morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-09-20
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 0.0

A zero day, short and sweet. I spent most of the day in the library updating the past week. Then lunch at the only restaurant in town, which was closed on Monday, yesterday, and was the main reason I didn't have dinner there last night. I return to the hiker shelter about 1600. I'd packed completely this morning. (I can't be apart from my "house;" can't even let it out of sight.)Nubz is still there. We rehash his trials and tribulations, at least those of the trail. And he continues to consume adult beverages. I know it's AYCE spaghetti at the restaurant tonight. So does Nubz. And when I mention dinner Nubz begs to go along. But first, apparently, he needs to find some THC, an acquaintance has just driven into the area. I head for the restaurant. I'm started on my first plate when Nubz appears. For the rest of the hour, through my second plate of spaghetti, it takes all of my professional skills and patience to keep him in check and keep the waitress from throwing him (us) out. I, at least, finish the second plate. So much for Nubz' "munchies."Back to the shelter; where I find "Trouble" has arrived. Trouble I met in Waynesboro at that hiker pavilion. He has all the AT hiker gossip. And now he has an audience. The driver and his passenger, and soon Nubz returns with yet more adult beverages. It doesn't take too long before a pipe appears. My clue to dissappear. I try for sleep but there are loud adults passing gossip like water. Eventually I get the light out and fall asleep.
Date: 2016-09-21
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Matts Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Another short, sweet entry as it's a short sweet day. I'm out of the hiker shelter by 0545. My wife and soon are parked across the street. First, coffee for the wife procured from the gas station which doesn't poem until 0600. And apparently danish for my son who believes he will need the extra calories. Then a quick resupply at the Grocery Express next to the dinosaur. Or maybe it's supposed to be "Nessie," the Loch Ness sea serpent. Wonder if anyone here knows how far Loch Ness really is from Glasgow?Purchases complete, we are off to the trailhead. I spend another 45 minutes repackaging and packing. But by 0900 we are afoot; the most level stretch of the day, the 400 foot James River Foot Bridge. (Named after Mr. Foot - really!)One hour and 20 minutes later we have arrived. Seems like I haven't even started. Yet my son is always sleep deprived and tomorrow will be a constant climb. It appears I'm correct. He crashes for about 3 hours; no sleeping pad, no sleeping bag, just wood floor boards. We did have about 45 minutes of entertainment when I tried to toss a line for a bear bag. I just couldn't get the line over the limb. You'd think anyone who played that much ball would be able to throw a rock where he wanted it. Lunch and dinner are done and it now gets dark by 1945. Must be bedtime.
Date: 2016-09-22
From: Matts Creek Shelter 

To: Thunder Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We are off by 0745. It's going to be a long day. We start with a 3100 foot elevation gain; a 5-mile climb. We are together for about 30 minutes then my son lags back. Understandable as he is not quite prepared for this. But he will not give up; never has before. He'll find a pace and keep with it. He's only 15 minutes off my arrival at our lunch spot, Petites Gap. There are several pickup trucks with kennels; they are training dogs for bear hunting. One driver reports the dogs turned a bear over the mountain in front of us. This could be interesting. We continue to the Thunder Hill Overlook on the BRP (Blue Ridge Parkway). I'm constantly on the watch for a bear, particularly down each draw. And there are quite a few. But no bear(s).At the overlook the view is spectacular. One hundred eighty degrees of mountains and valleys. Probably a view of Virginia that few realize exists. The shelter is only about a mile and a half away. We have an easy climb (if there is such a thing) and are soon there. The spring is still flowing and after dinner it appears no one else is going to arrive. I hang the food bag on the first toss. Shortly after dark my son hears something in that vicinity and tells me to light the area. When I do the only thing I see is a mouse walking in front of my nose. No doubt something made noise. Eventually noises subside; all except the gunshot sounds made by acorns hitting the metal roof. Sometimes it is a blessing to be a sound sleeper.
Date: 2016-09-23
From: Thunder Hill Shelter 

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It will be sort of a split day today. The first goal is Cornelius Stream Shelter. Then we'll make decisions on whether we continue to the next shelter or stop for the day. During lunch my son asks questions about the upcoming terrain. The ultimate decision is made to continue the next 5 miles. There are still several climbs. But we make good time (for us) and arrive about 1500. Others arrive in another hour. In fact, 7 of them, all SOBOs. What a sight. SOBOs usually hike alone or in pairs. A group of 7 is highly unlikely. But here they are. And they report an eighth is still behind them. They are not stopping for the day; only a break. They expect to hike another 5 miles to the campground for hamburgers and milkshakes, then continue to at least the next shelter, another 4.8 miles. That would be a 24 mile day. And I don't think that includes the 2.4 mile round trip to and from the trailhead. We stay however and so do Quill and Tim. Both are allegedly hiking north although I am quite sure Quill arrived from the northern side. (There was a blue blaze that went to trailhead parking.) Quill seems to know a bit about the trail but her story didn't always ring quite right.Nonetheless we're stuck here for the night and need to make the best of it. Watching Quill hang her bear bag convinced me of my other observations. Tomorrow will now be a short day.
Date: 2016-09-24
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter 

To: Middle Creek Campground 
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: few clouds

My son is packed and gone in short order this morning. He objected to Quill more than I did. I followed out of the shelter about 20 minutes later. It was a shame; I didn't even take a photo. Bryant Ridge Shelter, a shelter designed for 20 hikers, probably rivals the Fontana Hilton. It was a two story design with windows. One of the SOBOs yesterday did spot a black snake in the loft. I didn't see any mice about though. It was a short hike; only one climb. Then a descent to the road. But it was a descent through ankle twisters. I'd prefer my ankle twisters on ascents if I have to have them please. I'm down to the road at 0900 and we cover the 1.2 miles to the campground by 1015. I'd hoped to sleep in a bed tonight. All of the cabins are taken. (How was I to know it was the owner's father's 89th birthday; all the family was in. Who else would be in the cabins?)So another night in the hammock. Now I hope it doesn't rain. Everything else is under control. First, a shower followed by laundry and then food. Somewhere in there setup hammock and tarp for my son. Along the way he also seems to have "Yogi'd" a spot for dinner. (I should keep him with me; he's really good at it.) There were hamburgers and hot dogs with Tina and Alan. Later there were adult beverages and corn hole with Robert and several others who he had made instant friends. I'm taking a zero tomorrow so a midnight bedtime doesn't sound extreme. And today was like a nero anyway so I'm really not tired. Catching up is a good thing.
Date: 2016-09-25
From: Middle Creek Campground 

To: Middle Creek Campground 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just a hang out day; we're awaiting my son's ride, which is tentatively scheduled for about 1900. Basically he passes the day arranging to watch Red Zone on his phone and eating. I'm planning my next week. Not too bad until the Pittsburgh game starts. Then disaster strikes. Fortunately the game is over by the time Melody arrives. I grab supplies for next week and they leave. I finish milk and cookies and head to bed.
Date: 2016-09-26
From: Middle Creek Campground 

To: Bobblet's Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

It's supposed to rain today so I planned a quick hike. I get a late start since I had to find the owner's husband, no one was manning the store. I got the tab paid and started out. After my usual morning hour climb I feel better. Nothing like hiking uphill. And I haven't gotten my wish - sliding rocks on the climb; ankle twisters on the descents. Midmorning snack at Cove Mountain Shelter; a nice spot but no water source. On to Bobblet's Gap. I'd stopped to talk with a trail maintainer who'd mentioned rain. Of course, shortly thereafter it was. It was strange however. It seemed I was above the clouds some of the time; it only rained when I dropped into or below them. I reach the shelter about 1400. Lunch is longer today; I need hot food to get warm. I finish lunch just before a group of 4 shows up for the night. In short order another 2 arrive. The rain has slowed but a thunderstorm threatens.I move my gear and hang the hammock rear of the shelter. One of the group comments that I was first at the shelter and shouldn't be the first one out. From listening to their conversation it sounded like they got wet last night. No sense in having 2 wet nights. That wasn't the worst. About 2030, in the middle of yet another cloud burst, lightning and thunder, 4 more hikers arrive. They are surprised to find the shelter full, but say they will continue to the next shelter.
Date: 2016-09-27
From: Bobblet's Gap Shelter 

To: Fulhardts Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: moderate rain

I really don't need to be in Daleville until Friday morning. I can shelter hop for the next 2 nights. I start with this in mind. It's wet and I don't go fast. Besides, it's my first-thing-in-the-morning climb.I take a short break at the first BRP overlook. Two guys are watching for the hawk migration. This is the prime time, but there are no hawks to be seen. They do however have an updated weather forecast - severe thunderstorms starting tomorrow morning for the next few days. This changes my plans. I do stop at Wilson Creek Shelter for lunch. And since I ate a cold dinner last night (the rest of the pepperoni rolls delivered by my wife) my lunch will be a cooked, hot meal. While I'm waiting on lunch a NOBO hiker arrives wearing black shorts, blue T-shirt, and carrying a Nalgene bottle marked: "Wallingford CT PBA." Not too obvious, the only thing missing is a hunk of tin on his backpack I think. After lunch I'm off to Fulhardts Knob Shelter. The elevation changes don't look severe. But they turn out to be long and gradual. For me, exceptionally long. I'm just not able to maintain my morning zest after lunch. I do get to the shelter with plenty of daylight left considering sunset is before 1930 now and dark shortly after. There are 4 others there. A pair of SOBO hikers and a mother and son. The SOBOs are not talkative. I think I heard them mention a 25-mile day. I set up away from everyone else; the SOBOs are in the shelter, the mother in a hammock, the son in a tent. I actually have a strong phone signal from my hammock. I start to update entries. There is a loud pop. I'm on the ground. I've no idea how I got here. I hadn't moved left or right. I'm in disbelief lying on the ground. I pick myself up to investigate. I discover my hammock has a lateral rip about 3/4 of the width. It's like the banana peel split and everything inside fell outside. Well, that leaves my other option. There are only 2 in the shelter. I make it 3. It's 2100 and I don't even disturb them. I'm probably asleep within 20 minutes.
Date: 2016-09-28
From: Fulhardts Knob Shelter 

To: Daleville VA 
Miles today: 5.0

Trail magic - just when you need something the trail provides whatever. If I'd shelter hopped and the hammock had "popped" at Wilson Creek I'd either have had a long hike into Daleville or spent 2 nights on the shelter floors. As it was I spent 1 night on the floor and had a short hike into town. A Nero. I'm in town in time for a late breakfast. Then an early dinner, service is great as few eat dinner late afternoon. Except for old people...is that what I'm becoming? Or maybe I'm just a smart hiker. Fortunately I finished my laundry and got my gear dry before the thunderstorms. My day is complete.
Date: 2016-09-29
From: Daleville VA 

To: Daleville VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

It's a zero day. Which I suppose is good as it's raining. First up, a room change; I've figured out the consistent brackish water on the bathroom floor. It occurs about 30 minutes after the toilet is flushed. Not good. And it appears someone knew about the problem; close inspection reveals sealant has been applied. But my gear is dry; my clothes clean. I've been assigned a new room and I've moved my belongings there. It doesn't take long, just one trip - everything I need on my back. The rain has stopped.No rain means I can do a recon trip to "Outdoor Trails," the local gear shop and check out a replacement hammock. Then lunch at Wendy's followed by a haircut and a return to the room. Just getting ready for a short vacation.At 1600 I'm off on a hike to "The Flying Mouse" - "Jamie" reports their beers are numbered. I should try Nos. 3, 4, and 5 at this new brewery. It would have been a shorter hike straight from the trail yesterday, but the hours are limited and it wasn't open then. The owner is the only person there when I arrive. He comments he didn't hear me drive in - obviously. He glances out at the clouds and further comments I may be going home when he leaves; I show him raincoat and hat; he still holds his opinion. There are a total of 4 customers between 1700 and 1900, today's hours of operation. The rain starts, heavily, at 1845. The owner is correct; I gladly accept a ride back to HoJo. The beer was good. A welcome change. No ESPN, no Thursday Night Football.
Date: 2016-09-30
From: Daleville VA

To: Roseland VA
Miles today: 0.0

I'm getting picked up today for an off-trail "vacation." A wedding anniversary celebration.I'd originally arranged for pick up at Cracker Barrel - at place to sit with a roof. But it's raining too hard to even think about walking there. Hiking in the rain is okay; walking in the rain unnecessarily is just that - unnecessary. Pick me up at HoJo - and away we go. To Roseland VA, Hoopla, the Devils Backbone.Where it is still raining, but there is food, beer, and live music.
Date: 2016-10-02
From: Roseland VA

To: Orchard House B&B
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Birthday, Dad. It's been a long weekend with my wife.Hoopla, VA Distillery, Wood Ridge Brewery, Wild Wolf Brewery, and awesome breakfasts at Orcard House B&B. But all things come to an end - but there is beer to send to "Jamie."
Date: 2016-10-03
From: Daleville VA

To: Lambert Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

A late start - packing - groceries - drive to Daleville. Back to the HoJo lot at 1300; hiking by 1400. Somehow I hiked the distance by 1700. There didn't seem to be as much incline, or I'm really rested. I get set up quickly, a new hammock. Then start dinner. Another SOBO couple arrive, "Queen of Slugs" and friend. He didn't say much. I did stop at the campsite about 4/10 of a mile back; there was phone signal. I was hiking uphill and figured it would continue and improve. I was wrong; no signal here.So I crash - bedtime.
Date: 2016-10-04
From: Lambert Meadows Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 16.3

The first item on today's agenda is breakfast. But I want to hike to Tinker Cliffs for breakfast. So I'm hiking as soon as it's light. And as soon as I remove slugs from my gear. I hadn't even thought about slugs, let alone had any on gear until this morning - Queen of Slugs appears and ... 2 slugs - more like Dreadful Queen.Within several hundred yards I see the first bear, a cub actually. Probably no larger than a Rotweiller. It crosses the trail about 50 yards in front of me. It is also bear season in Virginia. Then the second bear, same size, same direction, uphill to my right. So I stop to locate the sow, she can't be too far off. She appears in the same area as the cubs. But she stops about 50 yards forward and 50 yards to my left. I was in a hurry; I'm not now. She can cross at her convenience. She doesn't cross but starts toward me, parallel the trail, 50 yards off. So I guess we dance. She parallels the trail. I face her but step backwards and sideways while she gets behind me. Eventually she crosses the trail to the high side. The only thing I can figure is the second cub went uphill and drifted to the right, my rear; I'd watched the first cub cross, climb, and turn left, forward of my location. I'd lost track of the second cub while looking for the sow. She must have wanted to round up the second cub. When she got about 50 or 60 yards on the other side I slowly moved off. The sow however kept me in sight moving parallel the trail for about another 300 yards. I never saw the cubs again, but I did manage a photo or two of the sow. There are 4 deer this morning as well. So breakfast was delayed. But Tinker Cliffs provided an excellent view and relative peace and quiet - except for the loud red blanket someone had hung on a limb out by the edge. There was a tent back off the trail. I did have a thought to send the blanket off the cliff. The thought passed and I found a different secluded spot along the cliff. Next - lunch, on McAfee Knob. I'm there by 1030. I've expected it to be crowded; it's a popular spot and accessible with a moderate hike from another trailhead. I can hear voices but see no one. More peace, quiet, and tranquillity. Then about 1125 I start to see people - everywhere. I guess lunch is over. On toward dinner - VA 311 - and an AYCE place called Homeplace Restaurant. I stop at the trailhead parking lot and check. There is a hostel that provides a shuttle to the restaurant, but only Thursday through Sunday. I figure out why; the restaurant is only open those days. So my hike continues.On to Four Pines Hostel. There by 1710, a trip to the store for a burger and fries. A hot shower then bedtime.
Date: 2016-10-05
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: VA 621
Miles today: 15.4

Today's breakfast will be at the Audie Murphy Monument. As usual I start the day with my morning climb. It's not too bad; I got a late start, about 0930, and arrive at the monument about 1100. I called home and arranged a mail drop; there was phone signal on the ridge.Then on to a late lunch on Dragon's Tooth. Joe, who dropped me off (it's a slack pack day) was okay with a short section hike, about 8.0 miles. I meet him hiking the opposite direction a half hour after my breakfast. As usual, up one side, down the other. Repeat. Again, not too bad. But the I start down the ridge. Up, down, rocks, up, down, rocks - repeat. The longest 4 miles I think I've hiked to this point. I finally arrive about 1500 and have lunch "in the dragon's mouth?" (behind the Dragon's Tooth). Great views. Everyone should have lunch here - al fresco seating, no reservations required, spectacular views - but bring your own (food) 'cause they don't serve and you will be hungry when you get here.Only 3 miles to Four Pines. This wasn't mentioned anywhere - a rock scramble - some vertical issues - you can tell - someone has mounted rebar on some of the faces. And it's downhill for me. But it was accomplished. Only 2 slips, both of which ended with my right hip against a rock face.Comet and JetPack didn't mention this. They were quite happy to put a face with the viper stamp; they're a day ahead, at least, now. Youth.At Four Pines - dinner. A double cheeseburger (disassembled) with French fries and 2 large fried eggs on toasted bun. There are chickens here, fresh eggs daily.
Date: 2016-10-06
From: VA 621

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

An earlier start today, but colder. Today's morning climb put me on a ridge. There are probably a lot of good views. I was on exposed rock slopes for quite a while. But there are no views today. Only clouds and wind, a really brief shower with an even briefer splash of hail. Slick rock slopes. Another slip, or two, where I stop with my right hip against a rock face. The cold damp breeze continues.Then a complete change for the afternoon - sunshine, open fields, wide open spaces. And the afternoon climb back into the woods and onto the ridge.But Laurel Creek by 1600. Chores. Dinner. Dark - bedtime.
Date: 2015-09-17
To: The Time has Come.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"I'm packing my bags for the Misty Mountains, Where the spirits go now, Over the hills where the spirit flies". It seems just last week the idea of taking a six month vacation from life was barely a seed in the ground. Now its mid September, I have put in my notice at work, and finally begun to embrace the full excitement to start this journey.The idea came around as I was reluctantly applying for jobs after four years of school. I had played tennis in Grand Junction and was ready for a change of scenery. However, I had not given a single thought to what I wanted to do. Up until this point everything in my life had been decided. I started writing songs shortly after picking up a guitar when I was 16, and had obsessed over every aspect of music in college. Through the college years the songs got polished, as well as my playing and performing. This became my passion. Now looking back its hard to see myself falling into anything besides music, save the outdoors.I decided to return home for some reflecting and planning. knowing full well it was just a pit-stop. After enjoying some time to myself, playing music every day, buying a few motorcycles, and stumbling upon new interests I rediscovered what I was looking for, The Appalachian trail. In all its glory and mystery. Winding through 14 states and 2200 miles, the challenging trail intrigued me. Knowing 3 million people cant be wrong I started investigating. After I indulged in some A.T. literature, my interest was at its peak, so i started collecting gear, knowledge, anything that would help me along the way.I am in high spirits for my hike. So much happening at this time in my life, I am looking forward to really considering how i want to spend my days.