morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Glasgow VA

To: Brown Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

5/12/16I woke up it was raining but it didn't last long. I saw Farmer at the village tent site and his leg looked swollen like mine did a few weeks ago. It seems at this point everyone is dealing with something. The plan for the day was to be out on the road between 7 and 8 so we would have a higher volume of cars to hitch back to the trail. First we took pictures with the 25 ft long dinosaur in the middle of the village. Not sure of why they have it. We tried hiking in town without much luck so we hiked a half mile to the road we actually needed to be on. After about 15 minutes a young man in his 20s stopped...he just got off work and drove us the other 5.5 miles over a mountain. We got to the trail with a plan to do 20 miles. We added two because we didnt get the two miles to the shelter we planned to go to yesterday. I stopped at the first shelter to fill up on water. Then I had a five mile climb up a mountain. I hiked up into a cloud and again the green of the trees and ground cover were vibrant from being wet and the way the light hit them it looked like rain forest. And the fog added a bit of mystery. I doubt pictures do it justice. At one area all the ground cover was two feet high that's all you could see with a small trail cut through the middle of it and the tall trees above. I got to the top of the mountain and ate lunch. Ralphie(looks like kid on A Christmas Story movie), Criss Cross, Sun Ray and WhoDat joined me. Rumor of the day was a guy was tent camping in the Smokey's and a bear bit him on the leg...he got out of the tent and the bear went back and pillaged through his tent. They took the guy out on horse back and he is going to be alright. After hiking a while in the afternoon, I started feeling a little pain in my left knee. I slowed down and took shorter steps and after awhile it seemed to go away but my shin became a little sensitive(opposite shin that sent me home). I think we pushed a little too hard and WhoDat, Ralphie and I were all worn out by the time we got to camp at six. There were ten folks at the shelter. The three of us pitched tents down by a big creek with one other guy. It was a pretty sweet campsite. Tomorrow starts with a five mile 3000 ft climb, for the second day in a row. Oh yeah...passed the 800 mile mark today. It was a beautiful day for a hike
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Brown Mountain Shelter

To: Rock Spring campsite
Miles today: 16.9

5/13/16We had a pretty hard rain last night but everything in the tent stayed dry. Everything is just kinda damp and could stand some dry weather to dry out. Got in a little late yesterday so didn't head out til 8:30 today. My body was feeling good but my energy level was low. I don't know if it was the long day yesterday, the dampness or just knowing of the five up hill miles that laid ahead. I got going and really didn't make bad time though. A lot of scenery like yesterday. The clouds/ fog moved in and out during the morning. I stopped for a break at an overlook...at first it was all fog then it would push on and you could see the mountain ranges in the distance and then the fog would move back in. This happened numerous times while I sat there. There was a pretty good wind and it was cool on the side of the mountain with the wind. The clouds lifted and I hit a mountain bald and I could see the mountain ranges on both sides for about a quarter of a mile. I ran into a guy who was just starting a thru hike...he was slack packing(only had small pack, his pack with all his gear was at a hostel). Started to talking to him and he had just had knee surgery ten weeks earlier. He was going to do what he could and not push it. I stopped at a campsite for lunch and it was kinda cool sitting there. About 20 minutes later I started hiking and the sun came out and was with us the rest of the day. It was little ups and downs throughout the afternoon. My energy level had risen since lunch and both my legs were still feeling good. I stopped at the next shelter for a short break and didn't see any good camp sites so pushed on another mile where there were good campsites and a water source. I got there at 4:30 and was able to hang up all my damp clothes/towels/sleeping bag to dry and air them out. Sparky showed up shortly after...this was the first time I met him. He is from England. We had a fire to clear some of the bugs out and had dinner. I went to lay down and WhoDat showed up around eight. The skies cleared out and didn't even see any clouds by the end of the day...hopefully we move into a drier weather pattern. Another enjoyable day of hiking.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Rock Spring campsite

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

5/14/15Had a good nights sleep with no rain. Today was a big 19 mile day with a big down hill and then turn around with a big up hill. I took off before WhoDat and climbed a hill and turned right in to a camp site when I should have turned left. I thought I was going to have to go back down the hill but found a faded blaze and was on my way. WhoDat caught up with me by then and we hiked together figuring out the worlds problems. Water has been a little more scarce so I have to pay attention where I can get it. It was a sunny day and I had a few real nice mountain views. We seen a lot of weekend hikers out...the trail was busy. After we finished our down hill that seemed to last forever, we crossed a suspension bridge and stopped at a clearing by the water for lunch. While we were sitting there a group of trail maintainers passed by heading south. These folks are volunteers and keep the trail in good shape, whether it is cutting trees that have fallen onto the path, trimming the weeds and grass that protrude on the trail, making pathes for rain water to exit the trail,, working on steps or working on shelters, these folks do a tremendous job. After lunch we started the up hill. A few miles in we stopped at a shelter to resupply on water. There was a group there out for the weekend we chatter with and the back to the trail. The climb wasn't too bad and when we thought we got to the top we stopped for a break. Turned out we had another mile to go until we reached the top. Rain moved in but nothing too heavy but it came and went as we hiked. The clock seemed to move fast today and we got to the shelter around six. Once again there were some weekend hikers there and we chatted with them while we had dinner. The rain had stopped and it had cooled off.. The campfire they had built felt good. Not much later it was off to set up the tent and hit the sack.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro VA (YMCA TENT CAMP)
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: broken clouds

5/15/16Brrrrr...it was a cold night. I was cold but didn't realize how cold it was. The wind was blowing all night probably up to 40 mph. Later I found out the temps dipped down to 38 so no wonder I was cold. Tonight it is suppose to go down to 34 but the wind stopped blowing so it shouldn't be so bad. I slept well just cold getting out of the sleeping bag and things packed up. I hiked with WhoDat most of the day...he keeps a slow steady pace and I think it is good for minimizing injury. A Coue of miles in we found a trash can at a parking lot...packing our trash out thru hikes love coming across trash cans. We went a little further and found a cooler marked thru hikers only....cool trail magic....nope...only thing left was empty tea bottles. We kept moving and had several beautiful overlooks. On one side of the mountain the terrain really starts to flatten out. It was a cool day but very pretty. WhoDat took a little longer for lunch and I pressed on. I came around one corner and there stood a doe 50 ft infront of me on the trail eating. I stopped she looked at me and then turned and continued eating. I pulled my camera out and took a couple pictures. I then told her I was coming through and started walking. She went about 20 yards off trail and then returned after I passed. No big hills today so the hiking was nice. Being the weekend there were lots of day hikers out. One group were volunteer trail maintainers.. I talked to them for a while and moved on. I went to one scenic view and had it to myself so I just sat down and enjoyed it for about 20 min until a couple stopped by. I headed to the next shelter and was joined by Riser, AB on the AT,,Black Bear and WhoDat. We ate and WhoDat and I was going to head to the next campsite and go to Waynesboro tomorrow. We never found a campsite so we went to the next road. On the guard rail there was a lost of trail Angeles that would give you a ride to town. WhoDat called a guy(Tim) and he said he would be right there. Not long he was there and have us a ride to the YMCA camp site where thru hikers can camp for free. Got tents set up and headed to Kroger's to get some food. Then back to the tents for some sleep after a long day.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Waynesboro VA (YMCA TENT CAMP)

To: Waynesboro VA (Stanimal Hostel)
Miles today: 0.0

5/16/16Another cool night into the 30s. It was damp too a lot of dew on the ground and my tent. I decided I'd go to a hostel tonight..the local church has a free one but I'd be running all over town to get my laundry done and shower so I'd get more rest at the $25 hostel plus that would include laundry and ride back to the trail. The bright sun came up and dried things quickly. I went to the library and tried to load pics and after an hour the pics were huge and you had to scroll the page to see them. I deleted them and went to Kroger's to resupply and then Ming's Chinese for all you can eat lunch. After that I went to the hostel and was able to get my journal to include pics uploaded. Petty good zero mile day. Tomorrow I start the Shenandoah National Park. It is suppose to be smoother trails but there will still be some ups and downs. Most people make good miles... I will take it as it goes. The opposite leg I had trouble with sometimes feels like it's getting shin splints but when I slow down it goes away. Its usually more noticeable on big mile days. 100% chance of rain tomorrow and then changes go down the end of the week. My journal was wrong on mileage... I should be around 861. Everyone has that 1000 mile in site and are ready for it and to say goodbye to Virginia. It was a beautiful day to hike but I'll take the rest.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Waynesboro VA (Stanimal Hostel)

To: Black rock Hut
Miles today: 20.7

5/17/16Got a good nights sleep at the Hostel. Three of us were heading out to hike...Black Bear, Riser and myself. Had a little breakfast, got my stuff together. It was raining...its hard to leave a nice warm house for a rainy day but we did it. We had a mile to go and then we would be in the Shenandoah National Park. They say the terrain improves at this point....getting away from the five mile 3000,ft elevation change and the path is smoother. But first we have to register. More less you just have to sign in and let them know what dates you will be in the park. The trail was rocky at first but after a few mes smoothed out. The rain came down most of the day but lightened up in the afternoon. I did fall at one point my foot slid on a wet rock and I couldn't get the other foot to catches me before I went down. I got a small cut on the finger and it took a while to get it to quit bleeding with the rain hitting it. About seven lMiles in I went to the shelter .3 miles off the trail. Normally that far off trail I keep going but with the rain I went in to eat. Met a couple of section hikers....they had just retired and came out for ten days. They didn't pick a very good day to start but the weather is suppose to improve as the week goes on.The terrain had improved and I was able to make good miles. Ended up with just over 20 and in at camp at 4:30. In the Shenandoah s what used to be called shelters are now called huts. The term shelter is now used for a daytime.e picnic area. There were a lot of people at the shelter which surprised me...at least 12. With a rainy night it was an early night...the sleeping bag felt good.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Black rock Hut

To: High top Hut
Miles today: 21.4

5/18/16Didn't get hardly any rain during the night, so the tent was dry and ready to pack up. Made carnation essentials breakfast drink...I messed up when shopping and bought the light instead of the regular. You don't want anything that says light when it comes to eating. Got on the trail just before eight. The trail was pretty kind this morning...smooth and not a lot of real long ups and downs but shorter ones. The deer are really coming out...I ran into three standing on the trail today. One almost distracted me from making a turn to stay on the the AT. In the Shenandoah's they have campgrounds you have to pay to stay at and then the huts where we stay. Around the campgrounds they have stores and Waysides. Wayesides are a place you can buy gifts and food. We passed one at Loft Mountain and I stopped for a burger fries and a blackberry shake. It was good and gave me energy for the afternoon. They are about every 20 miles or so...might hit another one tomorrow. I ran into another deer on the way back to the trail. The Wayside was about a half mile off the trail. It was cloudy all day but didn't see much rain...just a short drizzle. That was a good thing as I tore my pack rain cover putting it on this morning. Hopefully I can get a new one for free...most of the good companies will replace gear that fails if you are doing a thru hike. It seemed we had a few more ups and downs this afternoon but all in all they werent too bad. I got to camp just before five. One guy said he seen a bear and her cubs when he was leaving the wayside. Another guy seen one a few miles before camp. I guess the wildlife is really coming out now. I passed on area that burned a few weeks ago. They shut the trail down for a few days because of it. It wasn't too big....I was expecting to see more damage. The brush and ground cover burned but the taller trees remained. It was was pretty quiet with little wildlife or birds in that area. It was a good day to hike....hopefully tomorrow we see the sun
Date: 2016-05-19
From: High top Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: overcast clouds

5/19/16Well the weather forecast was wrong...it rained off and on during the night but it stopped by morning. Not sure where I was headed today, a hut at 12 miles a campground I would have to pay for at 20 and then a hut at 24. So I would see how I was feeling during the day and go from there. Started out foggy and mid morning the clouds lifted and it was cloudy for most of the day. The trail was nice, smooth with gradual inclines and declines. An occasional rock bed for a short period but soon would turn back to dirt or gravel surface. I came to a turn off for a spring and acabin a little after eleven. The cabin was empty so I sat at the picnic table and had lunch. Uncle Bob a hiker I met in the morning came and joined me. He had been traveling all over the world and decided to give the AT a try. He was making good time and plan to finish in five months before his visa ran out. After lunch I headed to the spring to fill up my bottles and then back to the trail. I was feeling good and moving fast. About 40 minutes in to it I ran into a guy that was at the shelter last night. I didnt recognize him but he did me and said..,.one of us is going the wrong direction. We compared times we left the shelter and I had turned south after I left the spring So I turned around and started heading north. I told him he was an alright guy but didn't care much for his hat as he was supporting Michigan State. I told him I was a Buckeye fan and he said he didn't meet a Buckeye fan he didn't like to include me. I was moving faster and pulled away from him. An hour and fifteen minutes after I left I was back at my lunch location. How aggravating but what is done is done. I passed the next shelter and it was only 2:30 soni pressed on. The key here was there was a Wayside which means a hamburger about eight miles away... Figured I could be there by 5:30 and decide what to do from there. So I am climbing this hill and something big moves on the right side of the trail....my first bear sighting. He is about 40 yards away so I look around to make sure there are no other bears and then back at him to ensure he is staying put. He is looking the other direction so I pull out the camera and take a picture as he looks back at me. I head on and s ap one more from farther away. What I don't know is the trail circles around...so I continue around it and he watches me but then I head off and he goes back to doing his thing. It seems after I get to the top of the hill I have a gradual downhill that lasts forever. I am moving fast and make it to the Wayside by 4:30. I eat and figure I have time to make it to the hut just a little over four miles away. The sun has come out and I am treated to some nice views on the way. I make it by seven and get my tent set up and go get some water. I have to pass a cabin that is empty and stop for an amazing sunset view. I get my water a d filter it and am ready for bed after a long day. Tomorrow is suppose to be nice and then j hear a lot of rain on Saturday. We will see what happens.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Rock Spring Hut

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

5/20/16Well after the sunset last night I went back to the shelter before heading to my tent. Talking with the other hikers and mice started running around the picnic table and then up into the shelter. I never have seen them like that...usually they wait til everyone is quiet and then you hear them run. I return in the morning to see how it went and everyone moved out of the shelters and into their tents. We finally got a clear day to hike in the Shenandoah National Park and was treated to amazing views all day. Either we were hiking and could see the views or take a short path off path to see the scenic views. The problem with the Shenandoah s is the Waysides(places to eat) are too close. I stopped and had a sandwich today at Big Meadows Wayside. I stayed in the lobby and got a sandwich. Before I left I looked in the dinning room and the whole side wall was a window with a spectacular view. I finished hiking and arrived at the hut(shelter) there were three other hiker..older gentlemen ( DrG, Curious George,?). We talked and I enjoyed their company. Hiker(Black Bear) came in a little after me. I ate dinner and went to get some water so I could brush my teeth and for the next day. The spring is 15 feet behind the shelter and I see something behind that scurry up the hill and then I see mother bear right behind the spring. I back up and let the others know the bear is there and they come around to watch her. After a while she leaves but later comes back. One guy claps at her and she takes off. It starts raining and we don't see them again. We all planned to stay in the shelter before all this happened because rain was in the forecast.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 23.6

5/21/16No more trouble from the bears but we got a lot of rain overnight. I headed out a little after seven hoping to do 23 miles. If the weather was too bad I would stop at 13. It was a light rain before I took off and the trail was pretty sloppy. I made good time and stopped at a wayside for breakfast. This was the first wayside without a place to sit and eat. Being a rainy day, no one was there and they told me I could stay in and sit by the fireplace. I ate and got back on the trail. The rain had mostly stopped and it wasn't a bad day to hike other than the trail was very muddy. I made pretty good time. About four miles before the shelter I hear a big noise and a bear was ahead on the trail and moved to the side. He wasn't far off but I kept walking and he took off running the other direction. I arrived at the shelter to find four section hikers. The forecast was for rain but I went ahead and pitched the tent. I needed water and I found out it was like a quarter mile down hill and even then it was just a trickle. We had dinner and had good conversation. I went back to my tent to find my phone had crashed. All my apps and contacts and shortcuts were gone. So I did have internet access and after some time was able to find my backups and got things back into some order. I lost a day of journals so had to redo yesterdays. My left foot is bothering me a little so thinking about going to hostel tomorrow and resting it.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: Front Royal VA (Front Royal Hostel)
Miles today: 2.9

5/22/16Got more rain during the night. Woke up and got packed up...think I'm going to take it easy today...left foot still bothering me. Didn't plan to stop but did over 100 miles in five days and I have learned pushing through is not always the best policy. I need to resupply anyway. I passed a couple that started hiking but with the rain and the mud turned around. They offered to give me a ride 3.5 miles into Front Royal. I stopped by a hotel and was going to stay but they didn't have a place to do laundry so I elected to go to a nearby hostel. I called and he gave me a couple of hours to eat and resupply. He picked me up and I went to the hostel for the day. After I got to the hostel I found I misplaced my cooking pot/stove. I believe I left it at the shelter last night but may have set it out when I was putting my food in my bag at the grocery. Hopefully it will turn up. Two guys were heading out from the hostel were going to be passing the shelter I stayed at and were going to check to see if it was there and put my name on it if they found it. I called the store and no one had turned one in. I may have to do a little back tracking tomorrow.