morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Glasgow VA

To: Reservoir Road 
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a tough day. It was hot and humid with no wind at all and we climbed 3100 ft. We were sweating so much that the rock we sat on for our lunchbreak was soaked when we got up and there was a puddle on the ground underneath our feet. We did 15.5 miles and there was some thunder for a few hrs but it only rained for about 5 minutes. I did find a shedded snake skin that I think is a diamondback rattlesnake. I will send it to Hunter to verify what kind it is. We have another big climb tomorrow so goodnight. I need some rest.-HootiWe left Glasgow VA about 9:30. We called Gary For a ride back to the trail head. He provides shuttle services for hikers. We got hiking and it was very hot / humid. We went up more than down today. We started out just below 1,000 ft to a little over 3,500 ft. There we're several scenic views and we saw the radar soccer ball way off in the distance that we went by a few days ago. We crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway again around noon. We stopped at Johns Hollow Shelter, Punchbowl Shelter and a spring on the trail to get water. We kept hearing rumbling of thunder but they missed us. We are camping just past mile 800 with 15.5 for today.Goodnight. ~Robi1
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Harpers Creek Shelter 

To: Waynesboro VA 
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: mist

Day 67:We got beat up from the feet up today. The temps have been around 90 degrees lately and Sunday was no different. Hot, humid with no breeze and a glaring sun. The day started with a 2000 foot climb out of Harpers Creek Shelter and then a 1300 foot descent. After that came the "flatter" section of rocky terrain. It felt more like climbing than hiking since we were constantly using all fours to get through this area. At one point it took us 2 hours and fifteen minutes to hike 3 1/2 miles. After a while it just got aggravating and senseless. Couldn't understand why the trail was routed this way. Even the bugs were bothering me a lot. The frustration quickly disappeared though when we saw "Will & Way" (an elderly couple in their seventies hiking the AT to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary) arrive at our campsite. Humbly I thought if they can do it so can I. They are an amazing couple with an awesome outlook on life that are an inspiration to the rest of us. -HootiWe left the Harpers Creek camping area around 8:30 . We started hiking the 2,000 we had left out of a 3,000ft climb. The weather was sunny & warm. The climb was very slow going because of rocks and the trail was steep. There were some very nice views though. Were hoping for 17 or 18 miles today so we could have 7 or so miles left to get into Waynesboro on Monday. We realized that was not going to happen with the trail not cooperating. We stopped at the last water source and got enough water for dinner and carried it up to a ridge about another mile and a half where we camped for the night. We will have about 12 miles to get into Waynesboro tomorrow. We are hoping the trail gets better / faster so we can get there early afternoon.Goodnight. ~Robi1Day 68:Today was a much better day. We had just over 12 miles to get us into Waynesboro VA for another resupply pick up. The trail finally got less rocky about 2 to 3 miles into the walk so it felt real comfy. Got to town around 1:00 and got a room at a bed & breakfast. We just came back from an all you can eat Chinese food buffet. Food was good but I am stuffed. Don't think I'll be finishing the beer we bought. We will be entering the Shenandoah National Park tomorrow which will take us about 6 days to get through. Should be some cool sights - I heard they have a decent sized bear population.-HootiWe got going early from the Ridge Campsites and hiked 12 miles to Waynesboro VA. The trail got easier as we went along and made it into Waynesboro by 1pm. We will spend the afternoon doing laundry and going through our mail drops. Back to the trail Tuesday.Goodnight. ~Robi1
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Waynesboro VA 

To: Blackrock Hut 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a ride back to the trail around 9:30 We signed in and put the copy I the box. Our first day in the SNP was a wet one. Fog, Drizzle with light rain at times and no views due to the fog. We did see a deer only 25-30 ft from us and it posed for a picture instead of running away. We hiked 7 miles to the first shelter in the park and had lunch. Then we came up with a plan for the rest of the day. The next water source was half a mile down the trail from where we were having lunch. The next water was at the Shelter about13 miles away. We did not want to load up with water and carry it for miles just to camp before the next Shelter. So we got enough water to get us to the next Shelter and headed out. We finally reached the Shelter about 6 pm. For a total of 20.6 miles. There were lots of up hill climes but they were gradual and not horrible like the past few days.We are tenting at Blackrock Hut.Goodnight. ~Robi1We have had horrible phone service since we entered Shenandoah National Park and the weather has turned from 90 degree days to 50's and rain. On Tuesday we managed to get in over 20 miles and stopped at Blackrock Hut Shelter for the night. -Hooti
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Loft Mountain Camp Ground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The best thing that has happened in weeks happened yesterday. I got to see Christin. Thanks ChristinToday was an easy day. It stopped raining as we were breaking down camp so we had to pack up soaking wet tents. We got going around 9 and did 15.4 fairly easy miles. There weren't many views as it was foggy most of the day. Elroy did ok for his first day with us. He will get his trail legs soon and then probably blow by us. We are at Hightop hut tonight and went past the 900 mile mark. Seems like the miles are going quicker and quicker lately. 903.7 to be exact.-HootiWe woke up to no rain and it looked like the fog was going to burn off. Everything is still wet but no rain. We packed up and took down our very wet tents. We Headed down the trail about 9am. We saw a deer laying next to the trail shortly after heading out and it stayed there while we went by about 20ft away. About a mile later we stopped at the camp store just off the trail and got a quick snack. There were overlooks but the fog was still hanging tough in the valleys. The Sun would poke out now and then but still very overcast. We stopped at Pinefield Hut for lunch at about 7 miles. We hiked a total of 15 miles to Hightop Hut where we are tenting. We went over the 900 mile mark today. Goodnight. ~Robi1
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: few clouds

We left High Top Hut about 8:30 in the heavy fog but no rain. It did lift by 11am or so and had partly cloudy skies. Not much for views as it was hazey. About 6 miles in we took a short side trail to Lewis Mtn Campground store and had lunch and a snack. The trail was fairly easy today and landscape was very lush and pretty. We continued on and I was ahead of Hotti and Elroy and went right by Big Meadows clearing where we planned on camping. We ended up at Big Meadows Campground and when we went to get a tent site they were full and had nothing to offer except finding three other people that would agree to let us set each of our tents on there site. They have a 2 tent limit for each site. We found 2 people that were willing but not a 3rd. Long story but we finally found a 3rd person to set a tent. The 3 of us were were spread out all over the campground but we all had a place to stay for the night just as it was getting dark. All was good thanks to very nice people. 20.8 long miles today. Goodnight. ~Robi1We did 20.8 miles today. We ended up at Big Meadows Campground around 8pm. While Elroy and I walked around looking for Robi1 we talked to some of the campers who were quite interested in our hike. Some offered cold drinks and others just wished us well. We were told at registration that the campground was full so we started to make our way back to the trail when people started to offer to let us stay at their sites. We needed 3 people to let us stay at their site because there is a 2 tent per site rule. We got 3 to help us out. Robi1 stayed on a site with a nice couple, Elroy stayed at a site with 2 female doctors from DC and I got the best deal with Mike and Nancy. They were the best. 2 great people who love to camp with their trailer. Great down to earth people who seem to love the life they have made. THANK YOU MIKE AND NANCY.-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Byrds Nest Hut 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We left the Campground after doing a load of laundry and taking showers around 11am. Nice day, sunny highs in the mid 70s & breezy. There were many nice overlooks but it was very hazy for pictures. We passed Skyland Stables and made our way to Skyland restaurant where we had lunch. Passed the Pinnacles Picnic area jut off Skyline Drive. Very nice spot. The trail was fairly easy going today and we made our way to Byrds Nest Hut for 14 miles today. Time to call it a day. ~Robi1Got up this morning at 6:15 and took a shower and started laundry at the campground. It was a beautiful morning and we all took our time getting ready. After saying our goodbyes to all our gracious hosts we didn't get on the trail until almost 11. We did 14 miles and ended up at Byrds Nest #3. There were some pretty nice views but it was a little hazy for pics all day. Elroy got invited to go aqua blazing(which is doing part of the trail by water) which he happily accepted. He will be on the water for 3 days starting on Tuesday. We will meet back up with him in Harpers Ferry.-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Byrds Nest Hut 

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

We left Byrds Nest Hut about 8am. 3 miles in we took a break at Pass Mountain Hut. We made our way to Elkwallow Wayside Restaurant and had lunch. Still hazy today with not many brows. We made our way to Gravel Springs Hut where we jut beat a thunderstorm now going on. 17.5 miles for today. ~Robi1Today we got going around 8:30. It was a nice day with a good breeze and comfortable temps. The trail was a little rocky for the first 4 or 5 miles but not too bad. Then the trail got really nice and smooth. We got to our lunch spot around 1:30 which was about 12 miles into our day. There was a girl (park ranger) who gave a little class on bears in the park. The problem was there were about 12 thru hikers there eating and she was young and new. We all had wise cracks for her during her class. Nothing bad but some very funny. We made it to Gravel Springs Hut about 5ish to finish our 17.5 mile day. We stopped because it rained on us and a thunder storm was coming in. In my tent now dry while it's raining pretty hard outside. Hope it stops by morning. Goodnight. ......-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

We left gravel Springs Hut about 7:45 We had 13 miles to hike before getting to the trail head at VA 522 crossing where we will spend the night in Front Royal VA 3.5 miles away. That's not including another mile we had to walk to get a mail drop before reaching the trail head about 2 pm. We called the Pioneer Hotel and got a room and the owner picked us up at the trail head. We did laundry, picked up supplies we did not get in the drop and I got a haircut. We ate dinner and had an ice cream. Tomorrow we will get a ride back to the trail where we left of and continue on our way north. The next section they call the roller coaster. Looks like the reading on a heart monitor. Up down up down for 30 miles or so.Time to call it a day.Goodnight. ~Robi1Today was another good day. We got up early and were on the trail by 7:45. We made great time and picked up our mail drops by 11:00. We had to walk a half mile off the trail so we actually did an extra mile. We made it to our destination by 2pm at Virginia 522 which was 13.4 from the shelter. We got into Front Royal and did laundry got dinner and did a little relaxing. The next bunch of days are going to be very hot so it should be fun. Goodnight.-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Front Royal

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 16.4

We left Front Royal VA about 9:50am back to the trail head after having a great breakfast at the Front Royal Diner. The owner took us back. On the way back to the Motel we looked in a few stores for a spare fuel canister with no luck. Hope the one we are using lasts till we get to Harpers Ferry WV. Trail today was not bad, temperatures were high 80s. About 7 miles in after crossing VA I 66 we came across some trail Magic from fellow thru-hikers. They had cold beer, sodas and snacks. We spent about an hour there and took our lunch break. We continued on to Dicks Dome shelter where we took a short break. We then got water at a spring just after the shelter and went another mile where we are camping for the night. We hiked a total of 16.4 miles for today. Tomorrow we start what they call the roller coaster. Up and down all day. ~Robi1Another great day. Woke up in Front Royal and walked about a mile to the diner for breakfast which was very good. We then searched a bunch of stores for propane canisters for our stoves but couldn't get any. We got on the trail about 9:50 and got in 16.4 miles which is pretty good in 88 degree weather and stopping for trail magic for about 1hr. Just Robi1 and I at the campsite we stopped at which is fine with us. It's suppose to be 95 tomorrow when we do what is called the roller coaster because it goes drastically up and down for 13.5 miles. Wish us luck.-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Campsite 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

We left our tenting site a mile after Dicks Dome Shelter at 7:30. We went through some very scenic areas in the Sky Meadows State Park. 7.5 miles later we hit what they call the roller coaster. A series of ups and downs for 13 or so miles. If that wasn't enough the temperature being around 95 degrees just wore us out. We stopped at Sam Moore Shelter for lunch, water and continued on with the roller coaster where we hit the 1,000 mile mark. We staggered on till we got to a side trail to Bears Den Hostel. It was a very nice place and we took a break ther and had a couple of sodas. As we were walking down the side trail back to the AT we both thought we were idiots for not staying. 30 dollars got you a bunk, shower, laundry, pint of ice cream and a pizza. But we decided to push on and get the last 4 miles of the roller coaster done. We then would have 16 miles left to hike into Harpers Ferry tomorrow where we pick up a mail drop. We finished the roller coaster and camped just after. We got done at 7:15pm, set up, ate and went to bed. 21 really tough miles today mostly because of the heat and humidity. ~Robi1Another good day on the trail. We got going early about 7:30 and planned on getting in 21 miles. We didn't plan on 95 degree weather though. We did 7.5 miles then came to the Roller Coaster. It was tougher than we thought. 13.5 miles of about 11 good up and downs. We didn't finish until 7:15ish so it was a long day. Feet are sore because the trail was almost all rocks all day. But we had fun and were glad we got it done. Heading into Harpers Ferry tomorrow. Today we passed the 1000 mile mark. Hell ya, no I mean HELLLLLLL YAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Campsite 

To: Harper's Ferry 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

We left our camping spot at 9am. I don't think the temperature dropped below 80 all night. We had a fairly easy hike but some areas were very rocky and the heat was slowly wearing us out. We had a couple of road crossings that was a little scary. Vehicles moving at 65 mph come fast when you're trying to get across. We stopped at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter for lunch and water that was a quarter of a mile away. We got into Harpers Ferry at 4:30pm. At the ATC headquarters we picked up our mail drops and had our pictures taken for the thru-hikes yearbook. I was hiker # 564 to pass through. The scale there says I lost 40 pounds since starting my hike on 3/26/15 I now weigh 160 pounds. We are in a Quality Inn for the night and will head out tomorrow. ~Robi1Today we slept in. Got boots on the trail at 9:00. Looked like a fairly easy day on the map but it wasn't. The terrain was very rocky and with sore feet from yesterday it was tough. Oh ya it was 95 degrees again today. We made it to Harpers Ferry about 4:30ish and went to the ATC center and got our pictures taken for the hiker yearbook. My hiker # is 563. We did 16 miles to bring our total to 1022.8. At 1092.5 we will be exactly 1/2 way. Got on a scale today at the ATC center and I have lost 28 lbs. I need to start eating more. Robi1 has lost 40lbs. Goodnight.-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

We left the Econo-lodge around 8:30 and headed back to the Appalachian trail Conservancy. We needed fuel canisters and was hoping they carried them, no luck. They recommend we try the out fitter down town. The trail goes through town anyway. We picked up the canisters and headed across the Potomac River and walked a few miles on the tow patch parallel wit the river. Soon after we crossed over into MD. We passed through Garthland State Park and took pictures. Today did not seem as hot as yesterday but still humid, low 80s. We continued on to our goal for the day Dahlgren backpackers only Campground. Bathrooms and hot showers free. When we arrived there was a boy group there learning about insects. They fed us spaghetti for dinner and all that goes with it.18 miles for today. ~Robi1Good day today. Ate breakfast and got back to the ATC center a little after 9:00. The outfitter we needed to buy propane at didn't open until ten so we didn't get hiking until at least 10:45. The trail was fairly level most of the day after the big climb out of Harpers Ferry. There were still a lot of rocks but we got in 17.8 miles by 6:30 and stopped at Dahlgren Backpack Campground about 2 miles past Rocky Run Shelter. We got trail magic from a Bug Club that was staying at the campground. They gave us spaghetti for supper then s'mores and a cobbler. Got to bed late but they offered us breakfast in the morning. Can't wait.-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 

To: Raven Rock Shelter 
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We headed out of Dahlgren campground after the group cooked us pancakes and sausage. We were 2 miles from the Washington Monument. The trail goes right by and we stopped to take pictures. The heat and humidity zapped the life out of us today. We got water at Pogo Memorial Campsite and could hear thunder in the distance. We tried to get to Ensign Cowall Shelter before it hit. No luck. We got caught in it about a mile short of the Shelter. We got soaked and had a few loud cracks of thunder. It had just about passed by the time we got to the Shelter. We took a short break and went another 5 miles to the next Shelter, Raven Rock where we will spend the night and hopefully dry some stuff. 19 miles today. ~Robi1I don't think I mentioned that we have left Virginia and West Virginia behind and are now in Maryland. We started today with a bit of history. Just a couple of miles into our hike we came across the original Washington Monument built in 1827 in Washington Monument State Park. A lot of Civil War history in this area. Today was a tough day rock wise on the trail. The terrain has been fairly flat considering how it could be but the rocks make it tough. My feet get sore by lunchtime when it's this rocky. I know Robi1 doesn't enjoy the rocks either. We got stuck in another strong thunderstorm this afternoon. We just happened to be going over a ridgeline when the heavyest part came through. Now my boots are soaked and will be for a few days because it is so humid and we are suppose to get more rain tomorrow. Oh well, life on the trail. Got in 18.8 miles I think. We are a little ahead of schedule for Boiling Springs on Thursday so we may have a real short day coming up soon.-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Raven Rock Shelter 

To: Waynesboro PA 
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

We left Raven Rock Campsite around 9am. We had a few good thunderstorms during the night. It poured. Nothing dried everything just got wetter. I woke up to rain and had to get the clothes and pack and put them in the vestibule. It was still raining at 6:30am so we waited till it slowed to a drizzle and packed up. The sun started poking through around 10am just as we were getting to Pennmar park a very nice area. We made our way to Pennmar road where we had a 1.6 mile hike to the post office. We tried to hitch a ride but no luck. We got to the post office but they were closed for lunch. The laundromat was close and we decided to get that done. While we were there a guy (Wally) who has a woodworking shop across the street said we could take showers at his shop if we wanted. Hooti took the offer. We picked up and sorted out drop then asked Wally if we could leave our packs with him while we went to Walmart to pick up a few things. We planned on staying at a days inn in Waynesboro Pa and had a contact for a ride but Wally offered to take us the 4 miles to the motel. He also offered to come get us and bring us back to the trail head in the morning if we could not find a ride. Great guy. So here we are getting things dried and cleaned up for our next 3 days to Boiling Springs. ~Robi1Tough night last night. Started with another thunder storm and then rained all night. It was still raining pretty hard when we woke up so we waited until it cleared up before starting our day.We hiked through a rocky section called the Devil's Racecourse today. We took our time since the ground was wet from this morning's rain. It turned out to be a very easy day. We only hiked about 5 miles on the trail, passed the Mason Dixon line and into Pennsylvania. Another state completed. Then we walked 1 and a half miles into Rouzerville PA to get our mail drops. Since the laundromat was very close by we decided to dry everything that got soaked from yesterday's downpour. By the time we were finished it was 3:30 so we decided to stay in town for the night.We met another hiker at the laundromat that gave us some hiker diet tips. We are going to add more fat to our diet so we can try to maintain our weight and stop losing. I've never had this problem before but it seems we can't eat enough.-Hooti
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Waynesboro PA 

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

We left the Days Inn at 10:30 The hotel gave us a number of a person that shuttles hikers around instead of asking Wally again. Cost us 20.00 to get us 5 miles back to where we left off. We got going about 10:30. It was in the low 80s with a nice breeze. The trail was not bad today with some gradual ups with one 1,000 ft climb. Not much for views. 7 miles in we passed through Old Forge Picnic area and got some water. Very nice park. We continued on to Rocky Mountain Shelters where we are tenting for the night. We arrived around 5pm. The Shelter is 3 tenths of a mile off the trail and the spring is a half mile from the Shelter. Just a little annoying after walking all day. But we need water to eat and get us to the next water tomorrow 5 miles away.Miles today were 14.8 ~Robi1Today we got started very late, 10:30 or 10:45 not sure exactly. We did 14.8 miles and decided that was enough. We now have about 42 miles to Boiling Springs to meet Claire on Thursday late in the afternoon. Tomorrow is suppose to be great weather with much less humidity so we hope to crank out alot of miles. We'll have to see how it goes with the terrain and rocks but we are hoping for the best. We may be able to get to the actual halfway point and celebrate with the traditional half gallon of ice cream at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Either way we have a lot of miles to cover in the next two days. May have to opt for plan B.-Hooti