morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I initially planned to get up around 5:30 am this morning to catch back up with Oz and Jacob and also hike my first 20 plus mile day. However, thunderstorms started rolling in around 4:00 am, and the rain didn't let up until 7:00 am. I started hiking as soon as the rain stopped.After about 3 miles of hiking, the rain started again and it was very cold. I made it to the next shelter on the trail around 10:30 am where I met back up with Oz and Jacob. When I turned on my phone to try to pull up the radar and forecast, I noticed the rain was going to last at least several more hours. Oz and Jacob decided to head on down the trail, but I decided to wait out the rain and dry my clothes. I'd just as soon hike at night instead of in the cold rain.I ended up staying at that shelter for 5 hours until the rain stopped. While at the shelter, I cooked an extra dinner I had in my food bag and hung my wet clothes and gear. Then I pulled out my sleeping bag and took a nap in the shelter.Around 4:00 pm the rain stopped and I hit the trail. I hiked 8 miles to the next shelter and found that it was already full with hikers, some of which where Flip, Earl Grey, Garfunkel, Java Man, and Medicine Man. I almost decided to hike another 8 miles to the next shelter but didn't since there were several road crossings listed in the guidebook. You have to be careful crossing roads at night. The trail is marked so that drivers know to watch out for potential hikers. But that also means someone with bad intentions would know exactly where to wait.I'm tenting tonight outside the shelter. The others already had a huge fire going by the time I setup camp and all of us where able to dry out most of our clothes. I plan to get up early tomorrow and arrive in Damascus tomorrow afternoon.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up this morning around 6:00 am and hit the trail by 6:45 am. Actually, everyone at the shelter got up early, and we basically had an all out race to Damascus. I crossed the TN/VA state line around 1:00 pm, where Java Man took my picture, and then arrived in Damascus about 2:30 pm.Damascus is a major trail town on the AT and a huge milestone. We are all really excited to be here and all plan to take a zero day tomorrow. I'm also excited to take a shower and wash my clothes. After 5 days of sweat and sunscreen followed by the rain yesterday, I have never been this filthy in my life.I'm staying at Dave's Place Hostel tonight with Java Man. There's a bluegrass band playing tonight at the Old Mill Restaurant next to the river and all of us plan on going.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a great time at the Old Mill restaurant in Damascus last night. The bluegrass band who played was really good and about 30 thru-hikers attended. I got to catch up with a lot of hikers I hadn't seen since before the snow storm in the Smokies, including Tommy Hawk, Goat, Fix, Foxy, and Maniac. We didn't leave there until well after midnight.I'm taking my first zero day in over 2 weeks, and my body needs it. We have been hitting up all the restaurants in town and loading up on food. I have also been cleaning my gear. It's been raining all day today, so it was a perfect day to take a zero.Jacob and Oz actually put in 30 miles in the rain the other day and took their zero day yesterday. They plan to head out after the rain stops today, so I probably won't see them for awhile. I plan to head out tomorrow morning with Tommy Hawk, Goat, and Flip.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Damascus, VA

To: Whitetop Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

I definitely felt rejuvenated after my zero day yesterday. I woke up early and ate breakfast in town before hitting the trail around 8:15 am. I debated blue blazing today up the Virginia Creeper Trail instead of taking the AT as several former thru-hikers recommended it. The Creeper trail is lot more scenic than the AT and is an easier climb out of Damascus. Eventually it reconnects with AT about 10 miles north. However, I ended up taking the AT the whole way since I have been a purest so far.I initially planned to go 15 miles to the 2nd shelter, but I made it there around 3:00 pm. Since I got there earlier than I expected, I decided to hike further up the trail with Tommy Hawk and Goat. We didn't plan to do 20 plus miles today since there was a large climb about 17 miles in. But we never found a good place to camp until we reached the top of Whitetop Mountain.I'm tenting on top of the mountain with Tommy Hawk, Goat, and a few other hikers I haven't met yet. It's windy and cold already, and I'm sure it will get below freezing tonight. However, I'm glad I finally hiked my first 20 plus mile day and don't have to hike up this mountain tomorrow morning.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Whitetop Mountain Campsite

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I have been waiting since I started on the trail to hike through the Grayson Highlands State Park. The park primarily consists of grass covered mountains and hills with a lot of rock formations. Also, feral ponies roam the park and have been known to be friendly at times but agressive at others towards the thru-hikers.After an 8:00 am start this morning, Tommy Hawk, Goat, and I reached the park around 10:30 am. We were worried that we would pass through the park without seeing any ponies. However, towards the north end of the park we finally ran across about 6 or 7 ponies right on the trail. They weren't very interested in us at first. However, Tommy Hawk pulled out a ziplock bag with an apple inside it that he had been carrying since Damascus for this occasion. As soon as the ponies heard the crinkling of the ziplock bag, they ran right at us and became very aggressive fighting for a piece of the apple. Tommy Hawk quickly threw the apple pieces on the ground, and we got out of their way.Throughout the day we could see a grass fire off in the distance and hoped the trail didn't go near it. Later this afternoon though, the trail lead us right to it. Fortunately, the forestry service was just performing a control burn, but we still had to walk right through it. We actually missed a turn on the trail as we were focused on the burn and ended up having to backtrack for about a mile, which made for an even longer day.Tonight the three of us are tenting outside the Old Orchard Shelter. It's going to be another cold night, so no one is sleeping in the shelter. We are usually warmer in our tents.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

After the sightseeing tour of Mt. Rogers and the Grayson Highlands yesterday, Tommy Hawk, Goat, and I had only one goal today and that was to hike 25 miles to the Partnership Shelter. We have been referring to the shelter as the "pizza shelter" since we left Damascus, because you can have pizza delivered there from a nearby road.Despite the really cold morning, we managed to get packed up early and hit the trail at 7:30 am. For us to have a shot at the pizza shelter, we needed to hike 15 miles to the Trimpi Shelter by 3:00pm. We actually made it there by 1:00 pm. We then took a long lunch, which is also when I slapped moleskin on some hot spots on my feet. We started the last 10 miles at 2:00 pm.We finally arrived at the shelter around 5:30 pm and found about 15 other thru-hikers already gathered there, some of which were Maniac, Patch, Who's Asking, Mr. Froto, and Flip. They had a huge fire started, and it was quite a party. After we got our tents set up, we ordered our pizza. I ordered a large supreme and ate all of it except for one piece, which I plan to eat as part of my breakfast in the morning. The shelter also has a shower, which I used. That was the coldest shower I have ever taken, but I really needed it.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

I needed a food resupply today. Fortunately, the town of Marion has a shuttle from the trail into town that only costs 50 cents. Marion had a Walmart, Ingles, and McDonald's all in one spot, so the resupply was fairly quick. The trip into Marion led to a very late start, but I managed to get back on the trail by 12:30 pm.I hiked most of the day by myself as most of the other hikers didn't need a resupply and left this morning. The trail passed through some nice farm lands and also by a preserved school house from the 1800s, which I toured for a while. I then arrived in Atkins around 5:00 pm and took the mandatory trip to the Barn restaurant, which serves a 16 oz. hiker burger. The burger was great and gone in a few minutes.After dinner, I checked into the Relax Inn down the street where I ran into several other hikers including Timber, Lil Engine, and Ambassador. I didn't plan on staying in Atkins tonight, but I really needed to do laundry and wanted to grab a shower.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early this morning and went back to the Barn restaurant in Atkins for breakfast before hitting the trail. While at the restaurant I ran into Shawn, who I met the night before doing laundry. He's biking across America, and the bike path crosses the AT in Atkins. He's hiked most the the trails in New Hampshire and gave me a warning on how much tougher that part of the trail is. I gave him some advice on some lightweight tents that he could use to replace his 5 pound tent.After breakfast, I hit the trail around 8:00 am. The trail passed through some beautiful farmland, which required climbing over 6 or 7 fences. It also passed through an old cemetery and several rivers. Despite the scenery slowing my pace, I made good time to the Knot Maul Branch Shelter. I had planned on hiking 9 more miles to the Chestnut Knob Shelter. However, when I arrived at Knot Maul the wind started blowing hard, and the sky turned dark. I decided to take a long lunch to see if the weather would pass. Within an hour, heavy rain started and I decided to claim a spot in the shelter.I am in the shelter tonight with Earl Grey, Garfunkel, Catch 22, White Flash, Fix, and Foxy. There are also several others outside the shelter tenting.I haven't picked up a trail name yet since most of the hikers think Mack is a trail name. However, Oz, Silent J, Goat, and Tommy Hawk (who are probably a day ahead of me now) have been leaving suggestions in the shelter logbooks. In this shelter log book, they suggested Easy Mack (because I'm laid back) and Count Mackula.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Campsite
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

After the short day yesterday, Fix, Foxy, Earl Grey, White Flash, Garfunkel, and I started hiking early this morning. We wanted to make it to at least the second shelter and possibly the next tent site as we heard Fresh Ground had trail magic there.The first 10 miles were tough since we had several climbs and descents including a long 4 mile climb to the first shelter, Chestnut Knob Shelter. However, I reached the shelter by noon and felt great. I really wish I had reached that shelter yesterday, because Chestnut Knob is one of the nicest ones on the trail.According to the guidebook, the next 10 miles looked nice and flat with a lot of ridge walking. While those miles were somewhat flat, the trail was covered in rocks. As a result, my pace slowed considerably and my feet were killing me from the pounding. I still managed to reach the second shelter by 4:30 pm and decided to take a 30 minute break. While there, I read the shelter logbook and noticed Oz, Silent J, and several others were apparently attacked by a rabid raccoon the night before. I couldn't tell if they were serious or just joking.After the break, I hiked another 5 miles to the Laurel Creek campsite where I found Fresh Ground's setup. Almost all of us from the night before made it there by 6:30 pm including Earl Grey, Garfunkel, White Flash, Fix, and Foxy. We also caught up with Yardsale and Mudmouth. Fresh Ground already had hotdogs, chicken wings, and hand cut fries ready for us. Then he drove a couple of us into town to pick us up some large blizzards from DQ. Tonight is his last night at that location, so he promised a huge breakfast in the morning. He also said that we needed to eat all of the remaining food by morning, which didn't bother us.We stayed up fairly late around the fire, and Fresh Ground started asking us if the blizzard in the Smokies was really that bad. We all quickly responded "yes" and proceeded to recount those stories. I told him I was seriously worried some of my toe nails were going to fall off since my feet were cold and wet for so long.Tonight I'm tenting just up the trail from Fresh Ground with Earl Grey (who is also from Alabama) and Garfunkel.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Laurel Creek Campsite

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: broken clouds

As promised, Fresh Ground cooked us a huge breakfast including eggs, bacon, potatoes, fruit, and pancakes. After eating my first plateful, Oz, Silent J, and several others appeared out of nowhere. I actually caught up with them with the big miles yesterday but didn't realize it since they stayed at a hostel just down the road. It was good to see them one more time before I leave the trail for a few days to attend my brother's wedding. We have hiked almost 500 miles together.After loading up on food, catching up with everybody, and thanking Fresh Ground, I started hiking around 10:30 am. I only had to hike 7 miles up the trail to hit the road to Bland, VA where some close family friends are scheduled to pick me up tomorrow and take me to the airport. I made it to the road around 1:00 pm and unsuccessfully tried to hitchhike my way into Bland. I ended up having to hike another 3 or 4 miles to Bland's only motel.This entry will be my last entry for a few days until I return from my brother's wedding.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Bland, VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

I had a good time in the Florida Keys. But after a few days back in civilization, I was definitely ready to get back to the woods. I would like to thank the Grubbs, Jim Bennett, Wayne Kenny, and Homer (a former thru-hiker and VA trail maintainer) for getting me off and back on the trail. I couldn't have done it without you.I hit the trail around 11:30 am and kept a good pace for a few hours. However, after about 8 miles my left calf muscle cramped up. I struggled for the next few miles and finally reached the first shelter around 4:00 pm. I decided to call it a day and let my leg rest. Hopefully I'll be good to go in the morning.Tonight, I am tenting outside the shelter since I usually sleep better in my tent. Techy (who I haven't seen since Gatlinburg), Navigator, Z man, and Staff are staying in the shelter.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

After the short day yesterday, I got off to an early start and hit the trail by 7:30 am. My leg felt much better today, and I was able to maintain the pace I had before I left the trail last week. Despite taking several side trails to see some nice scenic views and a road to a nearby grocery store with a deli where Techy and I had a huge lunch, I managed to hike 24 miles to the second shelter. I hiked most of the day by myself but ran into some familiar faces along the way, two of which were Cinnamon and Dumbledore.Tonight I am staying in the shelter with Staff, Trucker, and two other hikers. Also, after reading the shelter log, I noticed that I was only a half day behind Grim, Whistle, and several other hikers I haven't seen since Hot Springs. Hopefully I can catch up with them in Pearisburg tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2

We woke up to cold and windy weather this morning, so I took my time getting up hoping the weather would improve. Unfortunately it didn't. After a 9:00 am start, I hiked a quick 8 miles into Pearisburg and found Grim, Whistle, Dump Truck, and Clever Girl, all of whom I hadn't seen since Hot Springs.We all went to a local Mexican restaurant for a late lunch and shared our stories. I was kind of surprised they weren't further up the trail. However, I learned they all caught the mountain plague after Hot Springs, and Dump Truck dislocated his shoulder shortly thereafter. I also learned that Hot Dog was a few days behind us as she developed a rash in Erwin which hospitalized her for 3 days, and the doctors never could figure out what the cause of the rash was.They are all taking a zero day today and plan to head out in the morning. I plan to head out earlier than them though, because I want to beat the rain which is forecasted for tomorrow afternoon. But I should see them over the next few days.Tonight, I'm staying at the luxurious Plaza Motel for $40. Navigator agreed to split the room with me, so I only had to pay $20.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: moderate rain

Rain is forecasted for later today as well as the next few days, so I got off to an early start this morning at 7:00 am. I wanted to hike as many miles as possible today, since the next few days may be slow. Before I left town though, I made a quick stop at Hardee's and spent almost $10 on breakfast.The weather was actually great this morning, and I made it to the first shelter (Rice Field) by 10:30 am. I took a long break there with Navigator and Minnesota Pete. Then we continued on to the next shelter.As we got closer to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, the sky became dark and the wind picked up considerably. When we made it there around 3:00 pm, I decided to call it a day as it looked as if the rain would start any minute.Tonight the shelter is packed with Navigator, Powder Puff, Minnie Pearl, Salad Days, Risk It, Fifer, and Lintel. I thought Grim and Whistle would have made it here too, but there's no sign of them and it's already 8:00 pm.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

The rain started late yesterday afternoon and continued through the night. I waited at the shelter for a while this morning hoping the rain would let up some. Around 9:30 am the rain became a drizzle, and I took off. To minimize the sweating and keep most of my clothes dry, I decided to wear my full rain gear with only a t-shirt and underwear underneath, which actually ended up working well for today.I climbed to the first shelter and took a long break with Fifer and Lintel. As we were sitting there, the drizzle became a downpour. They decided to call it day, and I wish I could have too. However, I didn't carry enough food to make it the next town hiking such short days.After a few minutes, I left the shelter in the rain and hiked on towards the War Spur Shelter. For the next 8 miles the rain continued and became heavier as I got closer to the shelter. I finally made it there around 4:00 pm and fortunately one spot was left for me so I didn't have to tent in this mess. The shelter is packed tonight with Minnesota Pete, 3 southbounders, Risk It, and Salad Days. Still no sign of Grim and his crew.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Last night I got my best night of sleep on the trail so far. After I cooked dinner and changed into dry clothes, I went straight into my bag and fell asleep by 6:00 pm. When I awoke this morning, all the other hikers kind of laughed at me and told me to read the shelter log book. It said "Mack, we watched you sleep." Apparently Grim, Whistle, Dump Truck, and Clever Girl strolled by the shelter at 6:30 pm and unsuccessfully tried to wake me up. When I didn't wake up, the other hikers checked to make sure I was breathing.I packed my gear up and left the shelter around 8:00 am. Fortunately the rain had stopped momentarily this morning, but we heard on the radio that rain was expected for the rest of the day. I hiked about 30 minutes before I got to where Grim and the others tented last night since there was no room in the shelter. I told them that they'd better hurry and pack up before the rain started again. After talking with them for a few minutes, I hiked on and within 30 minutes the rain started again. Hopefully they started packing after I left.The trail was fairly tough today as I had to ford several streams (now more lack rapids) since the stepping stones or logs were completely submerged in water. I wanted to take some pictures of the stream crossings, but my hands were too wet to operate my iPhone. Also, the entire trail had become a deep puddle from all of the rain. My feet and entire body were cold and wet all day. I did pass the second largest oak tree on the trail, which was probably the highlight of the day. It is over 18 ft around and over 300 years old.I stopped at Sarver Hollow Shelter for a very late lunch at 3:00 pm, but I still planned on hiking to the next shelter after lunch. However, the rain was still coming down, and I was freezing. Plus, this shelter is really nice and has a huge covered porch with a picnic table. I decided to stay here for the night and try to dry out my gear.Tonight, a southbound section hiker and I have this huge shelter to ourselves. Hopefully, the rain stops soon.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up this morning to more rain for the third straight day with colder temperatures. I packed up my gear but never could bring myself to put on my wet rain gear. I decided to wait for the rain to stop, even if it meant taking a zero day. The section hiker from last night decided he couldn't take a zero day and reluctantly left the shelter early this morning. I took count of my remaining food and realized I needed to ration my food for today if I was going to take a zero. But when I say ration, I mean I could only eat 2500 calories worth of food today compared to my normal 4000, so it's not too bad. I should have a full day's worth of food for a long hike into town tomorrow though.The rain continued and never stopped until about 4:00 pm, so I decided a zero day was the best option. As soon as the rain stopped I walked down to the water source for more water. I had been wanting to explore more in that area because when I got water yesterday, I noticed the spring looked like a really old well from a residence but didn't want to check it out since it was raining. I walked further down from the spring and found the remnants of a house, which I assume is from the early 1800s. Most of the house is gone except for 3 chimneys. I also found a storage house (or it could be a slave house) which was still fairly well intact. I think more structures or buildings were in the area but couldn't explore too much since the surrounding area was flooded.For a while I thought I might be the only hiker at the shelter tonight, but a section hiker arrived around 6:00 pm. I was kind of embarrassed to tell her that I took a zero day, but she responded that she regretted not taking one as she was in tears most of the day. She also said that most of the hikers at the shelters she passed today took a zero as well.Regardless of the weather tomorrow I am going to have to pull a really long day since I only have one full day of food remaining.