morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Damascus, The Place

To: Elk Garden
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

"The place" was a nice stay. Clean and friendly, the church does a great job and service for hikers.I left town after a quick stop for breakfast at the creekside restaurant.Today was kind of tough mental. 1) leaving town is always tough. 2) I've hiked through here 5-6 times not too exciting and also lots of memories and thus was missing the family. 3) lots of thoughts about why am I repeating so much of the trail ( why not start at Harper's Ferry).So what to do, put on some music, man up and hike. Really what is my other choice, go back to work. This so much better.The miles go by. I pass Saunder's shelter, the first shelter my son and I ever stayed at. Originally thinking of camping on top of white top mountain, but it's too windy and cold, so I press on. End up in the elk park gap with some section hikers from Greensboro.
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Elk Garden

To: Troutdale Church Hostel
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: few clouds

Woke up to 20 degree weather and lots of wind.Climbed over mtn Rogers, saw a few ponies in Grayson highlands.Ran into Cabot and Hobbs at Wise shelter.Don't want another cold night so pushing it to the hostel. Almost gave up on getting a ride, and had put my pack back on when I heard one more car and thought I would give it a try, bingo got a ride. 7:00 I get to the shelter, shower is broken so I eat and go to bed.
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Troutdale Church Hostel

To: Marion
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: moderate rain

Concerned about the weather, rain, cold and snow expected, so I head to Marion with idea of taking a zero.I get to Marion, setting in Wendy's trying to figure out what to do. I can zero here, rent a car and go home, but wait there is a hostel 20+ miles away that slack packs. I call Tina from the Quarter Way Inn and she can pick me up and slack pack me tomorrow. Do some shopping at Walmart while I wait.The hostel is assume, it is like staying at someone's home. Golddigger, another hiker is here too.
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Marion

To: Quarterway Inn
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

It is supposed to rain today, but it doesn't, it is sunny and warm. Miles fly by, great trail magic at the settlers museum.Make it to the road by 3:00, get a ride into town from some hikers from Raleigh. Eat a whole pizza at pizza Hut while waiting for my ride back to the hostel.
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Quarterway Inn

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

Day started off cold, but little snow at the lower elevations, but that all changed around Chestnut Knob shelter where snow covered the ground. On the ridge there were drifts up to 18 inches. The temperature warmed up and the snow turned slushy, so that meant wet shoes.Got to the shelter and there's a sign saying free food starting Monday April 11 and that's tomorrow!
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 28.3
Weather: clear sky

Cold night. Up early to get into Pearisburg for resupply. Trail was rerouted since I was here last, and wasn't sure where to get off for town. Resupplied and caloried up at hardees.Going to try for pine swamp shelter, it'll be my longest day, but terrain is good.I made it, arrived at 7:30, having a cold dinner and went to bed.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: clear sky

Boy I don't remember the section being so rocky. What I thought would be a long day turned into a really long day. You just can't keep a good pace with all of the rock hopping. There were also 3 long climbs without the switch backs.Views were awesome so that helped.
Date: 2016-04-15
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: clear sky

Another tough day with terrain that was harder than expected. The multiple false summits to Dragon's tooth just added to the feeling that I was not making my normal pace.All worth it with great weather and beautiful views.Finally made to the road, hit the market for a hamburger and fries first then onto the hostel for a shower.
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Howard Johnsons - Daleville
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: clear sky

Gorgeous day. Started out early from the hostel and by the time I reached VA311 the parking lot was full of cars with day hikers going to McAfee Knob. There must have been a hundred, no kidding. Talk was there was going to be a wedding up there, but I didn't hang around to find out. Tinker Cliffs was also great, actually liked that better than McAfee knob.This whole section was very nice, with great views all day. Dry though, not many water sources.
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Howard Johnsons - Daleville

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

After doing some quick shopping and taking advantage the free breakfast at the Howard Johnson's I headed out. The trail was fairly easy today, so the miles passed quickly.The destination for today was the Cove Mountain shelter, which unlike almost every shelter on the trail didn't have a water source, so I had to carry three leaders the last 3 miles. When I got to the shelter bald whisper was already there, he is traveling south.
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Harrison ground spring
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

Getting hotter out now, actually missing the colder days, it is going to take some time to get used the warmer weather. I've started to carry a little more water, I usually carry one liter now I'm up to a liter and a half.The trail is starting to follow the Blue Ridge Parkway so you're either crossing it once in awhile or paralleling it.Was hoping to do about 25 miles today but with the heat and a little help too many ups and downs I decided to stop short and camp for the night Harrison ground spring
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Harrison ground spring

To: Punchbowl shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: overcast clouds

After looking at the guide the town of Glasgow provides free hot showers and I need to resupply so that's the destination at least for the first part of the day.Before getting to Glasgow you cross the James River which has the longest foot bridge on the AT.The decision to go in the Glasgow pays off. They have free hot showers, tub where you can do laundry with laundry detergent so I wash my socks and best of all a pizza and sub joint. I also decided to send home some of my winter gear moving about 3 to 4 pounds from my pack. So in all Glasgow is a great side track. Turns out I'm not the only one who had that thought about five other hikers ended up in town too.As it was still early and I'd done only 11 miles I decided to night hike out to Punchbowl shelter. It was about 10 miles to punch bowl shelter and by the time I arrived it was about 10 o'clock. I approached the shelter quietly with my headlamp dimmed but the only resident was flash 52 and he was still up, so I asked him if it was okay if I set up and he said sure. Spent the rest of the night listening to the frogs in the pond out front. They were like an early warning system anytime something passed by they stopped croaking and then would start up again when whatever it was passed by.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Seely Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

A long climb today 3000 feet up three ridge mountain, but made just a little easier by someone who left Powerade at the bottom of the climb. Went back and forth with the idea of either staying at the shelter or moving on and doing 25 miles. Finally made the decision to shelter, because of the forecast of rain and not any good places to camp within five miles.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

Got up early this morning so I can get to Waynesboro and have enough time to resupply and move on or stay depending on the news of the wildfires in the Shenandoah Park.The trail was pretty easy, the miles flew by. Passed Wintergreen and could see the ski slopes, my parents used to live there, so that was pretty cool. Made it into Waynesboro about 2 o'clock. Checked in with the Outfitter and found out that they are recommending that we bypass the southern section of the shenandoahs because of the Wildfires. Spending the night in the Quality Inn and going to take the trailer Angels shuttle to elkton tomorrow. The ATC has sanctioned this skip but I may come back later and make up the 45 miles. Undecided as I've already done this section back in 2013. I will decide if and when I reach Katahdin.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Waynesboro

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

The southern section of the Shenandoah National Park are closed due to wild fires and the ATC is recommending that hikers skip the entire section and shuttle from Waynesboro to Swift Run Gap. This is basically 45 miles of trail. The ATC says it will still recognize this as a legitimate Thru Hike (I already hiked that section in 2013), so almost all thru hikers are taking the shuttles as to not impede the fire fighting effort and distract the fire fighters and rangers. I take the 10:00 shuttle and arrive around noon. There is a light rain, but the trail is well maintained and relatively flat so the miles pass quickly. After a few hours things clear up and the sun comes out, and not too long after that I receive trail magic in the form of an orange and a pack of Oreo cookies for a older couple doing a section hike.I stop in Big Meadows campground to bug a 20oz Orange Crush, a chocolate bar and a pack of cookies to supplement my dinner, which I cook at the picnic tables there.I press on for another hour or so and arrive at the shelter around 7:30. there is a large crowd of section hikers, but almost all are tenting and there are only two ladies using the shelter, so I set my stuff up, and turn in. I'm awoken later that night by some of the loudest snoring yet, who would've figured lady snorers could be so loud, they're louder than any of the overweight middle aged guys yet. Oh well, that's shelter life for you.
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: clear sky

After a rough night's sleep I'm up around 6:15 and out by 7:00. First stop is Skyland Restaurant. I get their all you can eat buffet breakfast and really chow down. I actually think I ate too much because all day I feel slow and tired (I'm tired because of last night's snorers).The over looks (views) around skyland are perfect and the day is sunny and clear (if not too hot).   Again the hikes is relatively easy, with well maintained trails and modest ups and downs. There are a lot of day hikers out as it Sunday and entering the national parks this weekend is free. That's ok with me, as it adds a little variety.I stop into Elkwallow Wayside for a dinner. A burger, fries, snack cakes and drink. Got to love the Shenandoah's.I make it shelter around 8:00, there is still room and setup. The other occupants are from Raleigh and heading south bound, it is their first day and they are beat.   We talk a little, but eventually we all turn in.   I'm expecting a bad night of snoring, but pleasantly surprised on how quiet it is. Actually the only one snoring is the 20 something guy (the son), the two older gentlemen are as quiet as I am.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: clear sky

The day starts out with perfect weather and a mostly down hill hike out of the Shenandoah's into Front Royal. It is another great weather day for hiking. Once again there are many day hikers out enjoying the weather and the views too.The first part of the day passes quickly and I arrive at the road crossing for Front Royal around noon, just as a couple of section hikers from Canada are packing up. The ask if I like I ride and the answer is "Of course". So I'm into town and no time flat. I pick up supplies at the Food Lion, hang out at the KFC while my phone charges, and quickly get a ride back to the trail. (I love when a plan comes together).It getting hotter, but the shelter right out of town has a solar shower, so I stop in shower, and clean my clothes. I actually put them back on soaking wet, as I know they'll keep me cool for awhile and will dry out quickly.There isn't much to see today, but it is greener than any section I've hiked so far.I arrive at the shelter around 7:30, there is an older man there. He is doing a long section hike, but is building up slowly by only doing a few miles a day. We have a nice talk and eventually turn in.
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I actually thought today would be easier than it was. I knew I had to do most of the roller coaster (a section of 500+ foot PUDs), but as I didn't have too much problem with them back in 2013 and my pack with relatively light (very little food), so I felt confident I could get to the hostel around 2:00 and have a nice rest.Well a relatively light pack is not the same as slack packing (that's what I did in 2013), and even though I made good time I has getting tried and now knew I would arrive later than I planned/liked, more like 3:00. To make matters worse my trail runners finally completely failed. They ripped completely across right in front of my laces, just over the balls of my feet. My toes actually popped out of my shoes at one point and that wasn't the worst of it, it was all the dust and dirt getting in. But as luck would have it this only happened about a 1.5 from the hostel and even though I could feel my feet getting a little raw, I knew I could make it without suffering any catastrophic problems and I did.At the shelter were 2 other thru hikers (Rocket and Stuck) and two section hikers (Goat and can't remember the other guys name), there were also a group of 4 section hiker in another room, but they kept to themselves. We split up our laundry and all took advantage of the pizza and ice cream deal the shelter has. Once my pizza was done, I took out my needle and thread and starting stitching my shoe back together. I just need a good enough fix to get to Harpers Ferry. Because I couldn't take my fuel canister on the train I gave it to Rocket (it was brand new, only used twice, and I'd rather give it to a fellow thru hiker then just leave it the hiker box), to save some weight into Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry - Teahorse Hostel
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early, ate my honey buns with a pepsi, and was preparing to leave, when I saw Goat coming in with at stack of pancakes. Free pancakes! I mixed up a batch, down 5-6 pancakes and now was ready to go.The day started out with "spitting" rain, and overcast skies, actually not too bad hiking weather as it kept you cool and could move quickly.The last half of the roller coaster was (or at least to me) much easier than the first half and I cleared it about an hour and a half later.The next third of the trail was very easy and pleasant. Some of traveling through open fields.I made it to David Lesser shelter around 10:30, and stopped in to use the privy. That isn't what I really writing about. It was I didn't get a really good vibe from one of the hikers. She was wearing jeans, talking to herself, etc..., so I walked right by the shelter and straight to the privy. After doing my business, I headed right out. It's actually a good thing I did, because I came to find out later, at the hostel, that other thru hikers staying at the shelter had even weirder experiences with this women and one even went so far to alert the park service.Well the last third of the hike into Harpers Ferry was pretty rocky, and with my beat up trail runners and feet, it definitely wasn't the most pleasant miles I've walked, but I got them done and arrived in Harpers Ferry around 2:00.I checked into the ATC, had my photo taken and number assigned. I'm hiker #68 starting from Springer Mountain heading North bound for the year. This is really a big deal for me. Not the actual number, but getting to Harpers Ferry, getting my picture taken, number assigned and put in the book.I haven't written anything about it, but I have talked to family and fellow thru hikers about my strong desire to get to Harpers Ferry. Getting there or not, has weighed heavily on me all throughout this first 1000 miles. I had to make it back to Harpers Ferry, where I got off in 2013 or everything I'd been doing for the last two months would have been for nothing (at least that how I felt). If I didn't make it back, I might have just as well started in Harpers Ferry and been a LASHER (Long Assed Section Hiker). So making it here, has real significance to me, almost but not as much as Katahdin. So now I'm taking a break, probably 7 zeros, all part of my plan. I'm heading home to attend my daughter's wedding shower, celebrate, reconnect with my family, rest up and fatten up for the next half of my journey.I'm coming back this time! I am pumped! For me it is almost like my hike is just starting, and this first two months were just a preamble, a preface for the next part of my journey. I am looking forward to reconnecting with all the thru hikers I passed in my first two months, meeting new ones (lots of flip-floppers out there), and hiking a section with my son.
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Harpers Ferry - Teahorse Hostel

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early at the hostel and showered. I didn't want to offend anyone on my train ride home, so I wanted to be a stink free as possible. I still kind of look like a homeless person, but at least I don't smell like one.Ben drops us off a the MARC station at 6:40. I'm on the train by 6:50, arriving in Union station about 8:30. I wait until 11:00 to board the south bound Amtrak to High Point NC.   It is a long 8 hour train ride. I read, sleep, stare, and repeat.   Finally pull into High Point at 7:00. My lovely wife of almost 30 years is waiting for me.   She reluctantly gives me a hug, wait I don't smell too bad, to a get a better hug and a kiss.   "Yuck, your beard is gray! Makes you look old.", she says. I guess I'll deal with that later.We get home. Head into my sons room. We say hey, and I give him a hug (that's pretty new for me, as it has always been a firm hand shake, just like my father and I have always done), but I good with that.Next is saying hello to Oliver, my dog. He's 11 and he has cataracts, not too bad but getting worse. After first I don't think he recognizes me, the room is dark and I have my beard. He give me a good sniff, and it clicks, "Dad's home", the tail starts wagging and everything is good.
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Rocky Run shelter

To: Deer Lick shelter
Miles today: 30.2
Weather: few clouds

When I started out I didn't plan on doing 30 miles but the trail was easy and the shelter spacing was a little odd so I ended up doing it. It rained last night but was just cloudy all day, large puddles and muddy spots, but stayed dry. Again fighting the doldrums but made easier when I hooked up with "want a chair", talking and company made the rest of the day easier.
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Deer Lick shelter

To: Quarry Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Not much to say about today except it was cold and wet. Plan was due about 22 but the rain started around 10 o'clock and the temperature dropped and didn't get any better. I stopped in Quarry Gap shelter around 1 o'clock to have lunch and wait out the rain but it never stopped so I ended up spending the night. Wanta Chair came in later soaking wet. His Pancho didn't cover his back or his backpack so he and his gear were wet. I was a little worried for a bit, but he changed out of his wet stuff, climbed into his sleeping bag and had a snack he started to warm up and felt much better. I'll say this about Pennsylvania their shelters are awesome I couldn't have picked a better place to get stuck, it had 2 shelters with a covered porch between them with a picnic table. Very nice.
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Quarry Gap shelter

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: clear sky

The rain finally stopped. The day started out cloudy but slowly improved. Trail was easy and I made the 17 miles to Piney Grove furnace State Park by 1:00. I stopped in the grocery store got a few things, also got a hamburger and fries and a couple Mountain Dew's. Relaxed for a couple hours talking to the locals and visited the AT Museum. The guidebook said the showers were not open until Memorial Day but I looked into the bathroom and they were working so I took a quick shower. It felt great. It also solved my problem about where I needed to stop next as now I could push on for another couple days.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful day of hiking and excellent terrain for making the big miles all combined for a good day.Rolled into Boiling Springs before noon, stopped in the pizzeria for a large pepperoni. Saw the sign for mothers day and made the smart decision and called my wife. I didn't finish the pizza so I packed out the rest for dinner.While in the pizzeria I downloaded and installed a books on tape app. I thought listening to a book would be a nice change.Stopped by the ATC building for awhile talked with the volunteers and charged my phone. Wanna Chair showed up and we left town together.The rest of the day was either walking through fields or along the river, nice.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the shelter early and made the easy hike into Duncannon. Resupplied at the super expensive Quick Mart and the went over to the Doyle Hotel. Bought a shower, a burger, fries and a few beers. (A nice break).Leaving town I stopped into the Pilot to buy a new head lamp, mine has been on the fritz.The climb up to Peters Mtn was tough and slow, but only because I was stuffed and carrying 2 liters of water (the water source was .3 miles down a steep hill).The shelter was huge (sleeps 16), and mostly full, but they made room.
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

It supposed to rain all day and into the night, so it is a non stop day straight to the shelter. However before leaving I noticed that "weather" left his sleeping pad at the shelter so I pack it out for him. It rains on and off all day, but never too heavy and too long.I catch Weather and he thanks me.I arrive at the shelter by 2:00 claim a spot, set up my stuff and settle down and read my book as people stroll in.It never rains that night, oh well 18 miles isn't too bad.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Hertline Campsite
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: light rain

I hiked the day with Weather. Our paces are very compatible. The terrain was easy and the company good, so the miles passed quickly.Ended up camping with weather, tomahawk, and bumble bee next to a pond that over flowed the dam creating a nice waterfall.We all decided to split a room in Hamburg.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Hertline Campsite

To: Hamburg, Pa
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Weather and I got up early, 5:00 and were out by 6:00. The terrain was still easy but it is getting rockier.We get to town by 1:00, hit the subway and Walmart. We run into Wanna chair, he's heading out to the next shelter.Next stop is Capella's, I pick up dinners and new Sawyer squeeze bags.We check into the hotel, 5 of us are splitting the room. It smells like hikers in here even though we have all showered.