morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdom Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Long day planned for today. Was going to hit Damascus a day early to avoid the Wed afternoon storm. Started hiking @ 7:19. Pretty level hiking along a ridge at the start. Made really good time. Hit a couple of trail magic situations. One was just a cooler & box of food. Got a Coke & a Little Debbie's snack cake. Later got another soda & cookies at a trail Maintainer's work site. Hit the spot. I kept plugging along. Hiking mostly w/ Scarecrow. He wasn't planning to go as far as me today. I later hooked up w/ Trucker for a while. I hit the shelter @ 5:13. I was tired but not exhausted. The furthest I've hike so far on the trail.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Katahdin

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up and left early this morning - 6:57. I had 9.9M to do into town. I bumped into one of the kids - Rango - who stayed in the shelter. I walked w/ him most of the way down. The terrain was gentle ups and downs for the first two thirds of the hike. We hit the TN/VA border sign. After obligatory pictures, we started downhill to town. We hit town at 10:27. Real early. I found a separate room at a hostel for $ 21/night. Got two nights worth. Showered, did laundry, got a haircut, and ate a lot of food. Felt border-line normal!
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Damascus VA

To: Whitetop Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

Left Daves Place Hostel @ 6:47. Grabbed some breakfast on the way out of town. Walked along the road for a while. Then, crossed the road & began climbing. Wasn't as steep of a grade as before. I met Starman 28 (another Starman). We would leap frog each other all day. In talking w/ him, I learned that we hiked many of the same hikes in NZ & Chile. Not to mention hikes in the US. What a coincidence. I got to my planned shelter at 2:40. I decided to hike further. I climbed up to 5K' to Whitetop Mnt. Got water at a gushing spring. I walked a few hundred yds further and found a campsite. A short time later, Trucker and All the Way showed up. They also camped w / me. I thought I'd hiked about 18M. Trucker pointed out that I had actually did 21.1. I was surprised. Heavy pack coming out of town. Because of this extra mileage, I decided that I could cut a day off of this section.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Whitetop Mountain Campsite

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained a little bit @ night. A few drops fell as I broke camp. I rushed to pack up to avoid a wet tent. I started hiking @ 6:42. I climbed up to the Mt. ROGERS area. Very pretty views from the balds. I hit Thomas Knob shelter. Pretty shelter. 16 person capacity. Trucker caught w/ me. We hiked most of the remaining day together. The trail was very rocky. After a while, the bottoms of my feet ached. Before we got completely out of the balds, we came upon some wild, miniature horses that roam this area. It was a Mom & her colt. They were looking for handouts. We didn't have any. They came right up to us. Trucker was able to pet the Mom. We took pictures & then they left when they realized they would not get any food out of us. We kept going and then hit Wise Shelter. This is exactly 500M. Big milestone. Me & Trucker were flashing '500' in a picture. We had heard earlier that there was some serious trail magic by Hwy 603. When we got there in the late afternoon, they were right. Meatball subs, chips, snacks, & a keg of beer. I pigged out. Seeing all the hikers that were there, I was afraid of not getting a spot in the next shelter 2.4m away. I left & climbed uphill. When I got there, there was only 1 other hiker there. It was supposed to rain tonight. Later, Trucker showed up as did others. The forecast was for 100% chance of rain for tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

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

I started hiking @ 7:32. It had rained overnight & was drizzling when I left. The terrain was fairly easy for the most part. It stayed cool & overcast the entire day. I just missed getting some trail magic early on in the hike. The hiker ahead of me (Navigator) got the last soda in a cooler. I hit Trimpi Shelter @ 11:06 & got some water and a snack break. I kept hiking and hit Partnership Shelter @ 3:20. The shelter is next to the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center. There, there is an outside phone where you can call a pizza shop in Marion VA. They'll deliver to the entrance of the Visitor Center. So, that's what I did. Ordered a pizza. Everyone at the shelter did so. The shelter was nice. Rather large. Two levels. Covered area where you can eat & cook. Cold shower if you were brave enough (it was cool).
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins TN (Relax Inn)
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Short day today into Atkins. Started hiking at 7:42. Crossed the hwy and began climbing. My legs were a little sluggish from the last few days. It was overcast and foggy at first. But, it didn't rain. I hit the next shelter (7.1M in the hike) @ 10:35. I signed the log & checked my water situation. I felt I had enough to make it to town. So, off I went. I walked by an old schoolhouse (1894) next to a Shettlers Museum. I didn't stop to check it out. I wanted food and a shower. A short time later, I startled a turkey. And he startled me when he took off flying. I hit the hwy across from the Relax Inn @ 12:16.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Atkins TN (Relax Inn)

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

After breakfast @ the Barn, I went back to the Relax Inn & finished packing up. I started hiking @ 8:15. It was overcast at first. Grade was easy. After hiking for a while, I started hooked up w/ Shadow. Turns out he was an Eagle Scout. Nice kid from Minn. After getting some trail magic (sodas & snacks), I kept going. I hit Knot Maul Shelter @ 3:15.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Knot Maul Shelter @ 7:19. Had a big 2K climb. When I got to the top, I was @ Chestnut Knob Shelter. It is a fully enclosed shelter on top of the bald. I had a signal on my phone. I called Nancy from there. From there, the trail surface was very rocky. Feet hurt at the end of the day. I walked some w/ Shadow. Hit Jenkins shelter at 4:06.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Jenkins Shelter

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

Got a long way to go today. Got up real early & started hiking @ 5:59. The terrain was gentle as was the surface. There was little water on the day. I went 12M w/o a water source. I saw Navigator at the side rd into Bland. I kept walking to the overpass over the Interstate. I called Nancy & sent a few texts as I had signal. I later ran into a girl from England named Fidget. I walked w/ her for a while. I hit Jenny Knob Shelter @ 2:59. Few stops for the day. Longest day yet - 23.8. I was the first person @ the shelter.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

Another long day. Started hiking @ 6:30. Hiked one more mile & passed the 600 mark. Big milestone. I kept hiking. My left hip started hurting again. Got me worried a bit. I got down to the hwy & decided to take the 0.5m side hike to Trents grocery. Got some snacks & some tylenol. I called Nancy and asked her to send my prescription anti-inflamatory to me. I had a big 2500' climb after 11 am. Kept plugging for a long time. I made a brief stop at Wapiti shelter for a snack. Then I kept going. I walked thru a controlled burn area. Very recent. Eventually, I hit the road that Woods Hole Shelter was on. I hikes .5m downhill to the hostel. Got a bunk & signed up for supper. I took an outdoor shower. The water was hot but there was a strong breeze blowing in. Very uncomfortable but I did get clean. I pigged out on salad, fresh bread, & pizza. I got full.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

Had to get up early to make sure I got to the PO before noon. Nancy mailed my food drop to a motel in Pearisburg. Problem is that it burned down. I called the PO from Atkins & they said they would hold the package there. Started hiking @ 6:04. Very cold & breezy. Wore my rain jacket to keep warm at the start. Had to hike 0.5m to reach the trl jct. The grades weren't too steep. There was little water along the route. I was carrying 1.5L. Turns out I made it on 1L. Did some rocky, windy ridge walking for a while. Pretty view of the valley & town below @ Angel Rock. Then, steep descent for most of the way down. Hit Cross Rd jct @ 10:23. Walked about a mile to the PO. Picked up my package & the hit the local DQ. Double-meat combo w/ a Blizzard. Yum! Checked into my motel & got clean. Did laundry & other chores. Typical of each time I enter civilization.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Left the room @ 6:01. It wasn't raining but thw forecast was for 100% chance of rain w/ flooding possible. What fun! I hiked w/ Goose at the start. We talked about rooms in Daleville. I told him I got a room for $ 59 at Howard Johnsons. He got a room @ Super 8 for $ 90. I told him that there was a local Univ having graduation ceremonies that weekend. He stopped while he still had cell service to see id he could get a room there instead. While he tended on this, I kept hiking. It started to rain. Rain gear went on. I bumped into 2 girls on the trail - Alex & Little Seed. I talked w/ them for a while but soon left them. I got to the shelter @ 2pm. It started raining harder as I arrived. I got my water and watch the downpour. The shelter was full of hikers waiting to hike further. They left. Alex & Little Seed showed up. So did Trucker. Another solo female followed by a couple which filled up the shelter. The shelter had a fireplace. During a lull, me & Trucker gathered firewood. We managed to get a decent fire going. Surprised me given how wet everything was. Everyone dried out wet clothing & shoes.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

It wasn't raining when I got up. Had clearing skies in one direction, cloudy skies in the other. Cloudy definitely dominated the day. I left the shelter @ 7:13. I managed to hike the first 1 1/2 hrs with no rain. Then the rain started. It didn't stop. Sometimes light. Sometimes heavier. It was a touch slog. I was wet and miserable the entire day. I hiked solo the entire day. That made it worse. The demons between my ears were talking to me. They were telling me to quit. I had to keep pushing them back into the nether regions of my mind. About 1/2 up the last big climb of the day, I came upon some trail magic. Some guy had just set out some sodas and snacks a few yds from a gravel road. He was still there in his car when I walked up. I downed a soda & ate some snacks. I didn't stay very long as I was getting chilled. I thanked the guy for the goodies and headed up the hill. I got to the next shelter (Laurel Creek) at 3:41. By that time, it had stopped raining. Trucker and a couple of other hikers showed up. Not one of my better hiking days.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: light rain

During the night, I got up to pee and saw clear skies. I thought 'Great, I'll get a relief from the rain tomorrow.' Silly me. When I got up, it was misting. I had a long day planned to I started hiking @ 6:28. It rained light to medium almost all day long (again). When I hiked along a ridge, there were slanted slabs of granite that were very slippery. I really had to pay attention to my footing to keep from falling. Very tedious hiking. The rain finally stopped around 3 pm. That was about the time I came upon the Audie Murphy Memorial that was just off the trail. He was the most decorated war hero in WW-II. He died in a plane crash near this location. Nice tribute to him. I hit the trl junction to the shelter @ 4:32. It was a 0.3M walk down to the shelter from there. I got to the shelter and it was nearly full. Grimm Reaper, Dumptruck, Clever Girl, and Whistle were there. A few minutes later, two boys showed up with a dog. They were carrying day packs. At first, they were talking about heading back down the hill where they had cell service and calling their mother to come pick them up. Then, they talked about camping there... even though they didn't have a sleeping bag, tent, or sleeping pad. Sounded fishy to me. Before I could say anything, an adult male came hiking into the shelter area. Turns out, he was the father of the youngest boy. The two boys were home-schooled and had been allowed to go outside for a while. They left a note that said that there were going to hike to Maryland. The police were involved in a missing/runaway case. The Dad was able to track the boys because of the dog tracks. The boys grabbed all their stuff and followed the Dad out of camp. Made for interesting talk for the rest of the evening. Dumptruck & I managed to build a fire. Quite a feat given the wet wood we had to work with.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept later this morning. I woke up to clear or mostly clear skies. Sweet!!! I started hiking @ 6:57. I was originally planning to have a big day (23M) to set up a short day (9m) the next day into down. That didn't materialize. I was tired and my legs were very sluggish. I hiked along several different ridges that day. There were towns below. I managed to have cell service up there. 3G service, even. I made a couple of calls and even posted on Facebook a couple of times. Pretty neat. I couldn't reach Nancy on my first 3 attempts. I called Mary and told her to wish Sadie a happy 6th birthday. I told her that I wasn't sure I'd have cell service when I got to my next shelter. I then tried Nancy on her cell. I actually caught her. It was nice to hear her voice again. Later, I was able to do a quick video on my phone to Sadie. I wished her a happy birthday and sang her the birthday song. I then posted it to Facebook. All while hiking the AT. Technology is amazing. After all this high-tech stuff was done, I had to do a steep descent down Cove Mountain. The granite slabs were very slippery. This time, I fell hard on my left forearm. That hurt. After getting to the end of that descent, I crossed the hwy and began my climb up to McAfee Knob. This is the most photographed point on the AT (other than the start and end of the trail). When I got to the Knob, I got Beacon (also an Austinite) to take a picture of me on the knob with my camera and my phone. I still had 3G service so I posted the photo on Facebook. It was a short hike to the shelter from there. Got there around 5pm. No one was there. I set up my gear. I noticed that I still had cell service. I called Mary and learned that she was going to have to work late that evening. She called Derrick (her boyfriend) and had him call my cell. I was able to talk to Sadie and wish her a Happy Birthday. I also sang her 'Happy Birthday' as well. She told me about losing her front tooth and getting $ 1 from the tooth fairy. She also told me that she wanted to read me a book. So, she read me a short story about some bear and some strawberries. The signal wasn't the greatest. But, she was quite pleased about being able to read the story to me. Nancy had told me that Sadie had read to her the same book a few days earlier. Twice, even. Even though it wasn't a great feeling hiking day, the day ended on a sweet note. I miss Sadie & Makiyla (her sister).
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville VA (Howard Johnsons)
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I was the only one sleeping the shelter last night. The mice were so active scurrying around that I still had to use my earplugs so I could fall asleep. I woke up around 4:10 am to pee. I decided to go ahead and get up. I fixed breakfast and did all my chores and started hiking @ 5:18 am. I had to use my headlamp for the first 45 minutes. No problems w/ the navigation in the dark. I had problems when it got daylight. When I neared Tinker Cliffs, I took a wrong turn. After 5 min or so, I realized my mistake and backtracked and found my error. I climbed up and walked along the cliffs for about 0.5M. Nice views of the valley below. I hit the next shelter around 8:11. I treated some water and ate a snack and took off down the hill. It was a warmer day today. I drank a lot of water. Around 10 am, I came upon a snake sunning itself across the trail. I used my hiking pole to move the snake off the trail. When I did, it rattled its rattler. It was a rattle snake. I didn't recognize the eastern version of the rattler. The snake was rather small. I still had to pick it up w/ my stick and move it off the trail. Then, I was able to walk past and head on down the trail. I hit the trailhead in Daleville @ 12:15. I saw Beacon, Will IV (I named him 'Quatro' since he was a 'fourth'), and Crazy Frog. They were headed to Wendy's. I joined them. So, the four smelly hikers sat in a corner and pigged out. I ordered the even number combo meals, a Frosty, and a Diet Coke. I picked up my packages at the Outfitter store and headed back to my motel - Howard Johnsons. Later in the afternoon/evening, it started raining again. But this time, I'm high & dry in a motel. Tomorrow, I'm taking a zero day. I saw Goose at the motel. He too is taking a zero day. I think Trucker will come strolling into Daleville tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Daleville VA (Howard Johnsons)

To: Daleville VA (Howard Johnsons)
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day. Did some chores. Read the paper. Went to the outfitter. Went to the Post Office. Ate snacks. Just took it easy. It was rainy early in the day. It has since cleared up. Supposed to be nice for the next 4-5 days. That would be nice. The outfitter told me today that this has been on of the wettest AT years in quite some time. Maybe I should change my trail name from 'Zman' to 'Rainmaker' or 'Soggy Pants' or something. Next resupply is in Glasgow, VA. 3 days down the road. Next stop after that is Waynesboro. Before you know it, I'll be out of VA.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Daleville VA (Howard Johnsons)

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Ate breakdast w/ Goose & 2 Speed. It looked very overcast but it was supposed to be clear. Started hiking @ 7:07. Easy grades at the beginning. I bumped into Mack at the 1st shelter - Fullhardt. Got water & pushed on. I reached my planned stop ; Bobblets Gap - @ 3:15 (18.5m). I decided to go further. The trail began to cross the Blue Ridge Pkwy (BRP). I had cell service. I called Nancy & posted some stuff on Facebook. I was now hiking w/ Goose. When I crossed BRP the last time for the day, they told us that the next shelter was dry. We loaded up on water & headed up. We hit the shelter @ 6:04. I was tired. Longest hiking day yet - 25m. I had cell coverage so I called my sister, Diann, & talked to her for a while. She told me about her trip to Paris she just got back from.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Thunderhill Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the shelter w/ Goose @ 7:07. We hiked down until we reached the next shelter - Bryant Ridge. What a nice shelter! Double-decker. Covered tables. Huge. I had a big climb after that. We climbed up Apple Orchard Mnt (4200'). On top, there was a radar site. Had coverage from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod. Impressive. A short distance later, I hit Thunderhill Shelter. Stopped there for the night. Around 7:30, it started snowing. Big flakes. Didn't last long. Snowing on Mothers Day. Yikes!Note - my left hip hurt today. Hope this quits.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Thunderhill Shelter

To: Glasgow VA
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Got up early & left the shelter @ 6:20. A short distance later, I hit a nice overlook. I rook a picture of it & was able to post it on Facebook. I hit the campsite where Trucker, Shadow, 2 Speed, & Blue Eyes were camped. They were still in the process of getting up. There were some steep ups for the day. But, it was mostly down. Trucker & the gang caught up to me. We stopped @ a shelter for a snack. We then hiked down to the James River. We walked along it for a mile. We then crossed the longest footbridge on the AT. On the other side, I ran into Goose. He'd been trying unsuccessfully for 45 min to hitch into Glasgow. I tried my luck. Nothing for 20 min. Then, I held $ 10 in my hand. About 5 min later, I had a ride. 2 cars stopped so all 5 of us could get into town. Once in town, we went to the one restaurant & each ordered a pizza. We pigged out. It was great. We then walked over to a pavilion the town erected and set up camp. Did laundry & showered.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Glasgow VA

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

After breakfast in a convenience store, I decided to try & hitch a ride back to the TH. The city of Glasgow provided a shuttle @ 9:30. I didn't want to wait that long. Some old guy agreed to give me a ride for $ 10. Tried unsuccessfully to get it for less. I jumped into the bed of his p/u truck & we began the windy, 6-mile drive to the TH. I got there & started hiking @ 8:40. It was a hot day w/ limited water on the 1st part of the day. There was a big climb at the start in two sections. At the top of Bluff Mnt, I had service & I called Nancy. Mack, Trucker, & Shadow all caught me. I tried to keep up but couldn't. I got to the shelter @ 5:45. Tired & thirsty. Passed the 800-mark today. Great milestone. The shelter was next to a nice creek.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Spy Rock Rd (Dutch Haus B&B)
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Left the shelter @ 6:49. Big climb @ the start. Got up to 4000'. Not any water on this section. I was passed by Trucker & Mack during the hike. Late in the day, I.ran into Mack at a shelter resting. He told me about a B&B that was really nice - Dutch Haus. He was contemplating stopping there (he didn't). He left ahead of me. A short time later, Trucker snuck up on me. Somehow, he fell behind at some point. As we neared the jct of Spy Rock Rd, the weather started to get bad. It was thundering & it looked like it was gonna be some bad weather. I told Trucker about the B&B. We were still 2 hrs from the shelter. We decided to call them & see of they had room. I had service. They had room in their bunkhouse. They told to hike down the gavel road for about a mile. They'd pick us there. We almost beat the rain as we ran down the rocky road. We caught the the ride back to the B&B. We showered. They washed our clothes. We also ate a nice dinner. And it rained. A lot. But, we were dry.