morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Pearisburg

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Leah finished up her exam early and we were back on the road to Pearisburg. I stopped by the post office and grabbed my dropbox my dad had mailed to me. Then, I stopped by Food Lion to get some butter and brown sugar. According to Nacho Libre, butter and brown sugar make everything taste better so I thought I'd give it a shot. I told Leah about the hostel, and how it was more like an awesome B&B, so we decided to go to Woods Hole Hostel. They were excited and surprised to see me again so soon. We had a good time there and there was a few hikers staying there that I had previously met on the trail, including Nacho Libre. Leah got to meet some cool people, and we went on a short walk on the trail. Now she can say she's been on the AT
Date: 2015-03-31
To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

Leah and I woke early this morning at 06:15. We skipped the hiker breakfast at the hostel and left at 07:30. She dropped me off in Pearisburg, where I had originally got off the trail. We said our goodbyes and I was on my way. About a mile in I reached in my pocket to turn my phone on airplane mode to conserve battery. The only problem my phone wasn't there. It was in Leah's car. Great. I had no way to call her and tell her and I knew my family would freak out if they couldn't get ahold of me. I hiked as fast as I could to the road and spotted a Ford dealership. I entered, explained the situation to the gentleman behind the counter, and he let me use his phone. I was able to get ahold of Leah and luckily she hadn't gone far. She turned around and I was able to get my phone back. She thinks I did it on purpose so I could see her again. Ehh, she might be right. We said our goodbyes for the second time and my early start had now turned into a late one with 23 miles to go. Some good climbs today and my shoulders and waist are a little sore due to the new bag I am trying to break in. I made it here to Baileys Gap Shelter at 17:30 and I'm here by myself tonight. I can't wait to catch back up to Gator and 0311, because it does tend to get a little lonely and eerie at night time when you are by yourself. Anyways, big day tomorrow, gonna get some rest.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: clear sky

My longest day yet. I slept through my alarm set for 06:00 on my wrist watch. I woke at 06:45 and was moving by 07:30. I was making decent time when I arrived at the first shelter, 9 miles out, in less than 3 hours. Then the climbs began. The first one was 2.5 miles up and pretty rugged. I had to stop halfway up, due to some cramps. After getting to the top, it plateaued for about a mile then brought me straight back down. I crossed VA 42 at about 2:30 and had 10 miles more to Niday. I came to find out that these 10 miles were probably the hardest 10 I've come across so far. I finally got into Niday Shelter at about 18:30 and luckily there are two SoBo section hikers here. I won't be by myself tonight! Gator and 0311 signed the log book here and it seems they stayed the night last night. I'm only a day behind! Have another big day tomorrow and supposedly the hardest part of all VA, climbing Dragons Tooth Mtn. That being said, I'll be getting some rest now. Goodnight.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Niday Shelter

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: few clouds

I developed a few new blisters today. Both of them on my two pinky toes. The pinky toe doesn't even serve a significant purpose. I wish I could just chop the damn thing off.It is said, that Dragon's Tooth Ridge is the hardest part of all Virginia. Well I admit, Dragon's Tooth kicked my ass today but I conquered it, nonetheless. The climbs were incredibly steep. Forget trekking poles! I had to collapse my poles and put them on my bag and literally rock climb a good portion of the ridge today. Saw a lot of day hikers today enjoying their Easter break. Half of them thought it was incredible to meet a thru hiker, the other half just thought I was homeless. Honestly, I don't mind being thought of as homeless. That's when people really start to give out the food and water so hey, being homeless isn't too bad. Anyways pulled another big day today into Catawba Shelter just 17.5 miles out from Dalesville. Will catch up with 0311 and Gator there. I plan to wake up early and hike 1.5 miles up to McAfees Knob to watch the sunrise, before making my short hike into town. Ohh I forgot to mention I found a thermolite bag liner here at the shelter, basically brand new!! A little token to send home
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Dalesville
Miles today: 17.5

Woke at 05:00 this morning so I could get an early start and hike 2 miles up to McAfees Knob to watch the sunrise. It was awesome. I really enjoyed starting out that early. Yeah, the waking up part sucks but I had made 15 miles before afternoon and it just felt good. Really cool views today between McAfees Knob and Tinker Cliffs, took some cool pictures and videos. Unfortunately blisters are getting really bad due to my feet swelling and getting bigger, and my boots staying the same size 10 that they came in. I talked to my dad and he is going to return my Oboz to REI and have a half size bigger Lowa's shipped out to me. Both my dad and my Nanny have helped tremendously with my food and gear and support. Thanks guys, love you! I got into Dalesville today just after 13:00 and met back up with 0311. He got a room here at the Howard Johnson and is letting me crash here on the floor so I can avoid the costs of Lodging. I remember in early March how I thought the Shenandoahs would never come, now they are just a short 5 days away! Time is flying on the trail and it's almost kind of sad to have almost half of the trail already behind me. At the same time I'm as anxious as ever to see what lies ahead on the trail!
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Dalesville

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

After clearing out Howard Johnson Inn's continental breakfast, 0311 and I got a late start getting on the trail at 10:00. We decided we would just pull a short day today and do 18.5 to Bobblets. A little sluggish starting out. Think it may have had something to do with the pound and a half of raw cookie dough and half gallon of milk consumed the night before. Who knows. We made Fullhardt Knob by 11:30 and still had 13.5 miles to go. We picked up our pace a bit and got into camp at 16:30. The stream is only about 30 ft from the shelter AND the privy has a door on it. Sure does feel good to be pampered once in awhile! Big day tomorrow, gonna get some rest. Just a few days out from the Shenandoahs, I can't wait!
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Thunderhill Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

Very chilly this morning so I ignored my alarm and slept in to almost 07:00. Got moving at 08:00 and made good time in to Middle Creek Campground. Garret and Alan, son and father sectioners, stayed with us last night at Bobblets. Garret hiked with us to Middle Creek today where his father, Alan, was waiting at the road and gave us a lift to the campground. I retrieved my Dropbox, and then Alan generously treated us to lunch. We burned about 2 hours there and still had 14 miles to go... all up hill. Got into camp late at 19:30 and 0311 shortly after. A section hiker came in about 30 mins later and told us Garret was going home unfortunately. I guess he wasn't feeling well or maybe just having a bad day but Garret's and Alan's company were a pleasure and I hope they have safe travels home. The next three days are going to be pretty rough with huge elevation changes and big miles but the reward, the Shenandoahs, will be worth it!
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Thunderhill Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.8

Change of plans. Today I realized that I am moving a bit too fast. I am meeting my grandfather at the Skyline Lodge where 33 crosses over, on Saturday. Well that is only about 94 miles away from where I am now. 20+ miles a day would have me there by Thursday, 3 days too soon. Chris and I decided to stop short at Johns hollow today only 16.8 miles in. We figured out a schedule to put us at Skyline Lodge(mile 880) by Saturday. It involves some lower mileage days which my blisters are so ever grateful for. In camp early, hangin the hammock!
Date: 2015-04-07
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

Another easy day today. Had a beastly climb first thing in the morning. I personally enjoy climbing in the morning. It wakes me up, gets the blood pumping, and the sweat dripping. Plus it's better to just knock out those big climbs early with fresh legs.Easy rest of the day after climbing Punchbowl and Bluff Mountain. Got into camp right after 15:00. Made good time today considering the late start and often breaks. Shortly after arriving at camp, a herd of about 16 hikers came rolling SoBo around the turn. It was a school field trip for an adventure class doing a 36 mile south hike. Really cool group of kids and hilarious to see what they pack out: steel pots, grill rack, and splitting malls! Talked with them for a bit, scored some cookies and chocolate espresso beans, then wandered back to my bag. Big climb in the morning, night.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a nice climb first thing in the morning. Beastly 4+ miles up and a ridiculous amount of false summits. Felt good to reach the top.. despite the sweat in my eyes and countless spiderwebs draping across my face. It was easy going from there with only about 17 miles to go. About 5 miles down the trail, we came across Salt Log Gap. There was a campsite with 3 huge empty tents and enough food to feed an army spread across the ground. I laid eyes upon a half eaten Hershey's bar first and made quick work of that. Then 0311 and I searched the premises, found no one, and came back to re supply our food bags. We made out with a 1lb chocolate bar, 32 rice crispy treats, and a box full of juice pouches. Lunch was good. After stuffing our faces we knocked out the remainder of the day fairly quick and got into Priest Mtn Shelter just before 17:00. Within 30 minutes of arriving, the skies turned black, the temps dropped, and Mother Nature decided to really sock us good. I was kept up almost the whole night due to the hail, lightning, and thunder. Biggest Storm yet on the trail!
Date: 2015-04-09
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a really late start this morning and it felt good. Actually got to sleep in past 07:00. 0311 and I were moving at about 09:00. It was a short climb to the the top of The Priest, and the views were absolutely spectacular. I took my sweet time, since I knew today was only a mere 13 miles. Five miles in, 0311 and I arrived at a road crossing at the bottom of The Priest. We hitched into town for a small 1 day re supply to last us until Skyline Drive. The hitch in was fine, it was the hitch out that proved to be much harder than expected. You know, I never stop and pick up hitch hikers, but after this trip, maybe I'll think twice. Finally, we caught a ride back to the trail head. It was our last big climb for the next few hundred miles. Three Ridges Mountain. I had my first energy drink today since I've been on the trail. It hit me like a train. I remember drinking the energy drink, a big blur, then I was at the top of Three Ridges Mountain. 7 miles straight up. I passed 4 hikers on my way up. They probably thought I was trying to show off and run up the mountain but I couldn't help it, I was just in GO mode. I felt like a million bucks today. My feet felt good, mind felt good, and I was just high on life. It was a wet day today walking through cloud cover all day long. Everything is starting to get damp. I'm not too worried, I'll be in the Shenandoahs tomorrow! Today was a great day and I still am just as excited to be out here as I was stepping onto Springer Mtn!
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: moderate rain

Today was an awesome day. Easy hiking all day long! Couple rock fields to cross over it smooth sailing other than that. I saw my first bear today about 14 miles in. I had thought that a huge black dog was I front of me until the "dog" turned around and looked at me. It turns out it was not a dog at all but a black bear. I wasn't frightened like I suspected I would be if I saw a bear, instead I was excited and reached for my phone as quick as I could to get pictures. I was able to get a video of him running away from me. 850 miles in... about time I see a bear! 0311 and I made good time into rockfish gap after the bear sighting and walked down to the Colony House Motel to retrieve Chris's Dropbox. We decided to stay the night there due to the big thunderstorm rolling in. Going to get a good nights rest before tomorrow!
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early this morning and got back on trail by 08:00. Signed the Shenandoah Backcountry permit and we were off into the smooth Shenandoahs. Miles literally flew by today. Before we knew it we were at the first shelter 9 miles in. Stopped for a quick snack, and started up. The difference between the Shenandoahs and the rest of the trail is incredible. There is still hills here, but the trail is clear and smooth dirt and it's easy to keep every bit of a 3mph pace. We got into Blackrock Gap today where my grandfather was supposed to pick us up but we figured we would hitch 17 miles north to make the drive easier on him. We found a cool girl Liza, who actually hiked a few miles with us then gave us a ride up the road. My grandpa met us there and we are back at the Massanutten Resort where we will be taking a zero tomorrow! Had an absolute Italian feast waiting for us back here at the town house! Awesome first day in the Shenandoahs and ending it right with family, friends, and food.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Blackrock Gap

To: Massanutten Resort
Miles today: 0.0

The guys and I had one hell of a zero today! We went to the indoor water park and enjoyed some nice hydrotherapy then proceeded to stuff our faces at the grill&bar. After a relaxing day at the park, we hiked back to the resort. Turned on the tube and enjoyed a little R&R for the remainder of the day.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Massanutten Resort

To: Unknown
Miles today: 20.0

I didn't hike out with Gator and Chris today due to puking my brains out all last night. I ate some greasy bbq last night and it didn't settle well. As a result I slept out on the porch throwing up all night. Gator and Chris hiked out today without me until I hiked out myself when I felt better. I had lost my map so I had no clue where I was I just hiked until I was tired and made camp. Long day, feel crappy, and going to bed.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: overcast clouds

So I woke up and the stomach bug is back again. This sucks. Had a 30 mile day in front of me and my entire body ached, I felt weak, and wanted to puke all day long. Gator was up early and moving before 07:00. Chris and I lingered a bit and started to move just after 07:30. Really slow start and by 1:00 we had only cleared 11 miles. Took a small break at Byrds Nest Hut and got going again. 15.6 miles in we came across Gator posted up at Pass Mountain Hut. He said his legs were hurting and he was gonna call it a day at Pass Mtn. I met a section hiker there who generously gave me a strong antacid pill, which helped dramatically with my upset stomach. Chris and I pushed the extra 13 miles into Gravel Springs and showed up just before dark. Long, long, longggg day today and my feet are really feeling the miles. Cooking a quick fix, then off to bed.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Bittersweet today leaving the Shenandoahs. I really enjoyed hiking through such a beautiful place and experiencing such amazing wildlife. The deer and squirrels act as if they are pets.The trail itself was also easy going and well maintained. It crossed skyline drive a total of 27 times and we pigged out at the waysides a total of too many times. Just a short 10 miles in today we crossed the northern border of Shanendoah National Park. The remainder of the day turned out to be fairly easy hiking and we got into camp at 17:00. Nice little shelter here sitting right on the ridge line. I cooked the last of my dinners tonight, because tomorrow I will be meeting my mom at Bears Den in Bluemont, VA! 1000 miles tomorrow!!!
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 23.0

0311 and I broke camp early this morning and started off at a good pace. Just a few miles in we crossed into Skyland Meadows state park. We enjoyed beautiful and easy hiking through big meadows and dense green woods. We got to Rods Hollow Shelter by noon and had arrived at the south entrance of the Roller Coaster. The Roller Coaster is 14 miles on the Appalachian Trail that consists of steep ascents and descents all packed tightly together. It was hell. Surprisingly, we made decent time through the Roller Coaster. I guess that whatever we lacked going uphill we gained right back coming down. We finally arrived at the Bears Den Hostel, 1002.9 miles in, at around 15:30. I met my mom there and we got a ride with her back to the house she rented in Harpers Ferry, where we will be crashing for the night. We will get dropped back off tomorrow at Bears Den and hike into Harpers Ferry where my father, grandmother, aunt, and stepmom will be waiting for me. Awesome house I'm staying in now! Gary Hill's house that he rented out to us, pretty cool!
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm not accustomed to waking to the smell of hot cakes and bacon!My mom woke early and cooked a wonderful breakfast for 0311 and myself and my little sister, Gwen. We ate our fill before taking off to Bears Den. We got there at about 08:30 and my mom and Gwen wanted to hike a few miles with us before returning to the car. Little did they know, they were on the Roller Coaster. About a mile in they called it quits and hiked back. I took off at a good pace and caught Gator just a few hours later. We hiked to Keys gap where my mom and sister had met us again and brought us lunch. 0311 arrived minutes later. Before getting back on the trail, my 8 year old sister decided she wanted to hike the remaining 6.3 miles with me. I told her no, that she would slow me down, yet she insisted. I gave in and brought her along. Turns out I was the one slowing her down! She did a great job and we got the 6.3 miles done in less that 2 hours. It was all I could do to keep up!After arriving in Harpers Ferry I hiked down to the Potomac Grille where my grandma, father, aunt, and stepmom were all waiting for me. It was such a nice treat to see all of them. I didn't know just how much I missed my family until I actually got to see them. I shared trail stories with them and we were able to enjoy a cold ice cream on this 80 degree day. My dad cracked jokes about me looking like I just survived the Donner Party as my grandmother told all of Harpers Ferry that she was THE proud Grandmother. I had a great time visiting with them and saw them off this evening before packing it up and getting ready to hike out tomorrow. I hope my family made/makes safe travels home and will see them soon!
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Another killer breakfast this morning! My mom woke early once again and had all the fixins' ready for us bright n early. We ate good then got a fashionably late start out of Harpers Ferry. My mom and sister, Gwen, hiked with us for about 2 miles onto the C&O Toe Path before we said our goodbyes. It was sad to see them go. Seeing my family these past two days has made me miss home that much more. The thought of actually going home has come into my head a few times now. Yet, I know my journey is not over nor do I wish it to be, until I summit Katahdin. I enjoyed hiking in my home state today, Maryland, and am looking forward to finishing it up tomorrow. 0311 and I pulled into Pine Knob just before the rain started. Unfortunately, the shelter is full so looks like it's time to hang the hammock.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

I awoke this morning to a sopping wet sleeping bag and tiny puddles collected everywhere in my closed cell foam sleeping pad. Last night I decided to ditch the hammock and squeeze into the already over crowded shelter. The section hikers were willing to make room for me. I had managed to find the one leak in the roof and had not realized it until all of my stuff was already wet. Annoyed, I messily packed everything into my bag this morning and got going. My original plan was to push 25 miles with 0311 to the next shelter but I'm sick and tired of sleeping in a wet bag so I thought I'd join Gator into town tonight at Waynesboro. About 10 miles in there was a stream about 2 feet higher than normal due to all the rain. We had to take our boots and socks off and ford our first serious stream. It came about waist deep and was numbing my cold. I will admit it did kind of feel good on my feet though. About a half mile before crossing the Mason Dixon line we experienced the best trail magic yet! A trail angel, Vicki, was waiting at Penmar State park with a grill and everything you could think of at a cook out. We enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, sodas, fruits and much more! Vicki is awesome!!!After spending an hour or so with Vicki we hiked out of the park and into PA. Maryland was a pleasure to hike through at times but it was also a pain trying to rock hop through the Boulder fields. I'm excited to get Pennsylvania and all of its rockiness over with! We got into Waynesboro at around 15:00 to the B&B we decided to stay at, and it turned out Gators parents had picked up the tab!.. thanks guys! Today was filled with trail magic and I'm looking forward to start putting PA behind me tomorrow!
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Waynesboro, PA

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Decided upon a small day today due to the late start out of town this morning. Gator and I enjoyed a nice breakfast at The Burgandy B&B in Waynesboro this morning. Then David shuttled us back to Penmar Rd, where we stopped hiking yesterday. Really easy hiking today with a few rock patches here and there but nothing too bad for the most part. Supposedly Pennsylvania doesn't really turn into Rocksylvania until after Duncanan. We got into the shelter today at about 16:30. Quarry Gap is by far one of the best shelters Ive been too so far. Definitely a lot of time and effort put into this shelter. The PATC is awesome and I've loved how they have kept and maintained to the trail so far. Gator and I have three 30+ mile days planned for this week to get through PA in about 8 days, so we will see how this turns out!
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Gator and I were up making our coffee before 06:00 this morning. I've never liked black coffee and am still not getting used to it. Disregarding the taste, it does the trick and gets me going in the mornings. We had a good start and the trail was fairly nice for the better part of the day. Just ten miles in, Gator and I came upon a sign; it was the official 2015 AT Midpoint! I felt excited due to having more than half of the trail completed but at the same time I felt a bit sad that more than half the trail is behind me. Gator and I got to camp early at about 15:30 and had some awesome company at James Fry for the night; an English man, German woman, and a Native American. They even built a fire, it is a good night.