morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-14
To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0

We are taken a day of in Waynesboro celebrating Ratmans bd. So here are our stats so far. We have hiked 377 miles and we have 1815 miles to go. We have 1328 to Katahdin in 83 days. So far on trail we have met thru hikers from Va. 3,Tn 2,SC 1,Tx 1,Arizona 1, Colorado 2, Maine 1, New Mexico 1, Kansas 1, Penn 1, New York 1, Maryland 1. Wildlife has been few and far between we seen 10 Grouse, 56 Deer, 3 Snakes, 1 Raccoon. We have talked about all the special memeries we have shared in 4 thru hikes from Damascus to Waynesboro so far. Like this yr camping in 3 inch of snow and ice on our tent near grayson highlands. To, slackpacking Grayson Highlands for 25 miles to get to Troutdale for all u can eat ribs. We remember doing 34 miles in 2010 with Six Course to Pearisburgh. Also how could we forget meeting Spirit for the first time at Rice Field Shelter and our lives have never been the same. Also meeting Nanner in Pearisburgh and ww are like is trail parents. To hiking out of Daleville with Mr. Fab. 28 miles and then the next day hiking with him to the BRP for an all day hiker feed. To being spooked up on top of the mtn where littke Ottie passed and they say haunts the mtn along with the shelter. To hitching a ride down the mtn into Beuna Vista with an intoxicated man, but a very nice man. Also just all the people who have become great friends along the way. And here in Waynesboro where we stayed at the church hostel and became friends with woody and irma, two amazing people. In just 400 miles so many great memories over the yrs and looking forward to the next 400 bringing back memerios from all the thru hikes. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-04-15
To: Blackrock hut
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

The morning started off with Jill taking us to Starbucks to meet Jean and Marge for coffee and breakfast. We sat around and caught up for an hr before we had to head to the trail. We are so blessed for all the friends we have made in Waynesboro. We made it to the trail at 9:30 with high winds greeting us as we entered the Shenandoahs. We hiked the first 5 miles passing SOBO hikers and praying the wind would stopped. We reached beagle gap for a break before hiking up to Little Calf Mtn. We then hiked about .9 more before reaching the re-route bc of new powerlines being installed. This made the trail .3 longer. We passed more SOBO hikers before reaching Sawmill Run Overlook and still the wind was bad with a bite to it. We then climbed up to 3100ft crossing the parkway at mile 92.4 and stopping for lunch behind a backhoe to get out off the wind. We started chilling so we took off again and in 1 mile we reached the Riprap parking area where we first had a snack with Spirit who told tumbler that i looked like Shawn Connery with my beard. But, we found out later she had told talks alot back at Maupin shelter that when she seen me crawl out of the tent after a 25 mile day i had to be much older than tumbler. This all happened in 2012. We then wanted to make the shelter by 7 so we started hiking faster with 3.7 more miles. On the way we seen our first turkey and 1 mile before the shelter we seen our first bear. We made it at 6:45 and hurried to set up our tent bc it was cold and still windy. There were maybe 10 other hikers already set up and getting warm. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-04-16
To: PINEFIELD HUT 
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

We did 21.4 by trail but, 22.0 total today. We started hiking by 8 with a climb up to Blackrock summit where we usually see a couple copperheads in the rocks, but no luck this morning. We then crossed the Parkway at mile 84.3 and stayed between 2700ft and 2900ft for the next 4 miles crossing the parkway 3 times. We then climbed up to the Loft Mtn Campground with the last mile tough because of all the blow downs. We had lunch here after 8 miles. We then climbed up to Loft Mtn and then made our way down to the Parkway at Mile 75.2. Its funny we are used to seeing cars all day on the parkway but this section is closed to Swift Run Gap due to ice storm this past yr. The devastation in the park to the trees is horriable. We then crossed the parkway 2 more times before starting our climb up to Hightop Hut where we are tonight at 3175ft. It was a warm night and we camped with mike the 71yr old thru hiker. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-04-17
To: 1 mile before rock sorings hut
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we started at 7:20 and did 24 miles. Today started as the warmest morning ww have had so far. Started out with no jacket or pants to hike in for the first time. We started with a 500ft climb to the top of Hightop mtn. We then descended down to 2367 reaching Swift Run Gap and where the parkway begins to open. We then climbed back up to 3200ft before reaching Pocosin Cabin where we had lunch. We had never stopped at this cabin and we really liked it plus the spring was great. We then climbed up to the Lewis Mtn Campground in 2 miles and found out the camp store was open even though we were told it was closed until May. So, we ran and bought drinks with ice cream and we met a 2016 AT thru hiker who had used the same packs we have. We then 9 miles on mostly level terrain with 2 climbs before reaching Big Meadows Campground. Along the way we seen 10 deer and 2 grouse. We also met two trail maintainers cutting trees from off the trail, we thanked them for what they do, without them there is no clear trail. We stopped at the campground for a break before hiking our last 2 miles where we set up on a bluff overlook that is looking down into Luray and Front Royal. We had a great day hiking and tomorrow morning breakfast at Sugerlands. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-04-18
To: Beamas Gap
Miles today: 18.6

After a great campsite last night we were up and hiking by 6:30, and we were on a mission. We had to hike 6.1 miles to Skyland Restuarant for breakfast. We started out with a 300ft climb then we basically paralleled the parkway on the left side. About .7 before the restuarant we passed the Skyland stables where we seen about 30 horses. We then made our way to the side trail leading to our destination. At the turn we passed the water tower where 2 ladies hiking on the AT and camping there were killed, but we dont remember the yr. We made it to breakfast at 9:15. We had the buffet for 15 dollars which included coffee,orange juice and any other beverages and they were unlimited. While eating we met a family of 4 and the father had thru hiked in 2009. They live in Pa near the trail. As we went to pay the waiter informed us that someone had anonymously paid our bill, whoever you were thank you and we will pay it forward. We then headed out at 10:30 with darking clouds behind us approaching fast. We first had to climb up Stony Man Mtn. After about 1 mile the AT split off to the right and we descended before starting our next climb. It started raining litely as we started climbing so when we reached Pinnacles Picnic Grounds we made our way to the covered picnic shelter. While there we met a family of 4 who were having a picnic and we started talking about our hike. She said she had girl scouts in Maryland and they were trying to complete the AT section in Maryland. Before they left we took pictures with them and they gave us some oranges and apples. Thank you for the trail magic they were delicious. We then had a 400ft climb up to the pinnacle where day hikers were enjoying the great views. We stopped at the Byrds Nest Hut for a quick break before making our way .7 to a spring .3 over the hill. We met many day hikers between the Pinnacle and Mary Rocks today. After getting water we hiked .6 to Marys Rock where we has some great views and everyone took turns taking photos for each other. We then made the long steep descent and very rocky 2 miles down to Thorton Gap and crossed U.S. 211. We then hiked 1.4 miles to Pass Mountain Hut where we went .2 off trail to get water. We met a guy from Massachusetts who had worked in Lee County where we are from, small world. We then hiked .8 up to Calf Mtn before hiking down 1.6 at 2490ft at Beahms Gap. We hiked 18.6 trail miles but with all the side trios did 21.1 on Strava. We have 24 miles left to get to Front Royal and we seen bad storms coming in tomorrow evening so pray for us. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-04-19
To: Gravel Springs Hut.
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

We were up and hiking by 6:45 because the weather wasnt looking good around 12. We started by climbing up 150 more ft to the top of Neigbor Mtn. We then descended down to 2480ft, then climbed up to 2780ft before making our way to Elkwallow Wayside. We did 6 miles arriving there by 8 but, the store didnt open until 9. So, we charged our phones and waited bc we needed food for 1 more day. The store opened at 9 and we ordered a breakfast sandwich and while waiting we resupplied. After eating we hurried 5.9 miles to the Gravel Spring Hut with a climb starting out of 1000ft before descending down to 2480ft at the Hut. We made it at 11:30 and when we arrived it started pouring the rain and the fog set in thick. Also, the wind was whipping the trees like it was trying to rip them out of the ground. There was one section hiker there from Va. Then slowly hikers piled in with two from Illinois, 2 from New York, 1 from Florida,1 from Maryland and 1 from Massachusetts. We sat up until 8 talking and then hiker midnight hit and the snoring started. If there was any bears,mice,spiders or snakes around you didnt have to worry with all the sounds coming out of the shelter the animal would have to be rabid to try and enter the shelter. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-04-20
To: Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4

We started hiking by 6:45 in the fog and wind. We noticed there were 1000's of ramps all around the trail for about 1 mile but you couldnt get them bc of national park regulations. We were in a hurry to get to town so we started hiking at a fast pace. We had to climb up to 3200ft in 1.8 miles before descending 800ft in the next 3 miles. We stopped at mile 6.5 to eat the last of our food and to witness the sun and blue skies finally making their presence know. We then climbed up to 2900ft at Compton Peak before crossing the Parkway at mile post 10.4. We then hiked on flat trail for 2 miles passing day hikers going the opposite direction. We then hiked 2.9 descending down to U.S. 522 and hitching a ride with a 2016 thru hiker who dropped us off at the Super8 where we are drying out and resupplying. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-04-21
To: Creek 2 miles past Ashby Gap
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning we were surprised by Mr. Flip Lewis coming by our room with Easter treats. Then, at breakfast two sisters from Va. offered us a ride back to the trail. We started hiking by 9 and started with a climb and also the trail was muddy and flooded. We climbed up to 1800ft before the trail levelled and was flat and dry. We made the first 5 miles quickly and stopped at the Jim and Molly Denton shelter for a snack. This shelter is one of the best bc it has a solar shower, horse shoes, the shelter is spotless and has a huge front porch with chairs to sit in. We talked with Kegger and a young man from Ga. along with a couple we had met yesterday. We then started hiking again on very nice terrain down to a road crossing before climbing up to 1400ft passing many day hikers along the way. We made it down to Manassas Gap where we were given homemade chocolate cookies before going under I66. We then climbed up to about 700ft where we had lunch and Ratman found a Morel Mushroom. After lunch we hiked up past the Manassas Gap Shelter meeting two sisters from Ga. hiking a section to Front Royal. We then crossed a couple big streams before reaching Whiskey Hollow Shelter where we stopped for a break, along the way we found 3 more Mushrooms. We then climbed up to 1850ft and came to a spring where we filled up with water for camp tonight. In the stream were 3 cherry cola sodas so we shared 1 and left the others for the other hikers. We then hiked about 1 mile and a sign said no camping for the next 3 miles down to Ashby Gap bc we were on state park lands. So we knew we had a long day still to go. We hurried 3 miles down to the gap and when we arrived we noticed a guy trying to get in his car. He had lost his key on the mtn. He also had thru hiked in 16 and was passing out trail magic, he was the one who left the cokes in the spring. We tried to help but no luck and we had to find a tent spot bc its was 7. We crossed the U.S 17 and started climbing on the side of the mtn with rocks everywhere and no campsites. We had to hike 2 more miles before finding a spot next to a little waterfall at 8. We set up and had dinner before passing out. What a great day to celebrate Jesus rising from the Grave hiking, witnessing and seeing GOD's creation all day. We are 31 miles from Harpers Ferry, we checked on a room but they are so high so we might just go in get our pic taken at the AT office,do laundry and resupply before heading out unless someone blesses us with a place to crash bc rooms are 70 dollars. GOD BLESS happy easter.
Date: 2019-04-22
To: 1.8 from Blackburn center
Miles today: 17.7

We were planning on starting out at 6:30 but didnt leave until 7:30 bc of late night of hiking the day before. We first climbed up to the ridgeline before descending down to the shelter in 1.6 miles for a bathroom break. We met a lady from Maine who was attempting a flip flop hike. We then hiked .5 before coming to the sign announcing we were entering the roller coaster which is a 14 mile section of trail of nothing but ups and downs with many many many rocks. We hiked about 3 miles before taking a break from all the ups and downs. It was a sunny day with a slight breeze. We then passed two ladies that were section hiking before reaching Spout Run brach where we stopped for lunch. Kegger passed us about 2.5 from Bears Den Hostel and he said he was staying there, we told him we were just stopping to get a soda. We had a steep down then a climb before reaching Bear Den where we stopped for 2 sodas and talked with kegger and ran into kenny again. We hadnt seen him since adkins. We sat and watched the hiker movie that we are in for about 20 minutes before we said goodbye and hit the trail. We descended down and crossed a very busy Va. 7 at Snickers Gap. We then climbed to 1140ft reaching the West Va./Va. Border on the AT. We then hiked .2 and had a great view looking East. We met a thru hiker from Pittsburgh while at the overlook. We then hiked about 1 mile before reaching a spring and filling up with water for camp. We then hiked 2 miles and set up camp with 14 miles left to Harpers Ferry tomorrow. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-04-23
To: HARPERS FERRY
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today we hiked 14.3 trail miles but 16.2 miles with Strava. We started at 6 this morning and when we emerged from our tent we seen the bright sun rising along with the lights of DC. We were up on a ridgeline with flat trail with some rocky and some dirt paths. We hiked fast with the level terrain and in 1.8 came to the Blackburn Center but we passed it up and kept our sites on town. We seen many deer early this morning and we hiked very fast. We had a few 100ft climbs but nothing bad. We made our way to the David Lesser Memorial Shelter where we took a break at mile 5. We then hiked 3 more miles and crossed W.Va. 9 at Keys Gap, you can see welcome to Va on the right side of the road and welcome to W.Va. on the left side. It reminds me of the movie a walk to remember where you can stand in two places at one time. We then hiked about two miles on a dirt path passing day hikers that were hiking out of Harpers Ferry. Then we reached the dreaded rocks for about a 2 mile section passing 2 guys from OHIO. We then heard a noise to the left and seen 2 snakes at first we thought they were fighting or mating but when we looked closer, one had 2 frog legs in its mouth while the other had the head. They were playing tug of war, funny thing was when we took a picture they let go and the frog hopped away, i guess they both lost and the frog won. We then reached the point where we finally entered W.Va. and left Va. We then crossed the Shenandoah River Bridge on U.S. 340. We then hiked the the 1 mile over to where you cross Potomac River in downtown Harpers Ferry. We passed the Jeffersons Rock along the way and some old churches. We then walked thru town to the AT trail Conservancy to have our pic for the fourth time. While there we looked at our other 3 thru hike pics. We are here for the night thanks to an anonymous friend who paid for our lodging. We want to thank you and the person who paid for our breakfast anonymously. We also want to thank everyone following us and helping us on this record setting journey as we say bye to the AT and its many rocks, roots and ups with the downs. We love being out here with nature and also witnessing to people about Jesus. We have so many people come up to us and tell us they love our shirts and that they are happy we arnt afraid to wear Jesus on our chests. Thank everyone again and thank you to put us up tonight the room is great and the people are so nice here. GOD BLESS. Also a few mileage stats we have hiked 564.9 miles and our elevation is at 118,901 ft so far.
Date: 2019-04-24
To: Rocky run shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

After a great stay in Harpers Ferry we headed out about 8:45 but had a 1.2 mile walk thru town to resume our hike. We started by leaving Harpers Ferry via to C&O canal towpath which you can walk or bike 60 miles into DC. After about 3 miles we made a left crossed the RR tracks and climbed up to the Weaverton Cliffs overlooking the river and back towards Harpers Ferry. We then hiked 2.1 miles to the Ed Garvey Shelter for a break. The path was mostly level but rocky. We then hiked 3.7 to the Gathland State Park for lunch. After eating we started climbing 700ft then the trail started down to the shelter where we are staying. We are at Rocky Run Shelter, we stayed with 3 great guys, we had a good evening talking about the trail. Also at Ed Garvey Shelter in 2015 a young man was killed in his tent by a tree falling on him when the storms came thru, at that time we were in PA. avoiding those same storms. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-04-25
To: RAVEN ROCK SHELTER
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning we started hiking by 6:30 and finished at 4:45, after 20.6 trail miles but 22 miles with the extra walking. We started out on good terrain and level ground. We stayed around 950ft for the first 1.8 miles until we came to the Dahlgren Backpacker Campground. Here they have tentsites,showers and electricity all for free. There were several hikers there packing and getting ready to head north or south on the AT. We stopped for a bathroom break before starting our climb up to 1500ft. We first crossed U.S. Alt 40 at Turners Gap before crossing Monument Road and then Washington Monument Road. Then we came to the Washington Monument, the first monument built dedicated to George Washington built in 1827. At this time you couldnt go up in the monument bc it was going thru repairs. We then levelled out and made good time over Bartman Hill before crossing US 40, I70 footbridge and taking a break for a snack. We then climbed up to Annapolis Rocks in 2 miles, this is where we have stopped to watch people rock climb before on our other thru hikes. We then hiked about 4 more miles on very rocky terrainn passing section hikers heading South. We stopped for lunch at 1 after 14 miles of hiking. We then crossed MD17 and then MD. 77 before finally crossing MD. 491 and climbing up for .5 and then level .5 to our shelter for the night. It sprinkled on us a few times but not enough to get us wet and we were pleased to get 20 miles in by 5. We are now in Pa. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-04-26
To: Waynesboro Pa.
Miles today: 5.0

This morning we woke up to rain and didnt want to get out of our tent. But, we climbed out at 7:30 and 5 minutes on the trail and we hear our first thunder rumbling in the valley below. Luckily we were on flat ridgeline and could hike fast. We knew 4.7 miles and we were at Pen-Mar state park with covered pavilions. After 1.8 miles we came to a big boulder field and then we started our descent on a very very rocky trail. The rain was light and we still had only heard 1 thunder boomer. After getting off the ridgeline and passing 3 day hikers heading the other direction it started raining harder. It rained hard for about 10 minutes then stopped completely. We heard lightning to our left so we sped up and came to the park at 9. Its funny how thunder and lighting speed up the hiking pace, we hiked 4.7 miles in 1hr and 40 minutes. We sat under a pavavillon for about 20 minutes before deciding to get off trail for the evening bc of real bad weather coming. This nice guy gave us a ride to a very cheap motel but clean for the evening. Since it was a short day we are going to talk about some memories from Rockfish Gap to Pa. Line in 4 thru hikes. First we wanted to mention meeting walkingman and joe coming out of damascus in 2012 who remain great friends and also camping with seeker outside damascus in 2010 and she remains a great friend. In the Shenandoahs we remember having breakfast in a parking lot with Spirit and her leaving first and about .5 up trail we pass her backpack sitting by the trail, so we knew y she left but as we passed we seen a bear heading her way. Also almost running headfirst into a bear walking down the trail in 2010, or stepping on a copperhead in 2012 almost ratmans foot was coming down on it when he seen the snake below his foot. Also meeting Squatch at Lewis Mtn Campground which started our acting careers in 2012, yes we are in the movie flip flop flippin 2. The funniest is when nanner in 2010 camping with him at Big Meadows he spent half the night chasing a raccoon who stole is food. Also Mr. Fab trying to sneak up on us coming off Marys Rock, he had been chasing us for 3 days. Catching a ride back to the trail in the back of a post office truck after eating buffalo burger near I66. Completing the Roller Coaster 4 times now and living tell about it. Also meeting Y's Guy just before entering the roller coaster in 2012. Him and Spirit hiked the last 1000 miles with us in 2012 and even though Ratman tried to kill them both with huge miles we remain friends until this day. Finally getting a ride in the back of a police cruiser into Waynesboro to eat at Applebees for Fathers Day in 2012, the looks on peoples faces in Applebees when we got out of the cruiser and joined them for lunch can we say priceless. If we have forgotten some stories and you read this please share with us as we try to remember some great things that have happened to us hiking this great trail over the yrs. Also one other thing meeting Tequilla John for the first time at Gathland State Park and hiking on and off with him the rest of the way along with tillerman. GOD BLESS