even see the next blaze 20 feet in front me. I saw a few more groups of ponies along the trail and the sun even came out for a few minutes to give me a couple views but for the most part it was all cloud cover. It was fairly easy terrain all day and we have passed mile 500. Not sure what mother nature has planning for tonight but it looks like rain so I decided to stop early instead of pushing on.
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Hurricane Mtn

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Another cold night. Another day in the rain and dense fog. Didn't leave shelter until 9 and cruised through the easy Virginia terrain mostly because their is no dry place to stop. No views again today but made it partnership shelter where you can order pizza to be delivered to the shelter.BBQ chicken and a 2 liter of mountain dew for me. Because so many hikers ordered at the same time it took a long while for the driver to get here. The temperature dropped quickly and rains started again while use hungry hikers stood by the gate waiting for our food to show up. The ridgerunner in the area passed us standing their and went into town and drove back a 12 pack of beer for us even though the sign at the shelter says no alcohol. Haha loving the AT.Good night in shelter the beer helped take a little bite out of the cold. Good good and good laughs at the shelter and Goldie caught up today.
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Well well another cold morning. It was an overcast day and cold temps but the rains held off for the most part. The sun even peaked out for a few minutes and made it seem like everything is going to be all right. 1st sun in about 5 days. A little fun fact I learned on trail as we passed the road crossing to Marion,VA. Apparently Marion,VA is where mountain dew was created as told to me by scrubs. I was tempted to go in but their was a gas station at the road crossing with cold soda, good enough for me.Today we also completed 25% of the trail. When I tried to use my phone to tell my parents, my phone didn't turn on even when plugged into the wall. Oh well.Finally got to shelter after a big day on trail to find it full with over 15 other hikers tenting around it. Looks like I caught up to the crowd.
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Knot Maul Shelter

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

1st little mental breakdown on trail. Rain again with high winds and very cold temps. Another whiteout when I got the top of the ridge. Supposedly it has great views nicknamed God's thumbprint while we got God's middle finger. I couldn't see 15 feet in front of face the trail was no blazed well. I was just trying to following footprints and pole marks on the ground. I was just cursing out the trail with every other step until finally got to shelter. Ramen Noodles, hot tea, and cookies from a section hiker made me feel better. Funny how a little bit of food can quickly change my attitude.2nd half of the day was mostly down hill on wet rocks. I fell at least a dozen times and hit my shin against a rock pretty well so I felt pain with every step. Finally got down to my destination and yet again another full shelter. The rains had stopped mostly so I was able to set up a dry tent. Nothing like a warm meal and big fire to lift my spirits again. I'm not going to let 1 bad day on trail get to me. The sun will come out again. 3 deer even ventured to within 20 feet of our camp it was fun watching them watching us.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to the sunshine today. Couple hikers at shelter joked questioning what this giant yellow orb in the sky is doing and why it's their. But it warmed everything up and I stayed at shelter until 9:30 drying out most of my gear.It was great day on trail. After leaving shelter only a few miles to 1st road crossing a couple of 2006 thru-hikers were just finishing setting up trail magic. Hamburgers, hotdogs, soda, fruit, cookies, chips, home made brownies, and to-go bags. Amazing magic after the last few days on trail. Great day on trail in the sun. All the worries from last week are gone and I can just focus on today's goal.Then along the way just on the side of the trail someone left cold sodas on ice and crackers. It was a great day on trail. Easy terrain and the sun was out. Plus their was room in the shelter with a big fire already roaring when I got there. Heading to the hostel tomorrow to rest my swollen ankle. I get sharp pain with every step.
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Jenny Knob

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Another late start finally got on trail at 9:30. Only 1.5 miles into my hike I ran into the same 2006 hikers from yesterday setting up magic again. They were as surprised to see me as I was them. Great 2nd breakfast of hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, and fruit. Another 5 miles into my hike a 2011 thru-hiker tripleblown was taking a day off to magic. Sodas, cookies, and ice cream. Amazing. Took a .5 side trail to see dismal falls and soak my swollen ankle in the cold water. This very gradual trail was made more difficult with my ankle reminding me it's in pain with every step. Finally made to woodshole hostel just in time for dinner and amish peach ice cream for dessert. A very comfortable place. Very relaxing. It's a self-sustaining hostel with a full organic garden. Good company and a comfortable night.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to zero today to rest my ankle and I was able to do laundry and take a shower. Pigeon showed up today and its always a good time chilling with him. Good times and good laughs all day as hikers filtered through all day. It was good to get some rest. An intense lighting storm rolled through tonight as well. It was an amazing scene.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: moderate rain

Decided to hike out today. This hostel is a tough place to leave. Ankle still sore but I should be able to hike on it. It was a very gradual trail and a very lazy day with a lot of breaks. Went into Pearisburg for a resupply. Again, bough way to much food. Oh well I will eat it all.Stopped early at shelter because it has a great view spot for sunset. I need the view to help boost morale from view less last few days. I'm also the only person in shelter and also started a nice fire. It was a pretty good sunset. A very quiet night at shelter. I stayed up late and watched a lighting storm rolling over the mountains in the distance while their millions of stars above. Pretty amazing view but it looks like that storm will be here either tonight or tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

Day started out well. Sunny and partly clouding with comfortable hiking temps. About 5 miles into the day the winds picked up and dark clouds starting forming over head. Another race against mother nature but she has a very big head start. A few miles later heavy rains came down, I am extremely sick of the rain.The rain also makes me notice the pains in my ankle more. Made the 12 miles by 1 and arrived to shelter and the 1st dry place to sit all day. Once I arrived the sun comes out. Not really feeling like hiking on today I decided to stay and dry my gear out. Rest is always good for my ankle as well.As my gear was drying I just chilled at shelter as some hikers filter through for their lunch breaks. I just chilled their all day. Around 5 more rain came in and the word on trail is severe thunder storms tonight. I'm happy with my decision not to hike on.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Great day on trail. 1st in what seems like a long time. Ankle felt great today and sun was shining and stayed out all day. A couple of nice views from wind rock and kelly's knob. Made it into shelter by 5. With no one at the shelter and plenty of fire wood I decided to stay instead of push on. A great night by the fire after a great day on trail.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was very peaceful last night and the fire lasted until midnight. Hiked out at 9:30 and went through some great Virginia farmlands and grassy knolls. It was a very hot and humid day. Got nice views looking down on the farmland from a fully exposed rocky ridge line. With such a humid day it will probably storm tonight. I decided to hike.5 mile off trail to shelter and just after I finished gathering water and heading the thunder started. Heavy rains came with intense wind all night. I guess it was a good decision to hike down to shelter.
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Great morning on trail. A fun climb up to a rocky ridge line. Saw the unimpressive dragon tooth which is just a rock that apparently looks like a dragon tooth. Not worth the .2 walk off trail. After that it was an intense hand over hand steep downhill rock scramble. It was tough trying to find footing where their is no footing. It was an extremely fun decent.Made it the 1st road were their was gas station .3 miles away. Nice spot for lunch and small resupply until Daleville tomorrow. I ate way to much food their. 2 hot dogs, 20 ounce soda, chips, cookies, and a pint of ice cream. I went extremely slow the next few miles. A quick rain storm came through and cooled us off from the heat. Made it to the road were down the hill is one of the best all you can eat buffet on trail. Still full from lunch their was no real need for me to go down but decided to go anyway. The buffet was definitely worth it too. Servers brought out all the food. No waiting in line you just left them know what you want. Really amazing.Was able to get a quick hitch out of town and hike the 2 miles to shelter. Arrived at 7:30 and their was room. Perfect just as the rains started again. Another great day on trail and an extremely full stomach.
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Catawba Mtn Shelter

To: Daleville, VA....motel
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

Foggy start the morning. Got up to Mcafee Knob in a complete whiteout. In the mountains if you don't like the weather just wait a few minutes. 20 minutes later the sun burned off all the early morning fog and exposed great views through the valley below. From the top I could see the ridge we were about to walk across and it ended up being a very enjoyable walk. Passed over tinker cliffs which had great views looking back across the valley towards Mcafee Knob. Very enjoyable hike.I then had to push on to make town before the outfitter closed to get more fuel. Made it with plenty of time. Went to the grocery store for a huge again another huge resupply that didn't fit into my food bags. Thought about hiking about but decided to split a room with Oggie and Hobo and the pool was open at the hotel. Chill night and broke out some whiskey. Developed some sort of stomach bug, thinking it could be giardia not sure but not looking good.
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Daleville, VA....motel

To: Daleville, VA...motel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Still felt sick this morning and couldn't keep any food down. Thought about walking 11 miles out to the 1st shelter but 1st made a stop at the Verizon store to try and fix my phone. The guy at the desk said the battery died and will not hold a charge. He said while hiking you need communication, went into the back room and brought a new phone for me and gave it to me for free. Pretty awesome. Stomach still upset and I felt weak because I hadn't been able to eat much all day. Walking back towards the trail I ran into Oompa, Velvet, and Gidean and decided to split another room and zero with them for night. Slept most of they day and about 5:30 I was able to keep food down and started to feel better. Giardia scare was over must have just been some stomach bug. Chill night again at the hotel.
Date: 2011-05-30
From: Daleville, VA...motel

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Late start leaving the hotel again. Stomach feels better but still couldn't keep solid food down. All liquid breakfast. Finally hit trail at 12:30. It was a very hot humid day getting up into the 90s with a heat index of 108. A slow day on trail. The really takes a lot of energy of me. Felt good even without any solid food. Chill night at the shelter.
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 17.0

Earliest start since North Carolina, I was on trail by 7:45. Made it the spring .4 miles away and stay there for over an hour and cameled up drinking 2 liters of water. It's going to be another hot day, up into the 90s again.Another slow day on trail with the heat. Crossed the blue ridge parkway 8 times and no magic. Trail was pretty gradual though and I took lots of breaks. Hiked with Milo and Stretch all day. Made it down the Jennings Creek at 5:30 and jumped right in the water to cool off. Record high temps for this area. Sat their for over an hour and decided might as well just camp by the river. Chill night with a great fire.
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Plans to get an early start failed miserably. Woke up at 8am due to chilly morning and I was just way to comfortable in my bag. Didn't hit trail until 9:30 just in time for a big climb during the heat of the day. Highs in the 90s again and 3 steep climbs. Perfect. Another slow day on trail but had some great views on top of Apple Orchard Mountain and the meadows that followed. Also guillotine rock was impressive, a giant boulder wedged between two other rocks that you walk under. Pretty cool. Got to shelter at 5:15 and the bugs were insane so I started burning some leaves to produce smoke to keep them away so I could cook. After a while I started gathering wood to keep a fire going. When I came back with some more wood Roger and Bo were showed up with coolers and asked if I was hungry. Well the obvious answer is yes. They brought out fried chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, fruit, Gatorade, and home made brownies. Amazing unexpected magic. I didn't get any magic on Memorial Day and this was their post Memorial day magic. That sealed the deal for to stay here and not hike on. Chill night at shelter with Milo and Yinz.
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: clear sky

Got an early start on trail. Woke up at 5:15 and slowly packed up my gear and ate breakfast. On trail before 7. It was great being on trail early with cool temps and nice breeze. A lot more comfortable doing the big climbs. Made it down to the James River footbridge by 12:30 and chilled their until 3 to beat the heat. Had a lot of fun swimming and jumping off the bridge.2nd half of the day had some tough climbs but the heat had subsided and the breeze came back making the climbs much more bearable. Made it to shelter by 7 which is apparently haunted by Little Ottie and 4 year old boy who in 1890 was sent to gather fire wood and got lost on top of the mountain and died.The shelter was nice. Had one of the best springs on trail so far. Also a boy scout group cooked a bunch of extra food and offered it us. I wouldn't be a thru-hiker if I didn't eat so I had 2nd dinner. I remembered some words of wisdom a wise man once told me. "Ghosts can't hurt you, only you can hurt yourself if a ghost attacks." Wondering if ghost boy will show up tonight.
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Wolf Rock
Miles today: 22.7

Well I survived the night. No ghost boy mischief. Left shelter at 7:15 and another great day on trail followed. Cruised the morning section slowed up only once when an aggressive copperhead wouldn't let me pass. It was just lying on trail and when I tried to move it off trail with my trekking pole it turned quickly and faced me, hissing. I backed way off out of sight. Waiting a few minutes and then slowly walked back and he was off trail a few feet.When I got to the road Milo's mom drove Yinz and I into town for a quick resupply and also bought us lunch. Amazing and much thanks.Missed the heat of the day again after my 3 hour break in town and hiked on around 2:30. Tough climb but the top had great fully exposed bald with great views. Down the trial at hog gap I ran into a couple camping for the weekend. When I asked where the water was he responded "just down to the left their is a great spring and when you come back I will have a burger and beer waiting for you." More magic plus fruit and brownies. Hiked on in the cool hours of the day planning of getting to next shelter. Made it wolf rock by 7:30 just under 3 miles to shelter. Wolf rock was an exposed rock with great views for sunset so I decided to pitch tent right their. Great sunset, best one of trail so far. Towns showed up and was going to eat dinner then hike on but decided to stay after sunset by the fire. Later that night I went back onto the rock to check out the millions of stars on the clear night. Amazing. I love how quickly plans can change on trail. I love the freedom of the day. Amazing just chilling on the rock looking up at the stars with a group of crazy owls calling back and forth.
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Wolf Rock

To: Tye River
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Late start this morning due to chilly morning. It was tough to get out my sleeping bag. Finally crawled out, broke down camp and was on trail by 9. First few miles flew by. Cameled up at the water source at shelter and read the trail register. Multiple hiker mentioned a free lunch at the road crossing 2 miles north. Towns read a pamphlet in the front of the register that said free lunch between 11-1 will pick you up at road. Their was more to read but when we looked at the time it was 10:15 so we bolted out of their. Made it to US fire service road mentioned in the pamphlet at 10:45. Time to wait for our ride. As time ticked away and 11am passed we realized this steep rocky road was probably not the right one, we should have finished reading the pamphlet with directions. Well with free food on the mind decided to hike down the steep 1.5 miles to next road and also managed to get lost in the labyrinth of other dirt roads. When we got their we were able to get a quick hitch to the B&B for free lunch. Chicken salad sandwiches, watermelon, lemonade, and cake. Plus we made a store stop for ice cream. The B&B owner then drove us back the parking lot, 1.1 from the trail head. Well on the steep ascent back to the trail the free lunch didn't seem as great an idea as it was earlier and I was now more hungry and tired than when i started from this exact spot. It's amazing that thru-hikers will walk almost 3 miles for free food but I will rarely walk over .3 miles to water or shelter. I guess we are just a different breed.Then the hiked continued. Another steep climb up to spy rock but had some great views and time for another unneeded break. Meandered along the rest of the day over the priest then straight down to the Tye river. When I got their I just jumped right in the cold water to cool off and decided this is far enough for today. Found a camp site and a little while later Milo and Towns caught also choosing to camp here. Chill night by the fire.
Date: 2011-06-05
From: Tye River

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: light rain

Was up and on trail by 7:30 this morning to knock off the last big climb on trail until Greylock in Mass. No better way to start the day than with a 3000 foot climb. It was a long steep climb but I was rewarded with some nice views from the top of three ridges.The rest of the day was very gradual. Slow and lazy. At the 1st road crossing I ran into Towns again holding up some beer magic. Well I guess it's time for my midday break. We drank 3 yuengling lagers and tried unsuccessfully to yogi of a group of cyclist. With one more road crossing for the day we figured their had to be more magic their. Well we were wrong, nothing. Thought maybe someone might stop and give us a soda so we sat their for over close to 45 minutes. Realizing no-one was going to stop, It was time to cook our own dinners. Finally hiked out about 6:30 and planned to hike into the night. Decent trail but just as the sun was going down thunder could be heard in the distance. Perfect. When it was dark enough I needed my headlight, the thunder and lighting storm started and of course it rained. Luckily it was a quick moving storm but it lasted long enough for me to get soaked. Finally arrived to shelter at 10 surprised to find only Milo and Yinz their. At least I got a spot in the shelter. Only 5 miles into town tomorrow and AYCE Chinese Buffet for lunch.