morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-01
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: moderate rain

Got a rainy start this morning. But the sun started to poke through around 11 am.Hiked the morning by myself, but was able to hook up with Recon and Wonderland after about 12 miles. Together we arrived at The Captain's, zip lined across the creek and enjoyed free soda and WiFi on the back porch. A definite highlight of the day! After an hour break and high on sugar, we did make it up that last hill to the shelter pushed along by threatening rain clouds. We made it and were settled in our sleeping bags before the rains came.
Date: 2016-05-02
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Said good bye to Recon, Wonderland, Creature and Fisherman as they are hiking a 20+ mile day. On the trail was some trail magic left by the Carillon Giles Community ER staff. Thank you for the Gatorade and granola bar. Was able to help out a fellow hiker with my "spare food" items, as he was running low. Most times I carry about one meal worth of extra food, just in case I get stuck somewhere. When it is clear that I can make it to my next re-supply without any delay, I usually share the food with others. Walked through some area affected by wildfire. Burned trees on both sides of the AT, except for the trail itself and the trees with the white blazes.On my last hill for the day the clouds moved in, started raining, then thunderstorming. Amazing how quick one can move if need be! Under the cover of rhododendrons, mountain laurels and other shrubs I jogged to the shelter, arrived wet, but safe. Ate dinner during rain breaks and settled into my cozy sleeping bag.
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: VA 621
Miles today: 13.8

Got started early. The pack is nice and light, as there is just my day snack food left. Walked through some beautiful pastures, lush green after the rain. Passed an old homestead or shelter and the 2nd largest oak tree on the AT, the Keffer oak. The rain held off till about 20 minutes prior to the meeting point with my friends Sam Squared. Lightning hit fairly close as I hurried to get to the car. It is truly wonderful to get picked up by friends, who have hiked long distance as well. There was a ham and cheese sandwich, banana, cookie and Dr pepper waiting for me. Needless to say I snarfled everything down before we arrived at Sam's house. This is the first time since leaving my home, that I set foot into a home. After the necessary shower and laundry, Sam took me grocery shopping on his motorcycle. Dinner was all homemade, from scratch. Yummy!!! Repayed all the spoiling by baking some chocolate chip cookies for dessert. The generosity of my friend with his time, food, shuttling, sharing his home... mind-boggling!!
Date: 2016-05-04
From: VA 621

To: VA 624
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

And the spoiling continues... freshly baked biscuits, sausage gravy, eggs... for breakfast and then a shuttle to slack pack 15.4 miles over Dragon's Tooth. Sam Jr joined me. Past rock piles, lady slippers we hiked up. Stopped at the Audie Murphy Monument, with a beautiful view point. Finally made it to Dragon'so tooth. Scrambled up, because we just had to...! Then came the way down the hill. I was glad not to have to carry full pack today. It made the climb down the trail way easier! Sam was waiting for us. As we walked with a whole bunch of thru hikers, they got a quick ride up to the hostel. Needless to say, back home the spoiling continued, with hickory smoked chicken, coleslaw and baked beans. I am drooling remembering as I write! To have friends like Sam along the trail is priceless!!
Date: 2016-05-05
From: VA 624

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I think today was the chilliest day for me on the trail so far. Slack packed the first 6 miles, getting soaked by rain. The small pack i had borrowed had a nice puddle on the inside when i got back to the truck and repacked/ changed to my big pack. Was glad to do so in a nice warm truck, drying out and warming up. Three other hikers were sitting in the back doing the same while waiting for their ride back to the hostel. Sam Squared joined me to hike up to McAfee Knob. We had some snow flurries mixed in with the rain and wind. After the pictures, they went back down the mountain to their car, and I hiked on. Despite the weather there were some nice views on Tinker Cliffs. It was a lonely hike, though. Only met Forrest slack packing southbound, and he confirmed that Noone was on the trail. Did get to the shelter, finished all the chores first, then got into warm/dry clothes. Against trail etiquette I set up tent inside the shelter for the extra warmth. Just as I crawled into my sleepingbag, 4 more hikers showed up, all chilled through. With their ok, I kept the tent up,warmed up fairly quickly, and had nice company to boot!
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

I guess not only food can motivate to move this hiker! Those 9+ miles flew by, leaving the shelter just before 8am and arriving at Daleville around 12:30pm. Why, you ask??? Well, after my last mail drop disappeared, my husband decided to hand deliver this one. Yes, he is the bestest husband! Right around mother's day,too! Needless to say, tomorrow will be a zero day.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Mother's Day!! We met up with Sam Squared at Cracker Barrel. Did not only finish my breakfast, but also ate a good portion of one of my husband's pancakes. Hit the trail around 10am. Thankfully we won'the have as long before we meet up again! Had planned to stop at Full hard Shelter, but got there before 3pm, too early to stop for a nice day like today. The trail moved parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway with beautiful views. The Mountain Laurel is now starting to bloom as well. Made it all the way to the next shelter by 6 pm. Teatime was already there. It is always nice to see a familiar face at a shelter! We'll see if we can hike parallel till Waynesboro.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Left the shelter about 7:45 this morning. Still walked parallel to the BRP, and had one more overlook. The squirrels are out and about again. Funny to watch them scurry along and across the trail! Plenty of lizzards, too. They are too fast for me to take pictures, though I have tried numerous times by now. Lots of flowers blooming along the way, as the weather gets warmer. Trillium mixed with cosmos, mountain laurel and rhododendrons. Thank you to Tortilla's family for the coke and banana and at the shelter this evening Winterwonder's family for the slice of pizza trailmagic. We have chances of thunderstorms every day this week. Let'stand hope they hold off and we can all safely continue hiking!
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matt Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

If yesterday was a day for the squirrels, today was chipmunk day! Saw plenty of them, racing over logs, rocks and leaves. Today turned into a beautiful day. Met a southbound section hiker on her last section to complete the entire AT. She started at 12 years old and it took over 40 years, but when she reaches Pearsburg, she has completed the whole trail! Congrats!!Took my lunch break at Thunder Hill Shelter, laying my tent out to dry, as we did get so rain last night. At the shelter this evening we met a family of 4, two adventurous little boys and their parents, who thru-hiked in 2005.They shared hot dogs with us, a welcome change from the normal trail food! The weather calls for thunderstorms during the night. I am well fed, dry and warm in my tent.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Matt Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: broken clouds

All morning long high humidity, fog and low clouds. The sun finally got the better of it around noon and by the time I reached Bluff mountain there was a view! Up there I also caught up with Mercury and Minion. We were all kind of aiming for a campsite near Pedlar River bridge,but when I got there it was nowhere to be found. Chaser even went down the road a bit looking for it, while I went the other way, only to find a no camping sign. Chaser stealth camped, Mercury and Minion were still out of sight, so I went ahead, hoping to find a stealth site near a stream or spring. No such luck. Despite some pretty sore feet I made it all the way to the next shelter, ending this day as the longest yet. Took care of the feet and am now ready to call it a night. Tomorrow is definitely gonna be a shorter day!
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Piney River North fork
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Had a well deserved god night's rest. This helped, as there was a nice looong up to Bald Knob, with a few fake tops. I preferred Cole mountain after with its beautiful meadow on top. A quick down to 3 Springs Hostel for a maildrop, pulled pork sandwich lunch and a nice 2 hour rest. Made it to a campsite a mile short of my initial goal due to paralleling a thunderstorm and more rain on the way. I am in good company with Slipper and Tripper, a nice couple from Georgia.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Piney River North fork

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After a good rain last night, the day started out cloudy and windy. But it is Friday the 13th, so the sun did come out and made for a nice day hiking! Ran into this SoBo just before The Priest. As my feet have decided to respond to the new boots with blisters, I am looking forward to a nero day and hostel stay tomorrow. Debating a slack packing day Sunday, just to spoil myself with another hot shower and some town food before heading into SNP on Monday. Got to the shelter campsite fairly early, which gave my tent time to dry out. After cooling my feet off in the creek,dinner and a nice hot chocolate,I am now ready to call it a day. Will be all snug in my sleeping bag before the sun goes down. Yes, hiker hours can be a bit strange!
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

A short nero day. Just over a a hump and a bit to Reeds Gap. Got to meet a trail maintenance crew. All really nice folk! Got picked up at the gap by Teatime and his parents. What a treat to have a free ride to the hostel and after shower and laundry done a free meal and shuttle service to the outfitters. Thank you very much!!! Back at the hostel walked over to pharmacy and grocery store. All the chores areally done!
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

As contemplated, I chose a slack pack day, from Reeds Gap to Rockfish Gap. It was a cold morning. Started out in shorts, but had to zip on the legs. Lots of day hikers on the trail today. It is nice to give my body a break from the big pack, which resulted in a much faster hiking pace as well. Shaved off over 1:15 hour from my regular speed to reach Rockfish gap. Had a nice relaxing evening at the hostel, getting ready for Monday. Thank you for a great stay at Stanimal 328!
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

The day started out chilly again. Filled out the self registration form for SNP and got going. Had a nice lunch break with Stitch and friends. Also saw a few day hikers. Came across some tractor seats ankered into the ground, kind of in the middle of nowhere. Might make a good break spot for some hikers. Even though the day was long, at the end comes a sense of accomplishment, having put another dent in the chunk of miles still to be hiked. Working on getting to that halfway mark!
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Blackrock Hut

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

Sorry, no picture today. It rained all day and the phone was tucked away to stay dry. Nevertheless, the day started out with a deer grazing right in front of me on the trail. Felt magical, watching it relax enough with me being so close to go back to chewing on the branches. I gave it 5 minutes, and then started hiking, the deer walking in front of me on the trail, before stepping back into the brush. Great to start one's day out like that. Another hiker joined me for the rest of the day. We stopped at a Wayside, to dry out, warm up and yes, you guessed it, eat. For me it was comfort food, soup, grilled cheese sandwich, fries and hot tea. We did go back out into the wet and finished the last 4 miles of the day. Setting up a wet tent in wet conditions is not great, but by the time I got into my sleeping bag, at least the tent floor had somewhat dried out. Maybe my body heat will dry this inside out some more. Good to go for the night.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

Hiked alone again today. But that does not mean I am alone on the trail. Met quite a few day hikers today, and loved chatting with them. Reasonable ups and downs made for a rather short day, despite the longer milage.Got to see my first bear. It must have heard me coming and scrambled up the hill away from me. I just hiked on so it could continue on its way. Quickly stopped at the campstore for some treats, then hiked the last couple of miles. We had a trail angel at the Hut, giving out free drinks. That lemonade sure tasted good with dinner!
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Byrds Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: light rain

The day started out foggy. Got trail magic again. This time at the campground, where I made use of the heated washroom with hot water! Two couples had been trail angels for the last three days and gifted me with chex mix and an orange. Thank you! Once the fog lifted around 11am, the views came. Stopped at Skyland resort for a late lunch/early dinner. After an hour's rest hiked the last 6.5 miles to the shelter. There we were visited by more bears. First a mom and two cubs, at a safe distance. She even felt comfy enough to sit on the trail and eat the shrubs. The second bear, this time with one cub got real close, so we ended up making some noise and moving them along. Needless to say, we were all hanging our food bags tonight.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Byrds Nest #3 Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

Must have been a full moon last night, as my tent was lit up all night. Woke up to sunrise, and while having breakfast 3 deer crossed the shelter area.What a wonderful day hiking with the sun out and a nice breeze going! Stopped at Mary's Rock with an amazing view. Hiked at a good pace and made it to Elkwallow Wayside by 1pm for a burger and fries for lunch. Oreo cookies and tea for dessert. Just before reaching the shelter saw another bear, this one trotting away from me, might have been my off key singing that scared it off. Even though rain is called for, I set up tent. A decent crowd at the shelter, good mix of NoBos, SoBos, section hikers and weekenders.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Mountain Home Cabin/ B&B
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

Well it did start raining last night, so VWT (very wet tent) to be packed up. Thankfully a short day hiking through the rain. The weather did not deter quite a few weekend hikers. Left the SNP and got to the hostel around 1pm. The hot shower felt good after hiking in the cooler rainy conditions. Scott shuttled me to town for laundry and I was able to grab some food for dinner. Had a great time chatting with Scott and Lisa after dinner. They have great plans for the main house , working hard to reach their renovation goals and in the meantime are wonderful hosts for hikers at the cabin.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Mountain Home Cabin/ B&B

To: Ron Howard Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: scattered clouds

After a good breakfast at the hostel it was time to move on. Today was the day of the earthworms! Saw plenty of them, the non swimmers of them were wearing their life vests! Yup, it was a very wet day, I do not think it ever stopped raining. At about mile 15 the waterproof shoes stopped being waterproof, and the rain jacked started to collect cups of water in the front pockets, which then needed draining at least once an hour. Despite puddles, mud and the AT turning into rivers, I made decent time getting to the shelter. Already there is Tom, a fellow thru hiker, I had not seen since Easter in three Smokies. Great to see familiar faces! After changing into dry clothes, eating dinner, then zipping into my dry sleeping bag it did not take long to warm up, and fall asleep!
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Ron Howard Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: light rain

Must have rained most of the night, as nothing dried. Getting into the wet shirt was brrrr. At least it had stopped raining by the time I got going. Then there was the roller coaster. Took me ages to get thru it, but I did, with the help of some trail magic at Route 7. The coke and apple came at the right time!!! Also hit the 1000 miles mark as well as the VA/WV border. That sign I somehow missed going uphill towards Raven rock. The last seven miles for the day were more even terrain, so I picked up my speed and making it to the shelter before 7pm. Even played peek-a-boo with a deer hiding behind a tree. The shelter is a nice one, with a great deck and a separate covered eating area. We were a neat mix of two-day hikers, section hikers and thru hikers.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry, Teahorse Hostel
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Got up nice and early, blue skies, going into town, meeting up with friends, 8.7 miles in 3.5 hours.... Life is good! Got to the ATC, which has super friendly staff, by 10:30 am. My picture was taken and registered as thru hiker 281. (Started at Amicalola SP as 436.) Moved on to the hostel, past beautiful front yards, old buildings, down brick sidewalks. When Barb and Jim showed up, I had lost the wet dog smell, and laundry was on the go. We had a wonderful time visiting, exploring the National Park and a delicious lunch. They also took me to resupply, so all 4 hiker needs were met. A great bunch of hikers were staying at the hostel. Lots of laughs and funny stories. Looking forward to the waffle breakfast!
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Harper's Ferry, Teahorse Hostel

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

After a nice waffle breakfast it was time to move again. Started back on the trail around 8:30am. Got to see some more of the historic sights of Harper's Ferry, then crossed over the bridge into Maryland. Nice and flat for the first while along the tow path, with turtles, herons and frogs to see along the way. Even though there were some rocks, the trail was easy. A large woodpecker kept me company, flying from branch to branch ahead on the trail for at least 15 minutes. Then I just about stepped on the tail of a black racer snake, which disappeared into the woods for safety. Did stop at the campground, as my feet decided they had enough for the day, and it was nice that we had showers available. As the afternoon/evening wore on more familiar NoBos showed up. AB, Monster, Steve, Eric, Toxic Foot and Robin. Had a great time socializing around the picnic table.Perfect end to a perfect hiking day!
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

A good hiking day, with some thunderstorm warnings for the afternoon. Got going fairly early to be at shelter by the time they might hit. Did stop at the Washington Monument with its great view, as it was on the way. Leading up to it were historic facts signposts. There are quite a few in this area, giving all the battles fought here. As I walk along the AT path, I wonder who else walked through these woods so many years ago, fighting/supporting their cause. The shelter looks new. It has bear cables, have not seen those in awhile. Sister showed up as well. It is so great seeing familiar faces and catching up. The predicted t-storms did not materialize.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Old Forge Picnic Area
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early this morning, as I wanted to be at the picnic area by noon. There my husband would pick me up to take me home for two zero days. Yes, own bed, own shower..... yippee!!! And because he is the greatest, he would bring along trail magic as well. Saw quite a few weekend hikers, starting their Memorial Day trip. Sister caught up with me, and we hiked the last hour to the pick up together. On that last stretch is where we saw the copperhead, lazily curled under a rock. Not to irritate it we took big steps over it. We arrived minutes before my husband did, with the dogs and cold drinks, oranges, bananas, carrots, oreo cookies, peanut pretzels and goldfish snacks. I think all the hikers that stopped were happy with the treats. AB gave my husband his trail name 'Hub'. We stayed over 2 hours, then the others moved on along the trail and Hub, the dogs and I got in the car heading home.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Zero at home

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: moderate rain

Hub dropped me off at Old forge picnic area again today. I have to say it was tough leaving. Thankfully it was a great hiking day and I got my hiking rhythm back fairly quickly. Even made further than initially planned. Met up again with Tom there. The shelter is absolutely beautiful, hanging baskets with flowers, sundial, and soon it will have a porch swing. Amazing what some of the caretakers/ trail clubs do to make us feel comfy on the trail! Thank you!!
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: James Frey Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today I re-hiked the section of the at, that was my training hike last year. Started several miles before and ended several miles after, as what were mountains to me last year, were mere bumps to me this year. Hit the 2016 halfway point, and then Pine Grove Furnace SP. No, no ice cream challenge for me, but Fisherman and Clementine went for it. Visited the AT museum and showered at the campground before tackling the last 7 miles of the day. A solid day with decent breaks!
Date: 2016-06-01
From: James Frey Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: broken clouds

Left the shelter at 7 am. Clementine and I hiked together all day, which was nice. He had to slow down a few times so I could keep up with him. Stopped in at the ATC mid Atlantic regional office in Boiling Springs, decided to have lunch in town and ended up at the cafe. Big delicious sandwiches, side salad, Gatorade, dessert, sitting outside in the shade... makes for happy hikers! Another great surprise was seeing Recon there as well, and having the same shelter destination for the night. We all caught some trail magic on PA 641. Thank you to the family who put out the cooler with iced drinks on their front yard, including the camp chairs to sit on. This made for a nice and needed break on a quite toasty day. Last break came at the Scott Farm Trail ATC crew HQ, filling up with water. Made it to Darlington Shelter by 7pm. Marathon hike completed!
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: moderate rain

One of my leg muscles started complaining yesterday towards the end of the hike, so the lower milage day was welcome. Right at the beginning of town is a BBQ place. There were already other packs lined up outside, so I just added mine and had some decent pulled pork sandwich! Decided to stay at The Doyle, just because. (There might have been rain predicted as well.) Did the hiker chores (shower,laundry, resupply) then just rested my leg by staying in. Thank you for the ice bag, Vicky! Yes, I still owe you.