morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Few miles before Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Few miles before Sugar Run Rd
Miles today: 20.5

I slept pretty good last night considering the sun had done a job on me yesterday. I was on the trail by 6:30 with the sun coming up already in a clear sky. I put on sunscreen before leaving his morning. The trail again was not bad. I started to a climb up Brushy Mtn followed by a long slow downhill to Lickskillet Gap. The trail climbs a little but the footpath was again nice today. I was up at the road that leads .5 miles to Trent's Grocery Store where I had planned on getting a sandwich, etc. However, I had checked my food last night and.found I still had a dinner for tonight and plenty of peanut butter and crackers. I was short of snacks but figured if I could get some miles in today I could get to town tomorrow by noon. I was at the Wapiti Shelter around 2:30. I was tired and dehydrated so I took a short break to water up, snack and loadup on water. I planned to go up the big hill and hopefully make it another 6 miles to the Woodshole Hostel for the night. After the first mile I knew I wasn't going to get to the hostel so I got 3 liters of water from a spring and went as far as I could. The sun was brutal so I took many breaks over next few miles and decide to camp. It was around 5:00 and I was beat. The sun just zaps my energy. I was looking forward to a nice shower tonight but I'll just have to wait until tomorrow. I should be able to make Pearisburg around 10:30 or 11:00 if I'm lucky.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Few miles before Sugar Run Rd

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Up early after a warm night. The trail was fairly level with some rocky areas along the ridge before reaching Angel's Rest. The sun was again brutal by this time demanding more water just to keep partly hydrated. The last 2 miles down into Pearisburg was a very rocky descent of over 2000' that just seemed to take my last bit of energy. I finally got to the main st and had to walk another .4 uphill to the hotel. I was just happy to be here and to finally be able to be out of the sun. I got a room and hopped in the shower immediately. Surprisingly the water burned my neck and arms, not because of the temp of the water, but the sunburn I earned over last few days. I plan to take it easy and relax a little today. I put on the only clean shirt and shorts I have while my clothes are washed to hit the Pizza Plus for an ayce buffet. Need to take care of all the town chores.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Laurel Creek 

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: broken clouds

It is getting lighter earlier so I was on the trail by 6:20 today. It was a little cloudy and cool as I walked down through the pastures and over the stiles at the road. I walked through the farmland for another mile to the Keiffer oak tree which is over 300 years old. It is on the edge of a field and is a real standout. The trail then goes up about 1200' over next 2 miles before leveling off right before turnoff for Sarver Hollow Shelter. It was still very cool and damp which kept me moving. The first couple of miles were good footpath before it became rocky and walking across open rock faces. This was much more trying and required a lot more effort. I finally got to the Niday Shelter around 12:45 and got water and had lunch. I thought about staying since I was tired and felt beat already. The next couple of miles were level and smooth before a 1500' climb over the next 2 miles. It was a tough climb but was over fairly quick as the trail leveled off and was a nice footpath. The next couple of miles were smooth then came the little ups and downs on rock that started to take its toll on me. Most was downhill but didn't feel like it. I finally hit the road that was a mile before.shelter and I was dead. I had to take a break just to have enough energy to climb that final 500' to the shelter. I got water, set up my bed, made dinner and was in bed by 8:00. Don't know what it was but today was a killer. It was cool all day and the sun never really came out as planned. I am so happy it was overcast as I don't think I could have made the shelter if it had.been warmer. Off to bed.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

I was again on the trail by 6:30. It was clear and cool as today started with a slight 1000' climb over 4 miles. Normally this is a very gentle climb but today it was up a little on rock down a little, up a little more on rock down a little on rock. Not your normal day. I was tired by the time I got to Dragon's Tooth. It was clear early but now it was cloudy. Dragon's Tooth is overrated. Not worth the effort to get there. It is a hard down with actual rebar in rock to act as hand holds so you can get down the straight rocks. It levels nicely after that until the road. The Catawba Grocery is down the road and to left. I had enough food and just wanted to get farther up the trail. There is only 1 small climb and the trail rolls along fairly smooth for next 5 miles to a parking lot for climb to McAfee Knob from RT 311. The climb is a fairly well graded climb for 2 miles to the Catawba Shelter. I was there around 3:30 but didn't want to go on since I planned to possibly get up early and try for a sunrise on McAfee Knob. Off to bed early to get up early.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Catawba Shelter

To: Daleville VA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: moderate rain

I got up at 4:30 since the stars were out and sky was clear so that I could be on the trail by 5:15. I wanted to be on McAfee by 6:39 sunrise. It was a cool and damp hike up McAfee but I was on top around 6:10 when it wad just getting light. The sky was clear with a lighter sky to the east. I put on a jacket as I was getting cold waiting. Around 6:40 the waiting was all worth it. It was a beautiful sunrise. This made my day. Although rocky for first .5 mile the next 5 were great with a more challenging climb up to Tinker Cliffs. The sun was out again after some clouds and made for a beautiful walk across the cliffs. A quick jump down and a another mile and I was at Lambert Meadows Shelter for water and an early lunch. It was around 11:00 when I left on my way to town over next 9+ miles. The trail was fairly smooth with a lot of small ups and downs through the pine forest areas. The sun kept beating on me and you could smell the heat coming off the pine needles on ground and rocks. It clouded over quickly and started to rain as I was just a couple of miles out of town. I thought I had the forecast storms beat but this one came up without me even noticing. Just as I was coming into the hotel the rain stopped and it cleared. It was around 3:15 and beside the recent rain, the sun had beat me up pretty good today. It was great to hop into the shower. I went to store to buy food for town and the trail in anticipation of more rain tomorrow. I plan to zero tomorrow and out on the trail again on Monday.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Daleville VA

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

I was the first person at breakfast at 6:00 and on the trail by 6:30. It was very cool and damp but clearing. The ground was wet and my shoes were soaked by first mile after going through fields. I passed a number of cows in a field as I started climbing to Fullhardt Knob. The day started to warm a little around noon as I was already 13+ miles away from my start. I was at the Bobblets Gap Shelter around 3:30. My left heel has been hurting for last 10 miles but it was a beautiful day. The footpath had been good all day so I decided to go to next shelter another 6.5 miles. I moved well for first 3 then felt very tired as I made a mild climb out of Bearwallow Gap. The extra few pounds of water that I had to carry those last few miles to Cove Mountain Shelter was all it took. I finally got in after 7:00 and set up my bed while my water was on for dinner. After eating I took ibuprofen and was in bed by dark. Long day.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Marble Spring
Miles today: 24.1

It was a cold and and breezy night but I slept great. I was up before it got light but it was very hard forcing myself out of the nice warm bag. I slapped on my jacket and got my air mattress folded and the sleeping bag stuffed into it's bag in record time. I was cold so I just wanted to get walking. It was light around 6:15 and I was on my way after a night alone @ the shelter. I had on my gloves and winter wool cap. It was a fairly easy walk down to Jennings Creek but I still couldn't get warm until I climbed Fork Mountain. The trail rolls along smoothly past Bryant Shelter and up Floyd Mountain. As I climbed I began to see more and more snow. There was about 3" on the ground at the top with only one or two foot prints in it. I stopped at Cornelius Shelter a little before noon and had lunch in the sun protected from the breeze. I left in about 45 minutes and rolled along even though the trail was covered in snow. As I walked across Apple Orchard Mountain the winds pushed me to the left over the slippery grass. The sky was a beautiful blue which contrast against the large white spheres of the FAA tower on top. The day had warmed but the cool breeze still kept pushing me on. It was still a great day for walking. I was getting tired but wanted to push on past Petites Gap since today was great and you never really know what the next day will bring. I finally found a relatively dry spot to put my tent right near the Marble Spring after a tough climb over a 700' knob at the end of the day. I ate dinner and was in bed before the sun set.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Marble Spring

To: Peddlers Dam
Miles today: 23.2

Again slept like a log but was up early. It was raining heavily so I just waited for it to stop around 7:15, when I finally got to take the tent down. It was breezy, damp and cool. It was not too bad a walk and mostly downhill to Matts Creek Shelter. It started to clear and looked like it would clear and be a nice day. I got to the James River Bridge by 11:00 in clear sunny weather. However, the strong breeze quickly brought in the clouds which threatened rain most of the day. The cold kept me going up to the top of Rocky Row where it once again began to clear. By Bluff Mountain I had a good view of the valley below before some clouds blew in again. I walked another mile or so to the Punchbowl Shelter turnoff where I took a late lunch break. I was tired at this point but knew if I went to the shelter I would stay. So I just had lunch out at the trail. It was cold and I was freezing after only 10 minutes so I was back to walking. It was all downhill and the footpath was decent. My heal was aching but not as bad as it has been so I kept moving. I hit Peddlers Dam area around 6:30 and found a nice spot for the tent. There was no snow around today and as low as I am tonight I should be warm. I hear the winds up above but they are not down here. Off to bed around 8:00. Today was cold all day but I am warm in my sleeping bag after another long day and will be asleep in a few minutes. Good day.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Peddlers Dam

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 22.6

Again was up early and on the trail by 6:15. It was clear and cool and looked like it would be a beautiful day. The first few miles were great walking along the creek with little sitting areas to enjoy or meditate. Unfortunately I was in a hurry to get to the road by 5:00 to be picked up by the Dutch Haus B&B. I had talked to a few thru hikers yesterday who had set up the pickup. There was one big climb and a few minor ones but the trail itself was great walking. Now maybe some of that had to do with the mood. The thought of getting a shower, good food and walking in what turned out to be almost perfect weather made the pains go away and the feet move faster. I was passed by Swivel and Snevel but otherwise only saw 2 southbound hikers all day. Bee Man and Flip were now a day ahead passing me yesterday. Other than that there have been very few hikers around the last few days. I expect many in the next day or two. I made it to the pickup point a half hour early. Five hikers were picked up on time and taken to the Dutch Haus for some pampering. Earl and Lois have everything down to a science and showers were first on the agenda. At 7:00 we were treated to a great dinner and desert. Lois is a great cook. All hikers conversed for a while before I retired to the bunkhouse before 9:00. Tomorrow I will slack from Reeds Gap back to hostel for another night.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Dutch Haus B&B slack pack
Miles today: 19.8

Slept great and was up at 6:30. Went over to the main house and had coffee before the 7:00 breakfast. No one goes away hungry. Fruit, Bacon, egg our with spinach and pancakes packs all hikers for their day. Earl gets us to the starting point by 8:45 and we are off. Around 11:00 it starts to rain. I really hadn't planned on it until later this afternoon. It goes from steady rain to pouring for a few hours. I have raincoat and pants on but still feel nasty as my feet are soaked. I have on my gloves to help warm my hands. Although not comfortable it is the thought of getting back to hostel, another shower, clean dry clothes and a lasagna dinner that pushs me on. It stopped raining around 2:00 and clears later on. I get back, shower and relax. Dinner was great! Lasagna, meat balls, garlic bread with a brownie, ice cream with whipped cream for dessert. I will miss this beautiful place. Off tomorrow to Waynesboro. In bed before 9:00.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Dutch Haus B&B slack pack

To: Waynesboro VA 
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Another great breakfast and we were dropped off at Reeds Gap around 8:45. I have to thank Lois and Earl for all their hospitality. They are great people and avail hikers many options to slack pack and return for additional nights. A smart option for those who love great food in a great setting. After leaving Reeds Gap the trail is smooth except for only one climb up humpback mountain and a little challenging crossing of the Mill Creek before the Wolfe Shelter. After that it is a quick sale to Rockfish Gap. I had planned on staying at the shelter but just felt like being in Waynesboro for the night. I made arrangements for a ride
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Waynesboro VA 

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Had planned on taking a zero but after hitting post office and seeing weather clearing I made a quick call to visitors center to get some phone numbers for a ride back to trail. A volunteer had just gotten there so he came out and had me back at Rockfish Gap before 10:00. I filled out my park permit and was walking uphill in no time. I moved well most of the day considering I had just gotten new shoes in Waynesboro. I reached the Calf Mountain Shelter turnoff around 1:00 and just walked on by for another half hour until I couldn't wait any longer to eat. After that I just kept going over the rather level trail for another 6 or so miles then it got to a few bumps and I was feeling tired. I finally got to the hut around 6:30, which is late for me. Overall it was a good day. I got further than planned and don't feel too bad now that I am here.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to rain but it stopped by around 7:00. The first few miles were great. It was cool and level. The first climb came around Loft Mountain but the climb was not bad at all. After coming down to Ivy Creek there is a rather quick climb and then a smooth sail into Pinefield Hut. I ate lunch, got water and was back walking by 1:30. After a gentle climb of about 400' the trail comes down smoothly into Simmons Gap. The climb back up was a tough 700' climb over a little more than a mile. The skies had cleared and it was a beautiful afternoon. The walk down into Powell Gap was nicely graded and quick. As the day wore on the temperature started to climb and I became more tired. The last 3 miles were a combination of a bunch of little choppy ups and downs followed by the final climb up to Hightop Shelter. It was a tough end to a great day. I had dinner and was in bed by dark. The moon and stars were out as I nodded off.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

It was a very hot night and sleep was not easily had especially with my 30 degree bag. After tossing and turning most of the night I woke to thunder and lightning around 4:00 am. I tried to get back to sleep but it was hard as the lightning show continued. Luckily the thunder left and I got some sleep. It was raining until about 6:30 when everybody seemed to hop up and pack up. I was on the trail by 7:15 and climbed the remaining few hundred feet of Hightop Mountain. The next 3 miles to Swift Run Gap was a nicely graded descent naturally followed by as 2 mile nicely graded ascent. The trail climbed Bald Mountain were it was a little rocky but then was once again fairly smooth into Lewis Mountain Campground where I resupplied. I thought about staying at Bearfence Hut which is only .5 away from campstore but decided it was too early considering I was feeling good. It was getting warmer with occasional clouds that looked like storm clouds. It was very humid. The climb up Bearfence Mountain was quick and hard. But the trail levelled some and once up Hazeltop was smooth for some 6+miles until I had to climb Hawksbill Mountain. At this point I was only a mile from the Rock Spring Hut. I was tired and hot by the time I got there around 6:30. It looked like rain but cleared and the sky was blue as the sun disappeared. Tomorrow should be better. It may have looked like rain a number of times today but never did. Can't get a connection to check weather so can only hope to continue to beat the rain.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

It was the first clear morning in a while. It was around 60 degrees with little breeze. I moved over the first 4 miles and was near Skyland by 9:00. Although I usually eat breakfast here I decided to just hike on. I was hoping to get into camp early and rest. It is a little hard a push up over Stony Man Mountain, the highest spot in SNP, but good to know the highest is done. It was not a bad walk down but there were a few tiring areas over the Pinnacle. It was around noon when I took a break at the Birds Nest 3 for some lunch. Although the next mile was not a big climb it was hard since there was a lot of rock on Mary's Rock. The rocks finally started to disappear as I came down into Thornton Gap. After this it was only another mile of graded climb to the Pass Mountain Hut. The spring is 20' behind hut and I drank so much when I got there at 2:15. The leaves are just coming out on this end of the park. However, they did a nice job of half blocking that strong sun. Today seems like one of the hottest days so far. I was spoiled by that cool spell. It is great to be in early because I can rinse out all my clothes, rinse myself off and have all dry by dark. Felt great. Soaked my heel for a while but not sure it will help. Still causing problems everyday.
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 22.8

It was a nice morning with a cool breeze as I climbed the remaining few hundred feet of Pass Mountain to the early morning sun. The trail was not too difficult with only one little bump and a long slow climb before coming down to a gully near Jeremy's Run Trail. Here starts a 3 mile 1400' climb up to Hogback Mountain. However, the best part to the day comes about .5 miles in when I came to the Elkwallow Wayside. I got there in the nick of time. The beautiful sky had turned ugly and was now storming. It was only 10:00 so i got under cover and had a coffee with a breakfast sandwich. I was there for about an hour until the storm was just about gone. I hiked up the mountain in cloud cover, knowing that later on could be another hot day. I had planned on going another 2.5 miles down to Gravel Springs for the night but it was only 1:15 so I didn't even go down to the shelter. I just rolled on by as the trail steadily went uphill over the two Marshall Mountains. I was getting pretty hot by now and was starting to realize how much I needed a shower. I decided to hit the Terrapin Station Hostel when I got to Compton Gap. It was a nice graded walk to the gap and a great choice to hit the hostel. I was sweaty, hot and somewhat sunburn from last few days. Mike is a great host and in an hour I was clean and in some cotton hostel clothes that felt great. Some of the simple things are just great. Good choices today.
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Cloudy and cool morning. Left around 7:00 after finishing final 2 pieces of pizza from last night. Looked out from Bears Den rocks on way down and could see the surrounding area with road below. This is where many people visit to watch the sunset. There were a few rocks and a few more climbs before the trail finally smothes out but the rocks never disappear. A short day but painful day all the same. Tomorrow, Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2012-05-08
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

I was up early on a beautiful clear morning. The weather was calling for a 70% chance of showers so I hurriedly packed up and hit the trail a little after 5:30. The birds started singing around 5:00 this morning so getting up was easy with my singing alarm clock. It was a relatively level walk into Harpers Ferry with a few rocky sections. It was nice to finally come to the bridge and know I was near town. I followed the trail right down into town since it was still dry. I wanted to get to take some pics and pick up package @ outfitter prior to hitting the ATC. I really like the way the trail comes down into town on a large rock that has been carved into steps coming down from the large church to Washington Street. This is a great historic town with many visitors. I took my pics, hit the outfitter, and climbed up Washington street the .5 miles to the ATC. I sorted my care package, overfilling my meager food bag, then went another few tenths up street to Post Office to mail off a few things. On the way back it started to drizzle. I had beaten the rain by only a few minutes. Had picture taken as number 71 this year. I then relaxed a while until I was picked up by a friend, Erich who took me to his house for a little wining and dining. I met Erich and wife Gloria through my hiking buddy from last year, goose. They really are great laid back people who provide me with a great night of rest, relaxation and conversation in their beautiful home. Just a great day.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After another nice breakfast Erich drove me over to the I70 overpass where I began my treck northward. I started off climbing right away up to Pine Knob. It felt so cold as the 20 mph winds kept whippping by. I was up at Annapolis rocks in about an hour but did not spend much time there. The sky was extremely cloudy for a day that was supposed to be beautiful and the wind was to strong and cold to sit around. About halfway across the top of South Mountain the trail became rocky and my heel began killing me. By the time I got to Cowall Shelter my heel, as well as, left hip were hurting. I had lunch and moved on since I wanted to get to the new Raven Rocks Shelter for the night. It was a hard and rocky walk most of the way. I finally got in around 5:00 and had to walk the .3 down to the spring for water. My dogs were really tired. I ate and was in bed by 8:15.