morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Another big day w/some decent miles and also some bad things too... But first! Hit trail magic at Sams Gap to make that the 4th weekend of trail magic in a row! Great snacks and drinks to fuel up before the climb up Big Bald, over 5500ft high. And it was needed too -- the climb felt extremely long and I probably sweat more today than ever thanks to the heat.Views at the top were great though. 360 degree panoramas. Wish I could've stayed up there longer to eat my lunch, but it was way too hot and exposed and I needed to make a privy stop. Made it just in time to the privy at Big Bald Shelter.After lunch at the shelter, the day took a turn for the worse. As I started the descent, I felt this tightness and throbbing pain in my lower left quad. I think I might've strained it on the ascent, and it's been getting worse the more I walk on it, especially downhill. My first possible trail injury. Not good...I also cracked one of my trekking poles on the way down. Was walking along when it got stuck (for the umpteenth time) in between some tree roots. After a couple tugs, I yanked it free and angrily whacked it against the nearest tree... and immediately regretted it. Luckily it's still usable and I wrapped it in tape so I'm hoping it'll hold till somewhere in VA.Finally limped into camp w/my strained quad and found No Business Knob Shelter to be pretty pathetic. No privy, no bear cables or pole, no seating (no good rocks, logs, or picnic table), crappy fire ring, no table space, and it's a good thing I refilled my water before I got here b/c it had no water source either. Was tempted to do the last 6 miles into Erwin tonight, but don't want to aggravate my leg anymore.Met some cool folks here in any case -- Barnacles, Superfeet, Hooch, Dirtbag, and Knaffles and her dog Champ. They call themselves the 'Turtle Crew', I think because they move on the slower side.Anyway, looking forward to some rest in Erwin tomorrow!
Date: 2014-04-29
To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Last night turned out pretty sweet here at Uncle Johnny's Hostel. A cabin opened up in the evening, so Ginga Ninja, Uffda, and I snagged it to get out of the rain. It was a little small, but it had a microwave and mini fridge and we watched 'Last of the Mohicans' on VHS last night.This morning went to the Huddle House in Erwin for breakfast and when we got back, we saw that This Guy, Golly Green Giant, Chip, and Yeti Legs had arrived. Hadn't really planned on taking a full zero in Erwin, but have decided to reserve the cabin for another night w/Uffda, Ginga Ninja, and Chispa now that everyone else is here.Went to lunch at the Pizza Plus buffet (second time since yesterday) and watched 'Jurassic Park 2' when we got back. Now watching Forrest Gump and have plans to get $1 tacos and beer for dinner. Tonight looks like it's shaping up to be a bit of a party with everyone here.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Awesome hike today! (At least up until the end when I messed up some of my plans, but that comes later.) Unaka Mountain has got to be up there w/some of my favorite sections so far. The climb was strenuous, but walking in a cloud made it nice and cool. The dense spruce forest at the top was the best part though. Extremely pretty and borderline eerie. Took tons of pictures, but they'll never do the beauty justice.Day cleared up as I hiked on and I was looking forward to stopping by Greasy Creek Hostel for a bite to eat. Plus, Chip and Yeti are hopping of the trail for a few days for a wedding so I wanted to say bye. I walked and walked, expecting to see a sign or posting for the hostel, but got more and more frustrated as it didn't come and all I got was uphill after uphill.Finally around 4pm, I came to a sign for Clyde Smith Shelter -- 2.5 miles AFTER the hostel. Apparently the hostel owner has an awful neighbor who hates hikers and always takes down the signs and directions leading to the hostel. I was SO pissed off. I walked pretty fast all day, skipped eating lunch, and held in a poop since the morning all w/the hopes of rewarding myself at Greasy Creek. Instead, I was tired, hungry, and had to shit in the woods anyway. I seriously considered leaving my pack at the shelter and walking back, but chose not to b/c it would just suck too much. At least I wasn't the only one who missed it though -- a few others like Ginga Ninja and Vista are here and are just as annoyed as I am¢¦ Oh well
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.9

Made it to familiar territory, finally!Knocked out the 16 miles from Mountaineer Shelter to Kincora by 3:30pm. (Did the 10 miles from rt. 19 to Mountaineer last night.) Easy enough terrain, but I've been getting weird pains and strains in the bottom of my left foot. From here on out though, it's either familiar ground or home state for the next couple months or so.Last time I was at Kincora was 2 years ago w/Hippy Kippy's class. Hasn't changed a bit either. Very rustic atmosphere that has a lot of character. Plus, Bob Peoples (owner) and Lumpy (helping hand for Bob) are both kind and generous.Tonight looks like it'll be a quiet, restful night, which will be good to get ready for the final push to VA and Damascus. Can't wait!
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 32.6

Shorter entry tonight b/c I'm so damn tired after today.Shattered my old mileage record by 5 miles w/a 32.6 mile day from Vandeventer Shelter to Damascus! Was thinking about doing it, but didn't expect it to actually happen. Miles flew by throughout the day and I didn't even eat lunch till 4pm (thanks to some trail magic left by a local church group).Never expected to hike over 30 miles in a day, but damn if it doesn't feel good to say I did. Plus, I'm in VA now - crossed the border around 8pm. Feels great to be home!! Looking forward to some rest days in town.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Left town (after 3 full zero days) around 11:30am and made it the ~15 miles to Lost Mountain Shelter. It's always hard leaving town. The aches and pains come back fresh even after some recovery and muscles are always extra tight for the first few miles. Not to mention the fact that water and the food bag are usually refilled and so much heavier.Leaving Damascus was no different and I left when the rainstorms had let up momentarily. Before long, though, the rain came back and turned into a downpour. I got completely drenched along w/my gear.Normally, it would've sucked, but it actually made for nice, cool walking on what would've been a hot and muggy day otherwise.Nevertheless, I'm choosing to sleep in the shelter tonight. Here's to keeping out of the rain so my things can dry off.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Man, today was one of the toughest I've had in a while. Only 17 miles or so from Lost Mtn. to Wise Shelter, but the terrain was super rough and rocky and the weather was hot and sunny (contrary to the stormy forecast). Made for beautiful views from White Top Mtn. and in the Grayson Highlands though. Awesome panoramas. I even had enough cell service on White Top to call Mom for Mother's Day.The Highlands were as gorgeous as I remember, but more notably, as I got to Thomas Knob Shelter, a her of wild ponies had just wandered in from the opposite direction. Got so many good pictures as the ponies licked salt off my legs and chewed on other hikers' packs. Not only that, but farther down the trail, there were even more ponies. I must have passed by 3 or 4 herds overall before I made it to the shelter.Anyway, my feet were destroyed by the highland rocks and my whole body/mind was wiped out and exhausted by the sun. Was an awesome day, but I'm definitely glad it's over with. Hoping for easier terrain in the future.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.8

Such an "easy" day! Only went about 11.5 miles to Atkins, but took my time and rested a fair amount on the way. Great trail magic at the Lindamood School, an old refurbished schoolhouse/museum where some locals had left a trail magic station w/almost anything a hiker could need.On a sadder note, Mozey left the trail today b/c of a stress fracture in his foot. Only met him recently, but it shows that anything can take you off the trail unexpectedly.Don't feel like writing much else¢¦ Ate at 'The Barn' restaurant w/Cheesepuff, Racewalker, and Crazy Mark and got the 16oz Hiker Burger -- Great! Then hung out w/Cheesepuff, Ground Score, Cowboy, Jolly Jumper, Crazy Mark, and Ramon over beers. All cool people. Now just trying to get some sleep under the I-81 overpass.Matt (Elk) and Katie (Virginia Creeper) picking me up tomorrow, then TRAIL DAYS!
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Atkins, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Was gonna sleep under I-81 last night, but decided to relocate as I saw and heard mice and/or rats coming out before I fell asleep.Was also planning on hiking another ~11.5 miles today, but waking up to pouring rain totally killed that ambition too. Instead, just been chilling in my sleep spot all morning reading, journaling, and waiting to get picked up. Speaking of, the sleep spot is a repurposed footbridge, so at least I still lived like a troll for a night.Anyway¢¦ TRAIL DAYS INCOMING
Date: 2014-05-19
From: 1.5 miles north of Atkins

To: VA rt 625 roadside
Miles today: 16.8

Had some beautiful hiking today. I hear so many hikers complain about walking through VA fields and farmland, but I've personally been loving it. Such a nice change of pace from the rough terrain we've seen, and very peaceful too.Aside from that, hit 3 different trail magics today! First at rt 42, where another thru-hiker's parents posted up w/drinks and snacks. Then again about a mile or less from there, a guy left a cooler of sodas at a fence stile. The last time was the least expected though -- Golly Green Giant and I pushed on to rt 625 and started making camp here on the side of the road. As we were getting dinner ready, trail angel/legend Miss Janet rolled up in her van to drop off hikers from Trail Days. When they opened the doors a plume of smoke billowed out - pretty funny - but more importantly, she gave us a couple more sodas each! Excellent way to top off our first full day back on the trail.P.s. We're now over 1/4 of the way to Katahdin as of today!
Date: 2014-05-20
From: VA rt 625 roadside

To: Laurel Creek Campground (rt 615)
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

Pretty regular day, nothing especially interesting today. Big climb up to Chestnut Knob Shelter this morning -- one of the few shelters w/4 walls, a door, and even windows. Lunch up there with Stormcrow, Golly, Hot Sauce Slinger, Purple Turtle, and great views. Wouldn't have minded spending a night here either.Other than that, Golly and I seem to have left our group behind for the time being, particularly since we're now on a push to make it to the Pizza Plus in Bastian in time for the lunch buffet tomorrow. The thought of it motivated us to do ~5 miles extra after dinner just so we have 7 miles to go tomorrow instead of 12. We're great planners!
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Laurel Creek Campground (rt 615)

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Great, big day today. Knocked out a decent number of miles and got a lot more done in town. After going the 7 miles to the road (rt 52), Golly and I hitched to Pizza Plus and managed to get there by noon. The buffet lasted until 2pm and we used every bit of those 2 hours to fill up on food and charge our phones.Then, Golly had to pick up a mail drop at the post office in Bland, on the other side of the mountains. Got a hitch from Bastian to Bland - almost immediately after sticking our thumbs out - from a guy who thru-hiked a few years before. Got to Bland, did a little resupply at Dollar General, and ran into Jolly Jumper and Smoky before hitting the post office.Once we wrapped up business in Bland, we got a hitch BACK up to the trailhead and got hiking by 4pm or so. When we got to Helveys Mill Shelter by 5pm, I was ready to stop for the night. Golly was ready to push 10 more miles to the next shelter though, and after mulling it over, I decided to follow. We made it there a little after 9 - tired, but glad to have gone on.Only downside though, is that I realized how smelly my shoes/feet are when they woke up a fellow hiker who was falling asleep in the shelter. Needless to say, I REALLY need to do laundry sometime in the next couple days¢¦Good day overall - the 3 easy hitches really made it!
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Just outside Pearisburg
Miles today: 11.4

Shorter day mileage-wise, but still a full one. Had to leave Golly Green Giant behind, unfortunately, b/c he was having some heel troubles. Luckily he's at Wood's Hole, so he should be well taken care of at least.Got down to Pearisburg and walked the mile into town by early afternoon. Didn't really want to stop in town, but NEEDED to do laundry, mainly for my smelly socks and shoes. Grabbed a sub sandwich to-go for dinner and finally got my laundry done and called home.Day was mostly uneventful until after I left Dollar General and walked the mile back to the trail. Got back to the trailhead in hopes of finding somewhere outside town to stealth camp at which point I realize I left my guidebook at the store¢¦ SHIT, that thing is my lifeline! Frantically managed to snag a hitch immediately back to the store and was grateful to find the book where I left it outside. Thank god, I might have lost it if I had lost it.Afterwards, I got another hitch back to the trail - incidentally from the same fantastic folks who gave me the first hitch - and made it a mile or so outside of town, before reluctantly picking a stealthy spot near the road to put up my tent for the night. Not a great spot, and it smelled gross b/c of a nearby cigarette filter factory, but I'm too tired to care.In other (positive) news, I should be able to make it to where best-friend-Michael can pick me up in time for Memorial Day to hang out with him in Blacksburg! Woohoo!
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Stony Creek; rt 635

To: VA rt 42 (to Blacksburg)
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Just realized today that I've been on a pretty big push for the past week. A little less than 130 miles in 7 days; comes out to about 18 miles per day on average. Definitely ready for this break and no better place to spend it than w/one of my best friends.It's been great to get a shower. Plus, Michael's letting me use his washer and dryer, and it never hurts to wash my clothes again. And again. And whenever I can. So I'm taking advantage of that despite having done it the day before yesterday. Aside from that and watching Adventure Time now. The good life!
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA rt 311 (Catawba)
Miles today: 12.6

Big day of big milestones. First, today is my 2 month anniversary on the trail. And second, hit the 700 mile mark this afternoon! On top of that, went over Dragon's Tooth. Stunning panoramic views up on the Tooth, but the climb down turned out to be one of the hardest mile-long stretches so far. Lots of difficult maneuvering to get down the mountain - must have taken me an hour to go a mile. And it's been SO hot. Ran out of water 2 or 3 miles from 311 and almost got caught in a thunderstorm on the ridge. I'm back in familiar territory though, so that's a plus.But I made it here and it's been great! Beth and her son Chance have been so kind and generous -- had a great dinner, shower, comfortable place to rest, and doing laundry again (of course). And Mom will be here tomorrow morning w/new shoes for me and hopefully to go up McAfee's Knob!Life is good
Date: 2014-05-29
From: VA rt 311

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

First, thanks again to Beth and family for their hospitality. Such a nice respite from the trail after yesterday's hard hike.Went up McAfee's Knob today - Mom made it all the way! Unfortunately, the views at the top were only a wall of fog though. But I guess the positive way to look at it is that not everybody gets to see it in such think fog, haha.After taking some pictures and saying goodbyes, Mama Bear - the trail name I gave her - headed back to 311 while I continued north. Caught up to Jolly Jumper at McAfee's, which meant I wasn't far behind the group she was hiking with, including Golly and even Landslide.As I made my way toward Tinker Cliffs, though, it started thunderstorming hard w/heavy rain. Took refuge under this huge overhanging rock where Jolly Jumper joined me and we ate dinner for an hour, hoping for the storm to pass. The thundering stopped but the rain hadn't by the time our rock started leaking on us, so we got going again and practically flew down the last mile or so to the shelter. We still got totally drenched anyhow.But here we are! And finally reunited with Golly and Landslide as well! Haven't seen any of them for the past few days, so it made me really realize how much I missed them all. I'm cold, wet, and (theoretically) miserable, yet perfectly content.
Date: 2014-05-31
To: Roanoke
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Been having a blast in Roanoke with best-friend-Sarah! Went and got Sarah's car inspected first. Then went and picked up Golly Green Giant, Jolly Jumper, and Landslide to go to a Lebanese festival that was happening this weekend.Afterward, walked around downtown Roanoke, hung out at a hookah bar, then went to the tattoo parlor for Landslide to get her nose pierced, got Cookout, and went back to Sarah's where we watched Adventure Time and played Cards Against Humanity.Sarah's been a real trail angel - taking us around town everywhere and taking all of us in at her apartment. She's the best!
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Jennings Creek (rt 614)

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Shorter miles today, but knocked out a major uphill climb. One of the biggest since Roan or Grayson Highlands, I'd say. Stopped by Bryant Ridge Shelter - a big one that could house 30 or more hikers - for a break before the climb.The ascent ended up not being too bad b/c of the overcast skies. Got up to Cornelius Creek Shelter for lunch and we ended up spending 2+ hours there. Feeling lazy so we all took a long lunch and siesta'd there. I only slept for half an hour, but it might have been the most rejuvenating nap I've taken yet.Got going again to do the final bit of the climb and finally got to the shelter as the sun went down. Come to find a trail angel there - John - who had heard we were coming and waited around until we showed up to cook us breakfast for dinner! Cooked us all sausage, eggs, and pancakes on his little blue gas stove until all the food was gone. His son had thru-hiked before - he did trail magic then and has loved doing it ever since. It was the last thing we could've expected and the fact that he waited for us made it really special. True trail angel and all-around amazing person.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Big day - knocked out some decent miles AND went for a swim in the Pedlar Reservoir while we were at it. Awesome decision in this heat.Our group of four has also seemed to merge some w/another group including Beans, Trudge, Ray Charles, Tigger, and MacGuyver - which is good b/c they're a lot of fun. Cool people all-around.Back in familiar territory again as well. Just north of Buena Vista and less than 50 miles from Rockfish Gap and Waynesboro! Landslide hasn't been feeling too good lately though, so she hitched into Buena Vista to spend the night. Hope she's ok.Camped at Hog Camp Gap tonight with Trudge, Tigger, Ray Charles, and McG. Gonna meet up and see best-friend-Kyle G tomorrow near Spy Rock or Montebello hopefully!
Date: 2014-06-08
From: VA rt 56

To: Reeds Gap; Devil's Backbone Brewpub
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Short day, but we didn't get rolling until around noon or so and we were only going the 10 miles to get to Devil's Backbone. Plus we had some great trail magic this morning, provided by a few previous thru-hikers (some who were local to C-ville!).Either way, the climb up and over Three Ridges was still a bit of an asskicker. Luckily it cooled off a lot as I got closer to the top and the wind picked up. Even rained off and on, which helped some. The rest of the crew took the Mau-Har blue blaze trail to see the waterfalls over there and avoid the uphill.Met back up w/them at Maupin Field Shelter and did the last mile and a half to Reeds Gap. Once we all got hitches down to Devil's Backbone, we had an awesome dinner and found Day Tripper, Rocksloth, and Rocky Mtn High already here. 9 of us have set up camp out on the stage in the middle of the field in front of the restaurant. Really windy and peaceful night tonight. Only about 19 miles until home!
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Reeds Gap; Devil's Backbone Brewpub

To: Rockfish Gap; Charlottesville
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: light rain

Finally home! Feels kind of weird to be able to say I've walked home from Georgia. But here I am, and after a big mile day of fast walking.Got a really slow start today, but it was worth it b/c Devil's Backbone makes an awesome hiker breakfast for only $5. Got moving around 12:30pm, but wasn't able to get a hitch until half an hour later. Besides, everyone else who slept there was still lounging around when I forced myself to pack it out.Got to the trail around 1:10 and proceeded to power through the next 19 miles in a little less than 8 hours. Rocky going at first, but once I got over Humpback Mountain, it was much easier hiking.More importantly, I saw THREE bears today!! 850 miles and 2.5 months without seeing a single bear and then I see 3 of them within 5 miles of one another. The first walked right across the trail about 20 yards in front of me. The second I only noticed 30 yards down the mountain behind me when I heard it start rustling leaves loudly. The third sighting was the best though. Was walking along at 8:30pm - about a mile from the road - when I heard a really loud rustling in the trees off to my right. I look around and come to see a bear up in a tree about 20 yards down the mountainside. I must have scared it b/c within a second of me seeing it, I heard a loud snapping sound and the bear FELL 30 FEET OUT OF THE TREE, hitting the ground with a loud *POOF*, and got up and ran away. Unbelievable and pretty hilarious too.Anyway, I'm looking forward to a few days' rest. Think I might take 4-7 days off to visit, but we'll see¢¦ Happy to be home!
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Rockfish Gap; Charlottesville

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, you wouldn't know I just took a week off the trail from how sweaty and gross I am after only 6.7 miles of walking. The fact that the temperature seems to have risen 5-10 degrees in the past week that I've been gone doesn't really help either.Was planning on going 19 or so miles today, but got a later start and getting to the shelter made me reconsider pretty quickly. Think I'll just take it easy and sleep here tonight. Also seem to have jumped back on in the middle of a totally new bubble of people. Met Atlas, Blood Root, Red Hawk, and Breaking Bad so far and sounds like more will be coming. All nice people, though I hope I can still catch up w/Golly Green Giant and Landslide sometime in the next week or two.P.S. Saw my first rattlesnake today. Scared the shit out of me when it started rattling as I nearly stepped on it.