morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: broken clouds

It was cold last night. Ended up adding layers during the night. Probably mid 30s. I thought the cold was behind us so I had sent a few things home. Oh well, not a big deal, it is mid May and will be warming up. Looking at the guide we expected a tough morning with lots of climbing, then a fairly easy afternoon walk along a ridge. 19 miles is no longer daunting. Actually anything under 20 seems like it should be an easy day.The morning climb was gradual and very scenic. I saw Pockets several times. Our little group hikes about the same pace, so unless you stop for a bit you may not see anyone for a while. At the top was a great stone hut. The sun was trying to shine and the views were great. Affirm and Bearjuice were atthe shelter when I aarrived. Pockets was right behind. ABear came in a few minutes later. I stayed there for well over an hour, eating lunch, socializing and also typing yesterdays journal entry. We tend to get coverage at the highpoints. The coverage at shelters has been poor, so it has been difficult to keep up with this journal. After leaving the shelter for the "easy" ridge walk I quickly discovered it was not to be an easy afternoon. The terrain was very rocky and slow going.Shortly after 5 I arrived at the shelter. Bearjuice was the only one there. It didn't take long for that to change. Pockets walked in as did a section hiking couple. Within the hour we had everyone from last night, plus Wrong Way Jalapeno, Bad Camel, Popeye, Bliss, Wild Turkey, Duff and one other guy. There were 10 tents and several in the shelter. A great group. Wild Turkey is hiking with her dog Cormick. He had done 18 miles, yet was very playful, chasing a stick.The shelter had a sign on the wall saying a local church does a breakfast every Monday morning for hikers. It said to be in a parking lot 5 miles up the trail and they would pick us up at 9:30. Sounds awesome and tomorrow is Monday, perfect. We all went to bed with visions of food in our heads.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Jenkins shelter

To: random campsite
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Last night was even colder than the night before. The morning started with great anticipation. The church s in the area are very supportive of the hiking community. This breakfast could be awesome. With the cold many of us were out early to hike the 5 miles to the meeting spot. We had a climb to start but it went quickly. Bearjuice and I walked the second half together. It only took us an hour and a half to cover the 5 miles. We ended up waiting for an hour for the ride, but ut was no problem. We had a nice sunny spot and everyone was showing up. Sure enough at 9:30 a car and a truck show up and we all piled in. Other vehicles came a little later to pick up the other. I think there was almost 20 of us that were treated to a great spread. We had to sign a book with our name. I saw Short Stop and sure enough he was there with his wife. I met him on the trail in Maine in 2012. Great to see him again. Amazing how the trail community works. He was helping with the breakfast and just happened to pick this week to be there. The food was incredible and never ending. Real maple syrup for the pancakes. Too many items to list, plus lots of stuff to take with us. After breakfast we were offered a ride to a store to resupply. Worked perfectly for ABear and I. We only planned to do 14 miles today so we had all kinds of time. We were back on the trail at 12:15 and headed north once more. The miles seemed to go by quickly today. About 12 miles in was our last water for a while. I suggested to ABear we cook dinner by the water, then load up and maybe go past the shelter. My battery is about to die. Will finish this in a couple days when I get to a town. OK, I'm back. At the stream before heading up onto the ridge we had social time as we cooked our early dinner. Rod n Reel cooked with us. Frankenstien, Wrong way Jalapeno, Bad Camel, Popeye all stopped for a bit. We loaded up with 3 liters of water and headed up. The shelter was 2 miles in, but we continued on. At first we told ourselves we would look for a camp site as soon as 6pm came. We felt good so said 6:30. We kept on moving. We passed Wrong Way and his family, passed Pockets, passed Tige. At 7:30 we finally called it quits. There was no established spits so we created ourAs we were about to crawl into our sleeping bags a local couple comes walking through. Threw us off. We thought we were in the middle of no where.Actually had my best nights sleep. The ground was soft.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: random campsite

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 24.0

I had a great nights sleep in the tent. The ground was soft since it had never been camped on. The temps were much warmer as well, which also helped. Today's plan was to hike 17.3 miles to the Wapiti shelter, the see if we wanted to move on and find a place to camp. About an hour into the hike ABear realized the Woods Hole hostel was "only" 24 miles in. That became our new goal. The 17 to the shelter was fairly easy. We had stopped at a river crossing to eat lunch and wash up a bit. The water was very cold. I soaked my feet for a few minutes, took a while for them to warm up again.I arrived at the shelter a bit before 2:30. ABear was only 10 minutes behind. We passed by many many streams. It was a flat pretty walk. We took a 30 minute break, then started the big climb up the ridge. It was 7.2 miles from the shelter to the road down to the hostel. The hostel was .5 from the trail. Most of the ridge was good walking, but the end was very rocky and slow going. We had called the hostel and found out dinner was at 7pm. We can make that. No space in the hostel, so had to tent in the back yard. There were 40 people there. I was surprised at how many people were there. Besides ABear, I knew Bliss, Skittles and Bear Juice. Again we have walked past the people we know. Just means we have new friends to meet.The tenting was not good. Lots of people and no flat ground, plus it was quite rocky. This hostel gets rave reviews from the hiking community. I was disappointed overall. Most of that comes from having such high expectations. Getting in late did not help either since we got warm showers, not hot, poor choices on camping, and the outlets were full, so was not able to charge my tablet. The dinner was very good.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept well for the first 4 hours, then the rocky, sloped ground got the best of me. Then at 4AM a truck pulls in and parks right next to us. They kept their engine running for a while, not sure why.The atmosphere was great, a nice farm in a great setting. While Bear Juice and ABear were having their morning coffee about 20 cattle came walking up the road and through the driveway. Not sure where they were headed. I little later a group of goats were wandering around the front yard.A little before 8 we headed up the road. It was then a 10+ mile walk to town. Always fun to get cooked food, take a shower, do laundry and sleep in a bed. It has been four nights in a tent for us. Typically we like 2 - 3 nights out, then a night in civilization.The hike seemed long for only 10 miles. Once in town, about noon, we found out we could not check in till 3. They have a great hiker lounge where you can get just a shower and bed for $20. We opted for the privacy of a room, which is only $50 for two. It is great to catch up on journaling and other little things. We also get a half days rest.Tonight we need to figure out what lays ahead and get the required food. I am typing this on a real computer, only the second time since getting on the trail. It is a nice break from the tablet. many use just a phone. I have been on for more than my 30 minute allowance, so got to go.I plan to write up a recap of thoughts for the first quarter of the trail. I will have Tucker post it this weekend on my personal blog. The link is below.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

May 22Last night we saw One. He has a rental car and is headed home for 9 days. For dinner we had a chinese buffet with BearJuice. He is a great young man. We heard from Slim. He is a day behind us but has visitors coming so he will not be catching us in the near future. I shaved for the third time this trip. It's funny because people assume I am a section hiker. It is amazing how many hikers are around. We don't know many still since we are ahead of those we know.The trail was pretty uneventful today. We started with a mile road walk to get back to the trail, then cruised through some neighborhood, the had to cross a big river on an Interstate bridge which brought us to a big factory. We then were back in the woods for acouple miles before crossing a construction storage area. There is a big gas pipeline project going on. Finally we were back into the woods.Part way through the morning a tortoise was headed up the trail. At the shelter was a section hiker who used to be on the US triathlon team. He competes in ironmans now. He is sect ion hiking all 3 main trails, PCT, CDT and AT. He is over 1/3 done each trail. He has climbed 86 of the highest 100 Colorado peaks including all the 14ers. He has climbed 35 of the state highpoints and plans to have Katahdin be number 50. Another interesting person on the AT.Several new faces at the shelter. 11 tenting and 2 staying inside.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Pine Swamp shelter

To: Laurel Creek shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

May 23Last night I was initially disappointed in my tenting spot. The ground was very hard. Turns out I slept great. Go figure.ABear and I got started a little after 7. Several people were already gone. The tent sites here were scattered all over, so not a very social setup. It was a fun day on the trail because it was quite busy. That is relative, it means I saw people periodically. I caught Astro Man and he and I ended up hiking together for a bit. He is retired and started a few days after me, so he is moving right along. About lunch time I arrived at the Warspur shelter. Skittles, Mighty Blue and Astro Guy were there. Soon after Outback showed up, then Swiss Miss and Nobody. The whole group is headed to the next shelter. When I got to the shelter 3Way (the guy hiking all 3 trails) Astro Guy and Stevie Wander were all there as were Bearman and his son. I met them at Woods Hole a couple nihhts ago. It's great how the trail dynamics work. 24 hours ago I didn't know anyone and now they are all familiar faces.There was a fair amount of climbing today with some rocky sections. Again there were no real cool highlights. In a couple days we get to McAfee Knob, the most photographed spot on the AT.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Laurel Creek shelter

To: random campsite
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: broken clouds

May 24Slept well last night in my tent. The evenings have been great for sleeping. Since we were planning a 20+ mile day I was moving north just after 7. Astro Guy, 3 way and Outback were all out before me. ABear was just behind. The terrain in the morning was quite pretty as we passed through several fields. About 3 miles in we crossed a stream and I loaded up with water since it was almost 10 miles to the next source. After a pretty good climb I caught Astro Guy. We hiked together to the next shelter. He walks at a great pace so we are very compatible. We got to the shelter to have lunch and there was a group celebrating Nora Vs birthday. The Pope was there as was Stevie Wander and 3 others. The Pope was making a birthday cake on his stove. He had frosting and strawberries. They shared with everyone. Nora V had heard of Astro Guy and wanted to know if he was really an astronaut. He was, flew 2 space shuttle missions. He told some stories, which were very cool. I knew he was an air force pilot and had run a private school, but he never mentioned that he had been an astronaut. He told me he tries to keep that quiet because it then dominates any conversation. Again, everyone out here has a story to share.After leaving the shelter we soon caught 3 Way. He fell in with us and the 3 of us had great conversation for the afternoon. Shortly after 4 we arrived at a stream crossing, my meeting spot with ABear. Stevie Wander was here and the Pope showed up a few minutes later. Then came Cozy, K Wamp, Nora V and the guy I don't know as well as Outback. After a short break everyone else moved on. The bugs are terrible here by the water. The plan is to eat here then head north. There is no water for the next 8 miles.After ABear showed we headed up the hill toward the shelter. At the turn we took our chances of finding a camping spot. About .3 up the trail was Outback with a great spot. We set up with him and started a fire to try and keep the bugs away. Its not working so far.ce pilot and had run a private school, but he never mentioned that he had been an astronaut. He told me he tries to keep that quiet because it then dominates any conversation. Again, everyone out here has a story to share.After leaving the shelter we soon caught 3 Way. He fell in with us and the 3 of us had great conversation for the afternoon. Shortly after 4 we arrived at a stream crossing, my meeting spot with ABear. Stevie Wander was here and the Pope showed up a few minutes later. After a short break everyone else moved on. The bugs are terrible here by the water. The plan is to eat here then head north. There is no water for the next 8 miles.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: random campsite

To: Pig Farm Camp
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

May 25This was probably the best day yet on the trail. Last night's camping spot worked out great. With the fire the bugs turned out to be a non issue. The ground was soft. The only problem was a noisy whiporwill. The morning was the normal chorus of birds singing. A few miles inwe reached Dragon's Tooth. A cool, well known rock formation. Outback, ABear and I got there before the crowds. As we headed on there was a steady stream of day hikers heading up. It was fun chatting with a few of them. I also had cell coverage so talked with my wife as I hiked out to a road. From up on the ridge I posted 3 days ago journal entry. Once at the road crossing I headed to a great deli. Great burger soda and ice cream. I was able to post the last two days as well. We had 10 more miles to go, so off I headed with Skittles and Sweet Tea. They stopped a couple miles in. The trail then went through some beautiful meadows. Someone had mowed the trail, which was great. In the middle of one of the fields was a white post with 700 on it. 700 miles down, only 1, 485 to go. After a ridge walk we came down to a parking lot. Thought I was at Wal-Mart it was so busy. It was the parking lot for McAfee Knob. At the trailhead were former hikers providing trail magic, sweet. Soda, watermelon, burritos. Now up to McAfee Knob. Fortunately it was afternoon so the crowds were mostly heading down. The top was very cool, looks just like the pictures. This is the most photographed spot on the AT. Hopefully tomorrow I can post my pics on my website.Another nice camp spit for tonight and hopefully a fairly easy 15 miles into Daleville tomorrow. Shower, laundry and a bed.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Pig Farm Camp

To: Daleville
Miles today: 15.6

I was up early because I was looking forward to getting to town. We have been in our tents 8 of the past 9 nights, with the only break a smoky room in Pearisburg.ABear had said he wanted to start early, but he slept in. I spoke to him at 6:15 as I was about to leave, but he was out, so I let him be. He may be mad at me for not trying harder to wake him.I had almost no food left and only carried a liter of water since there was water 6 miles up the trail. The 6 miles went by easily. I spoke with a few weekend hikers, refilled my water and was on my way again. The trail went along the Tinker Cliffs. It was a beautiful stretch that looks back at McAfee Knob. The trail got rockier and the day hotter. I had been told there was more water another 6 miles out, but it was not to be. I had to do the last 9.5 with just 1 liter. I obviously made it, but sure could have used more water. This is the second time this hike where I have made a mistake with water.There were a few section hikers and 1 thru hiker I did not know. Basically today was all about getting into town. I had it in my head it was an easy walk, but it was still 15.6 miles. Most people consider that a pretty good day. At 12:15 I finally made it to the road. The hotel is only a few hundred yards from the trail and there is a Pizza Hut between the two.The next hundred miles has few services, so need to plan that out this afternoon. The forecast is for afternoon showers this week. In 76 miles I will reach where I started my 2012 section hike, then soon after that is the Shanadoahs. All is great righ t now, hope our health stays. I heard from Crews today. The reason he has not caught us is he was off trail for 6 days with a foot problem.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I ended up taking my second zero day today. Yesterday after posting my entry I received a phone call from ABear. He was 9 miles back and had been sick all day. That is why he was still sleeping when I tried to wake him up. He had my tablet, so we had a logistical problem. I told him I would wait for him to get into town then just do a short day in the afternoon. At first I was bummed because I had a great plan for the next 4 days and this meant an extra night out, ie more food, longer to the next shower, etc. I figured I would not worry about, things have a way of working out. The main thing is ABear was feeling a little better and a day in town would be good for him.I called my wife to let her know what was going on. She asked, "How close are you to Lynchburg? Can you go visit Barbara and Ralph Etherington?" Graet question I said. The Etheringtons both went to high school with my two parents. Ralph thru hiked 24 years ago. They are now in their mid 80s. Long story short, I got a ride to Roanoke Airport, rented a car, drove the hour to Lynchburg, had a great Ribeye steak lunch with multiple salad bar visits with Barbara, heard more stories about my parents as teens. Talk about a great day after thinking it was going to be a bust.ABear was at the hotel when I returned. He is feeling better and plans to walk north tomorrow. Not sure he will be able to walk a full day, but he will figure out what is best for him. It is amazing the number of familiar faces in the hotel tonight. 3G, Pockets, Wrong Way Jalapeno, Bad Camel, Popeye, Chinook, Scout and I know I am forgetting a couple.I intend to head out after breakfast. The trail is only 200 yards from the hotel, which is great. Often you need to get a ride or walk a mile like the last town we were in. The temps were in the upper 80s here today, definitely warming up. Chance of thunderstorms for the next several days.Please go to my AZontheAT.com website. I wrote a recap of the first 700 miles, and as always there are pictures to see. It was a great week with Dragon's Tooth and McAfee Knob.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Daleville

To: Bobbletts Gap shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

May 28Always tough leaving towns. Not only are leaving the comforts of regular life, but your pack is heavy with food and typically it is up hill. This morning I said good bye to ABear. He is still not feeling well, so taking a zero day. I have really enjoyed his company. Normally I prefer to be totally independent. After breakfast I headed over to the UPS store and shipped some clothes home. By 8:30 I resumed my march to Maine. The first mile was right along the interstate. The trail was beautiful, mowed grass through the trees, visually no signs of the chaos only a few hundred feet away. Sounds, well that is another story. The roar of the traffic certainly spoiled the ambiance. The trail today was easy. The ups and downs were all nice and gradual making the walking nice. While walking I only saw 2 people all day, Mad Jack and a young lady. A little after 4 I rolled into the shelter 18.5 miles from our start. I debated moving on, but there is no water for the next 9 miles. As I am cooking my dinner Slim walks in. It was great to see him again. He eat and moved on because he is meeting his wife at noon on Friday 40 miles from here. At 5:30 I was the only person here, then came a steady stream of people. The shelter only holds 8 and there are no good tent spots. At 7:30 there are 13 people here. Because there is no water ahead it is causing a log jam. At least it appears the rains are going to hold off. Of the group I only know Pockets and Skittles.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Bobbletts Gap shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: few clouds

May 29Last night was pretty chaotic at the shelter. It was a very small space and no real tent sites. Since it was the only water for a 15 mile stretch it was very popular. People set up tents everywhere, including in the middle of the path to the privy. The group had a different feel, lots of individuals and not a lot of comradery. It was an older group as well. I was up about 5:30 and hiking by 6:30. The terrain was easy to start. I got to the next shelter (6.2 miles) in 2 hours. The 3 kids I met the night before were there and fun to speak with. Slim spent last nihht there and was about an hour ahead of me. To my surprise I caught him just before the next shelter. He was tired from hiking big miles and his back was bothering him. We ended up hiking the rest of the day together. It was great catching up. We have very similar paces, so worked out great. We had lunch at the Bryants Ridge shelter. It is designed to sleep 20. It is one of the coolest shelters out here with a loft, covered patio and lots of space.After lunch we faced 3,500 feet of climbing. We got in a good rhythm and the miles passed quickly. The forecast had been for rain all day, but so far none. The humidity was close to 100%, so I was sweating like crazy. At the next shelter we saw 2 guys, our first NOBOs all day. On our final climb of the day Skittles came cruising by. I was proud I was able to stay ahead of him for over 21 miles. He is a very quick hiker.We got to our shelter by 4:30. Pretty good for 23 miles and almost 7,000 feet of vertical. I feel really good. At this shelter is just Skittles and Slim. That we probably be it for tonight. Tomorrow Slim is meeting his wife 14 miles up the trail at noon. I plan to head out with him at 6:30. The rains are starting as I write this at 6pm. We are dry in the shelter so all is good.