morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-02
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a very diverse day. We had a long climb first thing. Later we came out of the woods into open pasture land. I estimate that we hiked over a mile in these open pastures. We came upon the famous Keffer Oak Tree, the oldest tree on the AT. It is estimated to be over 300 years old.We ate lunch at the Keffer Oak. I am glad that we did because it was above 80 degrees and we had a second long uphill climb. This second climb totally took all my remaining energy. I stopped multiple times to drink water to stay hydrated. The ridge walk was filled with large rock slabs. All the slabs tilted at 45 degrees making my feet slid constantly inside my shoes. While reaching the summit for this ridge walk it started to thunder and lightning. Before I could get off the ridge after 3-4 miles it started to rain. I also crossed the Eastern Continental Divide before coming down off the ridge. It rained constantly until I reached the Niday Shelter. I was beat. I forced down some food and set up inside this shelter in an attempt to keep my gear dry.We have more climbs and a long day scheduled for tomorrow. I will do my best to get plenty of rest for tomorrow.Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-03
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

I had to cut my planned mileage back today. We had plans to hike 16+ miles today. However the heat and repeated climbs over the past few days have exhausted me to the point that I made the decision to stop and stay at the first shelter that I came to. It was Pickle Branch Shelter. I felt sluggish from the start of the day. As hill climbs and the heat increased, the more drained I felt. I think that I have made the right decision to shorten my hiking day.Captain Handy was leaving the shelter with his water supply as I arrived. I informed him of my plans to stay at the shelter. It is not likely that I will meet up with him again. He finishes his section hike Sunday and will be flying back to Florida. I will miss his company. He was a wealth of trail knowledge as he has completed section hikes of the entire AT and has completed some sections twice. He was always available if I had questions about the trail.As of today, Ian has been off the trail for a day now. He got a ride into Daleville yesterday. He is taking time to evaluate his plans for either returning to the trail, or not. We have no updates from him since he made it to Daleville.One of the highlights of the day was visiting and paying our respects at the Audie Murphy Monument. It was located just off the trail. He was the most decorated American soldier of World War II, and later became an actor. He died in a plane crash not far from the monument, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I remember Mama Smurf's father saying he served in the same army infantry division as Audie Murphy.By 4:30, it started to rain. I was glad to be set up inside the shelter. As a side note, I found my first tick crawling up my leg this afternoon. We gave been hearing multiple reports of ticks over the past week. Again, part of the hiking experience.Captain Handy and I saw a red bunting this morning. A beautiful red bird with black wings. I have only seen this type of bird two or three times in my life. Rare to see. As I was settling in for the evening I heard what I thought were mice up in the rafters overhead. It turned out to be a bat in its roost getting ready for night flight.Happy birthday wishes from the trail, to my nephew Chasen, who turned 13 today.
Date: 2019-05-04
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.7

I was still struggling today. I am glad it was a short hike to the hostel. My hike took me by a rock formation called ¢Dragon's Tooth¢. I stopped by and took a couple of pictures. It was another 2.5 miles of hiking over and down steep rock formations. In two places there were metal bars cemented into the stone to help hikers raise and lower themselves.The Rhododendrons were in bloom in this area. A beautiful sight to see, the walls of blooms on the hill side.I walked from the trail head down to Four Pines Hostel. The owner has converted his three car garage into a hostel. The highlight is the shuttle to a nearby all you can eat restaurant called ¢The Homeplace¢. I plan on talking advantage of the AYCE option.Maybe the added food and rest will make a difference going forward.The hostel is full tonight. Sounds like many will be taking a zero tomorrow. Everyone is wanting to have good weather when they arrive at McAfee Knob. It is the most photographed location on the trail.Another milestone... I reached 700 miles today.
Date: 2019-05-06
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Campsite at Mile 720.4
Miles today: 16.4

As of today I have completed what is sometimes referred to as the "Virginia Triple Crown". I have now been to "Dragons Tooth", "McAfee Knob" and "Tinkers Cliff". The views were great at McAfee Knob and Tinkers Cliff today. Several day-hikers were at both locations as well. I am glad that I didn¢t try and hike in the cloudy, rainy weather yesterday.When I made it to Lamberts Meadow Shelter, I ran into a day-hiker that told me that the local fire and rescue crews went to McAfee¢s Knob this morning to remove a thru Hiker that had injured his ankle. He said that his name was Dave. Since we don¢t use real names on the trail, I don¢t know who Dave is. I will keep asking to find out if I know this hiker.I set up camp just past Lamberts Meadow Shelter at a camp site next to a stream.I saw another red bunting and his mate today. They flew in the trees next to me for several yards. It is really a beautiful bird.
Date: 2019-05-07
From: Campsite at Mile 720.4

To: VA-220, Daleville
Miles today: 9.3

It was nice to hike into Daleville before lunchtime. It gave me time to check in, get a quick shower and head out for lunch. I found the local outfitter so that I could get my trekking pole tips replaced--one of the tips had broken off. I did a resupply for the next section and did my laundry.I'm resting up after eating at a nearby Mexican restaurant. I have a long day planned for tomorrow. A chance of afternoon rain predicted for tomorrow also.
Date: 2019-05-08
From: VA-220, Daleville

To: Zero in Daleville
Miles today: 0.0

My plans for a long hiking day today changed when I woke up this morning. I had been coughing and sneezing over the past few days and nights. However, my sinuses were totally clogged when I got up and started moving around. It was significant enough for me to change my plans and zero today. After breakfast I walked down to the Kroger pharmacy and picked up some allergy medicine. I napped a couple of times during the day, trying to shake the congestion. Hopefully I will have a better start to the day tomorrow morning.
Date: 2019-05-09
From: VA-220, Daleville

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

It was a much better start to the day today. I had a breakfast and was on the trail by 6:15. The terrain was relatively easy throughout the day. We crossed over the Blue Ridge Parkway twice. I wound up at Bobblets Gap Shelter at the end of my day. The shelter area is a mixture of people that I have met before and new faces. I expect to be passed on the trail by fast hikers that started their AT hike as early as April 1. This will likely occur as early as next week.While doing camp chores, one of the guys has been working to free his bear bag from a tree for over one hour now. Let¢s see how this ends up...After connecting two trekking poles together and someone getting on another¢s shoulders, success finally. Entertainment for everyone this evening.
Date: 2019-05-10
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

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

It was drizzling when I left the shelter this morning. That kept me wet and cool most of the morning. The clouds started to break around 10:00. That is when things started to heat up for the day. I walked through several sections where the Rhododendrons were in full bloom on both sides of the trail. It smelled good when entering these sections. I could even smell it with my nasal congestion. The trail crisscrossed the Blue Ridge Parkway a few more times today. I made the decision at lunchtime to push on to Cornelius Creek Shelter. I felt good enough at that time to take on the 5 mile uphill at the end of the day. I have set up inside the shelter tonight due to the high possibility of rain tomorrow. I am trying to keep my gear as dry as possible, for as long as possible. I was the first to arrive at the shelter so space was not an issue.It is clouding up this afternoon. We could get rain fall before sunset.
Date: 2019-05-11
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: US 501, VA 130
Miles today: 20.1

I did not sleep as well as I would have liked. Why? The mice in the shelter were busy all night long. They were on the floor, in the walls and running on beams across the ceiling. I was the only person inside the shelter last night.I left the shelter at 6:00am. It was a cloudy morning. I came upon an FAA Tower on the top of one mountain summit. The ground on almost all hill sides is green with vegetation. You cannot see the brown leaves on the ground for the high dense vegetation. I also passed a well known landmark called "The Guillotine". It is a large bolder wedged overhead between two rock faces.It started raining around 11:30 and didn¢t stop until late afternoon. The rain kept the temperature low and helped me make it to the US 501 parking lot at the James River. From there I got a shuttle to Stanimals Hostel. It is expected to rain tonight and all day tomorrow. I will likely zero tomorrow.Today was my first 20-miler. The cool rain helped achieve the higher mileage.Time to resupply, rest and refuel my body.
Date: 2019-05-13
From: US 501, VA 130

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

We got shuttled back to US 501 at the James River foot bridge. It had rained all night and continued raining off and on until lunchtime. I finally got to see one of the small salamander-like animals in the middle of the trail. I forget what they really are called, but they are very small (about 2¢ long) and a bright orange color. I had seen pictures from other people, but this is my first sighting. I later came upon a suspension bridge where another hiker showed me a black snake on the underside of the bridge trying to get to a birds nest. When I went to start back hiking again, I reached for my trekking poles and they were covered with butterflies. The butterflies were eating the layer of salt off of my handle grips.It turned out to be another 20-mile day. The cool rain helped keep the heat down and I had refueled my body during the zero day at the hostel.I wound up at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter. There are several people here, both in and tenting around the shelter. Because of the late start this morning and the long miles I set up my tent later than usual in the afternoon. I felt rushed to complete my camp chores and get ready for sunset.Time to turn in for the evening. Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-14
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

During the night it got cold enough that I was under my quilt all night long. I hiked most of the day in a jacket and gloves. The wind made it feel bitterly cold.I had planned on doing another 20-mile day. However, when I reached Seeley-Woodworth Shelter I decided against it. The addition miles would likely work against me if I pushed too hard. Late in the day I was passed on the trail by a couple. They looked familiar, but I didn¢t get a chance to speak with them. While setting up my tent at the shelter they walked by again. I asked for their names. It turned out to be Spruce Lee and his wife Shetakee. I have not seen them since Neels Gap in Georgia. It sure was good to see them again. They are are very nice and energetic young couple. While I was resting in my tent, I heard someone walk up to the shelter ask if they had seen Papa Smurf. I shouted from my tent. It turned out to be Helluva. I had not seen him since Georgia. Again, it was good to see faces from early in our travels.I am preparing for a cold night. It is expected to be in mid 30¢s tonight.Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-15
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Fields Shelter
Miles today: 20.4

I started out the day wearing a jacket. That came off around 10:00 am. While entering the Priest Wilderness, I ran into Denali and his dog, Trouble. I have not seen them since Mount Rogers. His dog, Trouble, was feeling sick so he hiked ahead to get treatment for him. Denali has recently been dealing with shin splints and plans to take a few days off next week to be with his family. Again, it was good to see him after several weeks.The uphills and downhills were long today. By the time I got to my final destination, Maupin Fields Shelter, I had gone over 20 miles again. I set up my tent and had supper. Another couple was setting up their tent on the other side of the shelter. About a hour before dark, two retired local men walked into the shelter carrying two pizzas. Trail magic showed up on foot at the shelter this time! A couple of times each month, these guys take pizzas to the shelter for the hikers. They also hike about 12-14 miles of the trail at least once each week. They both are in their 70¢s and enjoy getting out in the mountains and the outdoors. Even though I had already eaten supper, I still ate the equivalent of one pizza by myself. The couple were day hiking and did not have "hiker hunger". It¢s a real thing. The pizza was greatly appreciated and totally unexpected. To cap off the day, I had deer eating outside my tent within 10 yards at times. A peaceful sight just before dark. Time to settle in. Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-16
From: Maupin Fields Shelter

To: Stealth Camp Site (mile 851.2)
Miles today: 8.3

I only hiked 8.3 miles today, but I had a lot of unique things occur. Today was the first day that I left the trail specifically to go eat. I hiked approximately two miles from Maupin Field Shelter to Reeds Gap (VA 664). At 9:00, a shuttle came, picked me up and took me to Devils Backbone (in Lexington) for breakfast. Hikers can shower and tent for free at Devils Backbone. I decided I would stay for lunch and catch the shuttle back to the trail in the afternoon. There were 20-30 hikers eating and camping. It was a very nice place that caters to hikers. Why? Because we spend lots of money there. They did give hikers a free T-shirt and hat. Before I returned to the trail, a truckload of hikers loaded up and left for Trail Days in Damascus, scheduled for this weekend. The trail will be light on hikers for the next few days.I finally got back on the trail around 4:00. Around two miles into my hike, I came upon my first black bear. It spotted me and took off running in the opposite direction. I dropped my trekking poles and tried to get my camera out, but I was not quick enough. I was glad that it didn¢t stay around to make me feel uncomfortable. About an hour later I came upon a rabbit in the middle of the trail that just stood there looking at me only five or six feet away.With my late start this afternoon, I knew that I could not make it to the next shelter before dark. It was too far away. About 45 minutes before dark, I found a stealth camp site at mile 851.2. I set up camp, ate supper, worked on this journal entry and got ready for bed. Time to call it a day. Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-17
From: Stealth Camp Site (mile 851.2)

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 12.5

I hiked this morning just shy of entering the Shennandoah National Park (SNP). I got a shuttle to Stanimals 328 Hostel so that I could clean up and resupply. Tomorrow I should enter the SNP.Before ending my hike today I came across the Lowe Family Cemetery. Instead of engraved headstones, flat slate rocks were used to mark each grave site. I also came across the M J Mayo Homeplace which had a stone foundation and chimney as the only evidence that a home once stood there. I did a little repair on my shoes which are starting to come apart at the toes. The bottoms are detaching from the tops.Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law, Beverly. I hope it was a great one.
Date: 2019-05-18
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut in SNP
Miles today: 20.7

We ate breakfast at the hostel and then caught a shuttle back to Rockfish Gap where I got off the trail yesterday. We hiked a short distance and reached a platform that contained registration forms for the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). The forms were filled out and strapped to the back of our backpacks. We keep this with us the entire time we are in the park.After hiking just over four miles, I came upon my 2nd bear. It did just as before and ran off immediately upon realizing that I was there. This was a much larger bear. About 100 yards further and I came to the communication towers and tractor seats anchored in the ground. This was at Bears Den Mountain. After seeing a bear at that location, I feel the mountain is approximately named.I came upon a one mile detour of the AT for a 1/2 mile section impacted by power line construction. Oh well, extra miles. Why not?I passed on the first park hut that I came to and planned on a long hiking day to the next hut. At around 4:00 pm, I arrived at Blackrock Hut. They are called huts in the park, not shelters. I did my camp chores, ate supper, worked on this journal and got ready for bed. There are many tent sites at this hut location. Lots of weekend hikers and campers here today.Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-19
From: Blackrock Hut in SNP

To: Hightop Hut in SNP
Miles today: 21.4

Today was a long day. I was out of camp by 6:00 AM. I was running low on my fuel canister, and failed to pick up one when I was in town last. I stopped in at the camp store which was only 150 yards off trail. While I was there I got a couple of their freeze dried meals, a bag of chips and a soft drink. I got back on the trail and hiked about a mile further and took a 1/2 mile side trail down to Loft Mountain Wayside. When I was within sight of the wayside, I looked to my right and spotted a bear. Unlike the previous two sightings, this one did not run away. I laid down my trekking poles, took out my phone/camera and started taking a video. While taking the video, I saw movement behind the bear. I then realized that it was a mother bear with two cubs. That made me feel very uncomfortable. It then moved further downhill. I heard someone coming down the same trail that I was on so I shouted out to them to warn them of the bear with cubs. The cubs briefly climbed a tree and mama bear decided that she'd had enough and escorted the cubs away. The couple coming down the hill had a dog. It was well behaved at the bear sighting. With that excitement over, I walked down to the wayside. I saw a couple sitting outside that I knew. Their trail names are "Turd Ferguson" and "Shark Tooth". "Shark Tooth" told me that they were waiting to catch a shuttle back into Waynesboro to see a doctor. Apparently, when she went to put her foot in her shoes this morning, a millipede released it's defensive fluid on the big toe of her left foot. She showed me her toe, it was solid black. She definitely needed to get it checked out. I went into the wayside grill and ordered breakfast. Eggs, ham, hash browns, toast and orange juice. That truly hit the spot. I then hiked the 1/2 mile back to the trail. I stopped at the Pinefield Hut to get water for the rest of my hike. After filling up my bottles, I stood up and had a deer come right up to me. I took a couple of pictures and she never left. I went on about my business and she stayed there eating. It rained for a couple of hours in the afternoon. It cooled things off during the heat of the afternoon. I came upon a ring-neck snake in middle of the trail about two miles before reaching my destination for the day. Around 5:00 PM, I arrived at Hightop Hut. I went through my usual routine for the evening. I am tired this evening. I should sleep well. I reached 900 miles today!Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-20
From: Hightop Hut in SNP

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

Within 15 minutes of leaving camp this morning, I had my 4th bear sighting. Like the first two, this one saw me and ran off immediately.I was not feeling energized today. I kept tripping over little stumps or rocks. One trip resulted in me falling to the ground, face first. Because I was having to work so hard, I made the decision to cut my day short at the first hut. I set up inside the shelter and took a quick nap. I decided to stay in the hut for the night. While we were all sitting down and eating supper, four deer walked into camp just a few feet from our picnic table.Hopefully the extra rest will help me feel better tomorrow. Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-21
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Byrds Nest Hut
Miles today: 22.4

I was hiking with my headlamp starting at 5:00 AM this morning. Six miles into my hike just prior to the Tanner Ridge Road Cemetery, I sighted my 5th bear running off deeper into the woods. I hiked another two miles to the Big Meadows Lodge to enjoy a hot breakfast. The Big Meadows Wayside was closed for construction. I was a happy hiker--they had a breakfast buffet! ¢All You Can Eat¢. My hiker hunger was in high gear. I had three plates full. I enjoyed every bite and then some. I left the lodge and hiked another 0.4 miles and came upon some trail magic at Big Meadows Campground. Four families set up a grill, with vegetables, fruit and drinks right next to the trail. What did I do? I had some more to eat. They also offered to send some of the items with me such as an apple, clementine, cookies, candy bars, honey buns and raw vegetables. I was set for the rest of the day. These families have been doing this trail magic at this campground for the past seven years. It was greatly appreciated.The hike was long today, but I was periodically rewarded with some great views. I eventually made it to Byrds Nest #3 Hut where I set up my tent. I knew that I would likely need water for the evening and first thing in the morning so I hiked 0.8 miles downhill to the water source. While hiking back uphill, I had my 6th bear sighting. It ran up the hill, just behind the camp. Hopefully it will not return during the night. All food has been put away in either bear boxes or up on bear poles.Time to settle in for the evening. Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-22
From: Byrds Nest Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

The day started off cool and remained relatively cool all day long. There were times when I was able to step out on a rock face and simply enjoy the view. One of the more memorable overlooks was called Mary¢s Rock. It was a little early in the morning for a great view, but it was still impressive. I hiked to the Elkwallow Wayside and got my hot meal fix with a cheeseburger, fries and a blackberry milkshake. It hit the spot. I ended my day at the Gravel Springs Hut. At that point I went through my daily routine.Good night all.
Date: 2019-05-23
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: US 522, Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 13.4

I started hiking around 5:30 this morning. I had a colorful skyline at sunrise this morning. It was a much warmer day today. I am glad that I had a much shorter day planned. About two hours into the hike, I saw a man standing in the middle of the trail looking off into the woods. He said that he had just seen a bear that ran off as he approached. He said that he was canceling his day hike and was heading back to his car. I guess he did not feel comfortable with a bear in the area. I left the SNP today. Soon after leaving the park I was at the US 522 parking area. At that point I got a ride from a section hiker into Front Royal where I got a room at a nearby hotel. It felt so good to take a shower and get my clothes washed. Resupply is done and I should be back on the trail tomorrow.Good night all.