morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Sugar Run Gap

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Short day, from Woods Hole Hostel, to Pearisburg, VA, where C-Biscuit and I will take a zero day, while we wait for C-Biscuit's girlfriend to join us. She is going to hike with us for a week, or so. It should be a good time. There were some good views from Angels Rest, on Pearis Mountain, and some very large rock formations.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Our town errands took longer than planned, thus we didn't get back. on the trail until noon. Last night we rented a car and drove to Lynchburg to pick up C-Biscuit's girlfriend (PooCakes), from the train station. Earlier in the day we drove to the outfitter, in Blacksburg, and purchased summer weight sleeping bags. Todays hike started with a long hill. We kept the hiking day short so PooCakes could ease into the hiking. It is forecast to rain, but it hasn't started yet.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: VA 635, Stony Creek Valley
Miles today: 12.8

Full shelter last night, with me, C-Biscuit, PooCakes, Blissful (sobo), Enock, Cakon, Solo, and Memomma. Also, meant Sweeper on the trail today. We took it kind of easy today, PooCakes has been sick but has been a real trooper in continuing to hike despite not feeling well. We stopped, for the day, at VA635, where we arranged for a shuttle ride back to Pearisburg, where PooCakes would hopefully get some rest and feel better. I am planning to take the shuttle back to the trail tomorrow. C-Biscuit will probably take a zero day and catch up to me in a few days. I'm hoping to be in Dalesville/Troutville Va by Sunday.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: VA 635, Stony Creek Valley

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

 I took the shuttle back to VA 635, mile 646.0. C-Biscuit stayed for a zero day so he could spend some time with PooCakes and to help arrange her transport. I got a late start, 10:45 AM. There were two large and steep climbs today and a couple of downhill segments - which hurt my knees - I would rather climb anyday instead of going downhill. The weather was great - mostly sunny. I arrived at the shelter to find Athos, Bloodhound and a Southbound (SOBO) hiker already there. The SOBO hiker was hiking from Harpers Ferry to Georgia and then flip flopping to finish. He wasn't very friendly, which is very unusual for thru-hikers. The reason I went to town, last night, with C-Biscuit and PooCakes, was to check in with family, since I found out that my father will need to have another operation, sometime within the next one to three weeks, thus I'm goingto try to get in some 20+ mileage days, so that if I have to get off the trails, for a few days, it will be easier if I am closer to Charlotllesville or home, since his hospital is in Richmond, which is a straight drive, down I-64.C-Biscuit is planning to do some big mileage days, to catch up to me, which shouldn't be a problem, since he is faster then me.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the shelter at 8:10 and arrived at my destination shelter at 4:10. Joe left some trail magic, for me, near one of the road crossings, but I either missed it, or someone else found it before me. I saw The Keffer Oak - the largest oak tree on the AT, in the south. It's greater than 18' around and more than 300 years old. I stopped at the Niday shelter for lunch. The day started out with nice weather, but changed to light rain lasting until evening. I stopped at the Audie Murphy Monument, on Brush Mtn, near where he was killed in an airplane crash, in 1971. He was the most decorated American soldier, during WWII, which included the Congressional Medal of Honor. I arrived at the shelter to find Sweeper, Crusty Dusty & his dog Page already there. Athos and Bloodhound also arrived. I spoke to C-Biscuit, on the phone, and he is already catching up to me.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

I got an early start today, 7:30. I hiked to Dragon's Tooth, which is a large stone monolith. I took some pictures. 10 miles later I hiked up to McAfee Knob, which is one of the most photograghed spots on the AT. There were a lot of day hikers already there. The rain held off until after I was able to take some photos. I walked past the Tinker Cliffs (1/2 mile cliff walk), but the rain and fog obscured any views. Light rain continued until I arrived at the shelter at 6:15PM. I stayed at the shelter by myself. After I got settled in the rain picked up, to moderate and even heavy later in the night, but I was dry in the shelter.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Short, fast hike into Daleville, to resupply. Saw Cakon and Enock at the same motel. I'm waiting for C-Biscuit, who should arrive soon. The motel's computer will not let me download my pictures, from my phone, something about the file being too big, so I will have to wait until I find another computer.I have a history of sprained ankles (both), from running, and until a few weeks ago I was rolling them both every day or two, which was momentarily painful but my hiking poles prevented them from being more serious. I assume that my ankles are finally stronger now, or I have improved my foot placement, probably a combination, because I haven't had any problems lately.Also, I was hoping that my sinus problems would go away, while hiking, but I noticed that as soon as I entered the shelters I would experience sinus problems and need to take my Zyrtec. The shelters must be full of mold and/or dust mites. I finally discovered that if I sleep with my head towards the opening, instead of towards the back wall, as most hikers do, that I won't experience as many problems.
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today C-Biscuit and I had a big descent (very hard on the knees)to VA614 to 951', then a big climb to Apple Orchard Mtn 4225', with a couple stops enroute. One stop was at the Bryant Ridge Shelter, which was a very big (sleeps 20, and nice, shelter. We stopped at "The Guillotine", for pictures, and crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway alot today, and yesterday. Enroute we received trail magic = a cooler full of drinks prior to the big climb. We stopped at the Thunder Hill Shelter for the night. At the shelter, we received trail magic, from john Hasty. He packed in a gas stove and cooked eggs, sausage, and pancakes for all of the hikers (Athos, C-Biscuit, Doozy, Moonpie, Papa Mouse(Mouse's father), Mouse, and Sweeper).
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night was very cold, esp. since C-Biscuit and I had already switched to 40 degree summer weight sleeping bags (which resulted in a couple pounds decrease in backpack weight). C-Biscuit and I got an early start, 7 am. It was a great hiking day, warming up quickly, sunny, with a light wind. We covered 14.6 miles by noon, when we caught a ride into Glasgow, to resupply. We meant Flash and Hot Flash on the way to town, they both completed a thru hike in 1987. They were friends of Bill Foot, who was responsible for getting the AT footbridge across the James River completed (the longest foot traffic only bridge on the AT. Flash and Hot Flash helped to cut the new AT trail to connect with the bridge. We stayed in Glasgow until 3 pm and while walking back to the trail Flash and Hot Flash stopped and gave a ride back to the trailhead. We had a big climb up Big Rocky Row, followed by a steep climb up Bluff Mtn, where there is a monument to Ottie Cline Powell, who, in 1891, at age 4 yrs 11 months, wandered 7 miles up to the top of Bluff Mtn (a very hard climb for us), where he died. We stopped at Punchbowl Shelter. Other hikers, at the shelter, included Bud and Delilah (his dog), Sweeper, and approx 14 teenages and staff froma local outdoor boys school (they slept in tents).
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Spy rock road 814.0 (Dutah Haus)
Miles today: 27.6

Hard exhausting day, with a very long steep climb up to Bald Knob (North of US 60). C-Biscuit and I hiked with Bud and Delilah for part of the day. When we arrived at the Seeley-Woodworth Shelter, we decided to continue the extra 2 miles to the Dutch Haus B&B (Hostel), since Flash and Hot Flash had highly recommended it. It was excellent with excellent food, which was very nice after so many long mileage days.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Spy rock road 814.0 (Dutah Haus)

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

C-Biscuit and I got a late start, after a big breakfast at the Dutch Haus. It was a nice sunny day. We caught up to Bud and Delilah at the trailhead, and hiked with them all day. We passed the Priest, with it's very long descent, which wasn't too bad due to the switchbacks. We climbed up Three Ridges Mtn, passed Chimney Rocks and Hanging Rock Overlook. We stopped at Maupin Field Shelter for the night. There were probably 40 to 50 other campers there, they included a couple kids groups. Everyone tented, except for the three of us, who were thru-hiking.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap (US 250)
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today our plan was to hike to Rockfish Gap (US 250) to meet my friend Joe. We started late, my fault, and had to pick up the pace, to be able to meet Joe by 4 pm. We were hiking between 2 1/2 and 3 miles an hour when we heard from Joe. He had hiked out to meet us, so he could hike with us for a while. On the way back to his car, we saw a 3' timber rattle snake, which was very fat and deadly looking (I don't like any snakes!). I was in the lead, and C-Biscuit and Joe's first clue, about the snake, was when I started to hike backwards - towards them. The snake was laying right on the edge of the trail, but we were able to go around it, a very wide path around it, for me. Sorry, but I don't take pictures of snakes, I only want to have good memories from my AT hike. We stopped at a shelter to enjoy some of the snacks, which Joe carried out. We went to Joe and Sarah's house where we enjoyed one of Joe's famous steak dinners, complete with Sarah's excellent twice baked potatoes, salad, etc. We are taking a zero day tomorrow, to recuperate from our high mileage days from Pearisburg. C-Biscuit will return to the trail Monday morning. I will need to get off trail, for a few days, since my father needs to have some follow-up surgery. I hope to return to the trail Wednesday, if everything goes well.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Rockfish Gap (US 250)

To: Rockfish Gap (US250)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Last night we enjoyed another great meal, at Joe and Sarah's, topped off by Sarah's world famous banana pudding. (I hope Rob is jealous!).C-Biscuit returned to the trail this morning. He caught up to Bud & Delilah(his puppy), and Sweeper today.I had to leave the trail, hopefully for just a few days, due to my father having some follow-up surgery. i hope to be back this week.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Rockfish Gap (US250)

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 33.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Back on trail, father's surgery went very well.. Planning to arrive harpers ferry Tues. Today was a good day to join the 30+ mileage club, easy trail w/ no big clims or decents, warm temps but nice breeze. Saw 2 section hikers at Blackrock Hut, Hard Charger and John. 3 thru hikers came in as I was leaving, Walleye, No-Point & Naptime - they are college age friends from Mass. I sawa bear cub on the trail, it ran away, but then I saw mama bear, on the trail. I took a picture, from a safe distance w/ my camera zoom. (He bear then noticed me, took a few steps towards me, partially stood up and growled. I asked her to smile, for the camera. She stayed on the trail for about 10 minutes, until I made enough noice to get her to move on. Walleye caught up to me and he has a couple bear cubs run down the hill, I didn't see them.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy terrain again. Didn't see any bears today, just some deer. PB (from my beachgang) & Joe joined me for the last 6 miles to the shelter (PB saw a bear on the road, while enroute). We stopped at Lewis Mtn Wayside where we saw Sockburn, 12%, Baby Powder and his mother Irish Tea (both section hikers from Ireland). The shelter was full, other hikers included Walleye, No-Point and Naptime.
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 26.7
Weather: clear sky

PB (now called Part-Time or Babe) and Joe (Bunyan - his 1973 AT hike trail name) stayed overnight at the shelterr, I'm sure that they enjoyed themselves, ha, ha. We hiked out 5 miles to Milam Gap, with Baby Powder. PB and Joe drove away andf I continued hiking, stoppinhg at Big Meadows Wayside for an early lunch and Skyland Resort for a late lunch. I saw a bear and two cubs about a half mile from the shelter, they ran into the forest quickly.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 31.8
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early start, 7:15. Stopped at Elkwallow Wayside for breakfast, to resupply, and to hand wash some stinky clothes. It was an hour and a half delay The AT crossed the Skyline Drive numerous times today. Exited Shenandoah National Park, at US 522 (Front Royal). Arrived at the shelter at 7:30, with just enough time to eat, etc before it got dark. Cakon, Enock, and two other hikers were already at the shelter.
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 28.3
Weather: clear sky

Started the day with trail magic, drinks in the creek at VA Rt 55, also drinks and oranges prior to Sky Meadows State Park, where I stopped for a break. Started "The Roller Coaster", finish tomorrow, it's 13.5 miles of tightly packed hills, which by themselves wouldn't be difficult, but grouped together they can wear you out. I stopped, for the night, at Bears Den Hostel, Cookie-Monster was also there, he is an 18 year old from Conn., but he looks older, probably due to the beard...I spoke to C-Biscuit, he made it to Harpers Ferry Sunday. He took the train home, he had to get off of the AT due to some unplanned obligations and he hopes to be able to complete the AT this year, if not, then as soon as possible. It's boring hiking without the company of "The Fast Brothers", that's what everyone called them before they received their trailnames (C-Biscuit & Charlie Brown). I have decided to try to make Katodin by July 9th, prior to my big annual beach get-together. I would need to average 22.5 miles a day (with 5 zero days included), that's one of the reasons I have been putting in some big mileage days, while the trail has been easy, to bank some miles to make up for hard low mileage days and nero days. The other reason is so I can try to catch up to Sweeper, who is north of Harpers Ferry. I enjoy hiking with Sweeper and he has a simialiar completion date goal.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Miles today: 19.7

Stayed at Bear's Den Hostel last night, which was nice since the temps dropped down into the low 30's. I got an realy start, and left at 6:40. I finished the "Roller Coaster" and after Blackburn AT Center the trail became easy, except for a few rocky areas. It started to rain about half way through the day, but it never rained very hard. I arrived at the ATC at 2:30 and had my thru-hiker number assigned, #52, and they took my picture for the 2010 book. Dennis arrived at the same time, he meant me to give me a ride to my house, so I can take a zero day tomorrow, which I will use to take care of some errands. Cookie Monster arrived while we were there. Thanks again to Dennis, for the ride.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Took a zero day yesterday, at my house, I should have taken two, so I could actually rest, because I had so much to do. I want to thank Dennis for picking me up from Harpers Ferry and giving me a ride back today. I started hiking around 11 am, and proceded slowly because I stopped to read a lot of the Harpers Ferry historical signs. At approx 3 pm, I was joined by Magellan (Bill). He is a long time friend who is an ultra marathoner, who regularily runs on the AT, for training and in some races. He also was a co-worker, of mine, for almost 25 years. He walked with me for approx 5 miles and was going to run back. It was nice chatting with him and finding out what was going on at my previous job, etc. I had a low mileage day, but am planning at least 25 tomorrow. I switched to new boots, Asolo Fugitive GTX,(so far no problems with them), I wanted a boot with a stiffer sole, due to all of the rocks, esp in Penn.
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 30.2
Weather: clear sky

Long day, there were a lot of rocks, which slowed me down, a preview of the Penn rock fields. I crossed into Penn just prior to the shelter. I stopped at the George Washington Monument, it was the 1st monument, it was nice, although not as tall as the on in DC. I saw Mouse today, he was doing the 4 state challenge, which involves leaving from Va, passing thru WVa & MD, and finishing in Penn, all within one day. He started at 2 am. Moonpie & Dozzy are also at the shelter. Tomorrow I will try to meet up with Slick, one of Joe's cousins. I will need to hike 25 miles to get to the meeting point, so I need to go to sleep now.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Shippensburg Rd
Miles today: 24.5

Great trail magic day. Saw Slick 3 times today, where he was providing trail magic (drinks, snacks, fruit, etc). He had a big turnout between thru hikers and section hikers. At Shippensburg Road, Slick picked us up (myself, Moonpie, & Dozzy) and drove us to his friends cabin (Tom & Kathy). The cabin was a great vacation house, with a huge stone fireplace and full size log ceiling beams, it was very impressive. They feed us a large meal and I don't remember much after that, because I was very tired and had to go to sleep.On Sunday, We enjoyed a great breakfast and then Slick drove us back to the AT. We passed the AT's half way point (1089.55 miles), and per tradition stopped at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park and each ate a half gallon of ice cream (Moonpie & I split 2 containers of choc and vanilla, so we could each have a half gallon combination of both flavors). I was the first to finish, due to my vast experience with eating large quantities of ice cream. Mouse also joined us for the ice cream challenge. Slick, Tom, Ksthy, and their daughter were there to cheer us on. After completing the challenge we stopped by the lake area where we could rest from the heavy eating. Later we hiked to the James Fry (Tagg Run) Shelter. (Sunday mileages are on the next page).
Date: 2010-05-17
From: James Fry (Tagg Run) Shelter

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

Hiked into Boiling Springs, where I ate lunch with Enoch (who is going to a wedding), Moonpie & Doozy (who are taking a day off), and Mouse (who has to wait in town for his new shoes to arrive. I headed back out on the AT by myself, in a light rain. I arrived at the shelter to find it full of section hikers and Bigsky, so I slept on the floor across the shelter opening. Tomorrow I will take a nero day in Duncannon and hopefully stay at the Doyle hotel.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light rain

Nero day into town. Staying overnight at the famous Doyle Hotel, built in 1904, and other hotel structures previouly on the site dated to the 1700's. It's run by Pat and Vicki, and is very hiker friendly. It has rained the last two days, only light rain. I don't mind the rain, except for the slippery trail, which slows me down.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 29.2
Weather: haze

Nice weather day, although the trail was still a little slippery from yesterdays rain. Stopped briefly at Clarks Ferry shelter where a weird guy was hanging out, other hikers advised that he was living there and trying to get hikers to give him money & food, they said that they had reported him to the AT officials. He didn't bother me. About 5 miles from Rausch Gap Shelter I saw 2 military jets (A10's). They were flying above me, at low altitude, for about 30 minutes. They must have been playing in one of their practice areas (MOAs). It was a nice diversion to be able to watch them. I was unable to take a picture, of them, due to the tree canopy. There are only 3 of us in the shelter, BigSky and a section hiker who is already snoring very loudly- looks like I won't get much sleep tonight.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Nero day into town. Easy trail today, not as many rocks as days prior. The outfitter went out of business, so it is a good thing that I carried too much food, from Duncannon. I can resupply again in three days, without any problems. I saw Rocker, SnowWhite, 40, and some others, at the hotel, they are all thru-hikers that I have been following but had not seen, until today. They said that Rooster and Sweeper are still ahead of me (I would like to catch up to them soon).
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: PA309, Blue Mountain Summit
Miles today: 26.7

Started out as an easy day, with very easy terrain, except for some small rock fields. I missed the turn for the Eckville Shelter, which is where I had planned to get water and eat lunch. I had to wait another 7.4 miles, for water, at the Allentown Shelter, thus I decided to postpone lunch until I could get water. That was a mistake as I ran out of energy and thus cut the day short, and stopped at the Blue Mtn Summit B & B, I had planned a 32 mile day. I saw Rooster, at the B & B, I last saw him was in Franklin NC. SnowWhite, Gandolf & his dog, & Beans were camping outside of the B & B.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: PA309, Blue Mountain Summit

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: light rain

The day started out very foggy. I was able to get past the "Knife Edge" early before it started to rain, which was nice since it would not have been fun if the rocks were slippery. Moderate rain fell for about an hour, then the sky slowly cleared. I stopped at the George W. Outerbridge Shelter, for lunch, and spoke to a southbound hiker (Mass to Georgia), he must not have liked dogs because he was very rude to a day hiker who had his yellow lab with him. I have been around 7 or 8 thru-hiking dogs, since Georgia, and they have not caused any problems. I was getting ready to start up the north bank of the Lehigh River when a 15 year old New York City kid, Jonathan, decided to follow me, he wanted to make the climb, but he, and his parents, didn't want him to go by himself. It was the hardest AT climb, to date, with a lot of actual climbing, on boulders, using hands and arms, to get to the top. It was the type of climb where it's best not to look down while climbing. Jonathan did fine on the climb and then hiked, with me, to the next road crossing, where his parents picked him up. Jonathan did have a bee issue, where he was afraid of bees and kept thinging that the small orange and brown colored butterflies were bees, maybe he doesn't see many butterflies in the big city. After Jonathan left, I still had to hike an additional 12 miles to get to the shelter. I had to rush to try to arrive before dark, but had to hike the last mile, or so, by headlamp. When I arrived, at the shelter, I saw that Sweeper and Cookie Monster were there. I had been hoping to catch up to them.