morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-07
From: thomas knob shelter

To: hurricane mountain shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful sunset last night and fun night in the shelter in the upstairs flat.Had a lazy start to the day and enjoyed breakfast in bed....headed out sometime after ten with Yoga, Heads Up and Landfill. Another beautiful day to be walking.Encountered the first herd of ponies about a mile out and we spent well over an hour patting and feeding them. There were three babies and they were adorable!Took a long lunch break at the first shelter and than enjoyed a swim in the small creek....oh so nice! The Graysons Highlands is absolutely lovely!! Planning on a big day tomorrow to Partnership Shelter...it has showers and you can order pizza! Appetite is totally out of control!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-08
From: hurricane mountain shelter

To: partnership shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Slept fairly well but had some rain overnight....it looked stormy when I headed out but it cleared and turned out to be a beautiful day!Hiked alone all day and arrived at Partnership shelter around 4:00 or so....ordered pizza and than took a shower...a cold one but a shower it was. After pizza a few of us went into Marion for more food and resupply. Tried hitchhiking but no one picked us up....one lady did pull over and told us that her husband does not permit her to pick up people...weird. Called a cab and got to town by 6:30 and filled up at the Chinese buffet....strange lonely lady talked to us for quite some time.Went to Ingalls after to buy food and than tried getting a ride back...no luck. Eventually got a ride in the back of a pick up truck that was filled with empty cans and shot gun shells....wicked fun ride back to the shelter! Cold drafty night in the upstairs of the shelter.Short day tomorrow into Atkins!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-09
From: partnership shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't sleep well at all last night...tossed and turned and it was so cold!Heads Up made us eggs and sausage for breakfast, Yoga made coffee and I made a fruit salad....oh so good!! What a way to start the day! Spent an hour or so on the phone with my bank....card was closed because of security breach....what a pain. Headed out sometime after noon....another cold but beautiful day! The trail was nice today but my feet were very sore...glad it was a short day.Ate a pint of ice cream at the truck stop...yum yum! Five of us are staying in Atkins for the night...so nice to be inside ands warm.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Atkins

To: Lynn camp creek
Miles today: 15.0

Got another late start today. Six of us shared a motel room last night in Atkins so not much sleep...lots of giggling and story telling.Had an awesome breakfast at Eats and Treats....coffee, pancakes and biscuits! Great way to start the day. Got on the trail sometime after 11. So far Virginia has been wonderful. The past couple of days the trail has taken us through open fields and pastures and across the tops of long ridges. The woods smell so nice right now....the rhododendrons and azaleas are blooming and its just beautiful. Today was another perfect day for hiking and thankfully a little bit warmer.Took a long lunch break at Crawfish campsite and celebrated completing one quarter of the trail....whoo-hoo!Have had an unusual amount of discomfort in my right foot the past few days....seems to feel worse with the extra weight of a full food bag. Passed a couple of creeks today and it felt so nice to soak them in the cold water.Camping out tonight by a small stream...lots of june bugs flying around my tent right now. Hoping to get a good nights sleep.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Lynn camp creek

To: laurel creek
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

Got everything packed up this morning just before the rain started. It was a light rain and not too cold or much wind. Feet were not very happy at all...oh well.The big climb of the day was over Chestnut Knob...it was open on the summit but hardly any views today. Took a quick break at the shelter and than moved on. The rest of the day the trail was high up on a ridge....the rain stopped and it looked as though it was going to clear....never did.Took another long break at Jenkins shelter and than did an easy five miles to the camp site. It is next to a creek but its a creepy spot...there are animal bones nailed to a lot of the trees....creepy, creepy creepy! Looking forward to sleep...another big day planned for tomorrow.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-12
From: laurel creek

To: Trents Store
Miles today: 25.7

Another long day. Went over Brushy Mountain for the third time in the past 24 hours. Hot and humid today but escaped showers. Beautiful walk along the ridge again today. Some views would have been nice. Camping out at Trents Store tonight. Enjoyed a wicked awesome cheeseburger.....could have eaten another one but I ran out of money. Camping out in field behind the store....there is a farm back here with pigs, horses, cows and lots of chickens.Just finished doing laundry and eating dinner number two. Looking forward to sleep and coffee in the morning!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Trents Store

To: doc knob shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Got another late start today. Its nice not to rush the mornings and it was nice to start the day with a yummy breakfast at the store....oh and a cup of coffee.Got back on the trail sometime after 11:30. The first two miles were easy and I took the side trip to Dismal Falls. The water was freezing but it felt so nice to wash the sweat off. There was a group of people on the other side who had packed in picnic baskets....eating and thoughts of eating seem to take up a great deal of my thoughts lately.Took a break at the first shelter...the bugs were horrible! Not sure if they have recently hatched or if they are swarming me because I smell so bad! The woods are still lovely and smell nice....I wonder if I will ever smell nice again? No matter how many showers or how many times I wash my clothes I still smell. Oh well.Got to the shelter sometime around seven and ate two dinners! So nice to have a full belly!Getting up early to head into Pearisburg....a bunch of us are heading back to Damascus for Trail Days!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-14
From: doc knob shelter

To: pearisburg
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

Got up early and was on the trail by 7! Another nice stretch of trail but I am beginning to wonder if some of the mileage is off....heading into town always makes the miles seem longer.Had a fun ride to Damascus with Guppy, Pistol, Alkaline and Heads Up. Tons of hikers here and its going to be a wicked fun weekend! So looking forward to eating lots of food and resting my feet! Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-15
From: pearisburg

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Back in Damascus for Trail Days! I can't believe how many hikers are here. Its so nice taking a day off again. Went to the medical screening booth earlier and I have lost almost ten pounds....body fat is at 22%....not too bad considering all the food I have been eating. Also got my feet washed and massaged....what a treat! Participated in the parade and got soaked by water balloons and squirt guns. Enjoying the festivities and fair food!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Damascus

To: pearisbuirg
Miles today: 0.0

Back in Pearisburg! Had a blast at Trail Days but am really looking forward to being back on the trail. Had a great lunch at In the Country and am now at Pizza Hut stuffing my face again....can't seem to eat enough to keep the hunger away. Looks like rain for the next few days....oh well....I am having fun so that's all that matters! Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-17
From: pearisbuirg

To: rice field shelter 
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Almost seven miles out of town and I can't still hear the whistle of the choo-choo train. I like going to town but in all honesty I'd rather be out here in the woods. My brain tries its best to trick me into staying longer and I almost did today....when I got up it was pouring...thankfully it stopped and I headed out sometime after one with Heads Up. Had a minor delay in getting back on the trail..... a very kind town person took us back to town to get fuel for our stoves. I saw a lot of people that I have walked with at Trail Days and I met many new people as well. A fellow thru hiker by the name Lightening is doing a documentary of her hike and I did a brief interview with her. One of the questions she asked me was to compare trail life to the real world. In all honesty the real world is out here on the trail. The sound of the wind blowing through the trees, my feet squishing in the mud, the smell of all the blooming trees, the taste of a wild strawberry and the sight of the leaves and grass and the path I walk on everyday....these are all real and I am in it everyday. My home is where I end my day....everything I need is in my pack....it is a simple life that is so rewarding. Its amazing what the body can do if you give it a chance. Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-18
From: rice field shelter 

To: pine swamp branch 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Woke up feeling like crap....good thing I carry lots of extra toilet paper. Stomach was really upset too. Was hoping to do more miles but when I got the first shelter I puked my brains out. Yuck. Its pouring rain now and the shelter is overflowing with hikers....hope I don't spread my germs. Feeling tired and hungry now.....hopefully its just a 24 hour bug of sorts. Heads Up was nice enough to stay with me today....its no fun being sick but its nice knowing someone is looking after me.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-19
From: pine swamp branch 

To: laurel creek shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Managed to eat some crackers and half a dinner last night. Got some good rest and felt better in the morning. Energy is low because I have not had much to eat in the past two days. I really do not have an appetite either so that makes eating difficult to. Hopefully it will be back by tomorrow because I am getting tired of carrying a heavy food bag!Got in some good miles today and it was nice for the most part...overcast but no rain! The trail was pleasant today and the laurel is blooming now and its beautiful. Lots of people again at the shelter tonight...seem to be in a bubble of hikers now.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-20
From: laurel creek shelter

To: trout creek
Miles today: 21.3

Had a great nights sleep until about 4 or so. The pod of hikers I am among are very early risers...I thought I got up early but 4 is a bit too early for me. I was glad to be in my tent so I was able to fall back asleep once people left.The first few miles of the day went through lots of farm fields and even though it was sunny and warm my feet got soaked from all the condensation on the grass. There were several donkeys in the last field I went through and one got a little upset by my passing by....he started coming towards me fast he-hawing real loud! Yikes!After the donkeys I went by the largest oak tree in the south on the AT....it was ginormous! Next was a big climb up to another ridge....this time though there were several outlooks from the top! The ridges down here go on and on for miles and have been in the woods...its so nice to have a view finally!Than down to the road I go only to go up again to another ridge....the climb seemed endless but at the top there was a bench to sit on...how perfect! Took a nice long break and than had a five mile decent down to Trout Creek. There are about 12 or so of us tenting here tonight...its nice being near the creek. Feet are sore and appetite is slowly coming back....was able to finish my dinner without any help.Tomorrow is Catawba and The Homeplace Restaurant! Can't wait!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-21
From: trout creek

To: catawba
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

PUDS....pointless ups and downs is what they call it. I call them F-PUDS...I will let you decide what the F stands for. That is what Virginia has been like for the past few days. Don't believe when you hear Virginia is flat....yeah, there are some flat spots but on either side of the flat it is always up or down...mostly up if you want my opinion. These PUDS take a lot out of me....its easy to go up for miles...the body adjusts and gets into a rhythm and you sort of just glide up the hill. There is no gliding uphill when its PUDS all day long. I get upset when I let the trail get to me like this. Maybe if the mountain had a highpoint or a view or something to appease my brain....its just walking I tell myself....just walking. Walking is easy so why am I getting discouraged? There is no reason to get discouraged. Yes I struggle some days but I know people who struggle much more....the trail helps put things in perspective. My walk is easy compared to what some people face each day. So just when I think its time to call it a day something wonderful happens. I arrive at the Dragons Tooth....the views are awesome and I am back with my friends. I just really needed a break I guess and a hug. And so the day is better now and its hard to believe things getting any better....and magically it does get better! A former thru hiker took our packs the last seven miles of the trail and dropped them off in town...walking packless!!! I felt like I was floating!! And yes...it gets even better....about a quarter of a mile before the road there is a six pack of cold beer waiting for my friends and I....life is good today!One more thing....just finished a awesome meal at the Homeplace Restaurant....all you can eat fried chicken, roast beef, country ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stringbeans, biscuits and coleslaw. Peach cobbler for dessert. I am stuffed.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-22
From: catawba

To: lamberts meadow shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: moderate rain

Was thinking of doing a big day into Daleville but rainy weather kept the miles down. That's ok....its nice to take it easy sometime.It was a nice walk up to McAfee Knob and I got there just as the rain started...the views were good but probably nicer on a good day.Tinker Cliffs were next and it was pouring by the time I got there. No views....just fog and rain. I don't mind hiking in the rain as long as its warm.Called it a short day and I am now all cozy in the shelter....its early but that's ok...town, food and showers tomorrow!!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-23
From: lamberts meadow shelter

To: daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Short day into town today. The sun came out and things are starting to dry...its also nice to have clean clothes again and a shower. Spent an hour on the phone with LLBean....some of the stitching is ripping from my backpack and they are sending me a new one...should have it in a few days. Just finished a pint of ice cream.....gotta get in as much food as I can while I am in town!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-24
From: daleville

To: wilson creek shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Its just before 9pm and it is just starting to get dark. A whippoorwill is singing nearby. My stomach is full and I am nice and warm in my sleeping bag. Life is good.I am starting to feel like myself again since my flu bug. Maybe its been the shorter days or the fact that I have an appetite again....the legs feel strong and my attitude has improved....having a positive attitude towards the trail makes a big difference. Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-25
From: wilson creek shelter

To: bryant ridge shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

Woke up to the sound of the whippoorwill singing again. I like waking to the sound of birds. It rained last night and it was raining when I packed up this morning. Packing up a wet tent is not my favorite but its so worth it because I sleep so well in my tent. The trail was nice today and the rain pretty much stopped when I left. The sky looked threatening most of the day but the rain held off. I was hoping for better weather because the trail had many overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I guess I will have to come back. Met two men who were biking and talked with them for some time. Took a nice long break at Jennings Creek....nice swimming hole too. At the shelter now. Its a nice one that is two stories. There is a guy here who has had too much whiskey and he is extremely entertaining....hearing things I never dreamed I would hear. Thankfully there are quite a few people here so all is well.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-26
From: bryant ridge shelter

To: marble spring
Miles today: 17.1

Had a nice walk today. The weather was perfect and the terrain was very foot friendly. The past few days I have been feeling like myself again and the climbs are enjoyable and I am not struggling. Thank goodness! I hope I do not get sick again out here. Spent about three hours at Thunder Hill overlook today....took a nice long nap and soaked in the views. Tomorrow I head into Glasgow for resupply....it will also be nice to have a meal in town. My new backpack should be waiting for me too so that will be nice. Sending home some extra clothing as well. It would be nice to get the pack lighter but there are too many things I like to have. Looking forward to a good nights sleep. Lots of people here at the campsite tonight and thankfully everyone is quiet.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-27
From: marble spring

To: johns hollow shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today is my half birthday and what a day it has been! Every day out here is an adventure....you can plan to do one thing but more often than not plans change all day long. The folks I have been hiking with these past few weeks are all much younger than me....age on the trail though does not matter. Out here we all are just hikers who drawn to the trail for many different reasons. Its fun out here!So on my half birthday I ate a McDonald's cheeseburger....I have not had one since the 8th grade....I smoked half a cigarette, drank some beer, hung out by the James River, watched heat lightening light up the sky for hours, watched my friends jump off the bridge in the dark and lastly we all hiked into the shelter in the dark arriving sometime after midnight! A great day indeed!Life is good.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-28
From: johns hollow shelter

To: brown mountain creek
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't get much sleep last night....black flies were nasty! Should have stayed in my tent but getting in to the shelter late at night makes me lazy.Started walking sometime after 8 and what a hot day it is! Beautiful trail walking again today and I felt great despite maybe getting no more than three hours of sleep. There were some nice views along the way too which is always nice.About two miles before the end of my day I got some awesome trail magic from Flash and Hot Flash. They did the trail back in 87 and have been doing trail magic for hikers since than. They made me a wicked yummy sandwich, chips and cheese dip, pickles and ice tea. For dessert I had apple pie and a chocolate cupcake! Oh it tasted so good but hardly made a dent in my insane appetite.I am sitting now in the shelter and it pouring rain, thundering and lightening. Almost made it without getting wet. I am hoping the storms will pass by quickly so I can take a dip in the stream. I don't mind hiking in thunder storms as long as I am not high up on a ridge. Sounds like more storms tomorrow too.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-29
From: brown mountain creek

To: the priest shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day. Feet are very sore and so are ankles from rolling them. It will be a two-dinner night for sure! Did lots of climbing today which I always enjoy. Nice views from Bald Knob and Cold Mountain. The woods still smell lovely. Too hungry and tired to think right now.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-30
From: the priest shelter

To: camping
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

Was planning on a short day but did another big one. Hunger has a way of making me do long days so I can get to town. Maybe if I did shorter days I would not be so hungry? Probably not! Spent some time at an outlook on the Priest...beautiful views. I am liking this section of Virginia very much. The terrain seems to be going over mountains instead of long walks high up on a ridge. After a five mile descent I arrived at the Tye River. It was hot and steamy today so I spent about three hours here swimming and hanging out on the rocks. Finally around one I decided to move on. It was a big climb up Three Ridges Mountain...thought it would never end! At one of the outlooks I saw my first rattle snake! It didn't rattle at me but I walked around it making sure to give it plenty of room. Took a break at the next shelter and decided to keep moving seeing it was only five...plenty of daylight to get in more miles. Beautiful views from Cedar Cliffs!Thought about only doing four more miles but did just over six instead. Camping out in a nice spot. Met a girl named Kristy and she did some trail magic for us!! She had a cooler of beer and cooked us burgers! Life is good.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-31
From: camping

To: waynesboro
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Started the morning off with some awesome trail magic! Cheeseburgers and coffee! Things got even better when Kristy offered to take our packs to Waynesboro so we could do the miles without the weight on our backs. Awesome! I feel like I am getting spoiled with so much generosity from so many people. The walking was nice today and it was terribly hot again. There were a few claps of thunder in the afternoon but no storms came our way.Staying at a church hostel tonight....hope to get some good sleep. Enjoyed an all you can eat buffet at the chinese restaurant...oink oink oink. Heading into the Shanendoahs tomorrow! Can't wait! Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-01
From: waynesboro

To: calf mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Its always hard leaving town....even more so when you are trying to coordinate five hikers who all go about getting things done in a different way. Trail Angel Kristie made everything easier by driving us around to get our chores done. Didn't get much sleep last night....the cots at the hostel were noisy and uncomfortable. It was nice to stay inside and get a nice shower. Its weird to see myself in the bathroom mirror. I look the same for the most part but my body has slimmed down. They say hikers burn about 5 to 6 thousand calories a day and it is next to impossible to eat that much out here. Even though I look the same I am not the same person as I was before I left. I am enjoying everyday for what it brings and maybe I might try some wild and crazy things I normally would never entertain doing...like having a beer at ten in the morning! Now that's just crazy!! But I am having a fun time and its important to experience as many new things as I can while I am out on the trail.We got on the trail sometime after three today and did an easy 7 miles to the first shelter. We just enjoyed cheese, crackers and some wine. Playing cribbbage now and later on hot dogs over the fire.Life is good.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-02
From: calf mountain shelter

To: camping
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Another long day but wicked easy miles. Saw my first bear! It was by the side of the trail but all I saw was a big black blob taking off into the woods.Spent some time at Blackrock Hut...there was a guy there doing photos of thru hikers for a photo project he is working on. Cool stuff.Spent some time on the summit of Blackrock Mountain....Fynious and Icabod have radios so we did some dancing American Bandstand style on our own rock platforms.Made it to the Loft Mountain store just before it closed! Got some ice cream, beer and dip. Sat outside eating, drinking, talking and playing yathzee. Fun time. Also got to take a shower which is always a bonus in my book!Headed out just before dark to find a camp spot for the night....found a nice clearing on Loft Mountain. Almost stepped on a big nasty snake on the way.Had dinner at the overlook. Awesome spot at night....stars in the sky and town lights down below. Heading to the Wayside in the morning...can't wait to stuff my face with food!!Jibitz