morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Daleville, Va

To: Bobbles Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 18.5

After a day off in Daleville, we planned on taking it slow and making it a short day. Well...that didn't happen...We ended up hiking more miles today than we had in one day this entire year's trip!We took a lot of breaks, but the terrain was good and relatively easy.Today was extremely foggy, and it seemed like it could have started raining at any time. Luckily, it didn't rain heavy at all until we reached the shelter.We were greeted by Toasted Toad, Swiss Miss, and Nobody. They had a shorter day, but luckily for us were the only ones in the shelter so far. Since there weren't a lot of tent sites, we opted for the shelter. Pappa Doc and Not Chicago filled the last few shelter spots immediately before the heavy rain started!Dinner in the shelter, and hung the bear bag in the rain. Need some sleep after the long day!
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Bobbles Gap Shelter 

To: Bryan Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5

Late start today, but still made it to our final destination relatively early (~4:30 pm). The hike had a few ups and downs, but we were rewarded with a cool swimming hole at Jennings Creek.It was really great to finally get to cool off and go swimming in the head and humidity!We hiked quite a bit with Toasted Toad, Swiss Miss, and Nobody and all made it to the shelter to stay for the night. Had a new hiking dinner tonight - stove top stuffing and turkey gravy. It was a bit messy, but incredibly delicious. In our tent before 8 pm!
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Bryan Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.1

Long day today! Felt like we just were hiking and hiking until finally reaching our end goal. Luckily, we ended up at a large campsite.The campsite was huge, with a good size fire ring to the left side when you walk in from the south side of the AT. By the time we went to bed, there were 12 tents set up including ours. Most of the thru-hikers started around the same place we did, but ended up getting to sleep before we did (lucky for them!).Hopefully another 16 miles tomorrow, and maybe a visit from Joe Miller (my brother) and his family!
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Marble Spring Campsite

To: Punchbowl
Miles today: 18.5

Today we got to see my brother Joe and his family - Ashley, Adam, Sam, and Marie!It was an awesome visit complete with Wendy's frosties, hummus & chips, and lots of cherries they had picked recently. It was great to see them and visit for about an hour.Although it was great visiting, the hike today was extremely long. Once we left our visit, we had very steep climbs. But, we were rewarded with awesome views at the top of Bluff Mountain.At camp we enjoyed some s'mores I had packed out from some canoers we met earlier in the day. MMMM....delicious.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Punchbowl

To: Lexington, VA
Miles today: 11.3

Resupply Day!We made it ~12 miles to US60 so we could hitchhike into Buena Vista (pronounced Bewnavista) for a resupply day.We were picked up quickly by Charlie & Diane, two locals who recently had a retirement house built nearby. When we asked about the budget inn, they quickly recommended we go to Lexington, VA instead. We opted for that idea, so we ended up at a Super 8 motel next to the Walmart so we could resupply. They offered to pick us up in the morning too which was great especially since getting a ride back to the trail would have been difficult.We bought our supplies and enjoyed another actual bed for the night!
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Lexington, VA

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Great day of hiking today!-Breakfast at the Super 8-Charlie & Diane took us to the the trailhead without a problem!-Trail Magic about halfway thru today's hike from Goman (2012 thru-hiker)-Overcast,cool morning for our hills we started with today-Got to camp early so we ended up taking a nap after dinner-Toasted Toad, Swiss Miss, & Nobody caught back up with us tonight-We ate a 2nd dinner thanks to Toasted Toad (Stove Top Stuffing again!)
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.4

Fried Chicken Trail Magic!! We had a very long hike today, but we were greeted by Mallet, a 2013 thru-hiker, who brought trail magic including: sodas, beer, swiss rolls, honey buns, and fried chicken! He met us at the Tye River Suspension Bridge where I jumped in the water. Earlier today we did a rock scramble up to Spy Rock which had awesome 360 degree views and well worth the stop. We wished it was the end of our day because the tent sites were spectacular.We hiked the second half of the day with Toasted Toad, Swiss Miss, and Nobody. When we finally reached the shelter the rain that was going on and off stopped in time for the 5 of us to set up our tents. Rain kept on and off all night, we went to sleep hoping that the rain would be done before we woke up!
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Long and difficult day today. We originally thought it wouldn't be too challenging based on the elevation profile, but unfortunately the terrain was extremely rocky!We all left camp a little later than normal ~9 am. Our tent was a little soggy from all the rain last night and this morning, but we packed it up after the rain cooled off the temperature, so the hiking weather was excellent.Our tentsite is a great spot where we can hear the nearby stream. Once we got to camp, we visited and ate with the other hikers heading in to Waynesboro tomorrow after seeing a really large black snake.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.2

Very short day, and as always at this point in our journey, very bittersweet. We are at the end of this year's hike and saying goodbye to new friends.We enjoyed a great lunch at a local, divey diner called "Weasie's" with Nobody, Swiss Miss, and Toasted Toad. We later hung out at the Waynesboro Area Learning Tree to check e-mail and for Swiss MIss and Nobody to upload their blog entries. Janet Harvey who started and runs the Learning Tree was fantastic to all of us and made Waynesboro an amazing place to visit!We all quickly visited Kroger, then went to dinner at the Green Leaf Grill. We had an amazing dinner that everyone seemed to enjoy. Then visited the Kline's Dairy Bar for dessert.Finally, we finished our day at the campsite near the YMCA. P.S. The YMCA was fantastic to us for a sower, soap, towel, and holding our stuff while we walked around the city.Tee campsite has a lot of somewhat thru-hikers, but regardless a great campsite where we will have our last great night on the trail!
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

"Hitchiked to Start by Wayne from North Face. Short day today, but definitely needed it our first day on the 2015 AT hike. We took a nap when we arrive into camp. Shenandoah has a nice trail, but not as many views yet. Relatively cool day, but still seemedvery humid. We heard the next few days may be worse with regards to weather. We are hoping for an early start tomorrow, so we were in bed by 8:00 pm."
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 15.3

Felt like a difficult day today. We left Loft Mountain Campground a little later than expected, but enjoyed the hike up to Pinefield Hut where we took ~ 1 hour break. Lots of hills that were difficult, but still achievable. The last 1.5 hours of our hike it started storming! Rain, lightning, and thunder. We finally made it to Hightop Hut and were lucky enough to find a somewhat dry tentsite. Crazy heat lightning for a few hours while we were trying to sleep. Eventually got to sleep for our planned short day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 12.4

Woke up much later than the past two days. Everyone had left except the ridge runner. We didn't get out of ccamp until 9:45 am! Lucky for us we got to a late start, since we hit trail magic early as they were setting up! Our hosts, Magnolia & Northern Belle, were incredibly nice ladies who brought yogurt, goldfish, nuts, water, soda, and a number of other treats! After enjoing the trail magic, we pressed on - I think the extra sleep help since today we didnt no feel the hike was as difficult as the last few days. I guess we are getting out trail legs back! As we continued the hike, the clouds and thunder started with some rain. But, the tree canopy protected us pretty well, so the rain felt great. We ran into Dr. Pickles, Mockingbird, and Little Free Bird at the Lewis Mountain Campground where we resupplied for the next few days. Luckily Dr. Pickles let us know the next shelter water was very bad, so we should stock up at the campground. Luckily, the shelter wasn't far so the trip weight wasn't too bad for too long. Back to Ramean & Mashed Potatoes for dinner. Yum! In for the night! Hopefully no rain since we have a dirt slope near our tent!
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Skyland Resort
Miles today: 15.9

Last one to leave camp¢¦again. But, we were happy to be dry and that we got extra sleep! I think I'm starting to like the late start¢¦(P.S. We were out of the tent before 8 am). Late start means - No cobwebs on the trail¢¦or at least minmal cobwebs. We two sets of a deer and fawn. We think they were a different pair since we saw them about 40 minutes apart, but never really know out in the wild. The deer have almost no fear of humans, I got within 15 yards! The terrain was tough. We pressed past most of our new hiker buddies so we could make sure we made our end destination on time. We ended up at Skyland Resort tonight - basically a lodge. Finally took our first shower, but no laundry. Ramean for dinner again! No rain tonight for us!
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Skyland Resort

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 10.9

Woke up from our cushy beds, packed up, then got awesome sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches. Luckily I was able to pick up a new iphone charge cord since mine stopped working. Ran into Benjali on our way out as he was getting breakfast. We started our journey with the intent on making a long day to the wayside, but had to get there before 7 pm. Normal ups and downs in the morning with a nice, cool breeze. I stopped at the top of the "Pinnacle" to look at the view & wait for Bearman, but a lot of time went by and he never came by. I started to get nervous and wondered if he passed me or was hurt. I took off my pack and hiked back about 10 minutes, but no sign. I need Dr. Pickles and Mockingbird were behind us, so I figured the best course of action was to hike North again in case he did pass me and I just didn't hear him. I hiked...and hiked...and hiked, until I came across a couple who said he was ~1/4 mile in front of me. Sweet! I started hiking and finally caught up with him at Byrds Nest #3 Hut. He was just as nervous since we hadn't seen each other in quite some time, but now we were reunited. Naturally, we hiked closer together for the rest of the day. We stopped for lunch at Thornton Gap, where the same couple gave us a Diet Dr. Pepper trail magic. After we were done, we hung around hoping to see Scott Jurek, the ultra distance runner attempting to break the supported AT hiking record. He is running ~50 miles/day! Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him and realized we won't make the wayside before is closes. So instead we decided to press on just 1+ mile to the next shelter in hopes of picking up the miles tomorrow. We got to see Binjali, Dr. Pickles, and Mockingbird at the shelter along with a couple of Philadelphia and a whole host of other new faces - Silver Steak, Lucky, and Lolli.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 23.6

First day without rain, but so hot and humid. We left super early ~ 6:45 am after getting up ~ 5:30 am. Binjali came to wake us up, per request, but we were already up and about. Packed camp, so we had to be quiet as we got packed up. We made Elkwallow Wayside ~ 10 am. Got breakfast sandwiches and a blackberry milkshake! All so delicious! After a quick resupply, we hiked on with a few breaks here and there. With a longer one at Gravel Springs Hut. We visited with Binjali, Lucky, Lolli, & Cal (Lucky & Lolli's dog) for a bit before we hiked on. The rest of the day seemed to go forever! We went and went, and finished the Shenandoah! Then we continued on and on, down some steep rock cliffs, and finally arrived at Tom Floyd Shelter. There were a bunch of folks there and difficult to find tent sites. We opted for the shelter in case of rain and since we couldn't find a tent site. Much needed sleep after a lot of miles today!
Date: 2015-06-17
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

We didn't get up until 9 am today! We needed a good rest after yesterday. Unfortunately, it was lightly raining when we left and continued all day. We stopped for lunch at Jim & Molly Denton Shelter. Too bad we didn't stop there since it was a huge area with separate picnic area & overhand along with a shower! We went along and got to the next shelter before our feet couldn't go on anymore and preferred to be in Shelter since all the rain was coming down. We were joined by two germans, Shark Bait, & Quahog in the shelter while Songbird, and Songbird's dad tented. Chef Odin tented as well, interesting character yellow blazing a lot of the trail. We are thinking about a long day tomorrow!
Date: 2015-06-18
From: Manassas Gap

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 22.8

They weren't kidding about the roller coast! We left the shelter ~ 7 am, thinking we had plenty of time to make the hostel if we chose to, but we made it there only in the nick of time! The first 13 miles of the day weren't so bad, but the last 10 on the roller coast were extremely tough!! Lots of steep inclines/declines, and so many rocks! We saw a goose with babies and the rain showers were short and few. But, we got to finish it with an awesome place at Bear's Den Hostel. The PATC runs the hostel, and it's owned by the ATC. Great bunks, and we got 1 hiker special - Pizza, Gatorade, pint of Ben & Jerry's, laundry, and a shower. We definitely did not need 2 specials, since it was so much food. The shower felt great and it is really nice to have clean clothes since we haven't had any clean clothes since we started!
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Teahorse Hostel
Miles today: 19.9

Another long, long day. It took us a while to leave Bear's Den this morning after all the pancakes with fresh mulberries! We finally finished off the roller coast and then got into much easier terrain on our way to Harper's Ferry. Unfortunately, it didn't stay that way - a number of downhills with lots of rocks. But, we pressed on until we got to Teahorse Hostel. Technically, the hostel is not in Harper's Ferry, but in Bolivar (Ball-Eh-Ver), but next to Harper's Ferry. We had a great night sleep after showers (two nights in a row!) and both in bottom bunks! We met Wistful & Relentless (Mother/Daughter) who were thru-hikers. Four C&O canal bicyclists came in ~ 2:30 am after Laurel, the hostel owner, had to go find them and pick them up.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Teahorse Hostel

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Awesome night sleep & waffle breakfast to start the day! After enjoying the delicious meal (Also, OJ, bananas, & coffee) we walked over to the ATC to sign in & get our pictures taken! We were #s 232 & 233 for section hikers that checked-in so far this year. The thru-hikers #s were in the ~730s with most of them starting Late March, Early April for recent hikers checking in meaning we are right on schedule! We had an easy start to the day on the C&O canal, but ran into some rocks. Nothing too bad, but we heard there was suppose to be big storms come later tonight so we stopped at the shelter for a short day to rest enjoy the storm in a shelter. We met Found-It, a past thru-hike attempter from Akron, OH, south bounding for 26 days this year. And, Ahab an ex-Army captain who recently got out and she decided to come thru-hike the AT.
Date: 2015-06-21
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 14.1

Heck of a rainstorm last night, which is apparently the end of a Tropical Storm! Glad we were in the shelter! The rain went almost to the time when from the time when we went to bed to when we were ready to leave. It was a little more difficult for me to get up this morning, but we still left at a reasonable hour. The trail was rockier than we both remember from past Maryland hikes. Our legs and feet were both tired, but we kept on going without too man complaints.   It was great that it was father's day today because we got to the Washington Memorial where we went with Grandpa 20 years ago. Bearman brought some of my Grandfather's ashes to spread at the base of that memorial since he loved the AT and that hike so much. After we crossed I-70 and got a few honks from passing cars, we met Dan, the Ridgerunner, who highly encourages us to go and stay at Annapolis Rocks. We decided to check it out and really happy that we did. Gorgeous views and we go to watch the sunset from the rocks! We also met Bud, from Backpacker magazine, who conducted an interview of us and took a number of pictures at the view point. He let us know we could get copies too! Planning for the other Waynesboro tomorrow!
Date: 2015-06-22
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 16.5

Woke up a little later than anticipated, but had a very nice day to hike. Humid¢¦yes, Hot¢¦yes, but definitely not as bad as it had been. Everything is relative! We met a number of short trip hikers (2-3 days) - and all very nice! We made it pretty far today and finished another state - MD done! We opted for another night at a hostel (Burgundy B&B) where we met David, one of the owners, who is incredibly nice and accommodating. We got our resupply at Martin's, had dinner (chicken and mashed potatoes), and got ready for a good night's rest.
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Waynesboro, PA

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 18.2

Big day today, and an awesome breakfast to start. We met David's wife, Margaret, who made us breakfast. We chatter with her a bit before heading to the trail. We started a little later than anticipated, but it didn't stop us from getting 18 miles done! We saw a number of youth groups and field trips out for short day hikes today. While hiking, we had a big thunderstorm come through. We had to set our poles aside and wait so we weren't walking with lightning rods on rock. We mad good time most of the day with a few exceptions from some rocks, but nothing as bad as PenMar. The rain made us stop before Quarry Gap, but we found a good spot underneath a pavilion.
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Pine Grove State Furnance State Park
Miles today: 19.4

We got up really early this morning so we didn't get shooed out by the Park Ranger for sleeping under the Pavilion. Last night was the coldest it's been this trip. Luckily we set up our tent or we would have been really cold! After warming up ,the hike was very nice with fewer bugs and cooler temperatures. We visited with Diane, a early morning hiker, doing a few miles before work. Then we stopped at Quarry Gap Shelter which was a beautiful site, where we ran into Shark Bait. He told us he finished the 4-state challenge the other day (4 states, 40 miles, in one day!). We congratulated him, and then pressed on and found ourselves enjoying the best weather so far, along with not too bad terrain. And finally, after 5 years, we passed the half way point!! Only 5 more years to go! We ended the day at Pine Grove Furnace State Park where we shared a campsite with Shark Bait, the Lantern, Chris Robbins and his dog Bear. We also got some great trail magic from a lady with three kids, while her husband and other three kids were doing a few days hiking to meet them. She gave us grilled chicken and offered to give us a much needed ride in the morning. Well, off to bed!
Date: 2015-06-25
From: Pine Grove State Furnance State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

Cold night again! Unfortunately, our "off the trail" campsite had a few angry dogs nearby as well as a road with drivers going way too fast. Regardless, we made it through the night and woke up so we could ask the awesome, Lot 48, Trail Magic lady to give us a ride to the general store. We had a nice breakfast at the general store when we arrived. We finally pressed on, escaping the vortex created at the General Store food stand. The terrain was nice today as we hiked out in the humid, overcast day. We made good time and decided to stop at the shelter ~ 4miles from boiling springs to get out of the rain and get into town somewhat early tomorrow. Hopefully we can make it to the Lincoln diner if we have extra time, but Gettysburg may just be too far. Last night out on the trail, hopefully not raining tomorrow morning when we hike in!
Date: 2015-06-26
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Red Cardinal B&B
Miles today: 3.6

We hiked last 4 miles to Boiling Springs, PA. Some rocky areas and climbs. Then through the farmland - Cousins in the Corn photo of Skins. Ended our adventure at the ATC regional center and took a few photos. Billy from the Red Cardinal B&B picked us up and took us back to the B&B. We got a rental car from Enterprise for the day. Picked up some coffee at Dunkin Donuts, then venture to Gettysburg where we got an old favorite meal at the Lincoln Diner. Visited Grandma Cadoris, then finished off the night with some laundry after dinner at a local Carlise brewery. Nice breakfast in the morning, before catching a shuttle to Harrisburg. We both took trains to Philadelphia, then Bearman took another train down to Charlottesville to retrieve his car in Waynesboro, VA and Skins took the SEPTA to the airport and flew home to Denver. Overall, an awesome and incredibly ambitious AT hike this year. Finished a major milestone by now being half way done!
Date: 2016-06-24
To: Boiling Springs, PA - Allenberry
Miles today: 0.0

Early and long day of traveling to begin our 2016 adventure on the AT!   Bearman drove to the start and picked up Skins at the Baltimore airport. Skins left around 5:00 am in the morning and was picked up by Bearman around 10:30 am. After a 2 hour drive, they arrived in Boiling Springs, PA. Bearman went to the ATC office and got a permit for his car and then they checked into the Allenberry for the night. The Allenberry is a historic hotel, playhouse, and overall very large facility with a pool, tennis courts, and they even happen to have a wedding there that night!   Unfortunately, the owners are selling the Allenberry and are not accepting anyone to stay after the month of June. We barely squeezed in a stay before they closed! We met a few thru-hikers while we were there, but generally we spent the night organizing our gear and food for the beginning of the 2016 adventure!
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Boiling Springs, PA - Allenberry

To: Darlington Shelter 
Miles today: 14.3

Eight (8) hours of hiking today! Very good start for our first day back! We have a good 1 hour break in the middle of our day and few short ones. The day was beautiful! Met a few nice folks on the trail so far: Thru-hikers, section hikers, and day-hikers. We are sore after day 1, but happy to have some extra day time to rest. The trail was pretty good even with a hill the last mile.