morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Red Fork Rd Campsite
Miles today: 12.3

Tom picked me up at the motel and dropped me of at the trail, at the hostel. It was an easy hike to Curley Maple Gap shelter were I stopped for a break. A few minutes later Lucky walked in. I'd met him briefly before, he'd been off trail for a few days and was doing big miles today. So I joined him and we started for Red Fork Rd campsite. Tough up hill near the end but the weather was nice and we made good time.It felt good to be hiking after my zero day! Tomorrow were looking at possible an 18 mile day.
Date: 2015-03-23
From: Red Fork Rd Campsite

To: South of Hughes Gap TN
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Light rain was hitting the tent just after I was in for the night, but gone by morning.Lucky started about 7:15, and I was 30 minutes behind him.Tough climb right away, but we entered a spruce forest at the top. Very old world looking but not old growth, it look almost untouched.I stop at Cherry Gap Shelter for a break, then hit Little Bald Knob. Finally no rain on a bald, it was quiet and beautiful.The weather stayed nice, a great spring day and Lucky and I stopped at a campsite just south of Hughes Gap for the night. Hoping for more good weather tomorrow, we will try for about the same tomorrow!
Date: 2015-03-24
From: South of Hughes Gap TN

To: Doll Flats Campsite
Miles today: 19.0

Beautiful day on the trail, Lucky and I got started by 7:00, crossed Hughes Gap Rd and started up to Ash Gap, then Roan Mtn to the shelter. It's the highest on the AT. Tough climb but we made good time. Met Mtn Man Reid there, a section hiker looking to thru hike in 2017. Next came Round Bald and Jane Bald. Beautiful views on both. Stopped at Stan Murray Shelter for lunch then headed north. We passed on Overmountian Shelter to make more miles but had a great view of it looking south bound from Little Hump Mtn. Hump Mtn was tough, and went on forever but the views were good! Tough rocky descent to Doll Flats, we were glad to get there and camp for the night. Beautiful weather, and great views made for a great day of hiking!
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Doll Flats Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Unbelievable wind howled all night making it hard to sleep. Lucky and I got another early start. Easy walk to bottom of Mtn, weather warm and sunny all day.Nice to find a bench with a view.Lunch at Mountaineer Shelter after 12 miles, then 7.7 more. Tomorrow lucky will meet his wife at US 321 for the night. I'll stay in Hampton and meet him the next morning. Looking foreword to some town food!
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Campsite

To: Braemar Castle Hostel
Miles today: 10.7

Warmest night on the trail yet, and temps got better as the day went on.Climbs were easy and views great, especially at Laurel Falls. The trail follows the river with several walks thru high rock walls on either side. Steep descent to the falls was worth the viewStaying at the Braemar Castle hostel tonight, will be back on the trail in the morning.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Low Gap, Us 421
Miles today: 17.9

We woke to 3 inches of snow and got started quick. Very cold, our water bottles didn't thaw all day. Great trail magic by the RA's of Nelson Chapel Baptist church of Mtn city TN. A cooler of drinks, little deb's cakes and more, by the trail for hungry hikers. Many thanks to you for that!Slow hiking in the snow got better as the day wore on but not the temps. They are expecting a low of 14 degrees for the night so lucky and I got a ride into Damascus VA for the night. We're at the Woodchuck hostel, one of the better ones, we return in the morning, after a breakfast of waffles to where we left off.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Low Gap, Us 421

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Lucky and I got back to the trail about 9:10, after a great breakfast of waffles, OJ, boiled eggs, coffee, cereal, and toast, all included in the price of the stay. In my opinion, one of the best hostel deals out here.Temp was 17 degrees but sunny and it warmed up quick. Not many pic's today, but the highlight was crossing the state line into Virginia! 3 states down, 11 to go. It felt good to make this milestone.Its the Woodchuck Hostel again tonight, I have a mail drop at the post office to pick up tomorrow. Lucky will be heading out on his own. It's been fun hiking with him and I wish him the best!
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Hard to leave the Woodchuck Hostel this morning with sore feet but it was an easy day to Saunders Shelter. Steep up hills but not too bad, just glad it was a short day.I can't say enough about The Woodchuck hostel. Chuck, the owner is very generous with his place of business. Besides a great breakfast that's included with the price of the stay, his prices for snacks and supplies are the best I've encountered at any hostel. You won't leave there hungry!Not sure how long a day tomorrow will be but its good to be back on the trail!
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

On the trail by 7:10 easy start to the day, trail follows the Creeper Trail again for almost a mile. I stopped at Lost Mtn Shelter for an early lunch.Long and tough climb up Whitetop Mtn, thought it would never end but great view from the bald at the top. Stopped and talked with a day hiker who remembers coming up there as a kid. Said back then you could drive to the very spot.Then came the climb up Mtn Rogers. Very rocky all the way to the shelter.Several day hikers at shelter but not crowded, and wild ponies begging for food!!
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Great nights sleep keep me in my sleeping bag late. Left shelter at 9:20 which is late for me!Rocky walk thru Grayson Highlands, ponies everywhere, but they weren't begging for handouts today. Fatman Squeeze was a short, low step thru a rock tunnel that didn't take long.Stopped at Wise Shelter for an early lunch then a long down hill to Old Orchard Shelter were I talked with a section hiker for awhile.Big climb up Hurricane Mtn then down to shelter, I was tired and ready to call it a day!
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Up early, on the trail by 5:40, quiet walk until sun came up. Peaceful.Rain held off till 1:00. Light rain till just short of Partnership Shelter.No cell coverage again, no pizza, restaurant phone temp out of service.. Oh well. Tomorrow Atkins..
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Atkins, VA

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

I must admit I was home sick this Easter Sunday. Knew there would be days like this, family back home with Easter dinner,and Easter egg hunt for the grandsons, Easter dresses,church. I just miss my family, and loved ones. But I will appreciate it all that much more next year, and I'll tell them how I had Ramon noodles and pork rinds this year! Happy Easter everyone! Hope it's been a great day!
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

Rain started early and lasted for a while, then clouds all day. Good one for doing 25 miles. Too wet to bring out the camera, but did find trail magic, bottle water and sodas. Tks again to all who do trail magic. Full shelter at Jenny Knob,in bed early, doing a shorter day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

A Beautiful day of weather after a good nights sleep started the day right. Stoping at Trents, a store .5 off the trail for lunch made my day. Ham and turkey sub with chips and root beer, then a honey bun and chocolate milk followed by a ice cream bar. You can't beat that out here. The swinging bridge before Trents was cool also. 14.5 miles today, tomorrow will be Pearisburg and a shower, and mail drop.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Several days of mild temps have me believing springs is here, that and the bugs starting to come out. I'll take that over the cold all day. A lot of green tunnel, and a few views from high up on the Mtns couldn't compare to my first bear sighting of this hike. It came out of the woods at a full run from the right, across the trail and out of sight. Had a good view of it, but couldn't get the phone out quick enough for a pic. It was an adult, didn't see any cubs, don't know if it was male or female. It was moving fast, I'm sure this scarecrow of a hiker put it in panic mode. I don't think that will be the last one I'll see, I'm surprised it took this long to see one. Dinner at an all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurant with Wallace and Slowman was the topping to a perfect day.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Easy day after a mail drop and town food in Pearisburg VA. Needed those extra calories, I've lost about 14 pds which is a lot for me. Met many day hikers, one was telling me of the rerouting of the trail on this Mtn. It took some of the rocks out of play he said, and more people are using the trail in this area now.Beautiful views from the bald above the shelter, VA is a beautiful state.Tomorrow I'm looking to do 16.5.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Cold night with a lot of wind but warmed up nice today.Ridge walk was rocky but level. Beautiful down at Stoney Creek. Thought about stopping at Captians to tent but that would have been too short of a day. Tough climb up to Bailey Gap Shelter. Full house tonight. A lot of young thru hikers that started first of March are starting to catch up to us early starters that hit so much snow.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: moderate rain

Rain last night, but just cloudy this morning, I planed to do 22.5 today.The AT wound thru more beautiful VA farm land early then started climbing toward Bruisers Knob and Sinking Creek Mtn. Tough climb, and the rain started as soon as I made the top. Heavy rain, no staying dry, and no views, I was soon soaked. There was no staying dry and when I got to Niday Shelter I decided to stop for the day. I just didn't have it in me to do the 10 miles to the next shelter in this rain! A couple more hikers thought the same and stopped also.Tomorrow I'll try for the Four Pines Hostel and a burger at Catawba grocery.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Niday Shelter

To: VA 624, Newport Road - Four Pine Hostel
Miles today: 16.8

Shout out to all the hikers at Niday Shelter. One injured hiker needed help after an ankle injury. We all helped get her equipment and her to the next rd crossing and a ride for help! Don't know all there names but good to see we take care of those in need. Light rain most of the day, it was an easy climb up Brush Mtn and ridge walk to the Audie Murphy Monument. At the bottom of the Mtn was trail magic put there by Four Pines Hostel. Cold sodas under a tree sure was good. Climb up Cove Mtn was not too bad, the ridge walk to the Dragons Tooth was very rocky but worth it for the Dragons Tooth. Then it was a tough climb down to the bottom, at times requiring the use of metal bars imbedded in the boulders. Finally made it down, and did the .3 rd walk to Four Pines Hostel. Great place. Hot shower, a bed, and a ride to the store for food all on a donation basis. Tks Four Pines for all you offer.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: VA 624, Newport Road - Four Pine Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Great night at Four Pines Hostel, Eddy took me down to Catawba grocery's for an egg biscuit before I started hiking.Light rain all morning, and cooler then the past few days made it hard to leave, but the hiking was easy. I got to McAfee Knob and no one was around to take my pic until I was ready to leave until a day hiker Jake stepped out of the woods and we took each other's pic on the Knob. Then it was on to Tinkers Cliffs. Much harder climb to the start, but well worth the views.Made it to Lamberts Meadow Shelter by 5:00 and was glad to stop for the day. Tomorrow should be an easy hike into Daleville.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Big threat of rain today held off long enough for me to make it 18.5 miles. Suppose to be thunder storms tomorrow, but I'm gonna try for 18 again.I meet two new thru hikers today, Scout, and Slim, at Wilson Creek Shelters. Nice guys, Slim was having ankle problems, and they were doing a short day. Scout was young, home schooled, and was able to finish early so he could start his thru hike and be done in time for his senior year!Easy trail today made the hiking easy. It's a full shelter tonight, I'm gonna put my earplugs in and get some sleep!
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

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

Big up hills were tough today but the views were great as was the weather until about 5:00 when the shelter took a hit from thunder storms. Rain and hail got those still on the trail but didn't last long.Cooler night and howling winds followed but it was a good nights sleep!
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Another early start, with cool temps and windy, but got much better as the day went on.Great views again, we went under the Guillotine ( pic to come later) some tough up hills, but a lot of long easy down hill and level hiking. Made the 21.6 a little easier.But the highlight of the day was hitching a ride to Glasgow for pizza and subs! Tks Pittsburgh , a section hiker for the ride. Luck was with us, as we got a ride back pretty quick.Tomorrow it will be into Buena Vista for a mail drop.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Buena Vista, VA Mile 806.4
Miles today: 20.1

Paw Bert and I were on the trail by 6:00 am. Big climb to 3000 feet led to Bluff Mtn and the Ottie Cline Powell Monument. He was 4yrs 11 months old in 1891 when he wandered away from his school and his remains not found until a year latter.From there is was a long down hill and nice level hiking to Brown Mtn Creek, site of an early settelment that eventually sold out to the Government.Finally made it to Buena Vista for a mail drop.
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Buena Vista, VA Mile 806.4

To: Salt Log Gap
Miles today: 8.5

After spending the night at Three Springs hostel, Iron Mike, Rickety, and I slack packed to Salt Log Gap, and met co-owner Marsha for a ride back to 3 Springs.Very cold day for April, and what it has been for the last couple of day, we started in rain and sleet. A big climb up to Bald Knob helped to warm us up and the rain stopped as we started across the bald. But it was back soon and I was glad it was a short day.Met a lot of hikers, nobo and sobo, day, and section hikers. Tomorrow will be a bit longer hike to The Priest Shelter
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Salt Log Gap

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hated leaving Three Springs Hostel, they sure know how to treat u right! Tks Oma, and Marsha.Cold and cloudy all morning, but easy hiking, made good time to Seeley-Woodworth Shelter where I stopped for lunch. Met 2 nobo hikers just getting started, Neon and Bandit.No views because of the clouds until just before the Priest. Easy climb up to the shelter and low and behold, the sun broke through the clouds! So I am hoping the temps will rise a little before sundown, if not it could be very cold night!
Date: 2015-04-27
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maureen Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8

It was cold last night even with a shelter full of people. But the day started right with sunshine and easy down hill hiking. Glad I will never hike the Priest Mtn southbound!Good hike to Harpers Shelter where I stopped for lunch with a south bound section hiker. Then I started up Three Ridges Mtn. Tough climb, I met several sobo section hikers on the way up. Views were great, and I got cell reception too!As I worked my way down to Maupin Field Shelter, it started clouding up and the temp dropped!Now at shelter by myself. Will do 15.8 tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Maureen Field Shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Cold night again, where has spring gone? But nice sunny and warmer day today.Great views all day, the climbing was easy going up Humpback Mtn, many old stone walls from time gone by, must have been beautiful back then, but a hard place to scratch out a living.Many day hikers today, meet a retired couple from Canada, he was from Germany, she's from French speaking Quebec, and they both spoke English most of the time they said! They were really enjoying themselves.Looks like it's gonna be a full shelter tonight. Tomorrow is Waynesboro for resupply.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.1

5 easy miles into Waynesboro and Stanimals Hostel, and resupply. Iron Mike and Rickety were there too. I helped the owner with a hiker pickup while he was in a meeting, it felt good to drive after 3 months.Dinner was at Ruby Tuesday's with iron Mike and Rickety. Tomorrow I start the Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.6

Iron Mike and Rickety dropped me of at Rockfish Gap for the start of the Shenandoah national parkI had to say goodbye to these guys, they finished there yearly section hike and were headed home today. Two great guys, two fellow Georgians, we spent several nights together at shelters and hostels, and even slack packed once. I'm gonna miss them.The hiking today was great, the trail so far thru the park is my favorite yet! 20 miles flew by fast, talked to many day and section hikers and now I'm in the shelter for the night!
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Easy trail and easy day, I stopped at Loft Mtn Wayside for a hamburger and Blackberry milkshake. Half a mile off trail but well worth it. The milkshake was great, I'll get the chance again for one before the end of the park!Weather got sunny toward the end of the day, looking forward to a good nights sleep!
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Knowing I had big miles to do today, I was on the trail by 6:25 this morning.Beautiful day, with sunshine, there were many day hikers out for the views from Weaver and Hightop Mtn's. I walked with a section hiker from Fla for several miles, Fla Mike. Nice guy, almost done with everything south of Harpers Ferry. Also met Jingles brother, he hiked in to meet Jingles for a day hike and then an overnight at one of the lodges on the Skyline Dr.Tired when I arrived at the Hut, but a great day of hiking. Tomorrow there will be another Wayside to stop at.... Another burger and blackberry shake!
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Woke to another beautiful day of warm temps and sunshine. The trail was easy hiking, the Mtn's not too high, the views great, and all I could think of was lunch at the wayside. Today it was a club sandwich, salad, and another blackberry shake! Then I set outside drinking a root beer and people watching before I hit the trail again. Many people stopped to talk, wanting to know how my hike was going.It was easy hiking the rest of the day in to Rock Spring Hut, there are a lot of people here, most tenting.Tomorrow, after about 4 miles, there's the Skyland restaurant. Breakfast is served from 7-10:30. I'm gonna be there!
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Rock Spring Hut

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

I am loving this weather! Another great day of sunshine and warm temps made for easy hiking again.Another reason I love the smokies, breakfast at Skyland resort! 4.4 miles from last nights shelter to eggs, toast, sausage with honey, fried potatoes, and coffee. I'm sure gonna miss this after the Shenandoah's.The warm weather brings out the snakes, and the trail workers. We waited 1.5 hrs for a tree to be cleared. We didn't mind, I'm thankful for all the work they do. This one threatened to bring down tree, boulders and all on the road below!Not many hikers at the shelter yet, but it's early. Tomorrow I hit the last wayside for lunch, before I'm out of the park. Then it's on to Harpers Ferry
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

It was another beautiful morning, and more great trail today, with another stop at the last Wayside for nobo'ers. Today I had a craving for hot dogs, so two of those and a shake were lunch. Plus a honey bun and a root beer! I'm really gonna miss the waysides!Tomorrow is town and resupply.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Front Royal

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Really enjoyed a zero at Front Royal, a lot of history to see, and caught a movie. The Avengers Age of Ultron.   Good movie! My grandson recommend it.Easy trail today, now at Dicks Dome shelter by myself. Didn't see many hikers today. Must be between bubbles.
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Had the shelter all to myself last night, kind of erie place but all was well.Talk to many section hikers today, several who told of the same strange behavior of a raccoon on the trail. He didn't want to give way, I thought poss rabid, but he wasn't aggressive, then thought maybe he was a she, protecting young. But it let me by, later another hiker said it was near dead, looked as if it was attacked. Just don't know.Made it to Sam Moore Shelter with Jingles coming in later.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Mother's Day!1000 miles today!! And crossed into another state.Great day of hiking, I stopped at the Blackburn AT Center. They have a hostel, solar shower and picnic tables. I was there to eat lunch, I had a few more miles to go for the day. Tonight, David Lesser Shelter, tomorrow Harpers Ferry!
Date: 2015-05-11
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 8.7

Reached the ATC in Harpers Ferry about 9:30, the unofficial half way point!And got a great welcome from the staff! They do a great job, I had pic taken, got town info, and best of all, I booked a spot on Amtrak from DC to Atlanta!I'm going home for a break to see my family! 7-10 days and I'll be back on the trail.Can't wait to see everyone, a week of real food, a real bed, some new gear, and some much needed rest!! And then back to finish the trail.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Harpers Ferry

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

First day back after 2 wks home with family, it was tough coming back. I miss them already.Almost 18 miles, MD is a bit rocky but flat, saw some interesting civil war stuff now camping at Dahlgren campground.Gonna take some time getting back in the grove, but good to be hiking again.
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

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

Loved Dahlgren Backpack Campground, free, hot showers, on the trail, it could spoil a hiker.MD has a great trail, plenty to see, and Raven Rock Shelter is a new, two level beauty. Met many day and section hikers today, five of them here tonight. Good company! Tomorrow comes PA.
Date: 2015-05-31
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Trail of Hope Hostel
Miles today: 22.8

Good night in the new shelter at Raven Rock, got in before the rain.Got in a little bit of rain today, but otherwise hot and muggy.Pen Mar Park was very nice place. Cross the Mason-Dixon line, and entered Pennsylvania, another state down, Really enjoyed Maryland.Staying at the hostel, gonna Slack pack 21 miles tomorrow.