morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Roan Mountain Shelter

To: US 19E
Miles today: 16.3

Two things before todays journal entry is written... (1) The worst day on the trail is better than the best day at work or school. (2) karma. Today was by far our worst day on the trail, and we should have listen to our other fellow thru hikers who back tracked to the hostel to escape from the weather. Last night, Ethan got up to take a leak, and came back in saying there's a blizzard out there! Hakuna Matada and I went out later to investigate it ourselves and couldn't believe what we were seeing... about 8 inches of additional snow on the ground and winds blowing at 40mph. We set out about 8AM and blazed our own fresh tracks through the snow. In a way, the snow helped a bit as it cushined our feet from the large gravel that was present along this part of the A.T., but as we got to Round Bald and Jane Bald, there was nothing to protect us from the wind. Drifts were as tall as Ethan in some places! We forged our way forward ever so slowly! By the time we got to Overmountain Shelter, there were other fresh footprints which helped guide us and assure us we were still on the A.T. a short distance later we ran into several day hikers heading the opposite direction (thank God for Saturday). The additional foot traffic helped by paving the way through the drifts! The only thru hikers we came across were Hakuna Matada, and Whisler. We made our way down over 3000ft and Robin and Kaylin were there alongside the roadway ready to start our Spring Break together! One week off the trail just as we finished our first 400 miles.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: US 19E

To: Campsite IVO Moorland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.7

First a little word of advice... anyone planning on bringing a kid along on the trail may want to consider only taking a couple of zeros at a time. One week almost spoiled the 11 year old, and I lost a bit of hiker stamina as well. Nonetheless, our visit with mom and sister were both enjoyable and relaxing. We made it back on the trail shortly before 10 a.m. The weather was perfect. The trail was silent. We ran into a section hiker by the name of IceMan, but not a single thru hiker. The terrain was easy to say the least, but we need need to get back in the groove of things. That Guy made himself a little sick cuz he misses his mom and sister, so it's slow going after a good rest. We'll pick it up a bit tomorrow AM. Hoping for a diabolical record breaker... we shall see.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Campsite IVO Moorland Gap Shelter

To: Shook Branch Recreational Area
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up with the intention of doing nearly 25 miles, but we ran into a lot of slow downs... steep rocky dissent into Laurel Falls, rooty cut backs up and down Pond Flatts, visits with a few locals along the way... Tom and a guy that goes by the name of old fart, and later in the day we ran into a guy named Doc. No thru hikers for 2 days in a row. However, we intended on passing Hampton Tennessee without stopping, but a stretch of trail just north of town was closed for tenting and sheltering due to an aggressive bear so we ended up calling a hostel. The host Bob Peoples is legendary and the rate is a true hiker's best friend. Bob Peoples is the kind of person who makes the trail truly magical we finally ran into a great bit of thru-hikers some old faces and some new... Ramblerman Romeo Houdini Biscuit Sparkles Seeker to name a few
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Shook Branch Recreational Area

To: Campsite IVO Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: light rain

Another waterlogged day on the AT. Bob Peoples dropped us off at the rec area about 830 a.m. It was already raining. By the time we crossef the Wautuga Dam it was pouring, and by the time we got to the top of the ridge we were dodging lightning bolts, but we trecked on thru. We met a few of the same hikers that were staying at the hostel, but we aren't as fast as them, and wanted to make it to Damascus a little earlier on tomorrow, so we tried a little night hike. As night broke we stumbled upon a mystery box near the Tennessee 91 highway... after further investigation we found ice cold Pepsi inside. Thanks to the church group true trail angels. Additionally enough cannot be said about the generosity of Bob Peoples. Take your time and look him up he's legendary. We finished our hike about 10 p.m. tent pitched etc following a day of almost all rain we took long 1 to 2 hour breaks throughout.   Not a midnight Damascu-thon but diabolically close.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Campsite IVO Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

Woke in the middle of the night to the sound of a bear crying or bawling just outside our tent. I froze inside the tent and let it pass without incident. Ethan slept right through it. We had a long yet easy hike into Damascus Virginia. As we stopped for lunch Ozzy passed us ...another thru hiker we haven't seen since the second day.   Our feet were feeling rather numb as we descended off the mountain. Another warm bed... this time we are craving chicken wings so chicken wings we had! Heading out tomorrow for our first stretch of Virginia blues... The first of 540. 6 miles spent in Virginia.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Damascus VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We drug our feet out of Damascus just like we do in every trail town. Ethan got himself a haircut. We bought too much food AGAIN and we didn't hit the trail until 230 in the afternoon. Just like every trail town, we had a nice climb to contend with up and out of the valley. The only other through hiker we saw today was Neon Mountains who ran on past us with his pretty pink socks. We got to the shelter about 930 in the evening, and set up our tent in the back to try to avoid disturbing the other hikers. There is a dog among us, so no need for a bear bag... I hope my assumption is true nonetheless. Earlier when we were in Damascus we ran into Chicago who we camped with back in the first days of North Carolina it's good to see old faces!
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Top of Stone Mountain
Miles today: 20.2

Frontal passage this morning followed by showers, thunderstorms, falling temperatures, and wind. Hiking in shorts and a winter coat. We made it over the Grayson Highlands along with Mount Rogers... The highest point in Virginia. Additionally, we crossed the 500 mark, and had a date with wild ponies. All in all today was pretty tough... lots of steep and rocky terrain. It really slows us down. We ran into a couple more old faces in the Highlands... Code Red and Sunshine. The Grayson Highlands are highly recommended for anyone interested in a day hike. Some of the most beautiful countryside we've came across. Having a bit of a gear issue... My sleeping pad is pretty much shot. Sleeping on hard ground is a bit uncomfortable, but when you're as tired as we are you sleep on just about anything.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Top of Stone Mountain

To: Ridgeline above Marion, VA
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: broken clouds

Long mile day today starting with an awesome sunrise and breakfast with Fresh Grounds. We appear to be sandwiched into a forward bubble of thru hikers... Sputnik, Code Red, Sunshine, Fireball, Furball, and several others... too many to remember. Everyone is doing 20+ mile days, enjoying the weather, and taking advantage of the towns nearby. We also saw Carl again as he was making his way southbound. Nice night tonight near the fire and Atkins tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Ridgeline above Marion, VA

To: Atkins Virginia
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

The days are getting longer so our start times are getting earlier.   We started around 6:30 AM and made it to the next hang out or shelter before most got started. When we arrived we saw Bossanova Red and Shortcut. We spent our first night on the AT with those amigos. They are the ones that gave us our trail name... diabolical nonetheless. We made it to Atkins about 1 PM and headed straight to The Barn. Home of the hiker burger. We weren't sure they were open because there's no cars parked in front. As we got a closer look we recognized the 20+ backpacks stacked out front. We took advantage of another hotel within walking distance of the trail. We are here with Tropicana JeSeppi Cheeseman and a few others. There is no doubt we're in a thru hiker bubble. One concern is the Noro... We've been camping on our own a lot to avoid getting sick. Too many stories of other hikers taking a week off the trail to recuperate. Another concern is too much weight loss. 25 pounds in one month. I can't afford to lose that much every month. There is no way I'll ever consume enough calories to replace what I'm actually spending everyday.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Atkins Virginia

To: Lynnj Camp Creek Campground
Miles today: 15.8

Great day! We left Atkins at 11 AM with hot dogs, marshmallows, soda and a beer. There were some rocky spots along the trail but no complaints overall. Cow pastures, ridgelines... A little of everything. The bubble appears to be ahead of us. There's a shelter about 1.4 back with two people staying. Geuseppe and Cheeseman. Today's reason for hiking the trail... Why not?! It's the answer you get from fellow thru hikers when you ask em' by surprise. It's the easiest answer to give when you haven't been given the time to think. So... Why not? Rain in the forecast tomorrow, but nothing we haven't been through already! Now... Time to enjoy some marshmallows and hot dogs. Topping it off with a beer!
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Lynn Camp Creek Campground

To: Laurel Creek Campground
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to the sound of the pitter patter...Ate breakfast in the rain.Hiked all morning in the rain.Lunch / Dinner... Yup. In the rain.Setup shelter in the rain.Everything we have... Food, Clothing, Shelter. All wet.When everything you have is shoved into a 30lb bag and is soking wet, it makes you appreciate the best things in life. Hint... The best things in life aren't things.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Laurel Creek Campground

To: Trent's Market
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: clear sky

Wow... What a day! Started wet, and by wet I mean EVERYTHING! Rain was in the forecast, but they were dead wrong FOR ONCE! The hike was easy... Spent most of our time along a ridgeline with very few climbs.   Ethan lost a tooth. We actually made it to our goal destination. We passed the 600 mile mark. Now we're camping behind Trent's Market which means pizza and beer. Life is good! Met a few new faces on the trail as well as some old... Axon and Shrugs along with Not Yet, and the other father/son duo... Ironman Bill and Just Pete. Heading for Woods Hole Hostel tomorrow which is sure to be a good time!
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Trent's Market

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

An easy 8 miles out of Trent's Market followed by a difficult climb. One thing a thru hiker like myself find difficult are exposed rocks and roots along the trail. They really slow you down. However, we made it to Woods Hole Hostel by 230 PM. We were cold and wet. It didn't take us long to realize how lucky we were, and how good it felt to be here. This is where trail culture and hospitality merge. PLUS... We got to share it with a great crowd of thru hikers. It's crazy how just 2 nights ago we were camping in the rain with wet sleeping bags, and today we're sleeping in the loft of an 1880's log cabin. Both hold their weight when it comes to making great memories!
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, Virginia
Miles today: 11.1

One word... Nero.We've needed it, and after last night we decided one night just wasn't enough. Mike and Neville talked us into staying another night. We got to slack pack between Woods Hole and Pearisburg for a short 11.1 miles and looking forward to more amazing hospitality and trail culture tonight.Woods Hole... "A slice of Heaven"
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Pearisburg, Virginia

To: Symms Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Miles have been a little flat the last few days. We've been busy resting and enjoying the weather. Tonight is no different. We're up on the ridgeline again, and enjoying the many views on both sides north of Pearisburg. Rain is expected tomorrow, so we're planning on hiking some big miles through it. We shall see. The bubble of thru hikers appears to be ahead of us. We enjoy a small crowd, but on nights like this, it's nice to relax as just us two. Still plenty of hikers behind us. Today we ran into Ironman Bill, Just Pete, Fly Away, Walk It Off, and Bean. Having a bit of equipment issues... First shoes are turning into sandals and now my pack is beginning to show signs of fatugue.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Symms Gap Campsite

To: VA 632 Campsite
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

Rained all day! Shelters are all full. We're in our tent by 6PM... Dry for now, but our clothes are in a wet pile outside. The rain won't stop. Nothing cool to see today... Too foggy. Crappy day overall. Cooking oatmeal in our tent as we continue to dry off before curling up in our fart sacks and give this day a kiss goodbye.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: VA 632 Campsite

To: VA 621 (Fresh Ground's Leap Frog Cafe)
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

The rain finally stopped at 1AM. I got up to hang our clothes on a clothes line and just as I hung the last item, a downpour started again. However, we woke to sunny skies. A welcome event! As we began our hike, all the streams/creeks were flooded. Usually we can hop across on a few exposed stones, but not today. We had to ford 3 of them! The water felt like pins and needles. Ethan lost his pole on the second stream, so the phase of equipment issues keep piling up. This is Ethan and I's first long distance hike, so we're learning as we go. On a brighter note... We made it to trail angel Fresh Ground's Leap Frog Cafe. Got a belly full of hot dogs and homemade french fries before a storm rolled in and made for a good night sleep. Oh, and the views along the ridgeline were amazing!
Date: 2015-04-21
From: VA 621 (Fresh Ground's Leap Frog Cafe)

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day with scrabbled eggs loaded with diced onions/peppers and covered in hot sauce along with a Fresh Ground's famous banana pancakes. Trail angel, trail culture and hospitality collision! We got started hiking at about 8am for a long assent up to the Audie Murphy Monument. He was the most decorated soldier during WWII and died in a plane crash near the memorial. Then came Dragon's Tooth. Lots of rocky outcrops to traverse and slow us down a bit, but the views made up for it. There was a part that was scetchy to say the least... I had Ethan toss me his pack off a ledge for safety reasons, and the pack got by me. It rolled a good 300ft down the side of a steep drop-off and came to rest along some small trees, so I blazed my way down to retrieve holding on to every little tree for life! Dumb mistake, but then again... We're learning as we go. When we reached the parking area near Catabwa we enjoyed a bit more trail majic in the form of ice cold soda pop on the side of the trail. Thank you! The perfect end to an almost perfect day! We rolled into the first shelter shortly before sunset, and we had it all to ourselves. Our equipment issues are starting to become bothersome, and may even be the cause of a injury to my left tibia. Going to replace poles, backpack, shoes and sleeping bags in Daleville. We'll be taking a zero due to the injury which is still roughly 19 sore miles away.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Hojo Express - Daleville, VA
Miles today: 18.8

Breakfast on McAfee Knob followed by fantastic views along Tinker Cliffs! WOW!!! Then came the long, boring, walk along a ridgeline down to Daleville. We were excited to get to town, so we didn't stop for anything. Just gonna veg ourselves in front of the tube, scrub the hiker paste out from under our (choose a body part), and binge on crappy fast food.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Hojo Express - Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Just like every trail town, we had a hard time leaving the comforts behind. We were packed and ready to leave by noon, but stick a Pizza Hut between a thru hiker and the trail, and you'll add an additional two hours to any delay! Ironman Bill and Just Pete joined us for pizza, and we ran into Rocketman and Princess just at the start of the trail. It was an easy section of trail that was well-maintained, so we managed to tear thru the miles rather quickly. Highlight of the day is the new gear! I usually feel a difference in weight when leaving town becuase of the added food, but today I felt the opposite! Additionally, the shoes kept my feet from feeling too sore! We built a nice fire near the shelter and finished the day with soda, beer, brats... along with some beer flavored jelly bellies we got from some weekend hikers sharing the shelter area with us. The beer flavored jelly belly trail magic is definitely a first for us!
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cornellius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: light rain

Another soggy day... The rain started falling as we began hiking and lasted into the night. Great hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but no views... too foggy. We concentrated on the hike and logged some long miles. We decided to stay in the shelter because of the weather. We haven't stayed in one since Roan Mountain back in TN. We shared the shelter with Gjeseppe, Axon, Shrugs, and two other weekend hikers who managed to get a fire started before we arrived which was a nice surprise!
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Cornellius Creek Shelter

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

Rats!!! 3 blind ones!!! They were running all over us in the shelter last night! Worst of all, they made their way up the shelter's middle pillar and got into our food bag! Chewed their way right thru the waterproof material, and then into our trail mix. We made our way under the Guillotine in the morning fog, but the sun began to shine by the early afternoon. We crossed the James River a couple hours later (the longest footbridge on the AT), then hitchhiked into Glasgow, VA and setup tent next to the town pavilion where they provide hot showers, plug-ins, and firewood. Great town! Trail culture is just as much theirs as it is ours!
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Stealth Camp near USFS 507
Miles today: 22.7

Foggy morning in town, but in the mountains the sun was shining bright!   It only took us 5 minutes to get a hitch back to the trail. A retired preacher gave us the ride. The trail started with a long climb, but it was worth every bit... Great views of the James River Valley along with the ridges we traversed the days before! Stealth camped today as we ran out of light to continue, but still logging in some good miles!
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Stealth Camp near USFS 507

To: Stealth Camp near VA 56
Miles today: 24.5

We woke to freezing temps, but not a cloud in the sky. Enjoyed the views around us as we shivered. We passed over Bald Knob... I wish more of the trail could be like it! Rolling meadows with vistas in every direction! We blue blazed our way to Spy Rock where we took in even more stunning views. Then we pushed even further toward "The Priest" Great vistas, but the climb down was felt in every bone and joint. Especially after another long mile day!
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Stealth Camp near VA 56

To: Glass Hollow Overlook
Miles today: 23.0

Following "The Priest" came the 3 Ridges... Tough day to start followed by boulder field after boulder field! They slowed us down alot, but we managed another 20+ day. There wasn't alot of good views today. Ethan and I were feuding a bit. We're both looking forward to the zeros awaiting us in Waynesboro! We pitched our tent on the top of Glass Hollow Overlook. Fantastic views out to the east! Best of all... We're less than 7 miles from getting our zeros!
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Glass Hollow Overlook

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Nothing better than reaching a trail town by morning! We got a ride into town from a day hiker out with his dog... Dave was his name. He even offered to let us stay with his family, but we already setup a hotel reservation. We did however accept his offer for dinner. We shared some great stories while eating our burgers and a salad, and waited for our laundry to finish! Diane (Dave's wife) even sewed a button back on my pants for me! Fanstastic trail angel family that made our day brighter than ever! One other highlight of the day... Ming's! An AYCE Chinese Buffet! Our bellies were happy today!
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Jamestown and Virginia Beach

To: Stealth camp near Wildcat Ridge Trail
Miles today: 14.4

Easiest terrain we've encountered in a long time! However, 80 degrees is almost too hot to hike. Although the trail is easy, we find it rather boring. Not many vistas and the scenery is rather bland. The moon is bright tonight. One lonely thru hiker (Cheeseman) passed by our tent under the moonlight. We should bedoing the same, but exhaustion set in.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Stealth camp near Wildcat Ridge Trail

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 27.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Awesome day today! Started off short of water, but once we filled up, our legs carried us past another daily record along with the 900 mile mark! We took advantage of the Wayside. A hot meal without the pack weight. The trail continues to be rather boring, but on a brighter note it's rather foregiving. Spent some time chatting with Bo and Dude, Cheeseman, Buster, Spooner, Brightside and Rolling Thunder along with a list of others.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: haze

Besides the feet hurting a bit, today was another awesome day! Great food at another wayside, a free hot shower at one of the campgrounds, and a gatorade/beer before bed. We passed Fresh Grounds on his Shenandoah post trail magic journey, and dodged a bullet by an isolated thunderstorm!
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Shenandoah N.P. finally redeemed itself. Great views from Stony Man Cliffs, The Pinnacle, Mary's Rock... and awesome weather too! We slowed down a bit and enjoyed some social time with the other hikers. The feet were thanking us all day.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We finally saw not 1, but 4 of them... A momma and her 3 cubs. Right on the trail only 20 yards or so in front of us! Momma was bigger than me and thought her cubs we cuter than Ethan did. She growled at us and let us know we were to keep a safe distance. We ended up blazing our way up and around the section of trail to avoid an encounter. The pics didn't turn out as momma wouldn't let us get close enough for a good pic. The Shenandoahs are behind us... now we're pushing on to Harper's Ferry and the unofficial half way point!
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

Easy day... We rested our resupplied and rested our feet. Enjoyed another hot meal (KFC), and it was an easy hitch back to the trail. After a short hike to Manassas Gap, we finished the day with hot dogs, soda and beer. It's becoming a tradition for us after leaving a town. The coons are out and so are the mice, but we have no worries... We're the only ones here tonight, so we pitched our tent inside the shelter! Great end to an easy day.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 22.8

Today would've been awesome if not for "The Roller Coaster". We started strong... Packing on the miles. Great trail conditions, but then it came. Up/down up/down up/down boulder field after boulder field. Forging ahead ever so slowly. We hiked most of the morning with Ayce and in the afternoon we came upon our first rattlesnake, but best of all... We crossed the 1000 mile mark! We passed Rocketman and Princess heading south and bunked with Ironman Bill, Just Pete, and Maverick.