morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Wise Shelter

To: VA 603 (Fox Creek)
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

Writing this from the Econolodge in Marion VA. After a good wet day in Grayson Highlands, things went south as puking my brains out all night. Hiked 8.5 miles to get to VA 603 and shuttled with Mommafish to the hotel.After some laughs with the Bambi, Shaggy, Whiplash, Panda, And Monkey, I laid down in my bag. At 11:20 I woke to stomach pain. I sat up and before to long I was dashing out of the shelter into the woods. After this repeated 10 times the sun rose, and I was pale, dehydrated and sleep deprived. It was not a good way to bring Mommafish onto the trail, and I thought I might have the dreaded Noro. I had good service and was able to set up a shuttle into town and stay there a night at least to recover, just had to walk 8.5 miles...At about 9 I felt decent enough to try walking, but after a few steps I had to take one last venture into the woods. My legs were lead and my vision was foggy from delirium. I was able to keep with Bambi (barely) It was a battle the whole way, fighting with myself and the trail. I finally got to the top of the mountain, and knew I had 4 miles to go. It was discouraging as I wanted to stop and sleep right there.The next few miles blurred by until I hit a shelter, and finally the road. I threw off my pack and waiting for the cab to head back for a rest night. I wanted sleep, I hadn't eaten in 15 hours, it was time for rest. Back in the hotel I started feeling better. A couple naps later Im ready for bed, and to try tomorrow on for size.Catfish
Date: 2016-05-04
From: VA 603 (Fox Creek)

To: Campsite next to river 6.7 south of Partnership
Miles today: 15.0

Hiked 14.9 miles with Mamafish today, feeling a little better, writing this from a campsite about 6.5 miles south of Partnership shelter.After a good nights sleep, a liter of Gatorade, six of water, and some decent food, it was time. My newfound hiking partner was anxious to hit the trail. At around 845 we got picked up by a taxi to go head back to VA 603 at Fox Creek. We also had to swing by the post office to get rid of some unnecessary weight Mamafish tried to sneak onto the trail. We bid ado to cab driver and stepped onto the trail, northbound of course. The first climb was surprisingly easy and Mama fish was not too far behind. Iron mountain had a long downhill after the peak, which I enjoyed with every step. (Side note my Salewa trail runners Michelin soles have separated on one shoe, it's been 6 days!!!!!) besides my second pair of shoes failing me it was a morning.The afternoon turned out to be a little harder than expected for Mamafish, who had her heart set on Trimpi Shelter, but the mileage was unsatisfactory. I told her we should hit 15 to a campsite and she regretfully obliged. It was a relatively easy climb but she was tired as it was her first day, things were looking bleak. A second wind after some food pushed us to a nice campsite with water. Rest is needed for getting to Atkins tomorrow!Catfish
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Campsite next to river 6.7 south of Partnership

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from the Relax Inn in Atkins, walked 18 miles today from our campsite.Woke up after a decent night sleep and a decent rain storm. My stuff was mostly dry and I was pleased, packed up with Mamafish and got the day started. After breakfast we hit the trail and started towards partnership shelter and Mt. Rogers visitors center. I took off ahead to get pizza ordered for lunch. I was met with some old friends Puma and Two Sinks (formerly known as GPS). Mamafish took some time but she rolled in after a bit. We had pizza and then headed back up the trail. The next section was a bit more difficult and I knew it would take some time for Mamafish to get through. I took my time and finally got down to Glade Mountain Road where the last climb started. I waited and waited, finally she got came down the Mtn. Expecting her to be hurting, she was fortunately happy and ready to continue. Beaver and I who had been hiking together for a while took off to the shelter and took a break, where Mamafish caught up, and then we pushed down the Mtn again towards Atkins.After a few miles we hit an old school that had trail magic. It was from the 1890s and had some cool character. We pushed on down the hill to Atkins, where I had reserved a room at the Relax Inn. Mexican food for dinner and then to bed for me.Mamafish is getting tired, but doing good!Catfish
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Atkins VA

To: Quarter Way Inn
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Writing this from the Quarter Way Inn Hostel (Amazing Place) at VA 610 Old Rich Valley. I hiked 10 miles with Mamafish today from Atkins.The night was frigid after the warmth of the hike cooled down. We had Mexican on cinco de mayo (no margaritas unfortunately) Woke up late! It was nearly 830 and we still had plenty of stuff to do. My buddy Beaver who shared the room for the night got breakfast while we packed up, and then we switched. Breakfast was great and I got seconds. It was gloomy and cold again but I had miles to do, and Mamafish was feeling decent enough. We took off around 10.The climb was easy and then we had a mile of mostly flat. Then the climbs started, the grades of which were intimidating. I was feeling great but Mamafish was on the fence. We pushed through and got the first one over. Plenty of day left when we hit a nice ridge and some views.The hostel we were aiming at came faster than expected, the Quarter Way Inn which honors the northbounders 1/4 point that we passed today!!!It was down a hill but much worth the walk. Had an amazing Sycamore tree towering over a beautiful 1900s farm house. The property was picturesque and the owners were so kind. Beaver and I watched two of the three Lord of the Rings on VHS, which were inspiring, as well as ate 3 pizzas.One of my (if not my favorite) hostel.Loving the company Catfish
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Quarter Way Inn

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Writing this from Chestnut Knob Shelter, 567.9 miles into my journey. Hiked 15 miles today, 10 with Mamafish, 5 without.The hostel treated me to so many great views and laughs it was hard to leave. We were aiming for Chestnut Knob, with room to budge. The owner Chunky shuttled us to the trail at around 9. The views were amazing, with tall grass stretching over rolling hills. Rock outcropping and cattle littered the landscape, and provided plenty of photo ops.The climb to Brushy Mountain was difficult but passed, as did Knot Maul Branch Shelter. Mamafish noted here she wasn't feeling her finest. We slowed the pace, and got over the next mountain, but by the dirt road 222, she was not herself. We stopped and layed down but I could tell she was not feeling good, we tried to go on but she could not, and we came back down to the road to find help. I talked to a group of cowboys who were rude and unhelpful, which added to the drama. I ran down the road, back, and then walked down with Mamafish before finding an amazing couple. They offered to drive her ahead to Bland were I would catch up in a few days. Can't thank them enough.After the disaster I was ready to put miles in, and shot up 3 of the 5 mile climb. Out of nowhere the wind brought rain and it was down pouring. It only lasted long enough to get the rain gear out, but menacingly lurked while I set up my tent. I finally got my things in order and typed this up, hoorah. Catfish is tired.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Cheatnut Knob Shelter

To: Bland VA
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

Writing this from the Big Walker motel in Bland VA. Hiked 22 miles today from Chestnut Knob Shelter.The night was littered with rain and high winds up in the ridge, but I slept great in the tent alone. I got packed up at around 8:30 and headed out, thanked Smiley for letting me in on the bear bag. The trail was wet up top but as I came down the first hill onto the ridge it dried up. I was making good progress but it was not the terrain I dreamed of. The ridge ride was up and down and back up again. I was semi planning on making it to into town but the terrain was changing my mind. On paper the elevation gains look minimal, but in real life they were exhausting. Finally I arrived at the shelter 14 miles into my journey. Mamafish way layed up at the Big Walker recovering from a stomach bug, I called her to say hello and pass Mamas day wishes.The second half of my day was cruise control. Headphones on, stomach semi full, and a hopeful shower waiting. After a long afternoon in high winds i saw the highway and shortly found someone to give me a ride into town. Things were good, checked in with Mamafish and Beaver, who's taking a little break and coming back in a few.CATFISH
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Bland VA

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from Dismal Falls, a blue blaze to a water fall at 610.1 miles from Springer Mtn. Hiked 20 miles today, Mamafish will be rejoining tomorrow morning.Woke up after a not so needed zero (more for coordinating with trail days festival coming up this weekend) and loaded up into Bubbas shuttle, taking me back to the trial from Bland. Got there plenty early and started the day's work at 7:15. The trail crossed a major highway using an over pass and meandered back into the woods. The grade was a little rough but the climb was short, it was feeling like a good day.The sky was cloudy and sunny, which was needed after the 5 day wet streak. It was a great day to be on the trail, birds everywhere, talking to me as I zoned out. I was making decent time and hit the first shelter around 8:15 and the second at 12:30. I had done most my miles as I was shooting for Trents Grocery. Upon arriving I decided I did not desire to stay, as the food was Bland and it was across from a sawmill. After some coordinating with Mamafish I was set to push on another 2 miles to Dismal Falls. The remaining hike flew by and I happened upon the sign in 35 minutes. The falls are nice, campsite is amazing. Glad to be here, right now.Catfish waiting for Mamafish then headed to Woods Hole Hostel.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Dismal Falls

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Writing his from Woods Hole Hostel, the turn off for which is at 623.5 miles from Springer. Mamafish joined me for the 12 mile hike.After another big solo day I ended at Dismal Falls, where Mamafish would join me. I swam in the waterfalls, set up camp, drank the bud heavy I hauled up the hill, and read my book. The nightfall brought rain and more rain. It seemed like every time I woke up it was dropping huge water drops and I was sure my gear was soaked. The morning came with more rain and to my surprise everything save my rain fly was golden.I sat around in my tent with no ambition for some time, I had hope I placed myself in Mamafish's direct path. Sure enough I heard her at around 8:10. She helped pack up and we walked up the blue blaze back to the AT. The grade was perfect for Mamafish to get some stability. Her bout with the stomach bug had torn her confidence. The hike was smooth and she was feeling twice the hiker she was the day of the sickness. We cruised, before to lo had passed The first shelter, the second half was a bit more challenging but considering the short miles it was over before it started.The path too Woods hole was downhill and I was hoping the would give us a ride back to the trail in the morning. The property was beautiful, little garden squares littered about in organized patterns. Goats roaming the back half behind an electric fence. Pastures stretched out from the front porch. It was quite a sight to see. However upon the formal greeting complete with an excessive rules sheet and an unfriendly demeanor of the owners led to a strange night. They asked everyone to join hands in a circle and introduce ourselves as well as what we are thankful for. If you know the Catfish, you will know he hates being told what to do, as well as awkward in the spot shenanigans as this. Following a decent meal, we were instructed to clean up, which was also rather strange. We did as asked, but I had a sour taste in my mouth, as this was one of the most expensive stays thus far. The room awesome as was our neighbor Doc. There were other small things that bugged me about this place, as well the owners, but it should be noted how much everyone I talked to enjoyed it. Looking forward to getting out of here, back to the trail. Gotta do some chores first though! (We are instructed to change the sheets, and bring them the dirty laundry). We opted out of breakfast for fear it would be 930 after cleaning up for them! Senior Fish
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearsburg
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Writing this from a hotel in Wythville VA. We rented a car after hiking the remaining 12 miles to Pearsburg. Heading to trail days!After running away from the strangeness of Woods Hole, we made it to the trail and started our day. It was another easy day, and I was excited to get to town. The trial was forgiving and fun, there was an 85% chance of rain, but the sun was out and it warm.The first half of the day skipped by and before we knew it we were heading down the huge slope to Pearsburg. The decline was not fun, very steep, very muddy, and slippery enough to catch myself off guard more than once. Finally we hit town, hitched a ride to food, and then got picked up by Enterprise. Having a car is nice, having a chauffeur is also nice. Heading half way to Damascus today and then there on Friday!Catfish
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Pearsburg

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After some great Trail Days festival I hit the trail again today. Hiked 23.4 miles from Pearsburg to Bailey Gap shelter. 658.0 miles from Springer mountain. Trail days was so much fun. Got to see all my trail friends. Puma had recovered from a stomach bug and was there. Panda was there and we hung out both nights, as well as Bambi, and Whiplash. My longest trail friend was there too, Wahoo! Mamafish got to meet all the friends, and she got lucky on the raffle too!Great times were had, lots of crazy campsites and trail traditions. I too partook and decided to toss my hat in for the talent show. Played a greatful dead tune and hung out in the 70s flashback scene called tent city. Saturday night it was time to head back to Pearsburg where I had a room with Mamafish. She wasn't going to jump in immediately but would shuttle me to where I left off. The morning started great considering the amount of alcohol I drank. But I hydrated well and was ready for the trail at 800. It took a half hour to get to the trail and another 15 to get walking. I planned on putting in some good miles trying to catch Bambi, Panda, and Whiplash. The uphill out of Pwarsburg was easier than it looked and I stumbled into Rice Field Shelter at 1035 and took a little break. The next section was awesome and had some views at the beginning. The grade was up and down but gentle, and it hovered around the same elevation for 7 miles. I made amazing time on this section, legs were feeling good, and feet the same. I got to the drop into the next shelter and took a break just before.After the batteries were recharged I walked the long down to the shelter. It wasn't crazy steep but I could feel it in my knees. Shortly after I hit the shelter, which was my 19 mile mark. I wasn't sure if I should go on but feeling good I went towards Stoney Creek. Not 300 yards later I ran into Bambi who had my hat I lost in the trail days chaos. It was an awesome surprise and up we went. The last mile was awful , straight up. No water at the shelter meant carrying it for .2 which at this point is very far off my ultralight ways. We got there fast fortunately and I got started setting up my fist hammock. The setup was easy for the hammock however the rain fly I need to perfect. Tonight the cat hangs!Catfish.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Campsite mile 676
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: broken clouds

Writing this from a campsite a mile north of the Newport VA turn off. Hiked 19.5 miles today. Woke up fairly early after a clear night. The weather was overcast, and really cold. I poked my head out of the hammock after my first nights sleep in and there sat Panda. He was not pleased about the weather and I regretfully deflated my mattress. Breakfast was quick, and climb began. Very easy but the rocks gave it a delicate touch. I hiked with Bambi, and then with Whiplash. It was a fun fast first 14. The last sections drug on until we hit a beautiful pasture and there lie the road to Newport which had a general store. Got a hitch from an awesome dude named John, and he brought us back to the trail. With beer in hand I hit another mile to camp and set my hammock up for the second time, much faster. It looked a little more stable this time too. After food and some music from Panda who purchased the same backpacker guitar that I have, it was a great night.Time for rest.Sleepyfish
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Campsite mile 676

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from Pickle knob shelter. Hiked 19 miles.Woke up to the sound of rain and swiftly rose to put my rain fly on. The bag only managed to get a little wet, which could not be said about my shoes. I climbed back into the hammock and enjoyed another hour of rest. It was 11:35 when Bambi and I finally got the ball rolling, at which time Panda and Whiplash had already been gone for an hour. We started with a vicious climb after the Keffer Oak, one of the biggest trees I have ever seen, which could also be said about that first climb which kicked my ass first thing this morning. Bambi caught up in no time after I went ahead, and then we hiked another 6 miles. Time was skipping by and so were miles. After the uphill morning I could not be stopped, except at the second shelter to air out my feet.After fresh socks I hiked with Whiplash and Bambi, and the the last six with Whiplash, whose pace is similar to mine maybe a hair faster. We made the 5 miles feel like nothing however the last climb was tough at the end of the day, especially to find out the shelter is .33 off trail and water is down a ravine. Time to air out all the wet stuff! It's a shelter life for me, and an easy 13 to Catawba tomorrow.Catfish out!
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA 311(Catawba)
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from a hotel in Troutville, VA. Pulled off after mile 707.7 (Catawba) and got a ride with Mamafish to dry out for the night. Woke up after a long day in rain and was thankful most my stuff stayed dry in the shelter. It was going to be an easy day, at least comparing mileage to the last few. I was headed for Mamafish who would be waiting to pick me up, and join the trial the next day.After breakfast of champions with Bambi and Whiplash, I was cold and set off first. It was a long trek back to the trail (.3 feels so long for non-AT miles). We had a climb right off the bat and was fortunate to feel good and power through. It rained on and off all morning, and lunch was on the move. Finally I closed in on Dragons tooth, which was an exciting challenge in the rain. The rocks were slip and slides and logs were even worse. I was stayed rubber side down and stumbled into on of the best views on the AT, Dragons tooth. Only, it was fogged over completely. Visibility was decent enough to view the huge monolith, and pictures and snacks were had. The down was terrifying but everyone came out smiling, the weather had at least not dumped rain so I was pleased. Before to long Bambi and Whiplash had pulled off for a hostel and I was one the final stretch. I made it just in time for trail magic, and Mamafish treated me to food! Life is good in town. (Best on the trail though!)Catfish
Date: 2016-05-19
From: VA 311(Catawba)

To: Hay Rock
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Writing this from my tent next to a big stone outcropping near Hay Rock, 723.5. Hiked 15.8 miles today with Mamafish over some awesome scenery.Woke up after another blessed day in a hotel bed, had a crazy hotel breakfast and we were off to meet Eddy who shuttles hikers for a living. Leaving the car in Daleville we were going back to Catawba to head for McAfees Knob. He was late, which made us late.Finally we got to the trailhead and were sad to see fog covering the area. McAfees Knob is the iconic Appalachian trail photo, and should be viewed in sunlight if possible. It was the land of day hikers and even with Mamafish's pace we passed plenty on our way to the top. I separated about a mile left to get some along time and relax, ended up running into a few deer. They were very relaxed and let me view them up close for some time. The knob was foggy when I arrived, but I was alone and pleased with the solitude and the minor views. I sat feet dangling off the edge and thought about everything across the sky before Mamafish arrived. We took pictures and snacked and right as we were leaving the clouds opened a bit and allotted a view of the valley below. The next few miles where also beautiful in there own right, but felt like an obstacle between me and Tinker Cliffs. I hiked ahead again to see spot alone and take it all in. Tinker cliffs was beautiful, my favorite spot on the trail. The clouds had parted and I had a view of everything. Virginias rolling green hills and pastures, cattle graving in the fields. It was a sight to be had.We had food and took our time on the .5 cliff walk, then down to the shelter. The shelter was closed due to bear activity but was the last water between us and the next afternoon. We stocked up and then kept trucking. Before to long we had more views and found the temporary campsites marked for us. We kept going and found an awesome spot by a rock monolith. Two dinners, and the Guinness I packed out. Small talk with Mamafish, then bed and more hiking!My hip has been a little out of whack, praying for a change in its end.Fish
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Hay Rock

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

Writing this from Bobblets Gap Shelter, 746.0 miles in. Walked 22 miles today, 6 of them with Mamafish.Woke up after the eventful day of sight seeing (McAfees and Tinker) and heard some rain. It was still early and fortunately dried by the time we got out. It was really socked in at the top but as we descended it cleared up nice. The morning went by super fast and we ended up in Daleville where we left the car. Mamafish and I took off to get food! Breakfast was awesome and so was the caffeine.Mamafish was not hiking the next part of the day with me but I should see her in a few days. The next section cruised by in the industrial AT. After too long I was through Troutville and headed up my biggest climb. The hill was easy and so was the rest of my day. I stumbled into Whiplash at a water source, who I though was gone for at least a day. We were headed to the same place, as well as Bambi who I passed without seeing. I hiked the last seven alone without music and found myself deep in thought. My silence was broken by two deer who knew I wasn't a threat and let me talk to them and went on about there deer business.The shelter was ".2" downhill, the water source is close though. There is supposed to be torrential downpours tonight, super exciting!Catfish