morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was a very hard day. I almost gave up partway through. I need to stop pushing myself so hard. Did nearly 30 miles of some of the toughest terrain in Virginia. Climbed Floyd Mountain, and Apple Orchard Mountain (which is apparently the highest point for a long time). The views were good, but I was tired. I'm nearly at the James River, which is a milestone. It has the longest footbridge on the AT. Got some good views of the river coming down the trail today. There were some very rocky and treacherous sections today, and some brutal downhills. It was also some of the biggest climbs in Virginia. Saw a ton of turkey today. On two occasions I saw at least a dozen near the trail. Most of them were young. Last night I dreamt that I decided to start over and go back to Springer Mountain. What a poor decision! I didn't stop a lot today, and I'm very tired and hungry. There's a couple of section hikers and a thru hiker here. I'm a bit starved for trail magic. There's a copperhead under the shelter but I don't really care. At least the water's good here. I hiked the last 9 miles with no water--bad idea.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was miserable, not sure why. Maybe because it was the hottest day yet and I was drenched in sweat and drained of energy all day. Maybe my body is still tired from yesterday. After a big climb, the terrain was fairly easy but I still didn't get far. Oh well. Crossed the James River this morning. Its the longest foot-use only bridge on the AT, and is dedicated to Bill Foot. I think its probably the lowest elevation of the trail so far, at 678 feet. The only other landmark was the Ottie Powell monument, to a child who was found dead nearby in the 1890s. Met a couple dayhiking the entire trail. They've done Springer to here already--a logistical miracle--by parking their jeep, walking, and walking back. They admitted they probably won't finish though. It's slow and they're basically hiking everything twice. Also ran into a very stereotypical bunch of young boy scouts. There were a bunch sitting waiting for others. A little later a few more came by. A little while down the trail I ran into a boy who was half panicked and didn't know what was going on. Finally I walked by a couple scoutmasters and a small boy who didn't look like he was having much fun. Got good views of the Lynchburg Resevoir today too. I wanted to go a few more miles, but I got to this shelter and didn't leave. Jonathan said he could meet me at the Tye River with subs and ice cream tomorrow. That's 27 tough miles away... Hopefully I'll be motivated and my body recovered after this short day. There are a couple other thru hikers here, one with a protective dog.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: clear sky

It was a long day, but well worth the effort. I went shirtless for the first time in a while to stay cool, but I think I got sun burnt. Last night was crazy. It sounded like a train was coming toward the shelter, then we got hit with very strong winds and lightning. There were trees falling left and right, and we were scared one might fall on the shelter. The tree with my bear bag fell down (it was dead though), which was a pain. There were trees down across the trail all day today. Bald Knob and coming down the Priest were especially bad. There was one spot I had to bushwhack through thick brush and thorns--it was rough going and I kept getting stuck. Apparently a hiker was murdered last year in this area--not an encouraging sign. Crossed US-60 this morning and hiked over the beautiful Cold Mountain. At the top of the Priest, I finally reached trail that I've hiked before--I'm in familiar territory now. I feel close to home now. I could be in Shenandoah by tomorrow, but I think I'll take it easy the next few days, and try to get a ride into Charlottesville on July Fourth. I wouldn't have done 30 miles today (the downed trees made it a hard day) if it hadn't been for Jonathan. I met Jonathan and Bekah a little past the Tye River, and it made the hike worth it. They brough ice cream and I had 2 subway subs with snacks and a beer. It was a little more satisfying than instant potatos. They brought jelly beans too. The next few weeks should be more relaxing--after I hike up Three Ridges in the morning. At the stream below this shelter here is where I first used my stove and where I received my trail name from a section hiker. It's also the last place I camped before starting on this journey. I did an overnight trip in this area a few days before leaving for Georgia to try out my gear. It's so late (11 pm)!
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

For a short day, I was a bit miserable, but I feel great now that I'm in camp. Today was very rocky, and my feet were sore from the long hike yesterday. And I got out of camp kind of late, because I was hanging out with Jonathan and Bekah. I climbed Three Ridges fairly easily after a big breakfast supplemented by their extra food. It seems to be the biggest climb for a very long time--until almost Vermont. There are beautiful views all up it. The next portion was rocky with very difficult and large downed trees. It was painful. I passed the same Ridgerunner I saw yesterday. She said there were crews out working on clearing the trail again, near Humpback today. Humpback was an easy but long climb and rocky. A baby raccoon came at me today. It ran towards me on the trail. I was ready to whack it with my hiking poles, but banging them together, yelling, and throwing rocks got it to eventually back off. I don't know if it had rabies or was just desperate and abandoned after the storm. I'm glad I didn't have to whack it though, since it was cute and making baby noises and whimpering. Only about 20 miles from there is where the rabid bear was--you can't be too careful. I heard a very similar story happened near Partnership Shelter. A girl had to hit a baby raccoon off the trail twice with her stick. When I got past the Humpback parking lot and Dobie Mountain, I was in familiar territory again. I dayhiked the trail here in the spring. When I got to a view--not a great view, but you can see I-64 and Scott Mountain--I almost felt emotional. I've been up and down that road a lot. Feels like I'm at UVa already. This shelter is really nice--it's good to have bear poles again. A retired woman called Gran is tented nearby, but nobody else is here. I found chicken yesterday by a road, and it is delicious.
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

Glad to be in Shenandoah again! True to its reputation, I saw a bear within a half mile of entering the actual park. It was on the trail and ran off. Unfortunately, theres a lot of ticks here too. Saw some deer as well. THere was a thunderstorm last night, with lots of junk falling on the tin roof of the shelter. Luckily, it only rained at night, and the hike was dry today. Paused at Rockfish Gap for pictures and a snack. After the first three mountains (which aren't technically in the park anyway) the trail in Shenandoah is very well graded, rarely rocky, rarely steep, and the uphills aren't as tall. I made decent time, but my feet are so sore. Not sure if its from rocky, tough terrain the last few days, my thinning shoes, or both. I'm the only one here for now. Met a cool guy earlier from Richmond who is a mechanical engineer and who was thinking of staying here. There wasn't a lot of water today, but I found a water jug at Beagle Gap, and a man who had a whole gallon gave me some of his extra. Didn't see any snakes, but someone left a note by the trail saying there were two rattlesnakes nearby. Interestingly enough, it was very close to where dad almost stepped on a rattlesnake five years ago on the trail, thinking the sound was cicadas. There was a forest fire there when we were there before too, but the signs of it were nearly gone. When I checked into the park, though, it did say part of the trail was closed due to fire at the northern end of the park, and you have to walk on the road. The spring at this shelter is very good. Last time I was in this shelter, there were reports of a cat-sized rat. Nothing about that now. A copperhead just crawled out of a bag next to me in the shelter. There's mice too, but they cleared out when the snake got active. A couple other guys showed up here.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Jonathan's in C'ville (via SouthRiver Picnic Area)
Miles today: 27.9

The other guys moved to tents last night because of the copperhead, so I was the only one in the shelter. Started out good, but my feet are still sore. Early in the day, I hit some awesome trail magic. Some slackpackers were at their car, and they offered me soda, snacks, oreos, and a Mountain House. It brought new strength to my walk. I was also very excited to get to the Loft Mountain camp store early in the morning, right near the trail. When I got there, though, I found out that the power has been out since the storm Friday. They don't even expect it back until this Friday. I guess a campground is low priority for the power company. Apparently a lot of people are without power. I got closer and it ran off. I was looking forward to ice cream; but it was all melted. The lady did find me a soft Snickers ice cream bar though and just gave it to me. Saw a bigger bear on the trail this morning. It'll be good to rest my feet and get new shoes, and relax on July 4th. So, I got Jonathan to pick me up tonight north of Route 33, at South River Picnic Area. We camped out near here before. I was really rushing to get here by 6--nearly 3 mph. I'm very hungry, but I probably smell too bad to go out to eat. I've been in the woods for 7 days--my longest stretch yet. Its time for a shower and laundry. It poured for like 5 or 10 minutes a couple miles near the end today, but the skies are clear now. Hopefully Jonathan finds me, I have no cell signal and he's a bit late. I moved to the side of Skyline Drive to wait. Apparently, he's bringing people--I should probably take a deodorant bath. A deer just crossed the road 20 feet from me.When I got picked up, Carleigh and Chantal had brought a delicious pizza. It was great to shower and get clean. Went out to dinner on the Corner with people. We hit up $5 Tuesdays at Three. Its great to be back in Charlottesville. Finally got to eat a quart of ice cream at Baskin Robbins. I'm sleeping on a sofa bed at Jonathan's house tonight.
Date: 2012-07-04
From: Jonathan's House in Charlottesville, VA

To: Jonathan's House in Charlottesville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

An awesome July Fourth. Got all you can eat pancakes for breakfast with Louis at IHOP. Got laundry done. Chilled for a while (haven't done that in forever). Played a game of Settlers at the Brotunda, then went to Cook Out and got a ton of food. Afterwards I went to a real cookout and met up with a bunch of people at Taylor's place. Ended the day with an excellent fireworks display at McIntire Park--one of my favorite ever. Plus the food was very cheap after the fireworks were over. It was a great day and I got to hang out with a lot of great people. This has been my only zero day (didn't hike an inch of the A.T.) except for one day when I was sick in the middle of nowhere. It feels great and hopefully my feet have recovered well in the time off. Spending a second night at Jonathan's place tonight.
Date: 2012-07-05
From: Jonathan's in C'ville (via SouthRiver Picnic Area)

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Felt very nauseous last night and this morning. Guess I ate too much yesterday. Jonathan dropped me off in Ruckersville, where my parents picked me up and brought me back to the trail. It was great seeing them and fun to be hiking with my dad finally. Got a late start, but the terrain was easy and we made it to the shelter here, where we've stayed before. Not much interesting happened on the trail today, but it was great to have someone to talk to. We walked around Big Meadows campground, but skipped going to the restaurant and visitor's center there. Food was plentiful for dinner, with freeze dried peas and rasberry crumble for dessert. There's a bunch of hikers at this shelter. Can hear leftover fireworks in the distance.
Date: 2012-07-06
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Great hike today. It was nice to do short miles for once and let my feet recover a bit. Walked around Hawksbill Mountain this morning, then Skyland stables. The soda machine didn't work. Worked our way around Skyland and hit the highest point of the A.T. in the park at Stony Man Mountain. Ate lunch at Pinnacle picnic area. Unlike last time we were there, there was no lightning. Went over Mary's Rock before descending to 211 at Thornton Gap. Had an awesome meal at this Hut for dinner (with Mountain House cheesecake). Will hopefully get to bed earlier tonight and get an early start tomorrow before heading home in the evening. Hopefully the forest fire is gone and the trail is open near Neighbor Mountain, but I think we saw some smoke from Mary's Rock.
Date: 2012-07-07
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Home in Leesburg, VA (via Jenkins Gap)
Miles today: 18.8

Today was fairly interesting and exciting compared to the last couple of days. There was a guy named Belch who showed up at the hut last night, and he sure earned his trail name. Started the day by seeing 3 bears one after another in a short time. One was fairly large. We also ended up walking Skyline Drive for 4 miles or so, because of fires. There were signs at both ends of a stretch of trail, saying the trail was closed due to fire and to walk on the road. Halfway through our road walk, though, a guy pulled over and told us the trail had been open since noon yesterday. They forgot to take down the signs! Oh well, it makes up for the time five years ago when we hiked in a fire zone when we weren't supposed to. Stopped at Elkswallow Wayside for BBQ and very refreshing blackberry milkshakes. We also saw a huge rattlesnake up close and personal and came across several turkeys. Since there were a lot of deer at the Hut last night, our wildlife experience in the park was pretty complete. Although dad had a massive blister, we managed to get up Hogback Mountain and Marshall Mountain for some pretty impressive but hazy views. Dad stopped at Hogswallow Gap before I rushed on to Jenkins Gap and mom picked us both up. Ran into some people hauling a large cooler down the AT in the last stretch--an odd sight. It was great to get home, sit on the couch, and eat fresh cookies Tessa made. Looking forward to breakfast, church, and family over tomorrow.
Date: 2012-07-08
From: Home in Leesburg, VA (via Jenkins Gap)

To: Home in Leesburg, VA (via Jenkins Gap)
Miles today: 0.0

Its been an excellent day--a perfect time to come home. Got to eat Shoppers colossal donuts for breakfast, then went to Cornerstone Chapel and learned the symbolism of curing leprosy. Afterwards, a girl interviewed me for the Loudoun Times-Mirror about my hiking. Later, the whole family came over for Sarah's birthday. It was great to see everyone, swap stories, and eat chicken and cake. I even got an early birthday present--clothes for work. Sarah was very excited with her gifts. I started thinking about a new adventure already today. Maybe canoeing in Conagree National Park or exploring Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.
Date: 2012-07-09
From: Home in Leesburg, VA (via Jenkins Gap)

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: light rain

Started out foggy this morning, after Dad dropped me off at Jenkins Gap. An owl flew right in front of the car on the way there. The hike was pretty easy, going down out of the park to Route 522, then back over another mountain and down again to I-66. Ate lunch at a really nice shelter with a solar shower and porch with chairs. Saw the same slackpackers there that I've seen a couple times now. They were actually going south. Didn't see any exotic animals on the National Zoo property, unfortunately. Passed a bunch of girls who were lost and had gone over 5 miles out of the way. Got in here a bit late but ate well and the water is convenient. The bugs aren't even that bad even though there's a stream in front of the shelter. This shelter is really unique. It's shaped like a geodesic dome. Couple guys here, including Wendigo again. He's only going to Harper's Ferry though. Accidentally caught a crawdad while trying to get water.
Date: 2012-07-10
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: broken clouds

A long day, but not too grueling. My body feels rubbed raw in several places though. I guess it was pretty hot. Might need some Gold Bond or something. Hiked around Sky Meadows State Park today (one of my favorite places to dayhike). Then, crossed US-50 and entered the roller coaster. I knew it wouldn't be as hard as people say, but it was still difficult; more so than I anticipated because of the heat and because I was racing to attempt nearly 30 miles. The roller coaster is 14 miles of steep but short hills. I was sweating heavily all day and very thirsty. Luckily, Mom stopped on the side of VA-7 with gatorade and even chicken pot pie! It was wonderful, but slowed my long day a bit, since I was so full after drinking a half gallon of gatorade. I had hoped to get to David Lesser Shelter. I was getting very chaffed at the end of the day, and it looked like I'd get to that shelter in the dark, so I decided to stop at the free hostel here, run by the PATC. I arrived just in time for a delicious dinner (vegetarian though). I'm sleeping on the porch here. Hopefully I can still get to Harpers Ferry early tomorrow. Its about 12 miles. As of a little earlier today, I've hiked 1000 miles!
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: broken clouds

Got an earlier start today. This place was really nice. Glad I called a few minutes ahead--they had dinner waiting when I got there. The day started out rocky. Its so rocky on Loudoun Heights. It couldn't get any rockier. Passed Route 9. Finally dropped down to Harpers Ferry in a hurry. Went into the ATC headquarters, where they took my picture and I got some postcards. They gave me a number, saying that I was the 928th thru hiker to pass through there that year. Apparently it was already a record for the most hikers ever. They said I had held the record for the highest numbered hiker at Harpers Ferry--at least until the next hiker came through. I then hurried down into the historic downtown, where I met mom, Tessa, and Sarah. It was a great day. Got a crabcake and BBQ at a restaurant, then ice cream. Got pictures around town for a little while. Reluctantly, I said goodbye and crossed the bridge to Maryland. The trail followed the C&O canal for several miles before crossing the train tracks and climbing South Mountain. The hike was pretty easy after that--the trail in Maryland is quite pleasant. Its rocky, but the rocks are spaced apart enough that you can step around them. Had dinner at Gathland State Park, since there was potable water and a bathroom, and I heard the water was sparse at the shelter. The park is the site of the magnificent War Correspondants Memorial. Got in late to this shelter though. Can hear lots of dogs barking below the mountain. Hunting is allowed on the trail here. Talked to a ridge runner at dinner and at this shelter. She's hiked the AT and the PTC, and now does 10 day shifts monitoring the trail in Maryland. Apparently the PTC is easier than the AT because its graded for horses and pack stock.
Date: 2012-07-12
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: clear sky

Got a bit of a late wake up. Someone who was tented here was gone by 6. Quickly got to White Rock Cliff, which I think is near the northernmost point on the AT that I'd been to before this hike (don't exactly remember). Eventually got to Washington Monument State Park, at the first monument made to George Washington. Its also a tower, but much shorter than the one in DC. Ate lunch there and filled up at the water fountain. However, I procrastinated there for an hour and ate most of my snacks. Luckily, I made up for lost time, with really easy sections of trail. Passed a couple shelters and crossed over I-70 on a footbridge next to a neighborhood (an odd stretch of trail). This was also a milestone. It is the northernmost part of the trail that I've seen (driving below on I-70). There's a bunch of people at this shelter, including a group of Boy Scouts. Luckily, its a spacious new shelter--very nice. There are bear cables for the first time since Tennesssee. However, the water is 0.4 miles down the mountain, and there are bees on the trail. I got stung twice on the way down, but on the way up they just attacked my shoes. Worst shelter water ever. Can't wait for breakfast. Saw 2 big blacksnakes on the trail today (at least 4-5 feet long) and heard a couple owls making a ton of noise.
Date: 2012-07-13
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: overcast clouds

This shelter is really nice. Whoever the caretaker is, they've got potted plants and decorations and the shelter is immaculate. There are two shelters with a covered area with picnic table and a covered deck between them. For the first time I've seen, there is a bear box for food. I've passed a lot of shelters up that I wished I could've stayed at, and I'm glad I hit this one right. Finally crossed the Mason-Dixon line this morning. Dad told me to watch my back in yankee country. Lately, this stretch of trail has been probably the easiest on the AT. Maryland had a couple extremely rocky but short sections, and a couple steep but short climbs. Mostly though, it was a walk in the park. Literally--with a Civil War battlefield, Washington Monument, War Correspondants Memorial at Gathland. Lots of historic sites. This stretch through MD-PA has a bunch of parks with restrooms and snack bars and vending machines near the trail. Seems like theres been potable water every 5-10 miles, in a stretch known for dry springs. Eventually, though, Pennsylvania's supposed to get extremely rocky. Hopefully its later rather than sooner. Saw people setting up for a wedding right next to the trail. I'd feel weird hiking by during the ceremony. It was a pretty spot though. I heard rumors about a "Hiker Feed" and hurried into Caledonia State Park at the end of the day. Got a burger and ice cream and funnel cake at the snack bar. Then me and a couple hikers searched for and found the hiker feed where some people from Indiana were serving spagetti and stuff for dinner to hikers at their campsite. I'm full for once. You could also stay the night at their site and they were serving breakfast. It was their last day there, so I was very lucky. Very reluctantly, I passed up the breakfast to hike a couple more miles to this shelter. Saw a sign saying it was illegal to kill rattlesnakes because they're endangered in this area. I'm going to reach the halfway point of the trail tomorrow, and will do the half gallon challenge (eating a half gallon of ice cream).