morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Three Springs Hostel

To: Seely-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A great day to get back on the trail. The morning was quite brisk and a stiff steady wind kept it very cool. Fortunately there was a three to us and foot climb to start my day. It's hard to be cold when you're burning that many calories. But the coolness kept me on a steady pace and I summited after about an hour and a half. I was rewarded with some nice views.Five hundred feet down and then five hundred back up lead me to Cole Mountain with a large bald on the summit that gave some incredible views.My new shoes and socks performed well. I had used a whole sheet of moleskin as a preventive and I didn't pick up any new damage. A short 14 mile day I think helped also. I'll do the same tomorrow and hopefully my feet will continue to heal.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: Seely-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The morning started off like yesterday, pretty chilly almost cold. I figured it would quickly warm up when the sun rose like yesterday. But as the morning worn on it became apparent that the sky was overcast and I wasn't going to see the sun. It really was close to cold, my fingers numbed out and I tried rotating one hand in a pocket the other carrying my poles. When I got to the top of Spy Rock Tornado Tim and his brother were breaking camp but they had a small campfire going so I stopped to warm my hands. Hiking on it started to rain and my fingers didn't work well trying to get my rain gear equipped. Fortunately I was close to the next shelter so I stopped to get warm and get my rain suit on. Now most of you are probably aware, at each shelter there is a log that hikers sign, usually with just an update on how their day is going, some draw pictures and some just write stupid stuff. Well this particular shelter that I had stopped at was on Priest Mountain and was Priest Shelter. So the shelter log took the former of a confessional. It was hilariously funny stuff as hikers confessed to their trail sins. It was a very long down coming off Priest Mountain and it was a good test of my new shoes. They did well and my feet are healing nicely. Still going to be cautious though and moleskin up in the morning and so another short day.Tally
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Tent site
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Started off very chilly, but the sun did come up today to finally warm up around noon.The morning started with a three thousand foot climb up Three Ridges Mountain. It took me two and a half hours but finally summited to some wonderful views. In fact the day was filled with fantastic views.Passed many section hikers headed south. Passed a couple late in the afternoon who promised trail magic at the parking lot ahead. But to my major disappointment they had left by the time I got there. Got to a really cool campsite on top of Humpback Mountain. After I setup a family and two other hikers showed up, so it got a little crowded.
Date: 2015-05-23
From: Tent site

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: few clouds

Got an early start, but by ten I was passed by Exodus and Queen. Queen was doing a section hike to Harper's Ferry and was planning on doing twenty miles a day. Found out from Exodus that she was an ultra-marathon runner.Stan Amina told me that he had no room, so that messed up my shuttle plans. Fortunately there a list of trail angels that if you call will shuttle you to town for free.Exodus and I got a ride to the YMCA where we got a free shower and then walked over to their campground which is pretty nice. They have a solar charger to use for your phone and Port-a-potty and it's free.We went to a Chinese all you can eat and filled up.The man who brought me to town said he'll be back in the morning to shuttle us back to the trail.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Tent site
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The guy who gave us a ride in didn't show at 8:15. After calling several on the trail angel list, I got one who was very close by. So I said good bye to Exodus who is going off trail for a week because of medical concerns.This got me to the trail at nine and I knew pretty quick there was no way I was going to do twenty miles today, which would have put me to Blackrock Hut. It was a very pretty day for hiking. The trail traveled through thick forest which provided shade from the sun but gave few views.Throughout the day I kept crossing Smoke who had gotten a shuttle ride with the same one I hooked up with.We passed each other five or six times. He passed me about five for the last time. Around 5:30 I saw a good campsite which had been pretty scarce during the day.
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Bear Fence Hut 

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

As I got hiking I realized what a great choice I'd made for my tent site. There was really nothing for miles. The AT through here is mostly dense forest with no room to setup a tent, and if not trees then there is lots of undergrowth.Early on I ran into a ridge runner heading south. She was very nice and reassured me that tenting along the trail was perfectly OK.Ran into numerous day hikers all day long. The Skyline Parkway offers numerous spots to park and take a quick day hike to one of many numerous mountain tops for amazing views.Got to Loft Mountain camps store which was only 700 yards off trail and bought some supplies and a couple drinks.About a mile down the trail was a half mile trail to a wayside cafe. While the milkshake was good, the burger and fries made me question whether the trip was worth it.Got to the shelter a little after five and shortly afterward STD came in. He and Southpaw had parted after Damascus and he was making miles to catch up with Scubbler. He soon left for the next shelter, doing a 32 mile day.
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Bear Fense

To: Bear Fence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 22.0

It was a nice sunny day, but as the day went on it got warmer then hot. Shenandoah Park has very nice trails for the most part. Pine needles are always my first choice as it¢s like walking on carpet. The ups in the park are not real steep for the most part. But they were still up and I had three today and with the heat they were trying on me.I saw no other thru hikers today only numerous day and section hikers.I got about a mile away from the hut and made a short side trail to Lewis Campground and stopped at their store. Gorged myself on junk food and was about to leave when the manager mentioned they had a pay shower and towel rental. Best two dollars I've spent in a while. So I put my clean body back into my dirty clothes feeling like a new man. Last mile to the hut flew by.Large number of section hikers heading for Harper's Ferry at the shelter. My day got better when one gave me a cold beer.Weather is forecasted to be rainy next few days and it's started as I turn in for the night.All in all a really good day.
Date: 2015-05-27
From: Bear fence Mountain Hut

To: Byrd's Nest Hut
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: few clouds

After bragging on how nice the trail had been, of course it turned ugly. After about ten it became a rock trail of varying degrees from bad to pretty bad. My ankles complained bitterly by the time I made the hut.Around ten I made it to Big Meadow where there is a sit down restaurant. Came upon T-Square who was heading there too. As we were taking off our packs a gentleman walked up and asked if we were thru hiking, we said yes and he insisted on buying us breakfast. He volunteers doing trail maintenance and says he buys breakfast about ten times a year for hikers.There were numerous fantastic views today. For half a mile or so I hiked along a ridge line with wonderful views of the Shenandoah Valley. There were numerous overlooks of amazing views.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Byrd's Nest Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail got better today. Still some rocky sections but also some good paths that I made good time on.It was twelve miles to Elk Wallow Wayside which put me there about one, lunch time. And boy did I eat the lunch. Stuffed myself with two shakes, hamburger, Pepsi, ice cream, and a piece of fudge. Didn't what to fill up too much as it was hot and I had a climb coming out of the Wayside.It was a pretty hot day and the hour break at the Wayside came at a good time of day to avoid the heat. It was supposed to rain starting early afternoon but it never showed up. Just the humidity.The shelter was packed when I got in at five. Lots of people tenting and a level site was impossible to find.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

I had originally planned on a short day and jump off after eight miles to stay at the Terrapin Station hostel. There were confusing directions about where to exit and I missed it. So I hiked on another five miles and got off at VA522 and got a ride into Front Royal along with a couple from Switzerland, Salty and Sine. We all ate at a Chinese restaurant and then hit Food Lion to resupply.I walked down to a Super Eight grabbing a milkshake from McDonald's along the way.Checked in paying more than I hoped for but the hot shower, AC and bed helped to make it feel better. Free breakfast in the morning too.
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Front Royal

To: Dicks Dome shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Got a ride to the trail head and got started at eight. Much later than normal but the plan was to only do fifteen today so I didn't feel rushed.Excellent trail in the morning and I made good time. I ran into my third bear about 10:30. I guess he was on the trail and was startled by a southbound hiker. He came charging down the trail directly toward me but made a sharp left into the undergrowth when he was about ten feet away. Bears are very fast. If you're thinking of carrying bear spray, forget about it unless you could draw, aim and shot in less than three seconds. That's how quickly he was in front of me. The good thing is all three bears I've seen have seemed to be absolutely terrified of me and have run as if the devil was chasing them.I stopped for lunch at 12:30 and shortly after starting up VA55 and was greeted with trail magic. The Potomac AT hiking club had a wonderful spread set up to treat lunch. Triple crown hiker (AT,PCT,CDT) hiker Chance was grilling burger for several hikers and I forced myself to be polite and wolf down a large quantity of food. As we were leaving Chance threw out some sampler whiskey which I'm about to consume for tonight¢s desert.No real views today from the trail, just hiking through the forest. Rather hot and muggy after a brief rain shower, but another great day on the trail.
Date: 2015-05-31
From: Dicks Dome shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Got a early start as I new it was going to be a long day. I wanted to make Bears Den as early as possible to spend more time there. Bears Den is owned and operated by the Potomac AT club and is one of the nicest hostels on the trail.I had very good trail in the morning and had visions of getting there by three. I forgot about having to do "The Roller Coaster". It's a named section of the trail, but in reality is no more special or difficult than many sections. But it did slow my pace and I started thing maybe four for Bears Den. The trail got worse the further I went. The ups and downs really weren't thatvbad, but rocks always slow me. Especially crossing streams were they are incredibly slippery. I was still holding out hope for four or a little after four, when the thunder storm I'd been hearing for an hour or so showed up. It rained hard for only fifteen or twenty minutes, but the rocks I'd been hiking on were now very wet and slipperly.I made Bears Den a little after five. Funny what the trail can do with your plans.Still it's really a unique and special place you should try to make if you are planning to be hiking through this section.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Tent site

To: Ed Garvey shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

It rained all night. Steady and sometimes pretty strong. It was still raining as I packed up. While everything was wet it was at least much cooler.I hiked into Harper's Ferry in a lite drizzle with the trail soaked and slippery. Finally got to the ATC and got my picture taken and my new hiker number. I'm the 381st hiker to pass through this year.The post office is close to the ATC but my package didn't make it so I bounced it to Fayetteville.Hiked on and passed through the historic district. Very neat area, full of restaurants and neat small shops. Stopped at the outfitter and resupplied the best I could with what he had. Hiked out six miles to the shelter and will get an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Ed Garvey shelter

To: Pine Knob
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Pretty chilly this morning. Other than the 100% humidity it felt really nice. I know the heat will be back way too soon, so it was nice weather to hike in.Chet passed me mid-morning but he was only going a few miles more. He has plans to take a zero with a friend who's driving up to car camp with him. I'm sure it won't take long and he will catch and passed me.Got to the Washington monument (the original one), about two, took a few pictures and hiked on. Near the end of the day ran into Southbound I Am. Like me he is a long section hiker, but he's headed for Springer. Interesting guy and we talked for ten minutes at least.Early day today, but tomorrow I¢ll try to do a long day.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Pine Knob

To: Tent site at Falls Creek
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Wanted to get closer to Fayetteville so I could get there in the afternoon but the trail had other ideas. Rocks always slow me down, wet rocks bring me to a crawl. So I'll hike fifteen tomorrow and then have three the next day. That'll give a near zero to get supplies and my mail drop.Not much to see on the trail. Mostly foggy air that cuts viability down a lot. There were a few places that I got to with a view. Got to a very nice tent site with a loud flowing steam next to me. Now if I can just get everything to dry out tonight, all will be great.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Tent site at Falls Creek

To: Rocky Mountain shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Much better day for hiking. Overcast in the morning but not nearly as humid. Clear and the sun came out in afternoon. Still very pleasantly cool. Kind of a strange day, two hikers I haven't seen in several hundred miles passed me. Freebie was at Woods Hole and Whorton had passed my brother and I outside of Pearisburg. I shortened my day and was done by three. That gives me a short hike to the highway to get into Fayetteville where I'll spend the night at a hotel or if I can finish quickly I'll hike on ten miles.
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Short day to get into town. Got to post office, did laundry, resupplied at Wal-Mart and got my gear in order. Took the rest of the day off. I'll have two short days as its twenty miles, too far to hike on a short day coming out of town to get to the AT museum and Pine Grove Furnace State Park, home of the half gallon ice cream challenge and the hostel I want to stay at.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Fayetteville 

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Got to sleep in late for a bit, Nicki the woman shuttling me wouldn't be back from taking her husband to work until eight. Went over to the Flamingo Cafe for my fourth meal there. Actually pretty good food and the servings were generous. Said goodbye to Fayetteville about nine and hiked on at a nice leisurely pace. A short ten miles would be all I'm doing today. I'll do ten tomorrow and spend the night at what sounds like a really neat hostel tomorrow. When I got to the shelter there was a large group of fourth graders there. I was relieved to find they were only out for the day and soon left. When I got my stuff gathered up at dinner time and headed down to the shelter to cook, I was amazed to find Bud and Bud Lite there having a snack.It never ceases to amaze me how the flow of the trail works. I was sure when I got off for my feet to heal they would be long gone, but yet there they were having taken a couple zero days themselves. They hiked on but I hope to see them tomorrow at the half gallon challenge.
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Tent site
Miles today: 15.6

Nice morning hike with mostly good trail. Some rocky parts but nothing real bad. Went by Thomson Run Shelter by nine which was on the trail but Bud and Bud Lite had already left.Got to the midpoint marker and took a few pictures. Hasn't sunk in that I really am half way. Seems so far to have hiked and yet so far to go. Got to the general store and Bud Lite was working on her last pint for the challenge while Bud and Fourteen had already finished. They apparently don't make half gallon packages anymore, so it's a package of a quart and a half then they dish out another pint in a cup. I started with butter pecan and finished with vanilla. Gotta say I crushed it. Bud Lite barely finished her last pint before I was done. However to her credit, thirty minutes later she wolfed down a hamburger. Just as I was finishing up Tornado Tim came in. Hadn't seen him for a couple weeks and thought he was well ahead of me. He had some friends join him to do a section so it slowed him and I had gotten ahead. Debated with myself whether to stay at what looked like a neat hostel or to hike on. They didn't allow checking until five and it was two by the time I'd finished going through the AT museum. So rather than hang around doing not much I hiked on. I was going for James Fry Shelter 7.7 miles further, but at about six miles the sky darken, the wind picked up and there was some distant thunder. One of my better decisions I just got my tent up and the sky's opened up with quite a thunderstorm.
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Tent site

To: Boiling Springs camp site
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Trail started off reasonably well, flat and not too rocky. Passed Bud and Bud Lite about nine who had tented next to the trail. I'd play tag during the day as they would pass me and take a break and I'd pass them. Mid morning the trail got much harder. A good hard climb with lots of large rock outcrops at the top that went on for a few miles. Shades of what northern Pennsylvania will give me, I'm sure. Last couple miles into Boiling Springs was farm land. Corn was growing right next to the trail. There's a ban on camping from Boiling Springs to the next shelter, about fourteen miles so it dictated another rather short day. Was able after I got my tent set up to get to town and get some real cooked food. Tomorrow I stop by and got a breakfast too.
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Boiling Springs camp site

To: Tent site
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night's tenting was an experience. I was aware before deciding that where I was going to spend the night was right next to a railroad track. Many trains passed in the night but I almost got used to it. A group that had just started from Harper's Ferry were still full of newness and beer so they were loud till after ten. Very late for most hikers. At least I got off to a good start, and I stopped by Cafe 101 for a really nice breakfast. Highly recommend the place, if you're every in Boiling Springs. I expected the day to be a hike through farm land, but it really wasn't. It went in and out of forest groves and went along the edge of farm land. Most of the day I was in the shade of small woods instead of hiking in open meadows. Though there was some sun, it wasn't that much and I didn't have to worry with sunburn. Got a tent site close to Duncannon for an early walk in tomorrow morning. I was joined a little later by thru hiker Funk who I hadn't met before.
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Tent site

To: Duncannon Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Got up at my usual 5am and guess I got Funk up too. He didn't seem to mind much and I had warned him before he'd pitched his tent. He passed me about nine so I don't think he was real quick getting moving. Just as Funk was passing me we saw a porcupine on the trail. I got a couple quick photos before he took to the woods. One good view today of Duncannon. Most of the summits and ridge lines are blocked by growth.Got to the iconic Doyle Hotel early, which was my plan. Enough time to get cleaned up, do laundry and resupply without feeling rushed. The Doyle filled up by evening. The Harper's Ferry crew were all here:Roaming John, Dirty Rotten Liar, Spicy and several others I didn't know.Tato and Peragrine ate and hiked on and Funk didn't even stop.
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Duncannon Doyle Hotel

To: Tent site
Miles today: 19.0

A long walk through town and over the Susquehanna River got me into the woods after a couple miles. For some reason today was Spider Web day. Walked through what seemed to be hundreds. Mid morning I ran into two members of the local trail club doing trail maintenance. After the hard thunderstorm a few nights ago there were numerous trees fallen across the trail. A little later I ran into Flat the Ridge Runner I had met yesterday. Early afternoon I was at Peters Mountain Shelter getting water and met Clanton who is from south Georgia. He was doing thirty today so it's doubtful I'll see him again. It was the hottest day since I've been hiking, 91 degrees. I was slowed some as I was drinking lots of water and took several cool down breaks. Got to my tent site pretty late for me, a long day of hiking. Plenty of lighting bugs keeping me company.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Tent site

To: Tent site
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained last night. Not so much as soaking the trail but did damped it.Brought cooler temperatures will be so much nicer than yesterday. Had very good, mostly flat trail with not too many rocks most of the day. I was hoping for more miles but by five I was just worn out. Pitched my tent at a nice spot a little before six. Not many hikers today. Only one southbound section hiker. Was passed by one northbound and a couple passed after I was in my tent. Suppose to rain most of the day tomorrow, and me with a broken pack rain cover.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Tent site

To: Tent site
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: few clouds

A brief morning shower and I had to stop and gear up for rain. Rain lasted five minutes so I walked in my rain suit for an hour before I took it off.Stopped in at William Penn Shelter for water. Plodder was there. He had past me last night when I was in my tent. He said he had gotten a patent approved so he was ending his thru hike in a couple of days. Got to route 645 and was greeted by a church group's trail magic. A couple of sodas, a hot dog, a hamburger and a bag of chips later and I was on my way. Around five I was taking a quick snack break and to my surprise a hiker approach and calls out Tally. More amazing I reconciled Obie One whom I hadn't seen in six weeks. I had heard he was off the trail but it had only been for a week and a half. He hiked on hoping to reach the next shelter.Around six I checked my app to see how much farther to the campsite I was shooting for, it said .4 miles. I thought great ten minutes and I'm done for the day. Immediately the trail turned to rock piles, in the distance I hear thunder. As I slowly plodded along the thunder becomes louder and closer. As I finally see the site it starts to sprinkle. Obie One is there and has his hammock setup already. It starts to rain and I'm throwing my tent up as quickly as I can with Obie One helping. Just finish and the heavens open up.Whew, just made it. Another day on the trail..