morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Wise shelter.

To: Dickey gap.
Miles today: 16.1

I didn't sleep very well due to it being so cold. Once packed we hit the trail to warm up. It was sunny but with a cold wind. I walked behind Tom and Meehap, and the Grayson highlands were again beautiful. We managed to get off trail and had to backtrack. We passed Roadrunner a young girl from Florida. I was really feeling tired and had a headache. We stopped for lunch at Old Orchard shelter. I was really craving town food so suggested we head for the hostal in Troutdale and the cafe, they were very happy to go. After that we pushed hard to cover the 10 miles we had left to reach the road. Once there we tried to hitch but had no luck. Roadrunner had fallen behind so the three of us started to walk the 2.6 miles into town. We had only gone a short way when a car pulled up and picked us up, Roadrunner was inside, I knew she would get a ride easy. The hostel is run by the local church and is really nice. We all went down to the local cafe and had a good feed. Hoping for a good nights sleep. We heard about the terrible damage the tornado's had done the night we were up on Whitetop mountain, with many people killed. The weather here can be savage. We will hit the cafe for breakfast in the morning, man do I have an appetite! But on the trail you can never eat enough. I seem to be stronger in the afternoons and slow in the mornings, which is opposite to the young guys I am walking with. I am trying to keep my mileage down to around 16 miles per day, which is easy to manage. Plus I am hoping Towns will catch up to me, I miss that guy. Physically I am fine, my feet still have no blisters. I have not felt the pain I was getting in my left leg for a week at least, so hope it has sorted it's self out. My back is still a little sore but getting better slowly. I will soon have done a quarter of the trail, hard to believe after so much effort! But this really is an amazing experience. Well bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Dickey gap.

To: Partnership shelter.
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

I didn't sleep as well as I hoped due to Tom's noisy sleeping. We all got packed up and walked down to the diner for breakfast. We ordered and then waited for nearly an hour. We managed to at least get a lift back to the trail quickly. We rode in the open back of a pickup truck, with the wind blowing, it was great. The weather was perfect today, it got up to 80f. The path was easy and I walked until lunch time when I found a pretty open spot where I had a break. Spring is really starting to take hold, lots of colour. I met Lisa and we walked the rest of the afternoon to the shelter. On the way I nearly stood on a 5ft long black rat snake, it's the first one I've seen. At the shelter we all ordered piza to be delivered. I was so full I felt sick, but managed to keep it down. Now camped next to shelter, I sleep better in my tent. It has been a nice day. Will re supply tomorrow. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Partnership shelter.

To: Crawfish valley.
Miles today: 17.9

I was up early and away to do the 11 miles into Atkins. The weather closed in and a thunder storm started. It only lasted a short time. We had a burger in town and re supplied, then headed out. The afternoon grew sunny but it was humid so not nice to walk in. The first site we found was not flat so we finished up going further than expected. I am with Tom and Meehap, Roadrunner and Lisa went to an hotel, I think they need to do larndry. Everything I have stinks! But that's a hikers life. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Crawfish valley.

To: Chestnut knob shelter.
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Had my best sleep in a tent so far. We packed up and headed out. It was a very humid 79f and the walking was hard, I was really finding the day hard. Around lunch time we got trail magic of coke and muffins. We then had a long climb up on to Brushy mountain and the shelter. It has been my hardest day on the trail. Hope tomorrow is easier as we are planning to reach town, over 20 miles. At least I can get a shower! Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Chestnut knob shelter.

To: Bland.
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: broken clouds

The alarms went off at 6.00 and everyone in the shelter started packing. We were the last out at 6.30. I took the lead and we really walked hard. By 10.00 we had done 10 miles and 15 by 12.00. Tom and I spotted a large Rattlesnake, but he was pretty relaxed. The weather was in the 70's and we reached the road into Bland by 15.30. We got a hitch into town. At the hotel we showered and washed all our clothes in the bath tub. We rigged a line across the room and turned up the heat, it is like a sauna in here. We are all sat around in towels! Hope I have something dry for tomorrow. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Bland.

To: Trents campsite VA606
Miles today: 18.6

I slept well even sharing a bed with Meehap. We packed the clothes, mine were pretty damp, and walked into the centre of town to hitch a lift back to the trail. Just as we were about to give up and walk, a car going the wrong way turned around and a nice guy offered us a lift. The weather today was cool but sunny. The trail was easy and the walking nice, but with no real views. Once we got to VA 606 we walked to the cafe and had a meal. It had started to rain and I decided to camp at the store, Tom and Meehap decided to move on further and so left. I met Orange blaze at the campsite, a young hiker from Main. Did some larndry, but properly this time, and hit the sack. It is a cold night but hopefully not too cold. Well bye for now. Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Trents campsite VA606

To: Suger run gap.
Miles today: 13.9

I slept well and in the morning the tent was wet both inside and out. The sun was just starting to hit the tent so I left it up to dry and walked over to the cafe for coffee and biscuits. Orange blaze came in and had breakfast with me. Back at the site I used the dryer to dry my sleeping bag and tent. I set off at 9.30 and walked back to the trail. It was a perfect day for walking, blue sky but cool. I did the side trail to Dismal falls which was pretty. The trail was really easy walking to the shelter at Wapiti, where I had lunch, and chatted to 2 section hikers. I started the only climb of the day and was rewarded with a magnificent view down the wide valley. Once at the hostal I booked in for dinner and breakfast. Before dinner we all held hands and said our names, where we were from and something we were greatful for. It was a little strange but also kind of nice. The food was very good. Tomorrow I may stay in town and have a nero, I need to re supply for a long section. It is cold in this hostel but I am well wrapped up, this cold snap is due to finish soon. Well by for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Suger run gap.

To: Pearisburg.
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I had breakfast with 15 others in the house. I then hit the trail, I was keen to get to town. I walked with Whoop and road dog, but once in town I headed to the hotel to book a room. The lady here also took my laundry for me, so I did my re supply. I will be out for 5 days. For the first time I have a room to myself and I can spread out, equipment everywhere. Badger turned up here, it's good to see him back. He went for an interview, which he felt went well. I plan a big day tomorrow, hopefully 20 miles. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Pearisburg.

To: The captain's place.
Miles today: 20.1

I made the mistake of watching a film on TV, but with ads every 5 minutes it didn't finish until midnight. As a result I was pretty tired as I started the long climb out of Pearisburg. It was a nice day again and once on the ridge it was really beautiful, especially the 2 meadows at which I took long breaks. I made good time and was surprised no one passed me, as a whole group of hikers were slack packing this section (that means someone was taking their packs for them). I reached the zip line across the river to the captain's place and luckily Swift was there to pull me across, it was fun, but the water looked wet! But I made it across safely. I set up camp and made tea of rice. Then I joined in a game of uno, but it went on for nearly 2 hours! I was so glad when someone won. By this time it was raining, so into the tent and a early night, hope this rain stops by morning. Bye for now, Mayo
Date: 2011-05-08
From: The captain's place.

To: War spur shelter. 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Well it rained all night and in the morning everything was pretty damp. I got packed and went to cross the river. I decided I could pull myself across on the zip line, wrong! I got half way and had to be pulled the rest by another hiker. I climbed up on to the ridge, it was slippy on the rocky path. Around mid day the sun broke through and things started to look up. I reached Wind rock and had a good view, but then I slipped and landed on my back side, and didn't like the place anymore!. I moved on and reached the shelter by 15.30. I spent the next hour drying all my kit out. I decided to stay in the shelter tonight. Tom and Meehap are here, plus swift and his crew. Well bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-09
From: War spur shelter. 

To: Niday shelter.
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

I slept OK, but with my short mattress my feet rest on the floor which gets uncomfortable. So I will buy a longer pad next chance I get. I left around 8.00 and started slowly the first climb, it was not too bad. The weather was perfect 70f with clear skies. I stopped for lunch with Meehap, we talked about going into DC for a visit, if we are still close by that time, it would be great to visit with someone who knew the area. In the afternoon there was a really hard climb and I found it so tiring. On the ridge we came across 2 snakes. I was really glad to reach the shelter. I was short of water and a little dehydrated. Tom and a whole group of hikers are here. I also heard that towns is just behind me, hope he catches up soon. Well bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Niday shelter.

To: Newport road.
Miles today: 16.8

This morning I started with a nice climb up to the Audie Murphy monument. The weather was again nice, 70f and clear skies. After a break Tom, Meehap and I started the climb up to the Dragons tooth. But this was a really rocky ridge, with lots of false tops. I was so tired by the time we reached the top. The views were great, but I was glad to climb down. We reached the road and walked to the gas station for food. We then headed for a hostal which we had heard about. Charlie was there fishing on the lake, so we sat for a while enjoying the rest and sunshine. Later the weather changed to thunder and we headed in doors. The place was packed with hikers. I slept on the concrete floor, but at least it will be dry. Well bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Newport road.

To: Tinker ridge.
Miles today: 21.7

I was first away this morning. The weather was humid with hill mist and therefore no views. I climbed up to McAfee knob but got only a limited view. I pushed on to Tinker cliffs but missed the path up on to the top. I followed the foot of the cliffs until the path vanished. I thought the path would re appeared but I finished up bush wacking along the cliff base, against the slope and dense undergrowth. I was really thinking I would have to retrace my steps, when I spotted an old blue blaze going up a crack in the cliffs. I had a tough climb, but it brought me back on to the AT. It was a really tiring excursion, and I was happy to reach the shelter for a rest. River rat and Tom decided to push on into town. But Meehap and I just walked for a couple of hours and then camped on the ridge over looking Daleville, luckily there are no storms brewing, as I can hardly get my pegs into the ground. We aim to get into town early and have breakfast, sounds good! Well bye now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Tinker ridge.

To: Daleville.
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

Luckily the weather was calm all night, and I slept well. We were packed and on the trail by 6.45. We arrived in town by 8.30 and went straight to a cafe for breakfast. Food is always the priority for thru hikers! We kept meeting hikers and were offered a lift to trail days twice. This event is a gathering of hikers, which sounds like a major drunk fest. Not really my thing, so I had decided to give it a miss. We got a hotel room with Tom and RiverRat but the room was already a tip, typical hiker trash!! I did laundry and re supply, and then bought my longer air bed, I cannot wait to try it out tomorrow. Portrait a hiker from Massachusetts, got a room next to ours, so I asked him if I could crash there. This is much better! I can tell what gear is mine! I was going to take a zero tomorrow but as I was in so early and only did 4 miles. I really don't need one. So will hit the trail tomorrow. I also sent home a few items to lighten the pack slightly. Well bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Daleville.

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter.
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't sleep well due to getting indigestion. I went to breakfast for 8.30 and then packed up and had a coffee with Timber, a German guy I met on my first day in the US. I then realised I had left my fleece in the hotel so had to walk back, and luckily I found it. Due to all this I hit the trail late, 10.45. The weather was predicted to be wet all this week. It was cloudy today and looked like it would rain. I met Tom at the first shelter and then we met Meehap at the wilson creek shelter. We had lunch and headed out together to the Bobblets shelter. It's pretty crowded, but I have a spot in the shelter asit is now raining. Hope my new mattress does it's job and gives me a good sleep!Well bye for now, A hopeful Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter.

To: Bryant Ridge shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

I slept poorly in the shelter due to a couple of guys snoring. It was a damp morning with low cloud, but it had stopped raining. It was very humid making it hot and sweaty for hiking. I walked slowly all day and felt pretty tired. For the second day running I nearly stepped on a big black snake. There were only very limited views. Stopped for lunch at Cove mountain shelter with Meehap and Tom. We reached the next shelter by 15.30, but as I was tired and so decided to stop. Meehap wanted to push on so left, I will miss him, but hope to catch him later. Tom and Swift are also here. I think I needed a shorter day. I really need a good sleep!! This shelter is big, lots of room.Bye for now,A tired Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-15
From: Bryant Ridge shelter

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I had my best sleep in a shelter, packed up and hit the trail by 7.45. It was another damp over cast day. I had a 2000ft climb first up but after that the track was good. I reach the top of Apple orchard mountain and there sat in the mist was Tom. Just as I reached him the heavens opened and the rain poured down. We quicky put on our waterproofs and headed for the next shelter. We were walking in a stream most of the time. Just as we reached the shelter the rain stopped, typical! It was only 12.30 and we realised we had only 14 miles to Glasgow so we both decided to go for town. We rang up a shuttle guy to arrange a pick up at the trail head. Then we marched hard all afternoon and reached the James river foot bridge by 18.15. My longest day on the trail so far. Our lift was waiting to take us into town. The town shelter is very basic, a cold shower!! No thanks!! Meehap was surprised to see us, but he is heading on tomorrow. I plan a zero to re supply and do larndry. I got all set up to sleep in the shelter, but then mosquitoes appeared and really drove me mad. So I quickly put up my tent and just got in before the rain started. At least I won't be adding to the many itchy bites I have already collected!!Well by for now,An itchy Mayo....scratch, scratch...scratch!!!
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Glasgow

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept well and late! Tom and I were planning to do laundry, when Meehap appeared, he had been trying to hitch a lift for an age, so much for his early start. He decided to ring the shuttle guy and came along with us while he waited. Once Meehap had been picked, up Tom and I spent the day eating(important!), re supply and at the library updating TJ and catching up on emails. I have been having lots of problems with posting my entries because this humid weather has caused my phone to stop working. It has also stopped recognising my SD card so at the moment half my photos and all my music are lost! I just hope I can retrive them but it does not look hopefull. I plan to be in Waynesboro in 4 days, and then it's into the Shenandoah NP can't wait!well bye for now, Mayo
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Glasgow

To: Buena vista.
Miles today: 21.8

It rained all night but I slept well. We had arranged a ride back to the trail for 8.00. So I was packed and went to the gas station to pick up coffee and biscuits. Once on the trail Tom and I had a steep climb up into the clouds. It started raining and I was soon pretty damp. We stopped at Punchbowl shelter for lunch, Swift was also there. Swift said there should be a Kate Middleton on the trail. I said that Tom didn't have a trail name, we thought it would be so funny for Tom to be Kate M. Not sure if Tom will take the name though. We set off again and had to walk in a thunder storm, but luckily no lightening on the ground. We decided to push on and go into town to dry out. At the road we took 30 minutes to get a lift, we did look very wet and muddy, I wouldn't have picked us up. A nice local guy finally stopped for us and dropped us at the hotel. It's nice to be warm and dry, but this wet weather looks set to continue for another few days. No views today, just mist and clouds. Well bye for now.A finally dry, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Buena vista.

To: The priest shelter.
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

Tom and I slept late so we started to hitch around 9.00. We finally got a lift from a nice German couple. We had a photo taken with them and then started climbing. We climbed 2000ft onto Bald knob and then started the long walk along the ridge with lots of ups and downs. The weather stayed dry all day and we got some decent views. We pushed hard to reach the shelter by 17.45 and I felt pretty tried. The shelter was full so I am in my tent, I just hope it stays dry, but probably not likely. Well bye for now, Mayo
Date: 2011-05-19
From: The priest shelter.

To: Humpback mountain.
Miles today: 23.0

I slept really well until my alarm went off at 6.30. I was packed and on the trail by 7.30. I had a 3000ft decent followed by 3000ft ascent onto Three ridges mountain 3870ft. The views were brilliant from numerous rocky out crops. The weather was cool but sunny and no rain! I reached Maupin shelter and had a break. Tom arrived and we decided to push on to make getting to town tomorrow shorter. I plan a zero in Waynesboro. I need the rest after so many big mile days. We finally reached a camping area on humpback and as we put up the tents 2 deer walked to within 30ft of us and have stayed around, no fear of us. Looking forward to town tomorrow and shower and food. Tom got a message from Towns, he is getting back on the trail and is hopeful of catching us up, that would be great. Anyway bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Humpback mountain.

To: Waynesboro.
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Tom and I were up early, as we were keen to hit town early. We really burned the trail and reached Rock fish gap by 11.30. We went to the info center and managed to get a ride with Orange blaze, who had a ride coming for him. Tom the trail angel took us into town and we headed straight to Aby's for lunch. As we left Tom was outside, he asked us if we could help him move a desk down at the Art's center, we agreed. We help him load a desk into his van. I nipped across to the PO and picked up a parcel from Sheila, it contained P20 sunscreen and insect repellent. Tom then dropped us off at the hotel and offered to pick us up on Sunday morning and take us back to the trail. The folk in this town are so friendly. I found a cobbler's and asked him to repair a spot on my boot where the stitching had come loose. He did the repair and said he was really impressed with the little wear on the boots. They have been great. The hotel was real expensive so I decided to go with Tom to the hostel. This place has showers and food and is great and free. My right shin is painful today so glad I am not walking tomorrow. I plan to go see a movie, we'll see.Well bye for now,Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Waynesboro.

To: Waynesboro.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were all awakened by the lady who runs the postal at 7.30. I had a quick shower and then breakfast of coffee and cereal. We left our bags in the hostel and headed for the library to use the internet. Later we walked out to the out-fitters. It was a really hot day and US towns are not designed for walking around. We started back to town and manage to hitch a ride. The lady said her husband thru hiked in 2005, trailname Scuba. She took us all the way to the Walmart. We had lunch and then decided to walk to the cinema. We walked down the center divide of a 6 lane highway for a mile! We watched Thor and it was pretty good. After we walked back to Walmart to resupply. We got a lift back to the hostel, and spent the evening watching a movie, The Italian Job. Tomorrow we hit the trail. Bye for now. Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Waynesboro.

To: Blackrock hut.
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up and ready to leave by 8.00. This hostel has been great, the people can't do enough for you, wonderful folk. Tom the trail angel picked Tom, Cropduster and I up and dropped us at the trail head. We filled in our permits to hike the Shanandoah NP. It was a lovely day, but a little too warm. Around mid day we had great trail magic from Cricket and Andrea. Coke and lots of food. I felt strong all day and 20 miles came pretty easy. The wildlife was great, I got so close to the deer and a wild turkey. There were some nice views but mainly when the trail crossed the Skyline drive. Tom and I talked about going to DC once we reach Harpers ferry. Once we reached the shelter I was surprised to get a spot, so lets hope its not too noisy. Well bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Waynesboro.

To: Hightop hut.
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: few clouds

I slept well and was up and packed by 7.30. Tom and I hit the trail, the weather was warm and sunny. We crossed skyline drive several times, and it is noticable that the road gets the best views! Around lunchtime we dropped down to the Loft mountain Wayside diner. I had burger and fries and ice cream. After, as we climbed back to the trail a black bear ran on to the trail 30ft ahead followed closely by a cub. They both turned into the woods and vanished. I couldn't believe my luck seeing mother and cub. I rang Shiela to tell her I had survived my first bear contact. Later that day Tom decided to walk a section on the road. So I headed on the trail alone. I heard a noise down to my right, it was another bear! It veered up onto the trail only 30ft ahead. It was a adult male, and he was big! He glanced at me then walked away and turned up the hillside. It was the best moment of my trip so far. When I calmed down and was sure he had move on I carried on to the shelter. What a day! I am in the shelter again but the insects are driving me mad. Well bye for now, An excited Mayo.