morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-14
From: War Spur shelter

To: Niday shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Sunny and cool start, 58 deg.The trail was in fair condition - still wet in places. Mountain laurel blossoms were everywhere - like being in a garden! We found some trail magic of sodas & fruit from previous thru-hikers. Later, stopped at Laurel creek for a snack, where it was still cool (62 deg) and also breezy.We spooked a grouse near Bruisers knob, she came out of the high grass right at us and turned down the trail while her chicks scattered off into the brush.We stopped for a late hot lunch at Sarver Hollow shelter at ~3:00, where it was still breezy and a comfortable 73 deg.We arrived at Niday ~7:30 - nice views to East of Sinking Creek Mt.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Niday shelter

To: Four Pines hostel
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Sunny, 60 deg start.We found great trail magic with 'Steady Eddy' as we got up onto the ridge - included popsicles, gator aide and cracker jacks. What a treat after a long climb! Along the ridge we visited the Audie Murphy (most decorated soldier in WW2) memorial, located near he was killed in a 1971 plane crash. Great tribute to a great man!Beautiful hiking day with a light breeze. Late in the afternoon, we climbed the Dragon's tooth - most technically challenging section so far. We had planned to eat at the much acclaimed AYCE Homeplace restaurant that night (8:00 PM closing) and had to hurry along just as the trail got very difficult. We cautiously made our way down and arrived at the shelter at 7:10, where owner Joe swept us away to the restaurant in his pickup. There was a 45 minute waiting line, but we had an absolutely wonderful dinner. Even though we were dirty and sweaty in this really nice restaurant, everyone was very friendly to us - they must be used to thru-hikers! We saw 'McGiver', who was just leaving when we arrived. Later back at the hostel, we met up with Harry and Ishmael. I was totally spent and crashed quickly on a hostel cot.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Four Pines hostel

To: Campbell shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Sunny and warm start. Joe from Four Pines drove us down to the Catawba grocery for a double cheeseburger and orange slush breakfast. Great way to start the morning! We hiked up to McAfee knob from Rt 311 for spectacular views of the multiple ridge lines to the North - this section would make a great day hike!. We hung out and relaxed on the top of the knob for a few hours in the cool, refreshing breezes. It started to cloud over so we hiked on to the Campbell (Kylie & Casey Rock!) shelter. There was a brief shower after we got settled in.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Campbell shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 15.4

Sunny and hot start. Nice section today over ridge to Tinker Cliffs with beautiful views to the North and East (Roanoke). We had lunch with 'Steady Eddy' and 'Enoch' at Lamberts Meadow. With the hot weather and no water source for the next 7 miles, we went to fill our water bottles (4L) but found my water filter/pump had plugged up. Fortunately we had water tablets but they made the water taste like pool water!With 4 miles to go into Daleville, we stopped at Hay Rock for the last good views of Roanoke and Carvins Cove reservoir to its North. I climbed to the top of the steep, sun-exposed face and started sweating profusely, which made it very difficult to grip the smooth rock on the way back down. I was fortunate to make it safely and was very glad to get back on the regular trail.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Raining, 70 deg at 8:00 AMMuch to do today - we need to get to the local outfitter for a new water filter and also re-supply food for the next leg. We decided to take a '0' day today and stay at HJ's one more night. Many other hikers did as well.We plan to be back on the trail early tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Sunny, 9:45 start after breakfast at HJ's...We found some nice, ripe blueberries and strawberries on our way up the ridge this morning - a bit tart but fresh! We had a hot lunch at Wilson Creek shelter and met (3) fine young college hikers 'Thorin, Fireman & Co.' from ME (Belfast area). Early afternoon we heard thunder in the distance and decided to stay put. It later rained and we ended up spending the night at the shelter.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Wilson Creek shelter

To: Bryant Ridge shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Warm (68 deg), very cloudy start...We crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway several times today, each time the weather got a little clearer. It was a beautiful hiking day but uncomfortably hot in the sun. We saw two large owls flying through the woods - one perched and hid on the far side of a tree and looked around turnng its large head to take a peek at us.We later had our first swim in the wild today in the cool waters of Jennings creek - very refreshing! Re-energized, we climbed Fork Mt to the large (20 person) Bryant Ridge shelter for another 20+ mile day.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Bryant Ridge shelter

To: Campsite at Harrisson Spring
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

Early start, clear and warm...Out of the gate we had a long 3000 ft uphill climb up Apple Orchard Mt (4225 ft). Part way up we took a side trail over a mile to Apple Orchard falls hoping to find another swimming hole and cool off. It was very disappointing - there was no direct water access and the trail was very steep. Lesson learned: Don't Anticipate!We had an early dinner at the Thunder Hill shelter - hot & buggy! We hiked on and camped at Harrison spring.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Campsite at Harrisson Spring

To: Big Rocky Row campsite
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Early 7:20 start, sunny 60 Deg...Nice smooth trail section today. We found a nice stream in front of Matts Creek shelter where we waded/cooled off before lunch. Later we crossed the longest foot bridge on the AT over the James river and met trail angel 'Santas Helper' who provided cold soda and snacks. He had recently completed section hiking the AT over a period of five years after retiring as a technician at AEDC. He was very familiar with F119 engines.We camped at Big Rocky Row (3000 ft) with a beautiful view to the South. At dusk a dehydrated hiker 'Music Man' stopped by in desperate need of water. With no water source for the next 5 miles, we gave him a half liter and off he went into the night! We saw a storm off to the SE. The winds came up but the rail passed to our South.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Big Rocky Row campsite

To: Brown Creek camp site
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Warm, overcast start...Cleared up slowly but had nice views going over Bluff Mt. We later found a beautiful stream with swimming hole just south of Brown Creek shelter - again very refreshing. Temps were in the upper 80's by later afternoon and it stayed hot over night - very uncomfortable for camping.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Brown Creek camp site

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: light rain

Warm, sticky start...We hiked out to US 60 and hitched a ride into town. We checked into the Blue Dog Art hostel and had an excellent breakfast - nice setup!We had a great spaghetti dinner in town at the Original Italian restaurant and re-supplied for the next leg of our journey.
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Seeley-Woodworth shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

A thunderstorm last night cooled things off a bit, but humidity is high!We planned to stay at Dutch Haus tonight but just found out that it has closed for the season. Heading back to the US 60 trailhead on the 10:30 shuttle, we got a nice tour of Buena Vista from the lady who runs the hostel. She's a big proponent of revitalizing this town and has good business sense.Back on the trail, we immediately had a 2000' strenuous climb up Cold Mt. Along the way two military jets flew over the trees. I caught a glimpse of one - an F22 with PW F119 thrust vectoring nozzles! Beautiful views and ripe wild strawberries going over Bald Knob. Later crossing a dirt road at Hog Camp gap, we met a trail angel family who treated us to home made cookies and lemonade made by the young daughters.Breezy, drier air later in the day.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Seeley-Woodworth shelter

To: Harper's Creek shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Slept in until 7:30, sunny & comfortable above the clouds.We took a side trail to Spy Rock, where we had beautiful full panoramic views. We later had a hot lunch at Priest shelter that had a clear, shaded spring within 50 feet and again found trail magic near the VA56 crossing. We had hoped to take a dip in the Tye river but there was thunder nearby and a brief shower followed.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Harper's Creek shelter

To: Devil's Backbone Brewery
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Sunny and warm, early start.Long 2000' climb up Three Ridges Mt with nice views of nearby mountain peaks and undercast clouds. Along the way some clouds rose and engulfed the summit as we crossed over it - natural AC, very refreshing! 'Titus' and 'Half Life' had told us about a brewery in nearby Lexington VA that welcomed hikers. So at Reeds Gap, we all decided to hitch a ride there and check it out. It was set up similar to Feds in K'port with both a brewery and restaurant. Needless to say we had a great time and actually camped on brewery property that night.The brewery is named after the adjacent Devil's Backbone ridge and was coined by Fred Jefferson (Tom's brother ???) back in the late 1700s.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Devil's Backbone Brewery

To: Paul Wolfe shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Warm, sunny morning.Some of the Devil's Backbone brewery staff came in early to put on a fantastic hiker breakfast for us before their normal operating hours. They also loaded us all (10) up in a pickup and drove us back to Reeds gap.Along the trail we found more trail magic from 'Merlin' and 'Pepto' near a Blue Ridge parkway crossing.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Paul Wolfe shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.2

Sunny and clear, early start.We were on the trail before 7:00 anxious to get into town for warm showers and to meet some good friends from Florida later that afternoon.We passed a SO-BO hiker who had just seen a mother bear and cub just ahead of us. Unfortunately, we missed them - still no confirmed bear sightings yet!At Rockfish gap, where the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive meet, we found a posted list of trail angels to call for a lift into town. Before we knew it we were at the hotel.We met up with the Norleys (Chris, Marie, & Greg) mid afternoon. They took us out shopping and to Mings restaurant for a great buffet.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Cloudy with showers & warm.The PO in Waynesboro was closed all weekend so we decided to take a '0' today and wait until tomorrow to get a package shipped home. We started out finding spiritual nourishment and guidance at St John's 8:30 mass this morning - a very nice church community. Afterwards we had plenty of time to get ice creams, relax, and hang out at the pool. Later we ended up back at Ming's Garden for another outstanding buffet dinner.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mt Hut campsite
Miles today: 7.8

Overcast and warm (72 deg).After we mail our package at the PO, we're planning to take the next available shuttle back to the trailhead at Rockfish gap. Today we'll enter Shenandoah National Park (SNP).It was raining heavy when we arrived at the the trailhead (11:30) so we went to the Visitors Center to review their scaled model (1 ft = 5 miles) of SNP and the adjacent valleys.When the rain cleared, we headed down the trail to register for our SNP back country pass and ran into old trail friends: 'Whiz', 'Tedley', 'Maps', 'Books', and 'Kemosabee'. We hiked with them to the Calf Mt shelter. Since it was already getting late, we all decided to camp there for the night. Five young (21-27) Pennsylvania Dutchmen were staying in the hut. They were very outgoing and interesting - Dutch accents, hand sewn clothing, impressive manners, and loaded with supplies which they generously shared.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Calf Mt Hut

To: Pinefield Hut campsite
Miles today: 27.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained during the night and was overcast, wet, 70 deg to start.Smooth, easy trail today. Temps stayed cool (70's) - in the clouds all day.We found ripe blueberries & black raspberries along the trail and had a hot lunch at Blackrock Hut.In the afternoon we pushed hard to get to the Loft Mt Wayside before 5:30, which was the closing time listed in our guide book (The actual closing time turned out to be 7:00). We had a great dinner there and continued on seeing our first bear near Cross Ivy creek and finally reaching Pinefield Hut about 8:15. The hut was pretty full so we set up our tent nearby hoping the weather would clear overnight. This was our first marathon day!
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Pinefield Hut campsite

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: moderate rain

It rained again during the night and morning, 70 deg.After breakfast and packing up our wet tent, we hiked to Skyline drive which was still in the clouds with limited (~ 200 ft) visibility. Cricket had a sore knee from yesterday's record hike so she decided to yellow-blaze along the roadway to the next trail crossing at Powell Gap. This avoided a climb over Bear Den Mt. Unfortunately, with the poor visibility and no road markers nearby, she headed South instead of North. Instead of meeting up at Powell Gap, we ended up 7 miles apart with no way of contacting one another (no cell service)!I got very concerned and started flagging down cars until I found someone who had seen her along the road. After hitching a few rides we finally got back to Powell Gap about 3 hours later.We saw our second bear (yearling) later that afternoon and stopped at Hightop Hut for lunch and to dry out our gear from the night before. The (5) Pennsylvania Dutchmen dropped in and with a thunder storm approaching we all decided to stay put for the night. These young men were very hard working and strong - they dragged in some old, dry logs for the camp fire and cut them up with a hatchet! All worked back in PA as laborers: mechanic, fabricator, sawmill operators and were as polite as can be.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: few clouds

Early start in the clouds at 7:10.It was a mixed day of sun, clouds, and showers. As my mom used to say, "The weather just couldn't make up its mind today". Fortunately it stayed cool!Smooth, easy trail. We had a great lunch at the Lewis Mt campground store - Calzone, chocolate milk & ice cream. Later we headed on to the Big Meadows Lodge for a wonderful dinner and overnight stay. We were able to view the fireworks in nearby Luray from their large deck.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Big Meadow Lodge

To: Byrds Nest #3
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Sunny and comfortable start.After a nice breakfast at the lodge, followed by blackberry milkshakes at the Wayside down the road, we were back on the trail at 11:00.We stopped for an early dinner at the Skyland restaurant - these meals are too much!We hiked on to Byrds Nest #3 Hut with 'Tedley' and 'Maps' and caught up with 'Whiz' and 'Kimosabee'. This was one of the nicest shelters we've seen with beautiful stone work, large 12X12 beams, and an inside fire place with mantel!
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Byrds Nest #3

To: Gravel Springs campsite
Miles today: 17.9

Cooler and breezy during the night, 68 deg, early start at 7:00.The best part of the day was the nice views from Mary's rock. Temps climbed to 90 deg by noon. We stopped for lunch at Elkwallow Wayside, which was the least impressive of the ones we visited. While we were eating there was a brief shower and the humidity skyrocketed. It made for a long afternoon but we did get to see a mamma bear, her cub and several deer on our way to Gravel Springs.Later that night a hiker, who was camped about 100 ft from us, got bit by a Copperhead snake. Fortunately we were close to the Skyline roadway and a ranger was able to get him to the hospital.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Gravel Springs Camp site

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Warm and sunny start.We learned that the snake bitten hiker was doing fine but our German friend Harry, who had slept in the hut, had a bad cut on his leg from a previous fall. We walked with him up to the Skyline and again called in a park ranger for assistance. He advised taking Harry to the hospital to get the wound cleaned and dressed. He drove him there and later to the Quality Inn for R&R.By 9:30 we were on the trail and got to the Front Royal trail head at 3:00. The Terrapin Station hostel had closed for the season so we hitched a ride into town and checked into the Quality Inn. After a shower and dip in the pool, we enjoyed a fine dinner at the adjacent Thai restaurant. Later, a heavy thunderstorm rolled through - nice to be inside!
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Front Royal

To: Dick's Dome campsite
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Warm and sunny start. We saw Harry this morning and he is doing fine. He's going to rest and re-supply today, then head back to the trail tomorrow. We plan to head out on the 10:30 shuttle this morning and on to Harper's Ferry! Warm & humid, got to trail head at 11:30, 93 deg UGH! It was extremely hot walking through some open, unshaded fields today. We took a short snack break at the Jim & Molly Denton shelter. This one was very nice with a solar shower, porch & chairs. We met a trail angel at VA 55, she gave us some bananas and Snickers bars, later camped near Dicks's Dome hut, which is a small geodesic dome.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Dick's Dome campsite

To: Bears Den hostel
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Warm and humid, overcast, 72 deg start.We found lots of ripe raspberries along the trail today.The trail started out smooth and easy but became much more challenging going over the 13 mile section known as the roller coaster. We had a hot lunch at the Rod Hollow shelter and pushed on to the popular Bears Den hostel.The last half mile was a steep rocky climb but was soon rewarded with a pint of B&J ice cream.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Bear's Den hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Warm and overcast.We had a nice pancake breakfast complements of a Boy Scout group staying at the hostel and started out hiking the last 3 miles of the roller coaster section. We soon crossed the '1000 mile' trail marker.There was some light rain with thunder around noontime so we stopped at the David Lesser Memorial shelter to wait it out and have some lunch. We pushed on and finally arrived in Harper's Ferry at 6:00, completing the southern half of the AT in just under 3 months.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Washington DC
Miles today: 0.0

We stopped at the AT Conservancy headquarters and had our photo taken for the log book.Cricket & I have decided to flip-flop at Harper's Ferry to avoid having to push all the way to Katahdin before our son's wedding in October. We prefer taking our time to enjoy the trail towns/side trails along the way, which have been a major part of our experience. We plan to head North up to DC on the train this afternoon and will be back on the trail in Baxter SP soon...
Date: 2013-08-01
From: Augusta, ME

To: Mt Katahdin 
Miles today: 10.4

We're back on the trail today, now heading south from Mt Katahdin back to Harpers Ferry. NO-BOs to SO-BOs! Since my Cascadia sneakers were pretty well shot, I've switched to Merrell hiking boots for the more rugged northern half of the trail.Clear and cool start from my brother's house in Augusta at 5:00 AM. When we arrived at BSP, found out we couldn't stay at Birches Lean-to since we hadn't hiked North through the 100 mile wilderness. We were very lucky to get a lean-to site at Katahdin Stream campground, much thanks to ranger Meghan!Partly cloudy conditions but a beautiful day to summit the mountain. The climb was a challenge as always - seemed like we saw more rocks today than over the first 1000 miles! Cricket didn't like climbing the metal rungs above tree line but after bolstering her courage made it up successfully. On the way down there was a 20 knot southery wind, which made it very interesting on the west ridge section down from the tableland.
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Mt Katahdin Stream & campground

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

It was great sleeping out in the fresh air again!We woke up (late) at 7:30 to a light rain, packed up and were on the trail by 8:15. The trail was already wet and muddy. Conditions deteriorated to a heavy rain by the time we reached Daicey pond which continued until we slogged it through to the Penobscot river. Along the way I slipped on a wet log and cut/twisted my left knee. The rain let up and soon afterwards the mosquitoes were out in force. I started to question if we should enter the 100 mile wilderness today. Fortunately, by the time we reached the BSP boundary, the sun started to break through. We met (16) NO-BO thru hikers a bit later when we stopped for dinner at the restaurant near Abol bridge. The atmosphere was festive and helped lift our spirits. Refreshed, we entered the wilderness and continued on to the first shelter.
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5

Cool 60 degree and cloudy start.The trail was like an obstacle course today compared to Shenandoah NP. My Merrell hiking boots were soaked and felt like lead bricks. We found ripe blueberries along Rainbow ledges and got to swim and clean up in Rainbow lake. We heard thunder mid afternoon and decided to hold up early at the Rainbow stream L/T for the night.
Date: 2013-08-04
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: White House landing
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

Sunny, 60 deg start.The trail was drying up pretty well but still difficult. We enjoyed some rewarding views from Nesuntabunk Mt and had a great lunch at the Wadleigh Stream L/T. Later we went for a refreshing/revitalizing swim in Nakima Kanta lake. Further down the trail we met Warren Doyle - an AT hiking legend and philosopher. He cautioned us about an approaching stream fording where a woman had fallen and broken her wrist. Our southern hiking friend 'Bus' from NC had also gotten hurt at this location back in July.We made it across successfully and continued on to White House landing for burgers and pizza. Met Bill & Butta, section hikers from TX. This is a very unique hostel - no electricity, every appliance is powered by gas, and the only access is by boat! To get there you take a spur trail to a lake and sound an air horn on the dock. They come get you in a power boat and take you to their lake side camp which includes the hostel and 3 cabins - gorgeous location and currently for sale!
Date: 2013-08-05
From: White House landing

To: Crawford Pond campsite
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Cool 58 deg, overcast.We enjoyed an excellent breakfast of blueberry pancakes and scrambled eggs. The overnight stay was a bit pricy but worth it!The first hint of autumn was in the air - it felt downright cold on the boat ride back to the trailhead from the landing. We stopped at the first L/T (Potawadjo) to load up on spring water and on to the next L/T (Coopers Brook) for lunch. It stayed cool and breezy all day and we arrived at Crawford pond beach around 6:00. We claimed the one, available, postage stamp size tent site (due to high water level) which I had discovered on a previous trek through the wilderness.There were loons and ducks on the pond and a spring-fed stream nearby - this is as close to heaven as it gets!