morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-05-17
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

There was a loud bird singing as I tried to go to sleep (I think it¢s the one same one we¢ve had in Wharton forest before) which was super annoying. However once I fell asleep slept pretty good. Had to add a layer around 1. Left camp about 7:30 heading for a picnic area to eat breakfast. Long uphill right out of camp but led to the first of many spectacular views.Couple miles down the trail saw 53, Harmony, Orbitz and Sparkles just as Harmony¢s trail mom arrived with birthday goodies for her.  Two donuts and a bunch of clementines rounded out mid morning snack. Hiked with them until we stopped for lunch at the Loft Mt Store. I grabbed a freal smoothie and then got some lunch from the trail magic Relish and Play by Play (twin sisters) parents were providing. They had a bunch of outlets at the store so also topped off the phone and power brick. Heading out from lunch was a long uphill with limited shade that was a tough climb however the wildflowers were spectacular along the trail for extended portions. Every mile it seemed there was another great view. For me it¢s all new and I¢ve been doing the touristy pictures while the others walk past. However I caught Harmony¢s group stopped and admiring the view at what turned out to be the last one of the day. I¢m camped at a tent site near the Pinefield shelter listening to the large creek rushing by. No cell service here. Not sure yet of the plans for tomorrow. Might hit Elkton for resupply, shower and laundry but I have almost enough food to make Luray which is about 2 days further and there¢s a camp store in between to restock. Steps 29900Weather Forecast: 74/45 but felt warmer. Sunny skies all day. AT trail Mile add 864.2
Date: 2022-05-18
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Small Ax Hostel 
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: few clouds

Had a nice flat camp site off to the side in the woods so was actually pretty quiet and got a pretty good nights sleep. Waking up about 5:45 but snoozing until 6:15 or so. For having so little stuff it¢s amazing how long it takes to get to get packed up, gather water, cook and eat, finish loading the pack and het hiking. Started settling into a routine for the day which is basically broken into the need for water stops or how far away is the next water source and trail terrain to determine how much to carry. Once arrive at camp setup tent and then sleeping stuff. Gather all food from pack into bear bag and head down to shelter table to cook dinner and socialize. Still at the back of the pack leaving and some fast kids quickly caught me. Only saw a couple of hikers today in total. Caught up to Papi briefly at High Top and Sparkles(2) passed me there while I was eating lunch. The wildflowers were really stunning and the Trillium were in full force. Thousands covering Hight Top Mt. A couple of really good views including the lunch spot on High Top.Was running out of some supplies and certain foods so decided to exit at Swift Run Gap and stay the night in Small Ax Hostel in Elkton VA. Caught up with Sparkles(2) at the gap and got a ride into Elkton with a weekend hiker. Had a stop at the Appalachian Trail outfitter and got some tuna and chicken packets out of the hiker box there and got a shower as well. Grabbed a beer at the Elkton brewery on the way. The hostel is a converted barn on a working farm. There was a big dinner including a massive salad and a fantastic strawberry covered pound cake. Staying here with Orchid and Red (Irish) as well.Planning to take a zero or two nero (nearly zero) in Lurray which is in 34 miles but the shelters don¢t line up well so not sure of the plan yet. Steps 23500Weather Forecast: 76/62 but felt warmer. Sunny skies all day. AT trail Mile add 864.2
Date: 2022-05-19
From: Small Ax Hostel 

To: Stealth Camp Site
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

So stayed in the Small Axe Hostile last night which is a converted barn with Red, Orchid, Sparkles and lots of pigs, goats, and sheep. I got their dinner and breakfast which were huge. Had rice, beans, and sausage for dinner with a massive salad and a strawberry covered poundcake for desert. Eggs , sausage, a chocolate pastry and lots of fruit for breakfast. The Hostel had a very friendly young orange tabby so I got some kitty pets in. Got a ride back to the Swift Run Gap with Wayne the shuttle driver along with Sparkles. Today marked the first day when we started entering the green tunnel as everything was emerald green for the first couple of miles. It had rained overnight but the trail was not actually too wet. I did a couple things at the trail head and ended up not catching Sparkles until lunch. Met up with Orchid, Relish, Play-by-play, Big Hunger and couple other hikers at the Louis campground where I had lunch. Other than that I ended up hiking by myself most of the day although I got passed by a couple of hikers after lunch. I continued on past the next hut as I¢m trying to make it to Luray, VA which is a little over 30 miles away from Swift Run Gap so trying to split the difference.  Climbed Bearface Mt and took the rock scramble to a 360° view of Shenandoah which is just absolutely stunning and well worth the side trail. I did it without the backpack as I left the backpack on side of trail. At Hazeltop mountain there were some very nice sites that would¢ve had a view of a sunset but I did not have enough water so I pushed onto the next water source. I camped in a grassy meadow. I was planning to cowboy camp but by the time I got the ground sheet laid out it already had one spider and two Beatles crawling on it so decided to pitch the tent instead. Talked to Sheila a little bit and caught up with some of the news from home. Today marked the longest backpacking trip I¢ve done in terms of both mileage and days.Today was also the longest day so far on this trip and I was definitely getting a little bit tired at the end of the day. I was just making slow steady progress but otherwise still feeling pretty good. The left knee was a tiny bit sore at the end of the day but otherwise not too bad and muscles generally feel good.  My feet are holding up well and so far my neuroma toe has not had any kind of problems which is fantastic - shout out to Dr. Cafengiu for the insoles and met pad. About the only issue I¢m having is the toenail on my right pinky toe, which I messed up a bit in training, bugs me a little bit if I don¢t put the Leuko tape on it. Otherwise I can¢t complain. Steps 33300Weather Forecast: Sunny skies all day.AT trail Mile add 864.2
Date: 2022-05-20
From: Stealth Camp Site

To: Skyland Resort
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Slept OK last night. So far I wouldn¢t say I¢m sleeping great and probably getting to sleep a bit late. Not feeling that tired but I¢m guessing it¢s not the best for recovery. Decided I would eat breakfast at the Big Meadows Campground so packed up and left. Today was the first day I had any real foot issues. Was wearing the Injinji hiking toe socks and was getting a hot spot on my big toe. Stopped and tried twice to solve the problem before finally switching the right foot sock to the Farm to Feet which had been my sleep socks. I hiked with Traipse briefly, a NOBO LASH (Long Ass Section Hiker) but I ended up hiking most of the day by myself. That was similar to yesterday but with the foot problems and the building heat felt like the first day I really had to work hard for the miles. I have not had the opportunity to eat at the Shenandoah Waysides yet. Most of the full restaurants open in June but some of the other¢s like Big Meadows have lunch and dinner options. Apparently the wayside¢s have famous milkshakes. I was looking forward to the Skyland Resort and getting a milkshake but unfortunately they don¢t serve them. Ran into Orchid who was getting a shuttle ride back to Small Axe Hostel. The original plan was to do another 6ish miles to the next shelter and then nero into Luray, VA. However with the heat and foot issues I was tempted back to the hostel by Orchid promising good food, shower, laundry, and a cold creek to sit in.Once we got back to Elkton took a shower and did laundry at the outfitter and then headed back to the brewery. Once we were back at the hostel headed down to the creek to cool off some more. Had a really nice dinner on the porch with all the guests and the hostel family. Was quite breezy overnight so temperatures were quite nice. Slept at Small Ax Hostel Steps 21500Weather Forecast: 91/67 Sunny skies all day. Breezy until the last 2 miles when the heat began building.AT trail Mile add 864.2
Date: 2022-05-21
From: Skyland Resort

To: Thornton Gap
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

We all woke up at 5:10 to get an early start to beat the heat. Got breakfast to go from the hostel (4 hard boiled eggs, sausage, chocolate banana nut bread and fruit) and got picked up at 6 by Wayne our shuttle driver. Orchid and I were dropped off at the Skyland Resort about 7. The plan was to do about 10 miles to Thornton Gap before noon when Alison from the Open Arms Hostel was picking up Grass, Sam and Frodo. Orchid was my caboose all day as I have a more consistent up and down pace. We ended up on the windy side of the ridge for much of the day so the heat wasn¢t too bad in the morning. There were a number of really nice views looking into the valley and the Massanutten Mountains spaced throughout the day. Not as many wildflowers today. The heat started really building for the last 2-3 miles and we ended up on the wind shadow side of the ridge. Up at elevation there are still one or two species of trees that are not fully leafed out. As a result the top of the ridge is still very exposed to the sun. Took the side trail to Mary¢s Rock and then descended into Thornton Gap. That trail was crowded with day hikers and was easily the most people I¢ve seen in the park. It was also the longest sustained descent as well. Got to the pickup point about 2 minutes before the shuttle.Got some Mexican takeout for lunch and dinner and stopped at the local brewery with Orchid. Currently sitting in the Hostel A/C still recovering from the day (definitely feeling the heat) and working on the plan for next week. Looks like if all goes well I¢ll be in Harpers Ferry next weekend. Two dogs and three cats at the hostel. Currently the plan is to Slackpack 10 miles from Rattlesnake Overlook back to Thornton Gap Sunday before the heat and stay at the Hostel again Steps 19800Weather Forecast: 92/67 Sunny skies all day. Breezy until the last 3 miles when the heat really built up. AT trail Mile add 864.2
Date: 2022-05-22
From: Thornton Gap

To: Rattlesnake Overlook
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept pretty good last night in a real bed and pillow. Shared a room with 3 others who where pretty quiet. Ate breakfast and then headed out on the shuttle to Rattlesnake Overlook along with Orchid and Pancake. My plan today was to do an easy 10 miles Southbound (SOBO) while making progress northbound (NOBO). Today was my turn to tempt Orchid as she was originally planning to zero but decided to accompany me. I borrowed a day pack from the hostel which was a sparkly unicorn pack which had my Duckie attached to it. As it turned out the only view of the day was at the drop off point. The rest of the time we were enclosed in the woods with only the occasional glimpse of the valley through the trees. I did see a turtle and Lady Slipper which are a rarity. The trail was relatively easy and we finished at noon. One of the best things about going in the opposite direction is that you run into people that you have lost track of whether they were in front or behind you. Ran intoWater Break and Tick Magnet along with Fire Bug (Bill) who are slacking the park. Then Fancy Pants along with Pumpkin and Dad Joke who are section hiking and got some good jokes. And finally Pilgrim and Ted (who lost Bill from their excellent adventure) from night one. I had resupplied last night and spent some of the afternoon going over food and where we are going and getting rid of some extra food. I¢m carrying out 9 lbs of food for 4 days but should not need food that last night. Big storm rolled through about dinner time and combined with the heat and time I¢ve been out was happy for the short day today.  Should hit mile 100 tomorrow and leave Shenandoah park as well. Looks like about 13-14 miles per day again week with possibly a big day into Harpers Ferry. Slept at Open Arms Hostel Steps 21700Weather Forecast: 90/56 Sunny skies all day. AT trail Mile add 864.2
Date: 2022-05-23
From: Rattlesnake Overlook mile 954.5

To: Tom Floyd Shelter mile 969.2
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up an hour before the alarm this morning and couldn¢t get back to sleep. Ended up watching a video on the bear situation in NJ/NY where they have closed some shelters again this year. Finished packing up with a four day resupply of 9+ lbs of food and pack is up over 28lbs again. We got a shuttle back to the Rattlesnake Overlook and started NOBO again today. Right off the bat we climbed but today we were rewarded with a lot of views all day long. Despite a bunch of ups and downs the trail tread was really good again today with mostly soft packed dirt most of the day. We were passed by Never Better a couple miles into the day and shortly before we had our first interesting trail encounter. Orchid had recently taken over the lead when we turned the corner and saw a tarp camp with American flag setup by the top of South Mt Marshal that was clearly not a hiker camp. Orchid commented that this was the kind of thing that would freak her out if she was by herself. We didn¢t see anyone and headed past to the overlook, which had nice really views. Returning to AT from the overlook I saw a woman and did my typical Hey, how are you today greeting which was returned with a spew of coordinates and a endless outburst of stuff involving the supreme court. It was obvious she had problems of some sort so we pushed on and she was still going as we passed out of earshot. We alerted SOBO hikers and they already knew so it looks like Never Better also woke the bear. Apparently the park service is aware and dealing with but supposedly they only have 2 officers in the park today. We ate lunch on top if North Mt Marshall and then descended down to the Jenkins Gap Trail where I crossed over 100 miles so far. Made up a little marker and took some pictures to mark the occasion. We ended up taking a detour to a rock formation that was somewhat interesting but probably not worth it. Another couple of miles after that we exited Shenandoah National Park. The park has been an excellent start to the journey. On the decent into the Tom Floyd Shelter it started to drizzle however I was able to get the tent setup before it got any heavier. The shelter has a big overhang so easy to cook while dry. Right now it¢s still very light drizzle. Looking at a 13 or 18 mile day tomorrow. Felt good today so we¢ll see. The shelter in 13 miles has bad reviews and the one in 18 miles is relatively newSteps 30500Weather Forecast: 65/45. Cloudy until light rain started about 4AT trail Mile add 864.2
Date: 2022-05-24
From: Tom Floyd Shelter mile 969.2

To: Whiskey Hollow Shelter mile 987.3
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got more sleep than I have been getting last night. Listened to the rain pattering on the tent all night. With the humidity and moisture you give off everything inside the tent ended up slightly damp. Hopefully that won¢t be an issue tonight. Packed up the tent and then headed up to the shelter to cook under the overhang. Again another long pack up although I think a bunch of that was eating. There was a steady light rain all morning despite it supposed to stop early morning. It was weather only a duck could love. Was wearing rain pants and jacket but was definitely sweating as well. Trail was sloppy mud in places but otherwise generally was in good condition. Several good climbs today but not really any views although we did end up going through several pretty meadows.We picked up Pilgrim coming out of Front Royal and hiked with him as well for most of the day. Both Orchid and Pilgrim fell during the day. I slipped on wet boards but didn¢t fall. Very glad for the trekking poles al day long. Stopped at the Jim and Molly Denton shelter for a respite from the rain and to eat the first half of lunch. Stopped raining shortly after we stopped. Took a long rest at the Manassas Gap Shelter and had second half of my lunch. Decided that I¢m feeling pretty good and pushed on to the next shelter 4.5 miles away. Started raining again as we rested. Whiskey Hollow shelter is relatively new and very nice double decker shelter with an extended overhang covering a picnic table. Catchup was here when we got there and there is now wet muddy gear hanging everywhere. I¢m in the shelter tonight. Just the four of us so pretty roomy. Current plan is 18 to Bears Den and then 20 to Harpers Ferry. Steps 31100Weather Forecast: 55/43 with rain. Rainy all morning and also late afternoon Started at AT trail Mile 864.2
Date: 2022-05-25
From: Whiskey Hollow Shelter mile 987.3

To: Bears Den Hostel mile 1005.5
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Apparently there was a very prolific mouse and maybe squirrel at the shelter. Several people had an acorn in one of their shoes and Orchid had her fleece eaten in several places. Found out the next day from Big Hungry that the same thing happened to him the night before. Rain was supposed to stop early in the morning but kept going until lunchtime. The trail was still pretty muddy and as a result either the rain pants, regular pants or your socks and legs get covered in mud. Tactical error in starting out with the convertible legs on as they were wet and muddy and they are one aspect of staying warm on cold nights. Got some nice trail magic about 2 hours into the day. Cooler with gatorade and soda and bin full of a big variety of snacks. Stopped at two shelters today where I had a first and second lunch. Tried to dry socks at lunch but without sun it doesn¢t really work. Trail was very lush and forested for most of the day. No real views and not as many wildflowers. Entered the area known as the Rollercoaster. It¢s an area about 14 miles long with numerous 500ish PUDS (pointless ups and downs). Some weren¢t so bad while others were pretty steep and tough. Pilgrim tends to drop back on the climbs and catch back up on the decent but today we dropped him. Orchid had a couple minute head start after a water gather and pee break. Usually I can catch back up in a couple of minutes but the last two climbs into the hostel were tough and it took almost 3.5 miles to catch her. Bears Den Hostel is in a converted summer estate now owned by the ATC. $35 for a bunk, shower, laundry, pizza and pint of ice cream. 5 bunk beds are in the basement first come first served and I managed to get the last lower bunk. Big Hungry and Fern were at the hostel, none of whom I expected to meet up with again. Sparkles x2 was also there having finished his aqua blaze (canoe from Luray to near Harpers Ferry) VA. Managed to get the tent drier and most of the other wet and muddy items washed. This is what I ate today and I¢m not really that hungry yet. Fully clothed (no shoes) on Hostel scale I weighed 170.Breakfast: Breakfast Essentials drink and 3 oatmeal packetsTrail Magic: 2 mini rice crispy treats, chocolate and Dr PepperLunch: 2 peanut butter and jelly sandwich on tortilla with banana chips Diner: 3/4 DiGorno pizza, 3/4 huge pretzel, 1/2 pint bear, 3/4 pint ice cream. Snacks: dried pineapple, beef jerky, cereal bar and bag of chips Steps 34700Weather Forecast: 72/66 rain ending early AM. Cloudy skies after rain ended mid dayStarted at AT trail Mile 864.2
Date: 2022-05-26
From: Bears Den Hostel mile 1005.5

To: Harpers Ferry mile 1025.2
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Hostel had make your own pancakes but I had oatmeal to lighten the pack. Packed up and on the trail at 7:30. One of the first things was a road crossing of a busy 4 lane divided highway. Waited about 4 minutes before making the mad dash across. Orchid and I have run through family, favorite¢s, etc so to pass the time today we started singing made up songs which soon morphed into me making up limerick¢s for most of the day. For example:There once were some hikers with DuckieWho counted themselves really quite luckyHis lim-ricks were swellAnd went down really wellAnd made the day a little less suckyHad one view in the morning, some new wildflowers and some extended fields of blooming blackberry. Otherwise today was the first time I felt like I was just pushing miles. The morning climbs weren¢t too bad. We caught up with Sunshine and Daisy (Daughter & Mother) and hiked with them for a while until lunch. Mid day the trail was really nice with mostly dry packed dirt and we were able to make good time. Towards the end of the day, the last 3ish miles, the trail got significantly more rocky. Ran into Catch-up who is doing the four state challenge (VA, WV, MD, and PA - 42 miles in 24 hours). No views of Harpers Ferry on the way down into town. The overlook was a mile plus on a side trail and there was a bear siting there as well. Entered my second state today - WV and will soon be in MD as WV is the shortest state. Orchid hit the 300 mile mark today. Spending two nights in Harpers Ferry with Pilgrim and Orchid for a little R&R. Getting back on trail Sat. Next resupply in 4 days at Trail of Hope Hostel. Steps 41100Weather Forecast: 72/66. Mostly cloudy skies all day. Started at AT trail Mile 864.2
Date: 2022-05-27
From: Harpers Ferry mile 1025.2

To: Harpers Ferry mile 1025.2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Took a zero today in Harpers Ferry for some recovery time and to resupply. The town has limited options for pretty much everything. Dinner was a challenge finding anything openIn the morning headed to the ATC Headquarters for the official photograph. I am Flip Flop number 202. Pilgrim is NOBO number 416. Not everyone stops at the headquarters but this gives you an idea of the number of hikers who have come through. In the afternoon caught a shuttle with BG to Charles Town for resupply. Looks like a four day stretch of roughly 16 mile days into the Trail of Hope Hostel and the next resupply. Steps 6500Weather Forecast: 74/59 severe thunderstorm warning. Started at AT trail Mile 864.2