morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Dismal Creek

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Communication has been sparse the past few days. We are in an out of service and only have a little battery power left on my phone. This part of the trail doesn't have a lot of views. It was more of the green tunnel today. Hazy and humid. We found a place to pitch our tents tonight a couple of miles passed Docs Knob Shelter. Tomorrow we have a short hike into Narrows VA. We are picking up supplies and could use a shower.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Campsite

To: Narrows, VA
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

We had an easy 7 mile hike into Narrows with great views looking down at the town as we approached. The town was shrouded in fog so it had an interesting look to it. We have a room at the McArthur Inn tonight. We called the Inn when we reached the road that heads into town and the owner came to pick us up. Nice guy who has restored the inn and caters to AT thru hikers. We got all our chores done, ate at the all you can eat buffet and are enjoying the comfort and amenities tonight. The next few days call for afternoon thunderstorms so we'll see how much mileage we can get in before having to take cover. I want to say hi to PBGAC. Thanks for thinking of us.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Narrows, VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

On the way back to the trail today the owner of the Inn took us over to his property for a quick visit. We were impressed to see that the scenic view we had from the trail when we were heading down into town yesterday was his piece of land. We got some pictures of his horses and his property while we were there. Today was overcast with threatening clouds and occasional sprinkles so when the skies opened up suddenly it caught us unprepared again. We had a quick downpour that was just enough to get us soaked. With the moisture naturally came the bugs! We had only been bothered by swarms of gnats a couple of times so far on the trail, but today the mosquitos, gnats and deer flies were out in full force. The timing is ironic since someone just inquired about the bug conditions. From the trail guide it looked like the hike was going to be an easy one today, but we had quite a few ups and downs and a rocky trail, so along with the rain and bugs it wasn't. At one point in our walk we saw a deer walking on the trail ahead of us. We watched for a while and since the deer was going slow we figured she was grazing on the plants alongside the trail. We eventually caught up with her and saw that she wasn't alone. She had a newborn with her who couldn't have been more than a day or two old. She carefully nestled her baby into the brush as we approached to protect it. That was the most amazing thing I have seen so far on this trip. We managed to get some pictures as we carefully made our way past them. The rain started again after we set up camp tonight just a few miles south of Pine Swamp Branch Shelter and we had to scramble to get our gear and dinner under cover. More of the same for tomorrow's forecast.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Campsite

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a frustrating day. We got soaked twice from downpours in the morning and the rest of the day was just muggy. The trail had the usual ups and downs but in between we hiked through 5 miles or so of rocky terrain that went zig zag for no apparent reason. It looked like the trail could have gone straight without making it any more difficult so I got to thinking someone decided to route the trail this way just to irritate those of us following it. I didn't want to say anything that would put a negative spin on the day when Robi1 said that it was the worst part of the trail so far. I could only agree. The only other hikers we saw today were section hikers. Not sure where the thru hikers we had been seeing have gone. We managed to get in just over 16 miles for the day and stopped for the night at War Spur Shelter.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: few clouds

Yesterday was a long tough day on the trail. The first climb of the day was as expected - rocky, long and tough followed by a rocky ridge and then you guessed it, a rocky tough downhill. Around mile 10 we came to another uphill section that even Robi1 and another thru hiker agreed was much worse than Jacobs Ladder.   It went straight uphill with smaller rocks that really messed up your footing. Ok, I sound negative, but it was a hard day and my feet are killing me, but rest assured I am still smiling and happy to be here. It took us over 10 hours to hike 18.4 miles, finally finishing up for the day around 7:00 at Niday Shelter. The good news was that the humidity finally broke which made sleeping much more comfortable.Today we only got in 10 miles stopping for the night at Pickle Branch Shelter. We met a local who told us the next part of the trail is very difficult with little water so we didn't want to push it too hard 2 days in a row. We climbed Brush Mountain this morning which wasn't as bad as the trail has been lately. No rock but a long climb. We were pleasantly surprised. We saw a monument to Audie Murphy who was the most decorated serviceman in WWII. It was pretty cool. It has a granite plaque with a flag and lights that illuminate the flag at night so it can be left up all the time. This was on top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere. We are hoping to get in more miles tomorrow but we'll see how difficult the trail proves to be. We should have more than 700 miles in by tomorrow night.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Today we got up at 5:30 so we could make some miles. As soon as we started hiking it started to rain. The terrain was rocky again with some steep spots and got slippery quickly so that plan of making miles didn't work. We saw dragons tooth (just a pointy rock). From that point on for about a half mile we took our lives in our hands. The rockface we climbed down was without a doubt the most dangerous part of the trail so far. Oh by the way it was still raining which made evey step an adventure. We made very slow progress but didn't fall. We stopped for a good pizza at a quick mart and from that point on it was just normal hiking. About 14 miles today but tomorrow is Mcafee knob which should be spectacular. Goodnight.
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

It got a little chilly last night at Johns Spring Shelter, about 44 degrees. We hiked up to McAfee Knob first thing in the morning which was absolutely amazing. Took alot of pictures in the 45 minutes we were there. We left there and hiked up to Tinker Cliffs which was almost as amazing. We ate lunch on the cliffs and finished our day with some good hiking. This was the best day so far for views and pics. We camped about 4 miles from Daleville VA where we are heading in the morning. We have resupply boxes waiting for us and need to do some laundry. I had Claire send out my summer sleeping bag and will ship my winter bag back home while we are in town. Hopefully we won't have too many more cold nights but it will be nice to lighten my pack a bit.
Date: 2015-05-23
From: Campsite

To: Daleville VA
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: clear sky

I tripped on a tree root on the short hike down to town this morning and ended up on the ground. My knee, elbow and the side of my head took the brunt. Got up and brushed it off and kept going until we met up with another hiker. After stopping to talk for a bit and pet her dog my knee stiffened up so I got a little concerned that I had really hurt myself. We made it to town, picked up our supply boxes and some lunch at Kroger and got a room for the night at HoJo's. Thankfully my knee felt OK though after the mile walk to the post office to ship some gear home. While we were here I went to the outfitters to replace two pairs of socks that had developed holes in the past couple of days. Took some vitamin I for my knee just in case and took it easy for the rest of the day. My pack is lighter now with some summer gear and we are looking forward to the free breakfast in the morning.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Daleville VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today we got a late start from the hotel in Dalevillle. Boots on the trail a little after 9. We still got in 18.7 miles but not too much to talk about. We saw another deer and got some trail magic (hot dogs, chips, strawberries and cookies) from a very nice couple from Roanoke who do trail magic every year. We stopped at Bobblets Gap Shelter but there wasn't any place to pitch our tents and a weekend hiker had set up her tent inside the shelter so we moved on to the first flat spot we could find. Looks like we are in for some big climbing tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 12.2

We left Cornelius Creek Shelter and finished off the rest of the climb up Apple Orchard Mountain today. About a 1000 foot climb. Then we headed downhill for quite a while with a tough terrain of rocks and roots. We came upon a deer in the trail with her fawn - another awesome moment on the trail. She wouldn't get off the trail so we very slowly followed her and the youngster for about 15 minutes. We took a lot of pictures since Mom let us get within 15 feet of them before the little one took off in the woods and Mom quickly followed. We then had two more small climbs - one about 400 feet and the other about 750 feet. Even though they were not long climbs they were difficult for some reason. At about the 12 mile mark Robi1 and I decided to end the day. It was about 4:15 and we were tired. That left us 7.7 miles from Glasgow which is our destination for tomorrow
Date: 2015-05-27
From: Marble Spring Campsite

To: Glasgow VA
Miles today: 7.7

Got up early this morning to get into Glasgow to pick up our mail drops. It was a nice easy 7.7 mile hike. At the end of the hike we walked over the longest foot only bridge on the AT. It is about 200 yards long. We hitched a ride into town and were picked up by the first truck that came by. The driver is a retired military guy and a section hiker who's trail name is True Vet. Great person. Glasgow is a nice town that caters to hikers. They have a large field where you can camp for free with a privy and hot showers. Laundry facilities are real close by and a grocery store is right across the street. Everything a hiker needs in close proximity. We got all of our chores done and are ready to get back on the trail in the morning.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Glasgow VA

To: Reservoir Road
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a tough day. It was hot and humid with no wind at all and we climbed 3100 ft. We were sweating so much that the rock we sat on for our lunchbreak was soaked when we got up and there was a puddle on the ground underneath our feet. We did 15.5 miles and there was some thunder for a few hrs but it only rained for about 5 minutes. I did find a shedded snake skin that I think is a diamondback rattlesnake. I will send it to Hunter to verify what kind it is. We have another big climb tomorrow so goodnight. I need some rest.
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Reservoir Road

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 34.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Another tough day today. We had a 5 mile climb that went up about 3200 feet then down 500 feet and then right back up 600 feet. We got caught in a bad thunder storm on a ridge and had to take cover under a rock outcropping for about an hour maybe more. We got to camp late soaking wet and exhausted so instead of cooking dinner I just ate three protein bars and went to sleep. We did a total of 20.3 miles today.Today was a good day. The trail wasn't to difficult if you don't get lost. We went up a half mile steep hill to Spy rock and then couldn't find any white blazes. A local hiker told us that the trail was back down the hill we came up. When we got to the bottom again we took out Robi1s map and figured out we needed to go back up the hill and take a left. Not a good 1/2 hr. Then the trail went downhill for 4.8 miles which is great on the knees. We came across trail magic at the bottom which helped the feet mentally. Then a 1200 ft climb and a fairly short downhill to the shelter. Lots of people here. Mostly locals so it will probably be loud late. Forgot to mention that I saw my first bear yesterday. It was just a quick glance but definitely a bear.
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We got beat up from the feet up today. The temps have been around 90 degrees lately and Sunday was no different. Hot, humid with no breeze and a glaring sun. The day started with a 2000 foot climb out of Harpers Creek Shelter and then a 1300 foot descent. After that came the "flatter" section of rocky terrain. It felt more like climbing than hiking since we were constantly using all fours to get through this area. At one point it took us 2 hours and fifteen minutes to hike 3 1/2 miles. After a while it just got aggravating and senseless. Couldn't understand why the trail was routed this way. Even the bugs were bothering me a lot. The frustration quickly disappeared though when we saw "Will & Way" (an elderly couple in their seventies hiking the AT to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary) arrive at our campsite. Humbly I thought if they can do it so can I. They are an amazing couple with an awesome outlook on life that are an inspiration to the rest of us. Today was a much better day. We had just over 12 miles to get us into Waynesboro VA for another resupply pick up. The trail finally got less rocky about 2 to 3 miles into the walk so it felt real comfy. Got to town around 1:00 and got a room at a bed & breakfast. We just came back from an all you can eat Chinese food buffet. Food was good but I am stuffed. Don't think I'll be finishing the beer we bought. We will be entering the Shenandoah National Park tomorrow which will take us about 6 days to get through. Should be some cool sights - I heard they have a decent sized bear population.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 26.6
Weather: clear sky

We have had horrible phone service since we entered Shenandoah National Park and the weather has turned from 90 degree days to 50's and rain. On Tuesday we managed to get in over 20 miles and stopped at Blackrock Hut Shelter for the night. Wednesday we hiked 6 miles to Loft Mountain Campground where Chris said it would be easiest for her to find us. Although it was early in the day, it was pouring and very chilly out so we decided to wait it out at the campground rather than trek on. The original plan was for a meet up on Wednesday but life throws us curve balls. A good friend of Chris & John's had started his hike after his college graduation in May. Because he started so late he found very few hikers on the trail down in Georgia. Chris and his Mom decided to devise a plan to transport him up to us here in VA where he can get more of the hiker community experience. Chris and Elroy's brother (who is a pilot) flew down to pick Elroy up and fly him up to VA. Their flight got rerouted to Knoxville because of thunderstorms in NC where Elroy was, so they had to rent a car to drive 2.5 hours each way to pick him up in NC and bring him back to Knoxville. That was Wednesday. This morning they flew up to VA to drop him off with us. So today we took our 4th zero day. We had to wait for Elroy till a little after noontime and it is STILL raining. We did have a short visit with Chris and Elroy's brother at the campground before they had to head back to the airport to fly back home. We will head out in the morning and get at least 15 miles in to make up some lost mileage and get through the Shenandoahs. I hope the rain stops by morning.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The best thing that has happened in weeks happened yesterday. I got to see Christin. Thanks Christin Today was an easy day. It stopped raining as we were breaking down camp so we had to pack up soaking wet tents. We got going around 9 and did 15.4 fairly easy miles. There weren't many views as it was foggy most of the day. Elroy did ok for his first day with us. He will get his trail legs soon and then probably blow by us. We are at Hightop hut tonight and went past the 900 mile mark. Seems like the miles are going quicker and quicker lately. 903.7 to be exact.
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We did 20.8 miles today. We ended up at Big Meadows Campground around 8pm. While Elroy and I walked around looking for Robi1 we talked to some of the campers who were quite interested in our hike. Some offered cold drinks and others just wished us well. We were told at registration that the campground was full so we started to make our way back to the trail when people started to offer to let us stay at their sites. We needed 3 people to let us stay at their site because there is a 2 tent per site rule. We got 3 to help us out. Robi1 stayed on a site with a nice couple, Elroy stayed at a site with 2 female doctors from DC and I got the best deal with Mike and Nancy. They were the best. 2 great people who love to camp with their trailer. Great down to earth people who seem to love the life they have made. THANK YOU MIKE AND NANCY.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Byrd's Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Got up this morning at 6:15 and took a shower and started laundry at the campground. It was a beautiful morning and we all took our time getting ready. After saying our goodbyes to all our gracious hosts we didn't get on the trail until almost 11. We did 14 miles and ended up at Byrds Nest #3. There were some pretty nice views but it was a little hazy for pics all day. Elroy got invited to go aqua blazing(which is doing part of the trail by water) which he happily accepted. He will be on the water for 3 days starting on Tuesday. We will meet back up with him in Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Byrd's Nest #3 Hut

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

Today we got going around 8:30. It was a nice day with a good breeze and comfortable temps. The trail was a little rocky for the first 4 or 5 miles but not too bad. Then the trail got really nice and smooth. We got to our lunch spot around 1:30 which was about 12 miles into our day. There was a girl (park ranger) who gave a little class on bears in the park. The problem was there were about 12 thru hikers there eating and she was young and new. We all had wise cracks for her during her class. Nothing bad but some very funny. We made it to Gravel Springs Hut about 5ish to finish our 17.5 mile day. We stopped because it rained on us and a thunder storm was coming in. In my tent now dry while it's raining pretty hard outside. Hope it stops by morning. Goodnight. ......
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was another good day. We got up early and were on the trail by 7:45. We made great time and picked up our mail drops by 11:00. We had to walk a half mile off the trail so we actually did an extra mile. We made it to our destination by 2pm at Virginia 522 which was 13.4 from the shelter. We got into Front Royal and did laundry got dinner and did a little relaxing. The next bunch of days are going to be very hot so it should be fun. Goodnight.
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Front Royal

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Another great day. Woke up in Front Royal and walked about a mile to the diner for breakfast which was very good. We then searched a bunch of stores for propane canisters for our stoves but couldn't get any. We got on the trail about 9:50 and got in 16.4 miles which is pretty good in 88 degree weather and stopping for trail magic for about 1hr. Just Robi1 and I at the campsite we stopped at which is fine with us. It's suppose to be 95 tomorrow when we do what is called the roller coaster because it goes drastically up and down for 13.5 miles. Wish us luck.
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another good day on the trail. We got going early about 7:30 and planned on getting in 21 miles. We didn't plan on 95 degree weather though. We did 7.5 miles then came to the Roller Coaster. It was tougher than we thought. 13.5 miles of about 11 good up and downs. We didn't finish until 7:15ish so it was a long day. Feet are sore because the trail was almost all rocks all day. But we had fun and were glad we got it done. Heading into Harpers Ferry tomorrow. Today we passed the 1000 mile mark. Hell ya, no I mean HELLLLLLL YAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Campsite

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Today we slept in. Got boots on the trail at 9:00. Looked like a fairly easy day on the map but it wasn't. The terrain was very rocky and with sore feet from yesterday it was tough. Oh ya it was 95 degrees again today. We made it to Harpers Ferry about 4:30ish and went to the ATC center and got our pictures taken for the hiker yearbook. My hiker # is 563. We did 16 miles to bring our total to 1022.8. At 1092.5 we will be exactly 1/2 way. Got on a scale today at the ATC center and I have lost 28 lbs. I need to start eating more. Robi1 has lost 40lbs. Goodnight.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Good day today. Ate breakfast and got back to the ATC center a little after 9:00. The outfitter we needed to buy propane at didn't open until ten so we didn't get hiking until at least 10:45. The trail was fairly level most of the day after the big climb out of Harpers Ferry. There were still a lot of rocks but we got in 17.8 miles by 6:30 and stopped at Dahlgren Backpack Campground about 2 miles past Rocky Run Shelter. We got trail magic from a Bug Club that was staying at the campground. They gave us spaghetti for supper then s'mores and a cobbler. Got to bed late but they offered us breakfast in the morning. Can't wait.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

I don't think I mentioned that we have left Virginia and West Virginia behind and are now in Maryland. We started today with a bit of history. Just a couple of miles into our hike we came across the original Washington Monument built in 1827 in Washington Monument State Park. A lot of Civil War history in this area. Today was a tough day rock wise on the trail. The terrain has been fairly flat considering how it could be but the rocks make it tough. My feet get sore by lunchtime when it's this rocky. I know Robi1 doesn't enjoy the rocks either. We got stuck in another strong thunderstorm this afternoon. We just happened to be going over a ridgeline when the heavyest part came through. Now my boots are soaked and will be for a few days because it is so humid and we are suppose to get more rain tomorrow. Oh well, life on the trail. Got in 18.8 miles I think. We are a little ahead of schedule for Boiling Springs on Thursday so we may have a real short day coming up soon.