morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Laural Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter Tent Site
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: moderate rain

Got up a bit late today as the normal birds singing was not happening. I finally got up about 6AM.Weather report was calling for scattered rain and thunder storms. The morning was pretty good weather and I got the first climb out of the way without rain gear. Then, I walked down hill in the rain to Craig Valley. At Craig Valley, it turned into a more serious down pour and the trail became pretty slick and muddy along the bottom of the valley.There was trail magic (in the rain) at VA Road 620. We were served cheese burgers (I ate 2) with all the trimmings, potato chips, cookies, banana and a soda. Many thanks.Next was the second climb of the day. Fortunately, the rain let up and the thunder and lightening by-passed us as it rolled down both sides of our ridge. So, I just wandered up a whole bunch of switch backs (yea for switch backs), and went by the Audie Murphy monument. I then hiked down hill more or less for the next four miles to the low point.After a short break, I hiked up to the the next shelter which is full as are most of the tent sites.I am camped with a lot of section hikers.I saw 4 orange newts today--special treat to see but folk lore is newts bring rain. And its raining on my tent again.Tomorrow is Catawba resupply and climb over Dragon's Tooth. I hope the steel rebar pounded into the rocks as steps and hand holds has not rusted out in all the recent rain.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Pickle Branch Shelter Tent Site

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

It rained off and on all night, but was clear and sunny this morning. There was a box turtle on the AT heading north traveling about my pace so I struck up a conversation. The turtle was not too interested in conversation and let me pass so I continued on by myself.I crossed Dragon's Tooth in the AM (the rebar is still sound) and McAfee's Knob in the PM. Along the way, we (Freight Train, Trogg and Kumkuat)stopped at the Catawba Grocery for snacks and resupply. I downed two hot dogs, a bag of chips, pint of ice cream and a root beer soda. I then picked up breakfast for tomorrow and more snacks for later today. While at the grocery, we sat under the eve as a rain shower passed over. At Rd 311, I stood under an information sign as the next shower passed and I took a break at a shelter when the next shower passed over...just plain lucky day.Campbell Shelter is full as are all the tent sites--there are over a dozen tents around here.Tomorrow is resupply and visiting Bill at Daleville--just 15 more miles to walk in the AM.
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Got up in the rain and fog. Packed up and started hiking downhill on an easy trail--well graded and very few rocks.There were no views off Tinker Cliffs (1/2 mile cliff walk) and I walked by very carefully to make sure I didn't step off an edge.Stopped at Lambert Shelter for water and AM snack break. As I continued north, the skies cleared up and the rain stopped until I stopped for lunch, then a rain shower returned.This section of trail also has major reconstruction with easier grades and a smooth trail...very nice and thanks to all the volunteers who made it happen. The trail has been moved off a rocky ridge where you can hear all the traffic on the freeway to mid slope protected from the noise.I saw another turtle and 3 or 4 more newts today.I stopped at the last power line crossing and dried out my tent and rain gear by holding it in the wind--blow dry, very efficient.When I reached the Senoco Gas Station, I called Bill and he picked me up. We went to his house where I did laundry, took a shower and then we went out for dinner. When we got back, we watched the NBA play offs. Long day.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Daleville

To: Daleville (Harvey's Knob Overlook)
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

Slack pack day. Up about 5:30am and Bill shuttled me to Harvey's Knob Overlook so I could slack pack back to the Senoco Station.I must have passed 25 or more thru hikers heading north as I slacked south--this is a very busy trail.I counted 31 orange newts from Black Horse Gap to Wilson Creek Shelter (2.5 miles). And, I actually saw a bunch more before and after this section, but was not counting. Their orange color makes them easy to see when they are on the brown leaves.I met Freight Train and Trogg coming out of Daleville.I stopped for lunch at Fulhardt Knob Shelter for lunch and met Signage (a 07' thru hike I met on a previous hike) and Croft.I then hiked down to the Senoco Station where I got a soda, ice cream bar and Mounds bar for a snack and called Bill.Cloudy and foggy in the AM, but sun and warm in the PM. Late afternoon rain showers to cap the day.Thanks Bill for all the help, food and fun.......
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Daleville (Harvey's Knob Overlook)

To: Cornelius Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up about 5:30am, excited to get back on the trail and disappointed that I would not be staying with Bill as he is most helpful getting me around and making sure that I have everything. Many thanks.Finished packing my pack and food bag by pulling the cheese, salad, tomatoes and peppers from Bill's refrig. I stuffed them very carefully in the top of my pack. This is my first attempt at tomatoes and peppers so we shall see how well they do.Bill gave me a ride back to Harvey's Knob and I continued my journey north. I now feel pretty comfortable saying I am 1/3 done as I have passed the 730 mile mark.The early morning was cool with occasional fog, and the good news, the trees were not dripping wet like yesterday. I hiked without my pack cover or rain gear.I only saw 1 newt today--the warm weather has pushed them back under the leaves and logs.I ate lunch at Jennings Creek. I took off my boots and soaked my feet in the cool water-so nice. There was a local there with his small son. He was fishing for recently stocked trout and his son was fishing for tadpoles. I watched in the water and saw bass catching tadpoles. It was fun to watch as the bass were catching the most.The temperature rose to 87 degrees on the trail. The recent rains have put a lot of humidity in the air--its just plain hot and humid.Several steep climbs with my pack over loaded with 6 days worth of food made it a pretty tough day. I should sleep good.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Cornelius Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: broken clouds

Good thing that I got an early start (6:30 am) because today was the hottest and longest day so far. I hiked until 7:30 pm.I did see one deer this morning.I took a sponge bath in Matt's Creek, but the 4 mile hike after the bath made it a waste of time. I was still way too warm.I am with a new (to me) group of thru hikers at the shelter tonight. The folks that I have been hiking with the past couple weeks are either ahead or behind me. Guess we will all meet up again some place up the trail.I called Carla when I got to camp, but the coverage is off and on so I did not get to talk with her.I must have treated and drank a couple gallons of water today.Tomorrow is suppose to be a couple degrees cooler, but it comes with scattered showers. I am hoping for cooler and the showers by-pass me.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Cornelius Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This date is duplicated--don't know why.Good thing that I got an early start (6:30 am) because today was the hottest and longest day so far. I hiked until 7:30 pm.I did see one deer this morning.I took a sponge bath in Matt's Creek, but the 4 mile hike after the bath made it a waste of time. I was still way too warm.I am with a new (to me) group of thru hikers at the shelter tonight. The folks that I have been hiking with the past couple weeks are either ahead or behind me. Guess we will all meet up again some place up the trail.I called Carla when I got to camp, but the coverage is off and on so I did not get to talk with her.I must have treated and drank a couple gallons of water today.Tomorrow is suppose to be a couple degrees cooler, but it comes with scattered showers. I am hoping for cooler and the showers by-pass me.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Last night was a real thunder and lightening display, but no rain. It started out with a lot of wind and I thought for sure we would get a lot of rain--lucky day.Today I was up about 5:15 am and hiking by 6 am. It was much cooler and a heavy mist hung on the tops of the ridges. About 10 am, the mist/fog burned off and it started to get really warm.I stopped at a small stream for lunch and then headed down hill to Irish Creek.I tried to call Carla several times along the way, but the cell coverage is so marginal that we could not talk.There was trail magic from Flash and Hot Flash along the way. Very good timing and outstanding food. Flash and Hot Flash thru-hiked in 1998 and told several funny stories of life on the trail. Many thanks.I got to the shelter about 4 pm. I washed off the body salt, gathered water for the night and got in the shelter just in time as a lightening, thunder and rain storm passed over-head. There is a flood watch in effect until 8pm tonight. Our little creek in front of the shelter has increased in size and is now brown in color. The rain has let up, but it looks like it might return.I saw a black snake and deer today.
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Brown Mountain Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I have completed 800 miles of hiking.Lots of rain last night and I was glad to be in the shelter--it was a packed house.While I got up and tried to be quiet, the adjacent camp with 3 barking dogs woke everyone up. I headed out about 6:15 am and was quickly passed by Magic and Barley who are going to town for breakfast.Today was basically a long (lots of hours) and tough (6,000 feet of elevation) day of hiking.I met several section hikers along the way and a train maintenance crew by Spy Rock.   Thanks to all the volunteers who keep the train maintained.I never did have cell phone coverage today and none here at the shelter.There is a Boy Scout troop camped near by, hopefully the Boy Scouts will go to sleep early--but not likely!Tomorrow the terrain looks to be a bit easier, but the weather forecast is for much hotter.
Date: 2010-05-30
From: The Priest Shelter

To: MP 844.2 Camp Site
Miles today: 25.6

I got up quietly so I would not wake anyone up and headed north off the Priest. I checked for Mrs. Limestone's pet rattle snake on the way down, but the snake is a late sleeper and not to be found.I did find a tick feeding on my arm so I removed it and continued north. Hopefully it will not become Lyme disease.The walk of the top of the Priest is not too much fun--steep down hill and lots of rocks.Following the Priest decline, I did the Chimney Rock and Three Ridges incline. It started out as a nice incline walk in the woods, but soon changed to a hot, dry rock walk without any views.After Three Ridges, I stopped at Maupin Shelter for water and lunch. It was nice to take a break.There was trail magic at Reeds Gap second road crossing--thank you.About 4 pm, I stopped at Dripping Rock for water and meet a woman unloading a SUV of tents, food and beer for some thru-hikers she was slack packing. It seemed weird to me as she did not know anything about the hikers or their names. Even though I was planning on camping above the spring, I moved on--better safe than sorry.At The Rocks, I saw a bear that was acting strange. It appeared I passed him and he moved off crossing the trail I just walked down rather tahn diving for the brush away from me and the trail.I set up camp just north of Bear Springs (maybe appropriately named) and about 1/2 hour after I went to bed, there was a bunch of crashing and sticks breaking by my hung food bag. I flashed my head lamp toward the bag, but did not see a bear and the noise stopped. A bit later, I heard what sounded like a bear tearing up a log in search of good. I think the bear followed me down from The Rocks--scary.I did see one deer today.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: MP 844.2 Camp Site

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: broken clouds

Got up this morning and expected to see my food bag gone, but it was still hanging in the tree. This was good because I was really hungry.After breakfast I continued north.Today I did not see any hikers, yesterday I counted 39 before I stopped counting. Lots of folks on the trail.I did meet 2 train maintainers, an unemployed forester and a woman named Fran. Many thanks for all your help maintaining the trail.I stopped at Paul Wolfe Shelter for a small snack break. This shelter has a pretty site setting along a stream with a large pool. There is a bench along the stream and I felt like staying longer to enjoy it, but a shower at Waynesboro is waiting for me.The Visitor Center at Rock Gap has moved to the top of the hill so it is a much longer detour off the trail. I got the phone list and the first trail angel I called was available for a shuttle. Great timing for Memorial Day.I checked into the Quality Inn and made a bee line for the shower. After a shower and a nap, I called Carla.I talked with Trog on the phone, he will be in town tomorrow afternoon and wanted some information on campsites.I went to diner at the Ming and got the buffet--one plate of salad, four plates of food, one plate of desert and one coke to wash it all down.I then watched the Halam Globe Trotters beat the Generals (so what else is new) and then went to bed
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero day and out of computer time........next update: Harpers Ferry and Mrs. Limestone joins the party.......lots of cheering!Not too much can be said about a zero day. I ate breakfast at the motel, did my laundry at the laundramat, updated my trail journal at the library, mailed home some maps and notes at the Post Office, purchased some supplies at the CVS Store, bought trail food at Krogers, ate dinner at Ming's and watched the weather channel before I went to bed---all ready to return to the trail.Along with my travels, I talked with Magic, ate dinner with Trog and saild hello to other hikers that were in town doing the same things.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Waynesboro

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6 am and ready to go. Breakfast at the motel, same as yesterday. Trog and I shuttle with a tail angel named Norman Anderson. Many thanks to him and the Grace Lutheran Church for all their volunteer time to assist hikers.At Rock Fish Gap, I call and make reservations at Big Meadows for Friday night--Trog and I have agreed to split a 2 room, shared bath unit. Total cost is $118.17 which is a bit much for most hikers. If the threatened thunderstorms show up on Friday, it will be a great escape from the weather.It's a good thing this section of trail is a bit easier than last week. We didn't really start hiking until almost 9 am and its a warm day. But, we did our 19.9 miles and still had time to eat and set up tents...The water spring here is almost dry, probably will be soon. There are drips coming out of the pipe. The water is then captured in a plastic jug and we all took turns filling our water bottles.The designated camp sites here are way too small for even my tent and the sites are unlevel and full of sharp rocks. The privy gets the award for the worst I have seen on this hike. The good news, I am only here one night!Saw 3 deer today and removed 2 more ticks from my body. So far my tick bite from the Priest (3 1/2) days ago does not show Lyme Disease symptions. Hopefully this will turn out ok.
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Black Rock Hut

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: few clouds

It was pretty warm last night so I slept in my sleeping bag liner until 2am. Then, I gave up my sleeping bag pillow and rolled out my sleeping bag.Woke up about 5:30 am, packed up and was hiking about 6 am. The day started with a climb, but it was short and steep. I hiked over to the Loft Mountain Camp Store for my second breakfast. I then hiked down to the Loft Wayside for my lunch.I saw a couple deer, turkey, toad, newt (during the first rain), chipmonk, squirrel and a couple frogs.At the Wayside, we talked with some bikers. One started the conversation with "who wants to trade a back pack for a bike." It was a fun conversation and I expect the bikers are going to have some tales to tell their friends and co-workers on Long Island, NY. I expect they now have a much better understanding of the hiker crowd...........I met a thru hiker, class of 98' at Doyles Gap. He and his wife were on a driving vacation and he enjoyed talking with thru hikers.At Smith Roach Gap, there was trail magic. So good and so much, I skipped my own dinner. My timing to leave was great as it started to pour down rain just as I reached my destination for the day. The trail angels were two previous AT hikers, one a thru hiker, and one I have met on a previous trip. It was fun. Many thanks to trail angels.....The weather forecast is for severe weather until 9 pm so I think I'll keep my tent dry and sleep in the shelter tonight. I am looking foreward to the next lightening show.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: High Top Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

I was very glad to be in the shelter last night. It did a bit more raining.Another equipment problem I am having is my leaky air mattress. It is really uncomfortable sleeping in shelters as the wood floor gets hard after the air leaks out. I wake up about 2 am and add more air, but it is not a good solution as it's hard to blow air and be quiet so others can sleep.About 5:15 am, I make a trip to the second worst privy so far on the AT-what a way to wake up and start the day.The trail today was pleasant, only a few rocks here and there so the tread was good. I was done hiking about 3:30 pm and was 20 miles north of breakfast.I stopped at Lewis Mountain Camp Store for lunch washed down with a pint of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate. So good!!The Camp Host at Lewis Mountain Camp Ground has been there for 10 seasons in a row. I stopped for a few minutes to say hello as they were watching over us in 2008 when Mrs Limestone was hurt and we took time off the trail. A big special thank you for these hosts. I should note that if it were not for all the very valuable help from hosts across the country, neither the Forest Service nor the Park Service would be able to keep open a lot of the camp grounds.I made it to the Lodge about an hour before the thunderstorm rolled in--it's always a good thing to miss this kind of weather.Went to dinner with Trog--very nice to get a meal without the packing and cooking.Just counted and there are a few more eating spots to go before the end of the park--yea!Saw 2 deer, 1 newt and a couple of turkey vultures.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Byrd's Nest #3
Miles today: 14.4

Last night was a big thunderstorm--nice to be in motel.Since I was staying in a motel and breakfast did not start until 7:30 am, I let my self sleep in until 6:15 am. When I got up, I took a shower (long one) and made coffee before packing up my stuff.Trog and I went to breakfast and then I washed our clothes while Trog picked up some groceries. We then went back to the motel and picked up our packs before getting back on the trail.We headed north about 10 am and I made a stop at Skyland for lunch. After lunch, I headed over to the next shelter for the night.There are lots of people on the trail today, enjoying the weekend.I lost count of the deer I passed, but there are lots of them. They are really tame and seem to enjoy being around people. There is one just wandering around the shelter. Maybe being around people reduces some of the predation by the bears--who knows.Tomorrow is another lunch/dinner at the wayside and then we leave the Park. I'll need to resupply a bit at the camp store and then will heave enough food to make Harpers Ferry.Today started out warm, but clouds rolled over and kept it from being too hot.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Byrd's Nest #3

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

Last night was very windy. It blew my towel and head band off their hooks inside the shelter. I woke up several times during the night and it was always blowing.I fnally got up about 5:15 and was hiking by 6am. The wind blew all morning until I reached Elk Wallow. I met Landfilll on the way. We stayed at Hiker Hostel and started from Springer on the same day. We have not seen each other since Justis Creek the first night.AT Elk Wallow, I ate some snacks and then got a burger with fries. I had ice cream and a couple candy bars for dessert.After lunch, I headed north. The wind had died down, but it was soon a rain down pour. I put on my rain gear and continued my hike north.I ran into the Wanderbirds Hiking Club on an outing. I must have met 25-30 hikers going south.The rain started to let up about 3:30 pm and was stopped when I reached the shelter. It is now clearing off and the temperatuerre is dropping. It could be rather cool tonight.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Front Royal-VA55
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

The shelter ended up rather full and noisy during the night. I was up and hiking by 6am. It was foggy part of the morning, but the sun and wind made short work of the fog so it became a pleasant hiking day.I stopped for a quick snack at Tom Floyd Wayside. This is the first shelter after the Park and the location where Carla and I hunkered down in a huge wind and rain storm in 08'that actually blew down trees on the trail we were about to hike.Trog and I stopped at the Denton Shelter for dinner and then decided to hike to VA 55 and then go to Front Royal for the night. We made reservations along the way.We then went out for a second dinner and to the grocery store to pick up a few items.Back at the motel, I used my 30 minutes to update my TJ and then went to bed-it was midnight.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Front Royal-VA55

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Slept in until 6am, then went downstairs for the breakfast buffet. After breakfast, walked over to Dunkin Donuts for a few morning snacks.Packed up our gear, called for a shuttle and got back on the trail. It was a nice hiking day, mid 70's and sun. However, we got a late start so low trail miles today. I am also really tired from the late night.Found another embedded deer tick so removed it from the back of my left knee. That makes two bad deals! I am thinking I'll hike a few more days and then see what happens. Harpers Ferry is coming and I can seek medical opinion at that time. There are lots of people on the trail and here at the shelter, but I am going to bed early.Landfill capture a black snake hanging in the shelter rafters and then turned it loose down by the creek. Lucky for the snake that Landfill was there as a couple other hikers were opting for a dead snake--not a good option as the snakes are finally knocking down the shelter mouse problems.
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today I crossed the 1,000 mile mark.Started raining about 5am so I got up an started hiking. It was barely light enough to see, but my tent was not too wet--less weight.The more I walked, the more it rained. The rain seem to come in waves so the trail did not get too muddy and slick. Good news because the trail was really rocky.I stopped at the Bear Den Hostel to get out of the rain and have a few snacks. I also drank two cokes and ate some snacks. I have 10 miles done and only 7 more to do--in the rain.Back in the rain and more hiking. I reached Blackburn Center about 4 so I ate part of my dinner before going on to Lesser Shelter. Lesser is full and so are all but one of the tent sites--mine. Long day, but the roller coaster is done!