morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: moderate rain

I had a great visit in Oklahoma. Great to see and be with family. While I was off the trail, I got sick with cold/flu. Thankfully my family didn't quarantine me even though they may have felt like it. After I make it back to Virginia, I have a little trouble arranging transportation back to the trail but I finally get shuttled back to where I had gotten off. I resume hiking at 1:50 PM on Friday the 13th. The first thing I notice is how much more vegetation and greenery there is. The second thing I notice is how out of condition I am. I am still a little weak and congested but it feels good to be back. The first three miles had a climb of nearly 2000 feet. The weather is nice. I make it to Hog Camp Gap where I set up my tent. There are are a lot of tent spaces available. The one I choose has a swing hanging from a nearby tree. There is a Father-Daughter group camping out at other nearby tent sites. One of the fathers came by and said he wanted to go ahead and apologize for the expected noise. The girls were elementary school age. I told that father not to worry about the noise and for them to enjoy themselves and make as much noise as they wanted. And they did!! They laughed and sang!! The girls sang the national anthem which they struggled with and then sang Christmas carols which they did perfectly. It was a good day and a good evening.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: The Priest Shelter 
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

As I was packing my gear a group of the little girls came over and offered me chocolate chip muffins and an orange. I took their picture then they played on the nearby swing. Other girls soon join them. I started hiking around 8:35 AM. The elevation change wasn't that bad and the trail is in good condition. Made it to Salt Log Gap (2.2 miles) in about 50 minutes. Made it to Seeley-Woodworth Shelter at 11:35. Stopped there for a rest and lunch. I leave at 12:30PM. Proceeded to Spy Rock Campsite where it begins to rain lightly. Then it begins to rain steadily. Soon I am soaked. Made it to Priest Shelter at 3:30PM. The shelter is full and tent spaces are filling up. It is chilly, especially with the wind blowing. I setup my clothes to try and dry them but soon it begins to rain again. I eat a cold dinner and set up for the night. The winds are picking up as the night arrives.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: The Priest Shelter 

To: Maupin Field Shelter 
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

It was COLD last night. The temperature was in the 30's and the wind was strong most of the night. I got up around 6:20AM. Did my morning routine and started hiking at 8AM. The trail down the mountain, The Priest, was steep and rocky in sections. I stopped at an empty campsite where a fire pit was left inadequately extinguished. I put dirt and then used my water on the fire pit. After a while I think everything is okay and proceed on. There were some nice views on the way down the mountain. Made it to the Tye River (5.9 miles) at 10:20AM. There I take a break and have a snack. The climb up to Harpers Creek Shelter was steep the first 1.9 miles then a gradual decline the next mile. At the shelter I ate lunch and resupplied with water. Then I begin the climb up Three Ridges Mountain was long and steep (2074 feet over 3.3 miles). Sections were very steep. I was glad to reach the top but I was also exhausted. I took several breaks going up the mountain but it still took a lot out of me. I continue on and make it to Maupin Field Shelter around 4:30PM. I set up my tent, relax for a little while and then eat. I meet a few other hikers, thru-hikers and weekend hikers. I am hoping that tonight isn't as cold as last night.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Maupin Field Shelter 

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I was able to rest some last night. I was told the temperature got down to 35 degrees. Started hiking at 8AM. My legs are tired after yesterday and my feet are sore. The first few miles were not that bad but then the trail became very to ky in sections. The climb up Humpback Mountain was long and even though it there wasn't a lot of elevation gain, it was still tough because of the trail conditions. Also there were a lot of short steep climbs and descents. I took several breaks and ate on the way to Humpback Mountain. The de line from the mountain was also rocky for the first few miles then the trail improved. Made it to Paul C. Wolfe Shelter at 4:25PM. I thought about going another 5.2 miles to Waynesboro but my feet are hurting and legs are tired. I decided to stay at the shelter. Other hikers arrive for the night; Goldberry, Bombadil, two other thru-hikers and Hans. Hans thru-hiked in 2013. He brought a couple of pizzas in as trail magic. He will stay tonight and hike back in the morning.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter 

To: Waynesboro, Virginia 
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

Got an early start along with several other hikers. Goldberry and Bombadil head out first, then Hans and then myself. It starts raining lightly before I leave at 6:45AM. As I leave the shelter, the rain picks up steadily. I noticed my right knee is very sore, especially going downhill. It rains all the way to Rockfish Gap. I am soaked and it is cold. I don't see Goldberry, Bombadil or Hans. I get phone numbers for shuttle services that are posted by the trail at Rockfish Gap. I decide to go to the Shenandoah Visitor Information Center in order to get out of the rain and cold (45 degrees). As I walk to the center a woman drives up and ends up offering me a ride. I apologize for being dirty and wet as I get in the car. She tells me not to worry about it. She drives me to Waynesboro and drops me off. I thank her repeatedly. Come to find out she was on her way to the visitor center also. I am not able to check into a the hotel yet, which I expected. I am still cold, wet and dirty. I noticed a room with a vending machine and ice maker and go into it. The room is warm as the ice machine is blowing warm air. You guessed it. I stand by the machine. Some people pass by and have strange looks when they see me. I don't care. After a while, the ice machine turns off. Then I decided to go to a store across the street and buy my supplies. I give Squish a text and let him know I am in town. We had planned on having lunch. After I get my supplies at the store, Squish picks me up and we have lunch. It's good to see he is doing better. After lunch, Squish drops me off at the hotel and I check into my room. I'm still chilled so I turn up the heat, layout my gear and supplies. Later, get myself and clothes clean. I meet Bombadil and we chat for a while at the laundromat. Overall, a productive day.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Waynesboro 

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I got a shuttle back to Rockfish Gap. Started hiking at 9:10AM. Filled out the registration/permit form and proceeded on. It was very overcast and had a light rain. The rain didn't last long but there weren't many views because of the clouds. Starting out the trail was a little rocky. Made it to Calf Mountain Shelter at 12:40PM. I looked things over and decided to the next shelter. I had a quick snack and moved out. The trail has some elevation change but the footing is good. I press the pace when I can. I make it to Blackrock Hut at 6:25PM. It is crowded and it takes me another 20 minutes to to find a tenting spot. I setup my tent, resupply my water, eat dinner and prepare for the night. I'm tired. This is my first 20 mile day with a full pack. Overall, I feel good. Forecast is clear for Friday and rain Saturday.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was cold last night. When I got up this morning and started packing, I found out the individual that tented next to me last night is Who-Dat. We keep running into each other. He is back from his shin splints. We talked for a while as we packed. Prior to leaving we see a deer in the middle of the hut area. I hit the trail at 8:45AM. My legs are tired but I make good miles the first few hours. I saw three more deer during that time. Over the next two hours, I could tell that I was tiring more easily. I did hike through sections of the Shenandoah National Park that was burned during recent wildfires. I make it to Pinefield Hut around 2:20PM. I grab a spot in the shelter and it fills up soon. Everyone is a little concerned about the forecasted rain.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: moderate rain

It rained hard last night. I wait for some of the other hikers to clear out before I get started. It is raining lightly when I start hiking at 9:15AM. My legs are still a little heavy from the other day. When the rain stops there is a heavy mist most of the time. The temperature is in the fifties and there is a breeze at times. I'm able to maintain a steady pace and arrive at 12:45PM. There weren't many views today but I did see several more deer.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

Had a cool night. The humidity stayed high also. When it wasn't raining, there was a heavy mist/fog. Got up around 6:30AM and left the shelter at 7:45AM. Initially there was a light mist. That went away for an hour or two, then the rest of the day was either rain or heavy mist. Many times, visibility was about 100 feet. I felt good the first 3 hours, then I began to fade some but still make good time. I go by the Lewis Mountain Wayside area and decide to go for Big Meadows Lodge. By this time I am soaking wet and cold. The temperature is in the fifties and most of the time a steady wind. As I am hiking to Big Meadows, I realize I don't have the"required" reservation or any cellphone coverage. I also need to resupply my food. As I am approaching Big Meadows I decide to go to the wayside first to resupply and then try and get a reservation. Unfortunately I take an early side trail. This ended making my trip a little longer. I make it to the wayside, got my supplies and called the Lodge for a reservation. I try to set up the reservation over the phone but they tell me to come onto the Lodge. I make it to the Lodge around 4:30PM. I am even more soaked and colder. I get a room and when I walk into the room, it is cold. Turn on the radiator heater and wait to warm up. Afterwards, I get cleaned up and go to the dining room. There I run into Who-Dat. We talk. I offer to let him sleep on the floor in my room instead of having to tent. He accepts. I have dinner, which was pricey, return to the room and Who-Dat and I prepare for tomorrow. Who-Dat was kind enough to take my gear and clothes with his to the laundry. Afterwards, we settle down for the night.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Byrds Nest #3
Miles today: 14.8

Had a good night. It felt good to get warm. I eat breakfast in the dining room then return to the room where Who-Dat and I finish packing. Who-Dat had to get a shuttle to return where he got off the trail. I start hiking at 9:20AM. The trail was a little rockier than yesterday and some of the trail is like hiking in a small stream. Overall a good day except for a few blisters developing. Had some nice views. I arrived at the Byrds Nest #3 Hut at 3:50PM. I grab a spot in the shelter. This is the fifth day hiking in the Shenandoah park. Everyone else seems to have seen a bear except for me. I've seen signs of bear activity: logs and roots turned over, bear tracks, bear scat on the side of the trail, bear scat piled high in the middle of the trail, but no bear. UNTIL THIS EVENING!!! A bear approached the shelter area this evening after dinner. Everyone at the shelter gets a view of the bear along with pictures and video. As it slowly left, I see another one with it. The second one looked like a cub. The bear hangs around the area for a while. A good day. Better weather and bear activity.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Byrds Nest #3

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a little chilly last night. Started hiking around 7:30AM. About 300 yards from the shelter, I see three bears. A mother and two cubs. Probably the same ones from last night. Even though I only saw two of them, others said they saw a third one later in the evening. I took a few pictures and some video, then moved on. Later in the morning I see two deer on the trail, a doe and a fawn. Later, as I am approaching Elkwallow Wayside, a bear sitting right next to the trail suddenly takes further into the woods. It was well hidden in the vegetation and shade. I make it to the Wayside where I get some lunch. I am joined by Bombadil, Goldberry and then McGyver. After lunch, we head out. I am the first to leave. Shortly after getting restarted, I see another bear run away from the trail. I didn't have time to take its picture. I continue hiking. As t huh e afternoon wears on, I can tell that I am slowing down. Bombadil and McGyver catch up and pass me. We tal a little off and on. Just prior to reaching our shelter intersection, we see a mother bear and a cub. We arrive at Gravel Springs Hut around 4:40PM. I setup my tent, clean up and settle down for the evening.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal, Virginia 
Miles today: 13.4

Had a comfortable night even though I didn't fall asleep until early morning. Started hiking at 7:30AM. I felt fatigued. The climbs were a little more difficult than I expected. The weather is definitely warming up. I am developing blisters on my feet, especially my left foot. I made it to US Highway 522 around 1PM and make it into Front Royal at 1:30PM. I get a hotel room and realize how tired I really am. I clean up, relax, eat, work on my feet and relax more.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Front Royal, Virginia 

To: Dicks Dome Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Got a free shuttle to the trail. Unfortunately I didn't get to the trail until almost 11AM. It was hot today. The forecast was for a high of 86 degrees and a heat index of 100 degrees. I was soaking in sweat within an hour of starting. I drank a lot of water. Met a lot of other hikers today. Start of the Memorial Day weekend. Made it to Dicks Dome Shelter at 5:25PM. It was an exhausting day. My feet are actually worse than they were on Wednesday. I did see a deer today.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Dicks Dome Shelter 

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

Another hot day. Started hiking at 8AM. Felt sluggish. After 5 miles, I made it to Ashby Gap around 10AM. There another hiker, Lazy Dog, and I are treated to some trail magic ( snacks and soft drinks). I resumed hiking and entered "The Roller Coaster", a group of tightly packed ascents and descents for about 13 miles. The heat and the Roller Coaster takes its toll on me and my feet are worse. I made it to Sam Moore Shelter at 4 PM and settle in the shelter.
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Sam Moore Shelter 

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter 
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got up around 6:15AM and started hiking at 7:45. The Roller Coaster was tough. Especially with the heat over the past few days. As the afternoon wore on, the skies got a little overcast. Still hot though. I made it to the shelter area, set up my tent, have a quick bite to eat and relax before the rain arrives.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter 

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 8.7

It rained some during the night but was calm by morning. Started hiking around 8AM. My feet are really hurting. The trail didn't have many ascents or descents but it was rocky in a few sections. I saw another deer today and a black snake. Hopefully, that snake is the only one that gets anywhere near me. Snakes are incredible animals. But I want them to be incredible from a distance. I did make it into Harpers Ferry and briefly visit the ATC. Later I get a hotel room and relax. I will take a day off to get my feet in better condition.
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter 
Miles today: 16.0

Had breakfast at the hotel. Hit the AT at 7:30AM. The day started out with overcast skies and a nice breeze. The trail goes through parts of Harpers Ferry, then it crosses the Potomac River on the Byron Memorial Footbridge. Hiked on the C & O ( Chesapeake and Ohio) Canal. Made a climb and started hiking in rocks for a while. Had a brief rest at Ed Garvey Shelter then another at Gapland Road- Gathland State Park-War Correspondents Memorial. After heading out, the trail becomes rocky again and it remains that way till I reach Rocky Run Shelter. Quirks and Simple Man are here. Even though it's early, I decide to stay for the evening.
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Rocky Run Shelter 

To: Raven Rock Shelter 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

It rained hard for a few hours last night. Cloudy in the morning but no rain. I start hiking at 7:25AM. Later in the morning I visit the Washington Monument in the Washington Monument State Park. Around noon I make it to the Annapolis Rocks. Clouds continue to limit views. Afterwards I continue on and the trail becomes very rocky. Thunder can be heard in the distance. Clouds get dark. It sprinkles off and on. I arrive at Ensign Cowell Shelter (15.7 miles) at 2:50PM. The skies clear and I decide to go on to the next shelter. Most of the next section wasn't too bad except for the last mile or so. It was steep and rocky. I arrive at Raven Rock Shelter at 5:50PM and I am exhausted. There is a good crowd. A Ridge Runner (Miss America), Simple Man, Quirks, Ralphie and more.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Raven Rock Shelter 

To: Fayetteville, PA
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up around 6AM and started hiking a few minutes after 7AM. Within the hour I'm at High Rock Observation Point. Nice views even though it is cloudy. There is a lot of graffiti on the rocks. I continue hiking and the trail becomes very rocky again. I make it to Pen Mar County Park where Clammy (AT class of 2013) is providing trail magic. After a hamburger, chips, drink and conversation, I thank him for his kindness and head out with other hikers as more hikers arrive. A short time later, I pass the Mason-Dixon Line. Then a climb which was made worse because of the humid conditions. I felt like I was sweating gallons. After the climb, the trail conditions were okay till Tumbling Run Shelters. I take a short break and continue on. Another steep and rocky climb. During this time, the weather switches from hot and humid to cloudy and a light- brief rain. Mostly it is hot. Not a lot of views during this section. I made it to the Rocky Mountain Shelters trail intersection and decided to continue on to Fayetteville. The next mile or so is filled with rocks and rock piles. The last mile is better. I made it to US highway 30 at 6:10PM. I get a ride to a hotel and relax. Unfortunately my feet are killing me now. Will consider a day hike tomorrow but won't decide until later.
Date: 2016-06-06
From: Fayetteville, PA

To: Toms Run Shelter 
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got up around 6:30AM, ate breakfast and finished packing. I called the Post Office about my package that I mailed from Harpers Ferry. Found out it was mistakenly mailed to Fayetteville, WV. I had the correct address and information on the package but it was still sent to the wrong Fayetteville. I called the Fayetteville, WV post office and had them forward it to Port Clinton, PA. I get a shuttle to the trail and start hiking at 9:10AM. There is a climb of almost 1100 feet, steep in sections but not too bad. Made it to Birch Run Shelter at 1:15PM. Had a light lunch and back on the trail at 1:45PM. It warmed up alot but the ascents and descents weren't that long. Portions of the trail were nice and even. No roots or rocks in those sections. Unfortunately, not many views though. I did see a deer and a small black snake. Made it to Toms Run Shelter around 4:10PM. Good thing too because my right Achilles Tendon was hurting the last mile or two. I set my stuff up in the shelter and soak my feet in the stream. As night approaches, I am the only one in the shelter area. Well, me and a few hundred mosquitoes.
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Toms Run Shelter 

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't sleep well. Got up at 5:40AM and hit the trail at 6:55AM. Within the first two hours I saw a deer and came up on a blacksnake on the side of the trail. I didn't have time to get the deer's picture but I did get the snake's picture. It curled into a striking position when I first saw it. Initially it was hidden by a log as I came around a curve on the trail. It definitely got my attention. I took the snake 's picture and leave it alone. Continue hiking past Pine Grove General Store and Pine Grove Furnace State Park. It was still early in the morning so I didn't stop for the half gallon challenge (eat a half gallon of ice cream). I took a few breaks as the day wore on. Not many views today. The second half of the day, the trail had some rocky sections and some rock piles mixed in. It threatened to rain several times during the day but it didn't. I made it to Alec Kennedy Shelter at 3:50PM and grab a spot in the shelter. An hour later, it rains. Later I am joined by several other hikers: two ladies from Wisconsin doing a section hike, a married couple from Pennsylvania doing a section hike and through hikers Diesal, Cold Snap, Gram, Ounce and Zack Galfinaculas (spelling??).
Date: 2016-06-08
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter 

To: Darlington Shelter 
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold night. Thankfully I didn't get too cold. Unfortunately, some others at the shelter did. I got up around 6AM and started hiking at 7:30AM. Had a short ascent then a descent into some cornfields outside Boiling Springs. Once I made it to Boiling Springs, I stopped by the ATC Mid-Atlantic Region Office. Had a snack and got some water. Boiling Springs is a nice little town. It has a pond to enjoy and relax around. While I was in Boiling Springs, it started to rain very lightly. About 15-20 minutes after I left Boiling Springs, it started to rain hard, the temperature was in the 50-60's and it was very windy. At times the trail felt like a small stream. It rained hard for 35-45 minutes, then stopped. But the winds continued. As I continued hiking, I started to warm up and dry out. On several occasions it looked like it was going to storm but the sun returned. The scenery was nice today. I really enjoyed hiking through the fields. I made it to Darlington Shelter around 3PM. Considered going further but my Achilles tendon was hurting so I stayed and set up my tent. The wind is blowing hard at this time and other hikers also feel that tonight will be a cold one.
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Darlington Shelter 

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3

I didn't sleep well. It did get cold during the night. Other hikers also mentioned how cold it was. Started hiking at 7:15AM. Felt sluggish from the beginning. During the day I came across a porcupine on the trail. I gave it plenty of room as I took pictures and video. Later in the day, had a nice view from Hawk Rock. By now a group of hikers were hiking close to each other. Continued hiking into Duncannon and stopped at The Doyle to eat. Ate lunch with Chaser, Trekoroni, Rookie and Jennifer. During lunch we gave Jennifer the trail name Mrs. Direction due to her taking a wrong turn. I stay at The Doyle for the evening but the others continued on to the next shelter.