morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Today's hike was my longest hike in a while. I had to add the five miles I did not do yesterday to today¢s mileage to stay on schedule and arrive in Daleville on Sunday. This way I will get to pick up my mail drop early Monday and get back on the trail. The only problem I might have is that I strained the front of my left leg today. I tripped over a root that caused me to stumble. My leg didn't hurt right away but at the end of the day I was really having trouble walking at a good pace. When I arrived at the shelter I immediately went down to the stream and soaked my feet and leg for about fifteen minutes. It feels OK now and I only have nine miles to go tomorrow till I get to town, so I should be fine. A days rest might be necessary so I will be glad to be in town. Today's hike was filled with great view and famous AT places. The first was McAfee Knob. This is a popular spot because you have to hang your feet over edge and get a cool picture. Today was a Saturday so there were so many day hikers at this spot. It was crowded with college students from Virginia Tech, a college not far from here. Another place was Tinkers Cliff. The views were spectacular. I would have enjoyed climbing out on the edge but my leg was hurting so much I just walked by and tried to enjoy the views. Yesterday I decided to cut off my hair. My hair is curly and was pretty long and was starting to be more trouble that I had expected. Being older I decided to see what it would be like to have a crop cut and get rid of my colored hair and let my nature now salt and pepper hair grow in. So at the hostel last night I asked if there were any clippers and there was. I let "Movie Star" have the privilege of sheering my head. It feels much lighter and now I won't need to carry a comb.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.0

Today was the worst day I have had on the trail yet. My leg was very tight and hurt with every step for nine plus miles. I seriously had to play my suck it up card to get through the day. The hike took me five hours or more to go nine miles, ugh! But towards the end of my hike I discovered how to stretch my leg that relieved some of the tightness. I made it to Daleville and checked into the Howard Johnson motel. Just as I got into my room I get a text from "Fly" and "Leprechaun" and they were in Daleville too. So I end my worst day with a great reunion with good friends. They are actually thirty miles ahead of me but it is fun to spend the day with them. I spend my evening taking care of my leg, soaking and icing, and my leg was improving. But I may give it another days rest. Oh yeah, Happy Cinco De Mayo!
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Despite my aching leg I had a pretty nice day. The weather was sunny and warm and the trail was relatively easy. I have a few animals to add to my tally. I saw a salamander and a lizard, different from the last one. I took a picture as the lizard sat still on the log. I think I saw an eagle but it may have been a large hawk. The eagle or hawk flew above me and it was so large with a very wide wing span. The colors were dark brown. I wish I could've got a better look. The streams were flowing very well today although places to get water were spread miles apart. I had to hike down two tenths of a mile to a shelter to get water. Then I had to carry water about three miles to this shelter, Cove Mountain Shelter, for my dinner and breakfast. The trail today included parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a highway that goes through the mountains with many scenic observation places. It is kind of strange to hike along this highway but the views were very nice. One bonus was I got to dump my trash. One thing that we hikers have to do is carry out our own trash from the shelter. As you can imagine there are no trash services way out here. So getting rid of your trash in the middle of a re-supply is very nice. At this shelter I meet up with a few of the faster hikers. "Rabbit" a Virginia Tech student is here. I met him about a week ago and he was getting off for his twentieth birthday. So he has already caught up with me. I also meet a young seventeen year old named "Already Gone"; he is from Vermont. It is very nice to meet these young people who are taking on such an adventure so young.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Thunder Hill

To: Glasgow, Virginia
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

To give myself enough time to get to Glasgow Virginia, I got up and on the trail early today. I received a text from "Fly" that she was getting back on the trail and wanted to meet me in Glasgow. She will still need to slack pack the miles she missed. I also got news that "Leprechaun" is off the trail and back in Alabama. I would like him to know that this trail is all about "hike your own hike" and there will never be any judgment for those that leave. The experience you take back with you is all about what you learned while on the trail. I wish him the best and hope to go to Alabama someday for a visit. Another chance meeting happened to me today. When I was taking a break and situating my pack so I could elevate my feet. I saw some hikers coming up the trail. So I try to move my pack out of the way. I then hear one of the hikers say, "Hey get that pack out of the trail". When I look up it is "Paraguay" and "Twix". They had taken a zero day for Mother's Day and were just getting back. It's really funny how we all get split up and then we meet up again. The trail crosses the James River with the longest footbridge on the AT. The trail going down to town was a gentle downhill slope and my legs seemed to do well. Town days can be very busy especially if you are not zeroing. I had to shop for food and wash my clothes. When I went to get my clothes out of the dryer I discovered all my synthetics stuff was either melted or shrunk. The item that made me mad was my down jacket that was completely ruined. Tonight after dark, all of the hikers gathered around the fire and talked and some had smores. A hiker name "Geppetto" who was hilarious as he tried to make smores with a bag of melted marshmallows. They had left the bag to close to the fire and the whole bag melted.   But hikers never throw away food especially dessert. So they tried to salvage the marshmallows, the mess was funny!
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Glasgow, Virginia

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

I did not get out of Glasgow until eleven O'clock or so because I had to wait for the post office to open and then wait for Ken Wallace, a local who does shuttles.   I walked over to the library while I was waiting for Ken. The local libraries are usually very hiker friendly and let you have access to the computers. I guess I messed up with my weather radio order because the radio was not at the post office when I went in. So I looked up my order from Amazon and found the radio still in my cart, darn! But I was able to get the radio ordered this time and I will pick it up at the town of Luray next week. The hike out of Glasgow was a good climb with awesome views of the James River. At the summit of Big Rocky Mountain I was again able to shop at REI for my replacement items that were ruined in the dryer incident. The rest of the day was quite chilly with two more large climbs: Bluff Mountain and Punchbowl Mountain. At the summit of Bluff Mountain there is a plaque that tells about a little boy named Ottie Cline Powell whose body was found at the spot in 1891. He was only four years and eleven months old. They say his ghost is seen at the Punchbowl shelter. On my way down to the shelter I had an awesome critter sighting. I saw a huge owl fly thru the trees and land on a branch. The owl stayed there long enough for me to take a picture.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Spy Rock Road

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I started the day off with a fabulous breakfast at the Dutch House Bed & Breakfast. Earl then drove me to Fish Hatchery road for my big 1.1 mile climb back to the trail. I am proud of myself for sticking to my plan and not staying for another Zero day. The climb really was not that bad and I'm beginning to feel stronger each day. I can't believe the improvement in my leg today. I barely noticed any pain although I had focused carefully on my foot placement going down Priest Mountain. The trail was very uneven for the first few miles. I stopped for lunch at Priest Shelter. The sun is so hot that my iPhone shut down for a temperature warning. I had laid the iPhone on the picnic table to talk to my husband David on the speakerphone.   But the day would not end with sunshine. The rest of the trail coming down Priest Mountain was a well groomed trail with a suspension bridge to cross the Tye River. When I crossed the road a couple of hikers, "Hawkeye" and "Airborne" were sitting in the parking area debating what to do because the sky had turned dark. The wind had started to blow and thunder was very close. I only had 2.5 miles to go the shelter. The race was on. As I started up the climb, called Three Ridges, I knew I probably was going to get wet but I waited to put on my rain gear. About one mile up the hill the thunder got louder and lightning was striking and then the rain came. I had a thought that I was just in the wrong place when Mother Nature was watering her beautiful garden. It wasn't cold and I was close to the shelter so I just kept going. When I got to the shelter I was alone so I changed out of my wet clothes to hang them up to dry. Soon "Hawkeye" and "Airborne" were walking up. I was glad to have the company.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Campsite with a View
Miles today: 14.7

My leg is finally feeling normal. Not 100% yet but I can walk with full weight and confidence as I maneuver on very rocking terrain. The trail up Three Ridges was wet and the mountain was a challenge with over two thousand feet elevation gain. We have heard rumors that the trail in Pennsylvania is very rocking. I can't imagine rockier than Virginia. I am hoping the rumors are wrong. There were some great views and interesting rock formations today. One rock was about ten feet tall in an up standing rectangular form called Chimney Rock. I hiked again with "Hawkeye" and "Airborne" today. They are entertaining and I seem to keep the same pace as them except I take long breaks and they just mosey along at a slower pace. We seem to pass each other many times during the day. "Hawkeye" is 63 years old and "Airborne" is 66. They are really amazing to be hanging in with such a demanding endeavor. We reach the campsite after a steep rocky climb up to the campsite. It is a pretty site with a great view and the mountain that surround us. We enjoyed dinner around the fire and around nine o'clock decide to get into our tents. Within one minute a downpour of rain started. We didn't even see any clouds rowing in. Perfect timing!
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Campsite with a View

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: moderate rain

I didn't plan on hiking twenty miles today. My plan was to do twelve into Waynesboro Virginia to resupply for the Shenandoah National Park. I was going to stay at the YMCA campsite because there were no rooms available in town due to a University of Virginia college graduation. But when I got into town the site seemed a little sketchy. There were some locals camping there and I didn't feel like I could leave my stuff unattended to go shopping. So I called for a shuttle and got a really nice lady to take me to the store, the outfitter, and then back on the trail. I was back hiking by 4:00PM with eight miles to go to the shelter. I wasn't really that tired but I was worried that I wouldn't make it before the sun went down; but I did. Surprisingly there was a great campsite available even though shelter was full and there were lots of other tents set up. It was ironic today coming into Shenandoah Park because I have been anticipating getting to the Shenandoah Mountains. They are supposed to be very beautiful with wonderful views. But for me the day was foggy, rainy, and the only view I saw was a cell phone tower on a hill. I hope tomorrow I get to see some of the more beautiful scenes.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Gravel Springs Hut

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

Today I left the Shenandoah National Park. I am glad I saw the bears yesterday and I'm looking forward to making it to the 1000 mile marker and Harper's Ferry. I met up with a girl named "Two Speed" and she was planning on going to the hostel too. When we get to a direction post that we should have turned at; we decide to go the other way. But our mistake turned out to be our benefit. We called Mike at the hostel and he came to pick us up at the road, US 522, which is three more miles for us to hike. That means three less miles for tomorrow. The hostel is in Mike's basement, there are lots of bunks, a shower, and snacks. He is very nice and takes us into town to get my mail drop and resupply at a local grocery store. I was able to shake down my bag and get rid of some weight for the next four days to Harper's Ferry where I will stay with my cousin Cindy and my Mom is coming from California to see me. Lots to look forward to.
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: broken clouds

It seems very weird to me that I'm going to be in Harpers Ferry tomorrow. While planning for my hike this day seemed so far away. I am excited to be halfway to my goal to complete the AT yet I feel almost like it is going by too fast. Today's hike was shorter than I planned because when I got to the Blackburn Center to get water I stayed. The Center was so nice and peaceful I thought I would just stay instead of hiking three more miles to just sleep at a shelter. Turns out I had the place to myself and the caretakers, Chris and Caroline, were so nice to cook me dinner of pasta, salad, bread and a beer. I headed to bed early so I could get an early start tomorrow. I need to get to Harpers Ferry by 11 AM to meet my cousin Cindy and my Mom who is flying in from California to visit for a few days. The trail is relatively flat so it should only take about four hours to hike the twelve miles.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Duncannon Pennsylvania

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: few clouds

Got a late start out of Duncannon this morning, but with only sixteen miles planned for the day we all agreed we would make it to the campsite before sunset. The trail today was a mixture of very rocky ridges and smooth trail thru a think green forest. Once we climb the one thousand feet out of Duncannon the trail ran directly on the ridge of the mountain. We did get to cross the Susquehanna River before we left civilization once again. We worried today about getting water. There were only two places to get water list in the AT Guide. One of the place required a three hundred step trip down the side of a mountain which none of us were willing to do. We carried extra water for about nine miles to our planned stop. We were really lucky along the way when we came across a gallon of sweet tea left by someone at a clearing. The tea was sealed so we felt it safe to drink. We all guzzled the tea and "B-Rocket", "Techie", "Medic", and "Chin Music" had extra bottle to fill up with tea. I didn't so I just drank as much as I could. We were happy to have an extra drink.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Campsite

To: Lickdale Pennsylvania 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a good hike today. I am feeling the strongest I have since I started this hike. I seem to be flying up the hills. My new boots are feeling so good, I'm not having the ball of foot pain that I used to have in the Smokies. Now if I can just get my pack weight under control I will be great. B-Rocket's mom will be here tomorrow so we will be slack packing for a few days. We are hoping to put in some serious miles in the next few days. I can add another critter to my critter log. I finally saw a rattlesnake today. It had obviously had eaten something recently because its mid-section was huge. The snake rattled at me and "B-Rocket" but did not seem like it was going to try to strike at us.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Lickdale Pennsylvania 

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Due to the terrible weather forecast we all decided just to do eleven miles so we could be back at the hotel by three o'clock. Unfortunately the weather really was not as bad as forecasted. We could have done so many more miles but I did get a chance to take a well-deserved nap.   In the afternoon "Malto" called "Chin Music" and ask if we would like to go to the Hershey factory/museum. This was a nice treat and I bought a few candy bars. It is amazing all the twist and turns that this trip has taken. B-Rocket's mom arrived in town around nine o'clock. She is staying a few days to slack pack us. We are hoping to do some big miles in the next few days. I can't believe the luck I have had on this journey.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Reservoir Road

To: Bake Oven Knob Road
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked south bound today so we could hike back into Port Clinton area where we knew there was a campground. We also knew that the 25 plus miles planed had an easier elevation gain and losses going south than north. We got an early start around eight o'clock but still didn't finish until almost eight at night. The trail had some tough rocky sections but overall it was a pretty easy hike except for the total distance. No matter how easy the trail is, twenty five miles is still quite a trek. We crossed paths with many of our hiker friends going north. We will meet up with them in the next day or so when we get back going northbound tomorrow. I am very happy that my new boots are great. My feet have not felt better on the trail. Each day I am feeling stronger. Happy Father¢s day to all the dad¢s at home and on the trail.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

6/22/201313 Miles ShelterHigh Point shelter"B-Rocket" and I have decided to use AWOL's guide to keep our mileage on track. She needs to finish the trail by August twentieth. I would like that too so we would use his guild to get us to Hanover New Hampshire by the seventeenth of July. This is right before the tough part of the trail starts and we will have to back down on mileage. The guide gives you mileage and re-supply suggestions. We will average sixteen miles per day. The bad things is we won't have any days off which means no ZERO days. The good thing is that we won't really have to do any really big days back to back. Today mileage was just thirteen miles. My feet were still sore from yesterday twenty plus miles, so I was happy for the short day. With the shorter day we had the opportunity to go to a place called High Point State Park. This is a beach/lake and a concession stand and also a place to take a shower. We got there around four o'clock which gave us a few hours to sit and enjoy the warm weather, put our feet in the lake, eat cheeseburgers, and had a funnel cake. Before we left a few men were picnicking with their families came over to talk to us. One older gentleman just seemed so amazed about what we were doing. He just kept saying that he wished he could do something like this. It is these moments when your feet, although they always seem to hurt, don't really hurt that much.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon, New Jersey
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Boy was today hot! The trail was a mixture of terrain; we had flat roads in the Wallkill wildlife preserve area.   There were also many little bumps at a hundred to two hundred feet up and down. There also was a pretty decent climbs to the Pochuck Mountain Shelter which did not have any water; very disappointing. We rested a while to get out of the hot sun. After the shelter we had about two miles to get to a stream. One unusual aspect of the trail was so many boardwalk planks to keep us out of the mud. I guess New Jersey is really a swap; at least it is in the Appalachians.   At one point there was a boardwalk that last at least a mile long and raised you up about four feet. What a wonderful site it was to see at the end of the trail a white van with AT stickers all over the windows and a large older man asking me if I would like a cold drink. It was like a mirage but he was real. The man gave us a ride, about 2.5 miles which we were very glad we did not have to walk to the church hostel in Vernon, New Jersey. Today was also a great day for critter sightings, we saw an orange salamander like animal with black spots, a huge frog, a few deer prancing down the trail, a hummingbird, a groundhog, tons of chipmunk everywhere, and a huge spider at least two inches long.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Vernon, New Jersey

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

We started off the day with donuts from Dunkin Donuts thanks to a wonderful trail angel named, "Butch Cassidy". Because of the support from people like him it makes this journey so much fun. They seem to turn up right when you really need them. "Butch" gave us a ride back to the trail around 8:30AM and of course handed each an apple for the road. The trail today had been forewarned for us in AWOL's guide as being difficult. So we had some idea that it was going to be a long day. The ascent up from the first climb was tough. I started off slow this morning so I was alone when I got to the top of the climb. As I came across the ridge not even ten feet from me was a huge bear. I stopped in my tracks and watch what the bear would do and for a moment it looked like he was coming directly at me. I clanked my hiking poles together quickly and the bear turned and ran away. I did get a picture on my camera. Sorry but I can only post pictures that I take with my iPhone and it takes a long time to get it out and setup. After the bear left I walked a few feet and "B-Rocket" was there waiting for me and saw the bear too. She said she was watching the bear from a distant for about five minutes. When I got to her my adrenaline had kicked in and my knees were actually shaking. The rest of the day lives up to AWOL's warning and we spend the day going up and over many huge rock formations. A hiker named "Fatty", a girl from Canada, joined us today; she is a fast hiker. She started the trail twenty six days after me. Today ended with a great treat of locally made ice cream from a creamery called, "Bellvale Creamery". I'm not kidding this was the best ice cream I have ever had. I had a waffle cone and a banana split. We lucked out being at the creamy because a huge thundercloud passed over us while we were there and dumped rain for about thirty minutes. When the rain stopped we still had two miles to go to the shelter which included some rock formations to climb over. But now the rock formations were wet and I fell two times, but luckily I only injured my pride.