morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning we awoke to the sound of an annoying bird right outside the shelter! Kevin was up right away so there was no sleeping in as planned! We decided to just lay around until 10 because my parents weren't going to be in town till 3 or so; and we only had an easy 8 miles to town. We got to town about 1:30 and ate at a chinese all you can eat buffet. Then the parents and girlfriends arrived just after we were finished eating so it was off to the hotel for showers. It was great to see the family and the girls.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What can you say about a zero day. We love 'em! Got to sleep late and eat a big breakfast, get a shower, just be lazy all day. We just hung around after the resupply, then watched a movie. Mom gave me a few things some people had sent up for me. My grandmother sent some money that was very much appreciated and Mr. Johnny, what can I say? Thanks!! Kevin says he is jealous he didn't receive such fine literature from you as well. Anyways, the zero was fun gettting to hang with the fam and just being lazy with a great dinner at O'Charley's to top everything off. Had a lot of fun and thanks for everything! Love you Mom and Dad!
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today has been a mixed day, full of different emotions, easy walking and missing loved ones! I woke up late to my girlfriend looking down on me- AMAZING! Then had breakfast and packed up to leave out. We all stopped at Moe's in Blacksburg to eat lunch then we got dropped off around 1:00p.m. to start our day. It was hard saying goodbye to the folks and girlfriend, had a lot of fun ya'll. Thanks for everything you did and bought. "T-Bird"-thanks for your sweet note that you hid in my pack, was a great surprise! The walking today was pretty easy, a big climb to start off then easy walking the last few miles. The shelter is really nice and situated on the edge of a treeline near this bald ridge with an amazing view. It's going to be a pretty night but bad weather the rest of the week so I'm sure I'll be wet for the next few days. Going to enjoy the rest of the night and hope for the best!
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: broken clouds

We had a beautiful sunset last night so we expected to wake up to the sun and blue skies. Instead, it was really foggy and wet! But no rain today! The sun popped out late a.m. and stayed out the rest of the day. We had two big climbs and other that that it was smooth sailing. Our feet are pretty sore because we did run into a lot of rocks today but our last climb up to Wind Rock was worth the pain. There was a great vista from an exposed rock cropping. We also met a young guy and his dog out on a day hike, Eric and Comet. They were sitting on the vista so we sat and talked to Eric for awhile before headlamping into the shelter tonight. Great to be at a shelter and laying down! Can't wait for sleep. Tomorrow we have 18 planned so another big day in the making!
Date: 2008-04-09
From: War Spur Shelter

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

After headlamping in and cooking dinner late, around 10:00 or so, we decided it was best to sleep in a bit. We ended up getting up about 8:30 this a.m. but couldn't make ourselves leave the shelter till 10:00 a.m. Looking at the elevation for the day, we thought it was going to be an easy 18 today. Once again, the A.T. proved us wrong! We got slammed right off the bat with a major climb-WAY TO START THE DAY! At the top of the climb we met two older ladies that were out with a group called "The Ridge Runners". They go out twice a month for day hikes as a group. Pretty cool thing to be a part of. Anyways, I missed the vista where Kevin had lunch with the rest of that group and ended up eating with a section hiker, "Deer Legs", at a shelter. After lunch the climbing never seemed to stop! We wandered off the trail to a shelter to get more water as we both were almost out. This proved to be an excursion of its own. The trail to the shelter was straight down for 1/4 mile, this meant leaving we had to carry everything right back up! NOT FUN! After that, we had great views along the ridgeline for 3 miles or so and stumbled accross the Eastern Continental Divide, pretty cool! Today was hot so we are thinking summer gear pretty soon, for me it can't get here fast enough. Thinking another 20+ day tomorrow so bed sounds really nice.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Niday Shelter

To: VA 311 (Catawba)
Miles today: 22.5

Today we got the day started right! We encountered some trail magic that just never stopped! First, I came to a cooler full of food and Kevin going through it-no surprise! Then, to see drinks chilling in the creek nearby, Kevin actually caught the "trail angel" restocking the majic! Then talking to Kevin I found this guy was a thru-hiker from '06 and offered to slack pack us, take us to town, and let us stay at his house! Amazing! The guys trail name is "Barnabas". Kevin and I slacked the last 6 miles of the day then "Barnabas" picked us up and took us to his house where we got showers, did laundry, and he cooked us dinner. Then, we went to town to resupply. Now, we are staying in the guest room, which has 2 beds and just wondering if this is a dream!
Date: 2008-04-11
From: VA 311 (Catawba)

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: few clouds

We awoke today to find that "Barnabas" had cooked up pancakes, eggs, and grits for us. Great way to start a long day. Then, he slack packed us to Daleville. We had an awesome day of hiking, saw some great views from a very popular spot on the trail called McAfee's Knob. Then, we got off to look back to McAfee's from the Tinker Cliffs, both really great highlights of the day. We got to Daleville around 5 o'clock to meet up with "Barnabas" to get our gear back and thank him for his amazing "trail magic". We really appreciate all you did and should consider yourself a "trail angel"! Next, we hit up the Outfitter for a few things, then Wendy's where we gorged out on burgers for dinner. A great change from pasta. Finally, we got a room at the Super 8 and here I lay watching TV and trying to recall the great things we just happen to use. So Thankful!
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today we got a late start and decided to do some lower miles. We ate lunch at Pizza Hut and carried our leftovers out for dinner on trail-a really good idea. Really easy miles today, just took it nice and slow since we were heavy from resupply. Got cell phone reception as well so got to call home and even talk to my lady, Teahna. Winding down for bed is going to be pretty easy tonight since we've been putting in some pretty big days. Glad to see we are less then 300 miles away from Harper's Ferry, the half way point. Pretty amazing to think back on the 725.5 miles we've come in under 2 months on the trail. Tomorrow makes Day 56 on trail, that's crazy to think about too.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

Today I got a little earlier start since we were doing yet another 20+ day! The weather was a little colder that expected since two days ago I was in shorts and really hot. Today we saw snow flurries until 2 o'clock or so, no accumulation though I found myself thinking hard about a few things today, little personal so we won't go into that. Most of the day was a blur since I thought a lot about school, girlfriend, family and better yet, summers on Lake Hartwell! My feet started hurting really bad today but sore ready to stop for the day hurt. Walked mainly by myself today, found it a little refreshing not worrying about my pace, just cruizing at my own speed. Got to the shelter fairly early, round 6 o'clock and town is only 2 miles away. Very tempting to go but staying in the woods to save some money!
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: U.S. 501
Miles today: 3.2

Today we needed to resupply since we had our biggest week so far on the trail. We decided to stay in town as well. We got to the road early to try and hitch into Glasgow, VA We got a hitch from a really nice guy who ended up doing a lot for us. We got to Glasgow around 10 o'clock to find that it was a DUMP! So, the guy took us over to Buena Vista, VA. Here he dropped us off at a great motel and we got some food then a ride to the laundry. Also, we met a thru hiker from '94 and he shuttled us to Food Lion for groceries, then dropped us back at the motel where we enjoyed phone service, TV, and a hot shower. Great idea for the nero day.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: U.S. 501

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Today we got a late start, as usual when we come out of a town. Got lunch and a ride from the thru-hiker, "Legs" back to the trail. We did small miles but have three big days planned to get to Waynesboro, VA on Saturday. Today the weather warmed back up and this shelter is supposedly haunted, so should make for an interesting night. Alex is at the shelter with us tonight so it was great seeing him agian. The weather should be nice. Tenting tonight since this shelter has so many great spots, plus the bugs were bad seeing as it's right next to a pond. Got a good meal and ready for bed, but most of all a conversation with Teahna will be awesome!
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: clear sky

Today started off really nice, cool weather in the morning. Very comfortable in shorts, sunny skies, and no bugs! It quickly warmed up though, really hot and uncomfortable hiking for most of the day. Got a late start out of the shelter, around 9:30 and took lunch with "Master Alex" at Brown Mtn. Creek Shelter which was right beside a big creek and in the shade! Carried almost five liters of water out because I had a huge climb ahead of me and no water sources on trail until the next shelter. Climbed to the top of Bald Knob then Cold Mtn which was really awesome! The summit and ridgeline was bald and windy which helped cool me down after such a crazy climb. The day was really long and I rolled into camp just before dark. The shelter had a great water source but lacked the great scenery that Punchbowl had. At this point, I'm just glad to have a soft, level, and quiet tent site.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Today ended really great but we'll get to that. We got a good start after spending the night with "Indian Summer". Was pretty easy walking to Priest Mtn. We stopped to check out a great view from Spy Rock then checked into the Priest Shelter for a snack and some relief from the heat! We had a great view from a vista on the backside of the Priest but were relieved when we came accross the Tye River! We quickly dropped the pack and stripped down for a dip and Cowboy bath in the river! (pretty sure the fisherman didn't appreciate that). Hated to dry out and climb once again on what proved to be a really hard climb up three ridges. Couldn't wait to hit the shelter even though we got some great views going down from Hanging Rock Vista. We pulled into camp around 7:30 to find some section hikers and a former thru-hiker, "Duke of Earl". "Duke" had a nice fire going and we enjoyed talking about the trail and some of his experiences on trail. Then the sectioners gave us some snack pack pudding, applesauce, and bread! Great stuff. Tomorrow we have another 20 to get into Waynesboro, VA. Can't wait to get into the air condition, a fast food meal, and a shower. Hopefully we can get into town a little early to have time to chill a bit. It was nice to have a fire tonight though and the weather is beautiful. Just reminds me why I love this so much! The scenary, people, and wildlife have been so great lately it has just revived my spirits and will to push onward to Katahdin! Oh and I have officially picked up the trail name "One Flop". The name just hasn't gone away since I lost my flip flop in Hot Springs.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We got the day started nice and early today and passed tons of weekenders on the trail-two Boy Scout groups, and some others. We had an easy day as far as hiking. The weather was great, sunny and hot, real hot. We had some great views but really pushed hard to get to town. I rolled into the Visitor's Center where you can get free shuttles (a great option for us) into town. Ended up waiting an hour or so for Kevin because he walked the wrong way for a mile or so before reaching it which cost him some time! Met a few sectioners and southbounders that started at Harper's Ferry at the last shelter about 5 miles from town. Got a motel room and are planning on laundry and resupply tomorrow before our easy start in the Shenandoah's of about 7 miles.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

An awesome day today. Big shout out to "Trail Foot" and his family! AWESOME! We got a shuttle from a nice man named Roy to a place called Weasies! All you can eat pancakes for $5.00. What else can I say. Accross the street I called "Trail Foot" to check on his progress and he happened to be back in town with his family! So, they were gracious enough to take us to Kroger then Subway, then the Outfitters and finally back to the trail! Thanks for everything-you guys were a blessing. Hopefully we can catch up and run to Katahdin with you!
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Calf Mtn. Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: light rain

Today was not a good second day in the Shenandoah's! It rained for 90% of the dayn and when it wasn't raining we were so wet that it still stunk. But as we always say a bad weather day is better thatn a pretty day stuck working or even worse in a classroom! Things are hanging all over this shelter trying to dry out for tomorrow and tomorrow it's supposed to rain all day agian. We couldn't see anything today because the fog was so dense. We did see some wildlife as usual, tons of deer, probably 20 or so today. Also, a turkey that we "chased" down trail for probably 300 yards! It finally flew off. A nice hot meal and some dry clothes, plus the warmth of a sleeping bag made everything better though. Definitely feeling the 26 miles on my feet and looking foward to some sleep!
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was so much better than yesterday all because it never rained! Got things almost dry so hopefully morning will bring dry socks along with it. Also, got the summer gear on the way to be picked up in Harper's Ferry! Going to be great to shed some pounds. Today was pretty easy walking but definitely felt the effects of the 26'er from yesterday. Met two SOBO's at the shelter who are cool-had a fire going which is probably a good thing. Heard about a grill on the wayside about 6 miles in tomorrow so probably going to stop in for a bite to eat! Pretty excited about that! Ruined another camera yesterday in the rain-SORRY Mom and Dad, hope I get something worked out with that. Also, had a mouse chew through the hip belt of my pack because I forgot there was trash left in there. HATE THAT MOUSE! Came accross a skunk at lunch-luckily didn't get sprayed. It came within ten feet of us while we were eating-kinda freaked us out-but finally shewed it away! Hope tonight no animals will mess with me or my stuff-really would enjoy a good nights sleep!
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Bearfence Mtn. Hut

To: Pass Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 26.8

Today my will, desire and manhood was put through the biggest test on trail so far. We got a great start, nice and early headin north. The weather was great-cool in the morning, just perfect hiking! By mid-day it was really starting to warm up though. I noticed I was kinda low on food so I walked off trail to a wayside-kinda a stop in the parkway for people driving through. They had minimal supplies but a grill where I grabbed a burger for lunch. Got back on trail around 12:30 or so after my mile walk back (even passed some trail majic!)After my snack break, I noticed I was starting to get blisters on the back of my heels. Thought I'd be ok since I only had around 10 or so to go. Turns out with about 6 to go they busted and I didn't have any moleskin to put on them! It was so painful that I took off my boots and socks and walked the remaining miles in my flip flops! Hopefully I will never have this experience again. Also, I was slowed down so much that I ended up headlamping for an hour or so. Was really paranoid about walking up on a bear so I whistled the entire hour until I got to the shelter! When I got there Kevin was cooking and there were three men there. All really cool guys. They hooked me up with moleskin, oreo pudding and some funny stories that really lifted my spirits, which I needed!
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Pass Mtn. Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Glorius day today! Great weather, easy walkin, and a really slow pace! Got to sleep in, didn't head out until 10:30 this morning and stopped at another wayside, only .1 miles off trail this time. We had burgers and brought a little more food then enjoyed some lazy time in the shade until 4 p.m. Got the last 5.4 miles knocked out by 6:30 tonight. Got dinner cooked and looking foward to bed early tonight. The blisters did ok today, definitely can tell they are there, but only a few more days and we're picking up the summer load and I'm getting new shoes! Decided against the 27 or so to go into town and take an extra day so tomorrow we have another "low" mile day planned. I think it's a good thing since we've been pushing out over a hundred miles each week since Pearisburg, VA We have Harper's Ferry, WV coming Monday which is the halfway point on the trail! Very exciting, that will be our 71st day on trail. This means we averaged 14.2 miles a day since Springer Mtn. if you take our 7 zero days out we've averaged 15.75 miles a day. Not to keep boring you with stats but since Pearisburg, VA we've covered 386,4 miles in 18 days, which averages to 21.4666 miles a day! We've definitely picked up our pace so the next few "lower" mile days will be great on the body!
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal, VA (US 522)
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Another easy day under the belt! Great day with great weather. Woke up early and we were on the trail by 8 a.m. Saw a lot of wildlife again, but no bears. Had a great nights sleep in the shelter-no snorers! Had a little rough patch at the end of the day when the blisters started hurting pretty bad but worked through it and we hitched in with no problem. We stood around and finally a really nice turkey hunter named Buck picked us up and took us to Super 8. Great to be in a room with air conditioning, shower, TV, and a bed! Got all our resupply done and laundry after eating a Chinese buffet. Hopefully, the blisters will clear up and tomorrow won't be so painful. Trying to get out of town and do 15 tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Front Royal, VA (US 522)

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful day today! Had an ok breakfast then stopped in at McDonald's for lunch. Walking back to the road to hitch we got asked in a parking lot if we were headin back to trail and this nice man took us straight back. Got on trail by 12 and had easy walking to the first shelter where we stayed for awhile to get in the shade. Shouldn't have stopped because on the way to the second shelter we got caught in a thunderstorm! A LOT of rain. Only lasted for 20 minutes or so but needless to say we were soaked. Got to the shelter to find a big crowd of Koreans who were fun, had a big feast and also chatted with some weekenders from GA! When the skies cleared we headed out again. Tonight we are staying with a section hiker from Maine, "Doc" and "Hammer and Nails", a guy thru-hiking with his dog. Got supper cooked and the sky fell out! It's pouring rain. Glad to be somewhere dry for the night. Only 16 tomorrow so yet another pretty easy day. Looking foward to pulling into Harper's Ferry on Monday.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It's 7:45 and dinner is cooked, eaten and digesting! Got into the shelter before 6 p.m. after only leaving at 11 this morning. Threatened rain all day but never saw a drop, sounds and looks like we might see some tonight though. Had an easy day through Norhtern VA and we are looking foward to leaving it behind tomorrow. We will be starting our 5th stated of the trip. No more "VA Blues". We are taking at least one zero day in Harper's Ferry, maybe two so hopefully our bodies can rest up for the remaining 110 miles or so ahead of us. We have the shelter to ourselves tonight but there isn't much room because we have all of our stuff strung out everywhere! Picking up the summer load tomorrow which means I get to shed some pounds off the pack. Looking foward to that. Don't know why but thought of home today and started thinking about what I wanted to eat when I got back and had so many things run through my head. Big juicy grilled burgers, steak and salad, lobster, shrimp, Japanese, gah, I'm getting hungry again! Try to push those thoughts away and think about the miles awaiting us. Hope to knock out the 23 miles tomorrow fairly quickly so we have time to settle in and check out the town tomorrow. Looking foward to calling some friends and family to let them know I've walked this far. It's going to be fun to celebrate the halfway point. We may even get to go to Washington, DC on our day off! Exciting news, can't wait for the great adventure ahead of us!
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry, VA
Miles today: 22.9

Oh how a bad day can turn around so quickly. Started the day very excited and full of energy-"ready to take on the world". Then it started raining. Didn't think it would last long so I didn't put on my rain gear-STUPID MOVE! Was soaking and freezing until we got to some lower elevation, but we did hike faster and put the miles behind us. Took a snack break in a little cave like cropping to escape the rain. Finally about 3 it cleared up and I put dry, warm clothes on. This boosted my spirits, well that and the fact that we were only 5 miles from Harper's! In Harper's we met Bill Sugrue, a great guy who picked us up, took us in, did laundry, cooked a great dinner, and gave us a bed. I can't thank he and his wife Leslie enough for all they did. The last few hours have been a dream come true.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Harper's Ferry, VA

To: Harper's Ferry, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day at Bill's:What a great zero day. Got up for coffee and breakfast, got to watch TV all day and use the internet. Bill hooked us up with a sub for lunch then took us to resupply. We swapped all of our gear-I sent home the zero degree bag, large gloves, gaiters, down jacket and a few other things. Needless to say, I'm a lot lighter. We had an amazing chicken dinner when Leslie got home from work, really good not to eat NOODLES! Then, Bill drove us to D.C. to see the monuments at night-really COOL! It was a great detour from the trail. They've both done so much for Kevin and I -I can't thank them enough for their hopspitality! Hope we weren't too much of a burden. Was a great day for resting, really enjoyed just being lazy, which I do all too well!