morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Damascus, VA

To: Whitetop Mountain (campsite)
Miles today: 20.1

Day 33 - Sconnie and I left the hostel at 0700. The air was cold and are hands were freezing (I don't carry gloves anymore). What dedicated hikers we are -- we stopped and had coffee no more than a half mile from where we started. The server was in grad school but was initially from Northeastern Ohio (What a small world) and a huge Cleveland sports fan. The first part of the day was easy following the Virginia Creeper Bike Trail. At about mile 16 we took a break at a shelter and was astonished to see Rollin there. He ended up NOT hiking the AT but using the Creeper Trail to the shelter.   The climb up Whitetop Mountain was long and strenuous. Towards the top I could see a cell tower so I called my wife. Unfortunately, the 40 knot wind prevented me from hearing her. Big news -- after not using my tent for over 2,700 miles (last thruhike and this hike) I finally put it up and used it. What a shock! I'll wait until morning to access my success or failure in using it.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Whitetop Mountain (campsite)

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 34 - Last night was a comedy of errors. The trail is a great way to learn about humility. First of all, the weather was supposed to be nice but it ended up raining all night. Since I hadn't put up my tent since last December when I seam sealed it, I was not proficient at set up. It ended up that I put my hiking poles in upside down (they hold the tent up)and the tent was leaning like the Tower of Pisa all night. I even had to get out of the tent to rig something to get it to stay up. Oh, well, I learned from my mistakes and I'm sure the next tenting episode will go better. I quickly packed up in the morning in a constant drizzle and headed for the trail. Theme of today: ROCKS (they chew up your feet and shoes). I walked in the clouds and mist all day -- rain gear on and rain gear off. It was a huge disappointment NOT seeing any feral ponies in the Grayson Highlands. The herd may have been close by but the visibility was so limited we didn't see any horses. We did see much pony poo! At the shelter I met two 2010 Ohio University grads named McGyver and Dr. Salt. Also there was Sconnie, Anthony, Shipright and Dirty Bird.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 35 - Finally, a good night's sleep although I still can't sleep on my right side due to strong pain in my hip joint down to my knee. We moved quickly today -- almost 20 miles in less than 7 hours! We were motivated to get to the shelter by 1430 to catch the shuttle from Mt. Rogers Visitor Center into town (Marion) six miles away to resupply. We left our gear in the upstairs of the shelter. One of the nicest shelters on the trail -- two levels with a shower (freezing cold so I didn't use it) and access to a phone at the visitor's center to have pizza delivered -- almost heaven on the trail. After resupplying at the grocers, Paranoid, Sconnie and I walked about a mile to the main road and attempted to hitchhike back to the shelter. My trail sign, which is written on my Tyvek ground cloth, worked magically and we got a ride in the back of a pickup in only 9 minutes. Upon our arrival we ordered pizza delivery. It stormed during the night.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 36 - Today's theme: Hard Falls and Climbing Stiles. I left the shelter at 0700 for a long day of hiking. Although the sky was rumbling, I walked two hours until I had to put on my rain gear. It was sunny to the east but from the ridge line I could see the fast approaching front from the west. As soon as the gust front arrived I scurried to put on my rain gear. It rained for 7 hours!! The trail became a creek in most spots and there was mud everywhere. My shoes, socks and feet were soaked. There were beautiful farmsteads to look at from the distance -- red barns with many cattle grazing. As I approached Atkins, VA I came out of the muddy trail and stepped on a man-made foot bridge about 4 foot wide and 15 foot long. I totally wiped out -- it was like slipping on black ice and I took a hard fall. I somehow hit my left knee, fell forward (unusual with my pack on) smashed two fingers on my left hand and slid off of the platform into some brush and smashed and twisted my right ankle. I thought my ring finger was broken. It hurt so badly that I couldn't make a sound. Later in the day I passed a decaying cow in a field which was an eerie sight. I got into Atkins and went into a Sunoco station for a coke and chips (still raining). The trail was hard to locate but the lady at the station knew exactly where to direct me. I'm sure she has been asked the same question many times. Throughout the day I had to climb some high cow stiles, usually throwing my hiking poles over the top before making the climb. One stile was the old fashioned kind where you just go up a ramp and down a ramp -- pretty simple. Of course in the wet conditions I turned at the top and once my foot hit on the descent my feet flew in the air and I landed hard on my pack and slid off the stile. The only injury was I slammed my teeth together so hard they hurt for hours!
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Campsite (Fresh Ground)
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 37 - My ring finger hurt all night long. In the morning it was at least one-half the size bigger. I could not bend my finger and it was redder than the other fingers. It may be broken and I hope my ring isn't causing more problems with all the swelling. After taking 800 mg of Vitamin I and eating two Pop Tarts, I left the shelter at 0700. The 2,100 foot climb was very difficult because it was straight up the spine of the mountain without switchbacks. My three months of stair climbing before the hike really paid off today. It was overcast most of the day but did not rain. Chestnut Knob had several false summits and I thought I was approaching the top only to be surprised I had more climbing to do. An old stone shelter greeted us at the top. The three of us, Paranoid, Sconnie and I, decided to press on another five miles to meet up with Fresh Ground, the king of trail magic. Sconnie informed me that Saturday, NOT Sunday, is his birthday so we are hiking long days (100 miles in four days) to get him to Pearisburg by Saturday night to celebrate his 24th birthday. When I got to Fresh Ground's I got on his scale and I've lost 26 pounds so far (down to 161 lbs). The 25 pounds I gained before the hike is long gone. IMPORTANT NOTE: For 37 days I've been giving out the wrong cell number. My cell is 785.331.6521 -- feel free to text me or call me. I only turn the phone on when I am atop a mountain or in town where I know there is coverage. Joe F. -- thanks for the text!
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Laurel Creek Campsite (Fresh Ground)

To: VA 606 Trent's Campsite
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: light rain

Day 38 - Fresh Ground fed us too much, if that is possible. Beans-n-Dogs, Kool Aid, Hot Chocolate and in the morning scrambled eggs, deep fried bacon, pancakes and coffee. Five of us stayed the night -- Sisters Trish and Cricket, Sconnie, Paranoid and me. Since it was going to rain, I slept on the side of a picnic table under a covered tarp. When the rain started I put my sleeping bag away, put on long johns and slept in my rain gear to stay warm. I violated one of my own rules which says never trust another hiker's opinion on difficulty, terrain or the weather. We got a weather update saying the storm was imminent so I put on my rain pants in the morning, which act as sweat pants, before heading out. Since it didn't rain for two and a half hours, I was soaking wet with persperation. It didn't start raining until about 1430 and it was on and off for the rest fo the day. Rain gear on, rain gear off, rain gear on, etc. What a hassle! I had a long road walk near Bland, Va -- Yuck. I came across a long, (maybe six foot) black rat snake on the trail. Of course I could not prod him off the trail so I did the manly thing and bushwacked off the beaten path to avoid him.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: VA 606 Trent's Campsite

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 39 - The three of us got up early at 0530 for our final push into Pearisburg, VA. I was extremely sore and tired throughout the day. It was just above freezing when we awoke and our hands were very cold! The temps only climbed to the mid-40s and the wind was constant and chilly. The 1,500 foot climb after Wapiti Shelter had many false summits and made for some frustration. The day was tough because muscles were spent and there were many rocks to deal with. Good views from the ridge line overlooking a beautiful valley below. The final descent into the city was steep and seemed to never end. Right off the trail was the Rendezvous Inn where Sconnie's Mom sent a package. Unfortunately, the hotel was burned to the ground (it happended about a month ago). We walked uphill about a mile and a half to Holiday Lodge and got a room for the three of us. We ate at a great Mexican place near the hotel and then celebrated Sconnie's birthday. The night ended watching Tom Cruise in the Samurai.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA (Holiday Lodge)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 40 - I highly recommend the Holiday Lodge to hikers. The rooms are clean, the front desk personnel are very friendly, there is laundry facilities on site and it is located across from a Food Lion. Everything a thruhiker needs is here.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Pearisburg, VA (Holiday Lodge)

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 41 -- I slept in and finished off some Minute Maid mixed with a liter of Coke and had some cookies before departing. After the 1.5 mile hike back to the trail, I got going a 0845. The trail seemed to take me around the outskirts of town. The 1,600 foot climb to the ridgeline was delayed since I Chinoblazed (got lost) for about a half of a mile before getting back on the trail. Once on top the hiking was easy. I viewed two dead animals on the trail -- a mole and a yellow-feathered bird. Paranoid and Sconnie started later. I'm trying to do shorter days, although it is very tempting to go just 3.9 miles more to the next shelter. It is time to set up my bedding even if it is only 1715! Smooth, Z, Can't Wait, Paranoid, and Sconnie were in the shelter area tonight.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 42 -- I got up late at 0630 and didn't leave until an hour later because it was chilly -- just above freezing! Since we planned a short day, many breaks would be had. As usual, the climb up to the ridgeline was difficult. We followed a stream for a long time crossing it many times. Sometimes we crossed over rocks and sometimes over foot bridges. I took a long break at Wind Rock with Z and Sconnie. There were nice views of the rolling hills and mountains in the distance. The strenuous climb came at 5 miles to go. It was brutal, especially since it was sunny and almost 70 degrees. The good news was that before the steepest part some trail angel left sodas. The orange soda really hit the spot! A quick but steep descent took me to the shelter. My hiking shoes are starting to fall apart (started about 4 days ago). I've now lost both heels and they will soon break through. Only 2 and a half days until Daleville, VA where my wife sent my second pair of shoes. I hope these shoes hold out until then.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

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

Day 43 -- Last night Can't Wait and Smooth camped while Z, Paranoid, Sconnie and I were in the shelter. A whiporwill (spelling?) kept going back and forth near the shelter shouting out its call. I was wondering if it was attracted by Paranoid's loud snoring. Left about 0700. Heard a rooster crow about seven different times shortly after I left. Passed the second largest oak tree on the trail -- 18 feet around and over 300 years old. The first 1,000 feet climb up Brush Mountain was OK, but the last 500 feet wore on me. Every switchback led to another climb. I stopped at Audie Murphy monument. Audie was the highest decorated WWII veteran and died in a plane crash near the site (although he was from Texas). I added a rock to the large formation that has grown over the years. I nearly ran a third of a mile to the shelter because I could hear the thunder. I made just in time to beat the rain. It rained throughout the night.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 44 - Unknowingly Sconnie, Paranoid and I accomplished the Virginia Triple Crown today by climbing Dragon's Tooth, McAfee's Knob, and the Tinker Cliffs. The Tooth area is a very difficult rock scramble. One slip and you can easily violate rule #1. Some areas have rebar inserted to help your descent. McAfee is a huge ledge that overlooks a picturesque valley below and the Cliffs give you a view of the area just hiked. On top of the knob was Nomad who had some trail magic for us. What an unexpected treat. We ran into Heavyweight later in the day and hiked with him to the shelter where it seemed chaotic. Seven folks in the shelter and many more tenting or hammocking.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 45 -- We left at about 0640 and arrived about 1015 after a quick 9.4 miles. The views from the tops of the mountain were great, although walking under the buzzing high voltage lines made me uncomfortable. Paranoid, Sconnie and I split a room at Howard Johnson. After I showered I walked about one half of a mile to pick up my maildrop with my second pair of shoes enclosed. I can walk in comfort again and don't need to put layers of gauze on my heels! After a large ice coffee, I ate a large pizza then went to the store to resupply. All chores done it is time to relax and do some real eating.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Daleville, VA

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

Day 46 -- I slept in late and got a late start because HoJos has a great continental breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, cereal, bagels, coffee and much more. Had to say goodbye to Paranoid because he wants to slow down and hike with the crowd he was with earlier. Too many stile crossings. I came up over a small hill and I was very close to a big, black cow. I think we startled each other. I quickly moved on as we both eyed one another. I ran into Lucky at a shelter. He was not feeling well and guesses he had some bad food in town. I must have crossed Blue Ridge Parkway at least five times today. I tried to Yogi some drinks from a couple but they told me the previous hiker (Roswell) took their water. Sconnie and I decided to hike an additional 6.5 miles. As I write this we are the only ones at the shelter. The forecast calls for rain tonight and tomorrow. Note: many lizards, butterflies, gnats, orange-colored newts or salamanders and brightly colored centipedes have been spotted the last few days.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 47 -- Sconnie and I were startled when Grandpa showed up at the shelter past midnight. Many deer were around the shelter last night and they were close. I'm sure they are used to hikers being around. It was sprinkling when I got up and it rained all day. The modified rain pants my wife altered work great. They are hemmed just below my knees and allow me to be much cooler. Great work Becky! Huge 3,300 climb which wiped me out. In the midst we passed the Guillotine (spelling?)which is a huge rock suspended over your head. Since the shelter was at the top of the mountain and it was very CHILLY and windy we were in our bags by 1600. Four or five young women were leaving when we showed up because it was too cold for them. Since one had a Barbie pink sleeping bag I knew the conditions were not for them. Unfortunately, they took the tarp that was up keeping the wind out of the shelter. Sconnie rigged his tent fly to keep some of the wind out. At 2100 two, nearly hypothermic, hikers came in and I made sure they got into their bags. Temps dropped to 38 before they went to sleep and I'm sure it continued to drop.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 48 -- The front passed during the night and temps rose to 48 by morning. It was still misty and we were in the clouds. I gambled that it would not rain and I wore shorts with NO rain gear. Since there was no water at the shelter, I left with less than a liter of water and I ran out quickly. I was VERY thirsty during a short, steep climb. Finally, a spring was spotted at the 7 mile point. The last 10 miles had many difficult climbs and without water the last four miles were very hard. I stumbled into camp exhausted. Inside the shelter was a bird's nest and a bird kept trying to fly into the shelter but diverted just before entering. This happened numerous times until all of us hikers got into our bags then the bird flew in and sat on its nest all night. Five of us were in the shelter -- The Dude, Chris, Pokey, Sconnie and me. Either today or yesterday I lost a tooth filling unless granola comes with bits of metal. The tooth is sensitive to any liquid. I'll take care of the problem once I'm in town.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Gap Camp (Fresh Ground)
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 49 -- I left early at 0640 and hiked quickly for the first 12 miles despite of a huge blister growing on the back of my right heel (new shoe syndrome). Hitching into town we were picked up by the very first vehicle. Joey D. is a local musician/antique dealer who kindly dropped Sconnie and me off at the post office. I sent home some unneeded stuff and dropped my pack weight by over three pounds (somehow it has climbed at least that amount). We split a large pizza then resupplied for two days. After a chocolate milkshake at Hardees we attempted to hitch back to the trail. Amazingly, after about 10 minutes, Joey D. stopped and gave us a ride back to the trail. Was it a coincidence or just Heaven sent? My heel was very painful and I moved slowly. We planned on a 25 mile day but realized my pain was too much so we stayed the night with Fresh Ground. The 2,000 foot climb out of Buena Vista, VA was brutal. It was odd seeing stray dogs running through the woods. I was glad to see Fresh Ground set up at mile marker 808 (yes we are over 800 miles). He greeted us with spicy chicken, Kool Aid, hot chocolate, beans and franks and much more. I set up my tent in the field and listened to Chief play the guitar and sing some 70s folk music. It rained all night.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Hog Gap Camp

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 28.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 50 -- WHAT A DAY! Over 28 of the hardest miles of my life. Whew! The climbs were so numerous and so often I was praying the summits would come sooner than they did. Another turn and another climb -- and another climb, etc. It was nearly dark when I reached the top of the biggest mountain. At the top I was greeted by two deer and a rabbit. I always talk to the animals and I took the sightings as a good sign that all would be OK. The north side was an easy descent and although I had to headlamp for about 30 minutes, it wasn't too bad. I was totally spent and I was relieved to see a campfire near the shelter. It ended up being a group of many scouts camping. They directed me to the shelter where Sconnie was waiting. I can't remember being so sore all over my body. We wanted to get to town as early as possible so I set my alarm for 0430. Needless to say I did not get sleep. My feet were twitching all night long as a result of too much pounding.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: US 250 (Waynesboro, VA - Quality Inn)
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Day 51 -- Ugghh!!!! Hiking 50 miles in two days is insane. A 0515 departure made us headlamp for about an hour. A great view from the ridge of the rising sun. I dragged all day long. It was very hard just to put one foot in front of the other. With about five miles to go I ran into Rat (retired Marine) who gave me some good info about Waynesboro. At Rockfish Gap I walked up a short, steep hill to get to the visitor center to coordinate a ride into town (4 or 5 miles) but it was closed. They had a list of people who would give a ride. After trying five people I finally contacted Karl who picked me up and took me to the Quality Inn. Karl is the same guy that is shuttling Sconnie's brother Sean on Monday. What a small world!? I forgot to mention that my hiking pole broke today and I'll need to call Leki to see about replacing them. At the hotel I called my wife and she searched and found the number to Leki -- they told me to go to the local outfitters and they would attempt to fix my hiking pole. After a hot shower I walked to the local AYCE oriental buffet and pigged out. Sconnie's Dad and stepmom arrived and they went out to eat.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: US 250 (Waynesboro, VA)

To: US 250 (Waynesboro, VA)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 52 -- Zero day (no hiking). I stayed up late last night watching TV and got up very early because I forgot to turn off my alarm set for 0430. After another hot shower I went with Sconnie to the hotel's continental breakfast at 0630 where I met his father. AJ also showed up and we caught up on trail gossip. Since he is not hiking today he gave me some laundry detergent to use. Before noon I did my laundry, took my pack to a shoe repair place where they sewed my strap, walked a long way to the outfitters where they fixed my hiking pole and I bought a new packcover and some bug repellant and resupplied at Krogers. I stopped at Tastee Freez and had a large, raspberry shake and about an hour later ate a large bag of chips with creamy spinach dip. I talked to Bulldog and he is working to get us a ride to the trail in the morning. All I need to do is stretch, pack up my gear and consume massive amounts of calories. If all goes well, I should be in Harper's Ferry on/about May 9 and the halfway point on/about May 13 (Pine Grove Furnace State Park). Starting tomorrow I enter the easier part of Virginia, the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: US 250 (Waynesboro, VA)

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 53 -- I did not get much sleep anticipating text messages about my son Will's MMA fight results. In a split decision he unfortunately lost. I am so proud of him. It was strange leaving town without Sconnie since we've hiked since Hot Springs together. Bulldog, a gent from London, arranged for a morning taxi back to the trailhead. I got started about 0730 or so. I signed the SNP permit and had an extremely easy day -- hiking 20 miles by 1500. I didn't see any thruhikers but many weekenders. Two women were struggling with what seemed like 50 pound packs! I started a fire in the pit outside the shelter at 1600 even though most deadwood had been picked clean. I'm alone at the shelter tonight.