morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

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

This morning it was raining pretty hard, so I just hung out in my tent hoping it would let up enough to break camp...I even at breakfast in there...first time for that! Eventually it let up a little, so I jumped out and got my tent down and my pack packed. We had heard there was a bridge out just ahead of us on the trail, so we looked at the map and decided instead of fording the river to hike around it. It was nice to walk along the flat road for a bit too! Eventually I got back on the trail and avoided the destroyed bridge. It started to rain in the afternoon, but mostly light rain. Then late in the afternoon it started pouring and hailing...seriously?!?! Well, I missed avoiding the rain and hail by about 20 minutes, showing up at the shelter after the storm had been going for that amount of time... I was cold and wet, so I changed and climbed into my bag to get warm. I even enjoyed a nice drink of scotch that my parents had sent me...a nice night cap. Tonight, I stayed in the shelter and was joined by Dust, Pete, Pacer, Re-Tread, and Walkie-Talkie. Steadfast was there too, but tented.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A crazy thunderstorm hit in the middle of the night and a loud clap of thunder woke me up and scared the crap out of me! Once I was up though, I enjoyed a nice lightning show from the dry shelter. The weather in the morning was perfect, cool and clear skies. We had some nice trail magic about 10:00 from Super Dave, some cold sodas...they hit the spot! There were some stretches of nice open pasture today which I quite enjoyed. I saw the Keffer Oak, the largest oak in the south (about 18' around at the base)...it was pretty impressive. Then at the end of the day I had an awesome ridge walk along the Eastern Continental Divide...with a view that seemed to stretch on forever...very cool. Just as I got to the shelter, it started raining again out of nowhere...it was nice to make it in time this time...so I stayed dry!
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Niday Shelter

To: VA 624/Catawba, VA
Miles today: 17.8

Another great day of weather for hiking. Early in the day I stopped at the Audie Murphy memorial. He died in a plane crash near here and he was the most decorated American Soldier in World War II. The climb up to Dragons Tooth was a lot longer than the map made it seem and I was very weak for most of the afternoon. I think maybe I got a bit dehydrated. Once to the top, I just wanted to get down...easier said than done though. It was a lot of straight down scrambling, which normally would be fun for me, but I was exhausted and not feeling great. Once down, I stopped at the grocery store and we got a ride from there to a hostel in Catawba. It was a nice place to stay and I felt a little better once I got cleaned up and some food and water. I stayed at the hostel with Pete, Pacer, and Walkie-Talkie.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: VA 624/Catawba, VA

To: Lambert's Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up this morning not feeling well at all. I ate a little breakfast and hoped that would help...it didn't. I basically hiked all day today feeling weak and very sick to my stomach...the pukey kind of sick...not fun. I din't eat the rest of the day and a few times stopped along the trail thinking I was going to puke. Needless to say it was the longest day I have had on the trail. I slowed up a lot and tried to drink water, but nothing really helped. I just pushed on and hoped that some more rest would help once I got to the campsite. The unfortunate part about my not feeling well was the great landmarks that I was walking by today, McAfee's Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Despite not feeling well at all I enjoyed the fantastic views from McAfee's knob. This part is one of the most photographed part of the trail, and now I see why...it was amazing. Also, I crossed 700 miles here. The last few miles were an amazing struggle for me, I was weak, dehydrated and just wanted to lay down and sleep. I spent a few moments at Tinker cliffs and soaked in the view and then pushed on to Lamberts Meadow. I tried to eat a little ramen, but it wasn't happening. I crawled in my tent about 7:30 and crashed...only to wake up a few hours later to throw up that ramen...terrible night.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Lambert's Meadow Campsite

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: few clouds

A very long miserable night made the morning pretty awful. I'm still sick to my stomach and now have a raging headache to go with that. I slowly broke camp and got on the trail. It was slow going and i was basically a zombie just stumbling along trying to make it to town. It was hot and luckily the trail was pretty flat after the first few miles. Most of the morning I was up on a nice ridge. I crossed paths with Sherlock heading south to make up some miles he skipped when he got sick. We traded "sick stories" and then I pushed on to town...and oh when I finally made it to the road, it was such a relief. I checked into a motel, took a shower, drank some gatorade and passed out.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Daleville, VA

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

Still not eating much, one meal a day for the last 2 days, so I'm staying around here one more day. I saw Flamethrower today! That was great to see him. He has been behind us for a long time. I hung out with him this evening and hope to be back on the trail tomorrow, whether I feel 100% or not...or I will never catch Pete and Pacer.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblet's Shelter
Miles today: 18.5

Well, I am testing the waters after trying to get over this stomach bug...and didn't fare so well. I am still not eating very much, but made it a pretty big day. I'm hiking alone and trying to catch Pete and Pacer in Buena Vista. I did see Flamethrower in town, but he is still a few hours behind me...I'm sure he'll catch me before too long. I struggled into the shelter and met some nice people here, Aboman from VA and Alohawk from Oregon...2 really cool guys and a few section hikers are here too. I forced down some dinner and called it a night...hopefully tomorrow my appetite will be better! Oh and the only water source near here is basically a stagnant puddle...yum.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Bobblet's Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

I feel better this morning and ate a little breakfast. I have been thinking about quitting the trail the last few days mostly because if my appetite doesn't get stronger, I will never be able to keep going! The thing about hiking solo is that you get these thoughts in your head while you hike and that is all I think about...sort of depressing. While I was deep in thought and just trudging along I startled a grouse right off the trail and it took off out of the brush and scared the crap out of me! Those freakin' birds make a lot of noise taking off!!I got hungry for lunch (the first time since before Daleville, so I stopped at Bryant Shelter and had lunch with Robin Hood, Sea to Land, and Aboman, Danger Snake and Time Cop. I took a nice long break here because there is a hell of a climb coming up and it is blazing hot. Also, it was nice to meet some new hikers and chat with them about their trip.I rolled into the shelter just before a storm blew in...always a great feeling. I had a big dinner and was hungry for it...things are getting better and better. Had a nice conversation with Robin Hood, Aboman, and Sea to Land...all really cool and interesting guys. Cool people to hike with and feeling better...all I could ask for out here.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I am feeling stronger this morning than I have in a week. I ran into Catfish doing a slack to Jennings Creek campground. His Mom and some of her friends are doing some trail magic up ahead, so I stopped off there at the Thunder Ridge overlook for a bit and talked with her...a nice place to break and she was very nice to talk to. I mentioned I was still thinking of possibly getting off the trail, and she was great to talk to about that. I left feeling really good and had a more positive feeling in my head. It was cloudy and rain looked pretty eminent, but in never really hit. I had a very nice ridge walk towards the end of the day and had my iPod on...just really enjoyed the afternoon trail. I stayed in the shelter with the same group of guys and met a section hiker named Kate Monster and we sat around and had some great coversations. I am really enjoying getting to know this new group of hikers.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 24.0

Well today was something new...I needed to get food and Buena Vista is still about 20 miles away. Pete and Pacer are getting there today and I had planned to meet them there tonight. I crossed the James River Foot bridge and decided to try to hitch in to a town to get food. I nice truck driver named Rodney picked me up and I got into town in no time. I told him I was trying to catch my friends in Buena Vista and he said its only about 9 miles from here and if I wouldn't mind waiting for him to unload his fuel, he would take me there...so I decided to take him up on his offer and just "yellow blaze" the stretch between Glasgow and Buena Vista, which was 21.8 miles. I am not a purist, I'm just trying to get to Maine man! So I got to Buena Vista by about 10:30 and checked into the motel. Pete and Pacer had already checked in, but weren't there...turns out they had got a ride into town early too! They showed up later that day and had slacked the 12 miles or so into town! I got resupplied on food and took it easy the rest of the day.PS while waiting for Rodney to unload the fuel, he asked if I would pull the truck up to the other tank...so I got to drive a big rig across the parking lot...seriously!
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Porter's Field Campsite
Miles today: 15.1

A great day for hiking...kind of a cool morning and really nice trail. My energy level is getting back to normal, which made the miles a lot easier. About midday the trail led over a couple of balds...always a treat for me. I met a couple of new thru hikers Orange Dust (and her dog B) and Green Wood. They are camping in the meadow here too. We all sat around the fire and had a pleasant coversation. The fire was not really for heat, but to keep the annoying bugs away!
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Porter's Field Campsite

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: few clouds

Well the humidity is starting to kick up quite a bit. The morning was a pleasant hike even though there were a few climbs. I stopped off at the Priest shelter and because of the name everyone was leaving "confessions" in the shelter register...pretty funny ones too!! I forgot to put mine in, but I was going to confess I yellow-blazed those 20 miles a few days ago! I had lunch on the banks of the Tye River. After lunch dipped my head into the river to cool off...felt great!! I have left the Priest Wilderness Area and am heading into the Three Ridges Wilderness. Pacer and I decided on a shortcut later in the day that took us by a cool waterfall and took off about 3 miles of the AT. Even though the blue-blazed trail was shorter, it was quite difficult terrain...but no complaints from me! Pete didn't take the blue blaze and he rolled into camp about 2 hours after us! The trail we blue-blazed around was a doozy over the Three Ridges summit.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA (Rock Fish Gap)
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's trail was pretty difficult...the first 15 miles were so rocky, just shredding my feet and ankles. I am heading into town though, so motivation is high! I got out of camp last so Pete and Pacer were ahead of me most of the day. A big storm is supposed to be coming in, so I am trying to get into town beforehand. I stopped at the Cedar Cliffs for a nice break and a snack...really cool view up there. I didn't miss the rain...it started pouring about 1/2 mile before I got to the last shelter! I caught up with Pete there, and we both waited out the storm...which didn't take long to blow through. Neither of us saw Pacer so we figured he caught a ride into the gap from the Blue Ridge parkway (which we have been crossing quite a bit the last few days). The last 5 miles to Rockfish Gap was really muggy, but we got there pretty quickly...and Pacer was there. He had knocked his head on a tree when he had tripped and was on the verge of a freak out, so he took the road instead of the trail and just got there a little quicker!! Waynesboro is a very hiker friendly town and there are trail angels that will come pick you up at the gap and take you into town...very sweet! In town had a nice reunion with some friends I hadn't seen in awhile. We all had some beers and good food at an Italian joint in town. Flame Thrower and his Dad, Phil, were here, Dust in the Wind, Walkie Talkie, Sherlock, and Gumby (Inchi), Pete, Pacer and myself all had a great dinner!
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Waynesboro, VA (Rock Fish Gap)

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

So because we got here a day early, we all took a zero here. A random thing happened when Pete and I did our laundry...someone stole both of our red bandana's...seriously...straight from the washing machine...wtf?!. I ate breakfast at a place called Weasie's with Pete and Alohawk and couldn't even finish my first plate of all you can eat pancakes...very sad.That night, we loaded up in Flame Thrower's Dad's (Phil) car and drove to Staunton to see the new Indiana Jones movie...very cool! His dad was driving hikers all town all day, so it was cool that he took us to the next town to see a movie! What a great night!
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Waynesboro, VA (Rock Fish Gap)

To: Blackrock Hut (Shenandoah Nat'l Park)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Phil drove us back to the trail this morning and we start the Shenandoah Natinal Park. The weather is perfect today, and the trail is pretty nice, not too steep and not too rocky. The SNP is a crowded National park that has a road, Skyline Drive running right through it and lodges and waysides along the road. The trail through the park lends itself to big miles everyday because you have to camp at the huts and they are spaced out so you either do a 12 mile day or a 20 mile day. There is some kind of heat wave heading to the east coast, so today is likely the last good weather day.It didn't take long to see my first wildlife in the park, I saw a doe and its fawn just off the trail. The deer are pretty use to humans, so they let you get pretty close to them. I continued to see deer all day. The 20 miles felt pretty good today and seemed to be a bit easier than a typical 20 mile day. THe hut is crowded tonight, so I tented on the lousy, rocky tent site.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Blackrock Hut

To: High Top Shelter
Miles today: 21.4

I hit my first wayside today. A wayside is basically a camp store with food and drinks and camping supplies almost right in the trail in the park. These make it possible to carry a light food load and just buy the food as you go...so a lighter load is fine by me! After stopping at the campstore, Pete, Pacer and I walked along the road instead of the trail for a little change of pace. It was nice to see all the scenic overlooks from the road, the trail doesn't go by all of them. It is a lot harder on my feet though to walk on the hard road. We all saw a young bear from the road, a much better way to see a black bear...from a distance. Towards the end of the day I made it to the shelter just before a downpour...very good timing!
Date: 2008-06-04
From: High Top Shelter

To: Big Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

It rained throughout the night and it must have stirred up something in the air because I had a terrible allergy attack...not fun. It was hot and humid this morning, so not too pleasant. I stopped off at the Lewis Mtn. campstore for some snacks and food. There I met up with Pete, Pacer, Dust, Inchi, and Sherlock. We heard some more bad weather is on the way, so pushed on to the Big Meadow Lodge and got a room. I had a big hiker dinner down in the dining hall with Pete, Pacer, Dust, Inchi, Sherlock, Grin, Steel man, and Walkie talkie. I even had some wine, a nice treat. During dinner that bad storm hit and knocked out the power, so we finished dinner by candle light and head lamp! After dinner, we all went down to the Tap Room for some more drinks and the band Shen-Night...an Irish/folksy band...a lot of fun.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Big Meadow Lodge

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the shortest day mileage-wise, but it felt like the longest day. These long days are adding up and I'm getting burnt out because of them. Physically I am worn out and mentally I'm not enjoying the trail like I use to. I tried to slow up today and take it easy, but the heat is getting worse! I'm literally soaked in sweat all day. Just before a picnic area, a female bear and her cub came crashing down and crossed the trail about 15 yards in front of me...scared the crap out of me! At the same time, it was cool to see a tiny cub. I was just worn out and beat down today and got in a bad mood as the day wore on. I stumbled to the shelter ready to crash. Jackaroo was already there and I met a guy from NYC named Briar. Just as I was settling in for the night, another bear came crashing through our campsite. Pete scared it off by hoping out of his tent and yelling at it...that makes the black bear total for me at 6. Well, I should sleep great tonight...sarcasm...
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Another long, tedious, tough day. The humidity is rediculous...just rediculous. It is so damn hot and miserable!!! The bugs have been getting worse and hit an all time high today, literally flying into my ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. I am constantly swing my arms while I hike to get them out of my face! All this is taking a toll on me...I don't have to be out here, if I'm not enjoying it, I should stop! I am so tired by 10 am and still have so far to go today. Just past the Elk Wallow wayside I got the crap scared out of my by a timber rattle snake right on the trail. I almost stepped on it and would have it it hadn't rattled! The bears, the snakes, the bugs, the heat, the long days...thoughts of quitting the trail are pouring through my head and occupying my thoughts all day...
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Tom Floyd Wayside Hut

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: broken clouds

I did a short 2 miles into Front Royal, VA this morning...quite burnt out and really needing some time off. I am so close to quitting, so I decided to stop and take a break and do some thinking. I hitched into Front Royal and I'm going to take a few days off by myself. This is a cool little town with nice downtown area that I am going to explore.
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A day or rest, A/C and staying out of the harsh heat here in Front Royal. Pete and Pacer have continued on, and as of now, I am going to meet them in Harpers Ferry tomorrow and make my decision on whether to keep going or go home. This means that I will be skipping a big chunk of the trail, 53.3 miles. Right now, that is not really concerning me...on my mind is to stay or go...I met up with Dust and Inchi and had lunch with them. It was good to talk to them and they were encouraging me to keep at it. It was nice to talk to them and hear that they are going through the same things I am as far as not really enjoying the heat and bugs and long miles...
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Front Royal

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I am still thinking about the trip and everything. I was hoping the "right answer" would just come to me, but so far, I'm still on the fence. I got a ride to Harpers Ferry in the morning and got a room at one of the hostels in town. Pete and Pacer should be getting here this afternoon, and I will make my final decision tonight.Thanks Courtney for the loaded goodie package, I can't wait to dive into the food!!Today is also my brother's birthday...got to talk to him this morning. He and his wife are in NYC for the weekend...John it was good talking to you and Happy Birthday man!
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Turners Gap
Miles today: 18.1

Well...after a lot of thinking and talking with friends and family back home and friends here on the trail, I am back in the saddle. I think I just needed a bit of a break. I feel rested and ready to hit the trail again. I did a slack pack out of Harpers Ferry with Pete, Pacer, Forest Gimp, and Troutbum. There was a huge Thunderstorm heading this way, so at least if I get wet, I am heading back into town! We stopped of at Gathland State Park just before the first wave of rain to wait it out in the museum. I nice fella volunteering there named John told us a great Civil War story about a battle right here that literally could have ended the war 2 years early if it had gone to plan...crazy. It is really nice to be hiking through an area with such history. After about an hour the rain let up and I was back on the trail...but not before another downpour...but the cool rain felt good. We finished up our hike along the C&O Canal Towpath and into Harpers Ferry again...not bad 18 miles in 6 hours. I had a large quantity of pizza and a shower and called it a night.
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Turners Gap

To: Wolfsville Road (Free State Hiker Hostel)
Miles today: 13.9

Today was my first real day back on the trail with full pack and heading north. I feel so much better about everything...its amazing what a few days off and all the support from friends and family have done for me...thanks to everyone for that! The storm that blew through yesterday has cooled off the area, making for a nice day of walking. I have made it almost all the way through another state, Maryland, and that also makes it feel like I am making progress. Along the trail today were a couple of cool landmarks; one, a short side trail (.4 mi) to Annapolis Rocks were we all stopped for a nice lunch with a view. Also, tonight I stayed at the Free State Hiker Hostel. What a great place to stay! I'm here with the usually trio and Pack Animal. It is always nice to get a shower and clean clothes after only a day of hiking...really roughing it!
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Wolfsville Road (Free State Hiker Hostel)

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: clear sky

Well I have crossed another state off the list and bid farewell to Maryland today.   Me, Pete, Pacer, and Trout Bum stopped at High Rock for a lunch with a view...it just never gets old finding a cool place to stop and soak in a view and grab some food. Just before the Mason-Dixon line we stopped off at Pen Mar park for a nice "pack off/boots off" break...really the best kind! Because it has been so warm, a longer break in the shade really gives me a nice energy boost for the afternoon. After crossing the Mason-Dixon line, I crossed into PA. A few miles north of the stateline, Me, Pete, and Pacer hiked 1.2 miles into Blue Ridge Summit, PA for dinner. Pete and I got a ride back to the trail and pushed on the shelter. When I arrived at the shelter, I met 2 trail volunteers that keep this shelter so nice! They gave us apples and Cokes...what a great surprise at the end of the day. We also met 2 cool flip-floppers that just started their thru-hike in Harper's Ferry, Amanda and Shauna...who actually went to OBU in Shawnee...what a small world! Should be a great clear night, so tenting without the fly. So far PA is great.