morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Three Springs Hostel
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 72Three Springs Hostel17.6/812.4HostelWell it rained all night and into the morning. I was glad to have made it to the shelter early. Several of our hiking friends were not to lucky and had to set up their tents in the rain.The last six miles today would be tough. A three thousand foot climb over Bald Knob. Some parts were very steep and we would already have hiked eleven miles. At least the clouds burnt off a little and we did get some beautiful views from the grassy knob. Not actually a bald according to the guide book.There was talk of a hostel. Talk of more rain. I didn't even know this hostel was here, but that's the difficulty of having a guidebook with so much information and trying to plan more than a week in advance. Easy to miss the reference that points to another page that lists several services in the area. Easy to miss a new hostel. Awesome place. Only six bunks. Really a comfortable house nestled a clearing in the hills. And they serve breakfast!So it turns out, I get to charge the phone once again, wash the few clothes I have and take a shower a lot sooner than expected, but most welcome. High Life, California Chrome, Elle and myself got the last four bunks. Pop Tart,who I have only recently caught back up to and a lady section hiker named Lost-and-Found round out the batch. Three Springs Hostel...Highly recommended for anyone coming through next year.Icing on the cake yesterday; when we got to the gap where Marcia from the hostel picked us up there stood Jimmy and I Believe who I have spoken of before doing more trail magic. You may recall that I last saw them in Fontana. Ages ago it seems. Time gets warped when one travels at 2 mph.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Three Springs Hostel

To: Tye River Bridge
Miles today: 19.1

Day 73Tye River Bridge19.1/831.5TentHigh Life and I pushed on past my originally planned stop today and descended the steep and rocky three thousand feet of the Priest. Most of the day was typical ups and downs of five hundred feet or less. Most of the day was easy. It was chilly up on top, but down here by the river it's probably twenty degrees warmer.A storm is coming in tonight that could drop more than an inch of rain. We are situated about twenty feet above the river, opting not to camp down below in case the river rises.Breakfast this morning was excellent. Egg skillet with lots of good ingredients plus fruit filled yogurt and bagels. We were shuttled back to the trail and hiking by about 08:00.Pushing on towards Waynesboro with a new plan to arrive a day early. That means another seventeen tomorrow, coupled with our last really big climb of three thousand feet first thing in the morning.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Tye River Bridge

To: Campsite at 849.0
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: moderate rain

Day 74Campsite @ 849.017.7/849.0TentOK... Today officially sucked. Last night the rain came down hard with the promised 1 inch plus. The river, which was running clear yesterday had risen at least a foot and become a muddy torrent. Tents were soaked and remain soaked, since the sun never made even a brief appearance today.We started with a three thousand foot climb. Many boulder fields along the way. Cloudy with intermittent rain. Walking in clouds, wet ones, while negotiating more intermittent boulder fields. I'm tired, my feet hurt and I'm kinda grouchy because the rain finally caught up with me and I'm sleeping in a wet tent. However, tomorrow High Life and I will share a room in Waynesboro and hopefully dry things out.Here is a video showing a talus field (boulder field) that was a frequent condition on the trail today. Listen for the owl. Spooky day in the woods
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Campsite at 849.0

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Day 75Waynesboro VA12.2/864.3HotelLast night the full moon shown through the cloudy sky brighter than the sun did all day. I was dry in my wet tent, but didn't sleep well. So I checked emails and worked a little more on the journal.We got up and going this morning before the rain started and covered the twelve miles in about five hours. Not my typical three mph into town speed, but it was rainy and muddy. High Life took a bad fall on a stream rock hop. The crazy thing is that after yesterday's crazy rocks, it was a small rock hop that caught one of us off guard today.The rain wasn't supposed to happen today. Well it happened and we walked in a downpour. Fortunately, fellow trail journalist Bunkie and her friend Chrisie gave us a ride into town. And a ride out tomorrow Here is a video of the trail today. Another rainy day on the AT
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 76Blackrock Gap20.0/881.3HotelAt 10 PM last evening I received a text that set in motion a series of events that found me once again racing a thunderstorm across a ridge. It was another day of on and off rain, then early in the afternoon came the sound of distant thunder.Ok, let's not get too far ahead. I'm back in the hotel room in Waynesboro after a 20 mile southbound slack pack set up through Bunkie. Tomorrow we'll start out in the same spot with full packs and continue north. Twenty miles of the SNP under our boots.So I started off southbound from Blackrock gap at about 0930 this morning and made it back to Waynesboro about 5 PM. Bunkie who is a much faster hiker than I am was finished by 4:30. The thunderstorm caught neither of us, but there were a few uncertain moments when I was glancing back over my shoulder.Not a particularly interesting day. No bears, but I did see deer twice. Funny seeing national park deer. They have no fear of humans. They look at you tauntingly, as if saying neenerneenerneener. Really though, today was just a miles crunch. Sometimes ya just gotta do that.One kinda neat thing about doing a SoBo slack pack. You get to say hello to people ten miles ahead of you and to people ten miles behind as you pass them during the day
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Blackrock Gap

To: Simmons Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 77Simmons Gap16/897.3TentThe driver never showed. Apparently he was stuck in a meeting, so Bunkie and I eventually found another ride and started our hike today at 11:30. At least it was a nice day. The trail was easy and the hills were small. Stopped at Loft Mountain camp store and charged my phone a little at the receptacles in the breezeway. Very convenient.Hiked through some of the burned areas today. Mostly it was just the understory, but one area had the large trees burnt. Must have been a big fire to do that.We pushed a little past our goal of Pinefield hut and ended up at the ranger station. The ranger said it was ok to camp here. Actually it's more of a maintenance area. Not the tourist type ranger station.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Simmons Gap

To: Lewis Mountain CG
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 78Lewis Mountain CG17.8/915.1TentBe careful what you wish for. Today was warm and sunny and humid. I drank 4 liters of water, a gator aid, and a cold beer and I may yet drink some more water. Bunkie and I are staying at a campsite in the CG. Tonight, I get to use one of those fancy privies during my midnight walk. Last night the stars were glorious in the clear dark sky before the moon came up.Still no bears, but I did see some interesting wildlife today. Three snakes, a hundred squirrels and a white footed mouse. The mouse actually held still for a picture. I actually saw two ringneck snakes but only got a picture of one. Then there was a rat snake. Pictures of all in the stack.The trail is still being nice in the park. Still it's hard to push miles in the humid conditions. I know, I know... Bitch bitch bitch. A hiker wants sunny skies, low humidity and 60 degrees. Maybe Maine will have that. Think I'll walk up there and see.Long day tomorrow. Possibly the longest day so far. Twenty three on the schedule. Gonna have to start early.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Lewis Mountain CG

To: Byrdsnest #3 Hut
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 79Byrds Nest Hut23.1/938.2TentA long day to be sure. Longest yet, possibly longest this trip. It was another hot humid day, but the T-Storms never occurred. Still a difficult yet eventful day. Lots of great views from the high ridges of the SNP with open cliffs to the west. I passed by Big Meadows and Skyland without stopping, but I will probably stop by the Elk Wallow wayside tomorrow for a snack. All I wanted today was water and lots of it. Another 4 liter day. At least there were plentiful cold springs. I kept my bottles full.Saw three bears today. Two ran away so that I didn't get pictures. One was not inclined to run and was very close so I was able to capture a video. Won't be able to post it tonight, but I will in the next couple of days. Ok make that four bears. There is one here at the shelter now.I didn't get much sleep last night. The tent site I had was just uncomfortable. Hopefully tonight will be better. Just have to ignore the bears I guess. SNP Black Bear
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Byrdsnest #3 Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Day 80Gravel Springs Hut17.5/955.7TentThe day started off with a bear near the hut during breakfast. I would see five more during the day, including three very small cubs, accompanied by momma, of course. When I saw the three cubs, no larger than cats I stopped in my tracks. They were 50 yards ahead of me. I started smacking the tips of my poles on the rocks and soon enough, momma bear's head pops up. Whew, same side of the trail as the cubs. She moved themhh away. I gave her a little time. Another bear later in the day decided to go south on the AT. I thought he might be crazy, since most southbounders are, so I clacked my poles over my head and barked at him. He looked at me like I was the crazy one and headed for the woods.I did stop at the wayside store today and had a cheeseburger and fries, washed down with forty ounces of gator aid. That in addition to the four liters of water. It was a hot day. Then in the afternoon a small rain cloud passed overhead. I didn't even put my jacket on. The rain felt good on my bare arms and on my head. So then, with five miles to go I left Elk Wallow wayside. Minding my business, watching the trail for rocks and snakes. SNAKES! Halt! Snake! There sunning himself was a small rattler. About eighteen inches long. What then proceeded was a standoff. Both sides of the trail were briars. The snake made no effort to move away in spite of the pebbles I tossed at him. Eventually I had to move him off with one of my trekking poles. Not my first choice, since it was a hot day and he had been sunning himself. In spite of my harassment, he never once rattled. Wierd.The hut, unlike last night is very very crowded. It is Memorial Day weekend and lots of folk are out enjoying the park. The roll of thunder might dampen that a bit. It'll be nice to maybe have it cool down a bit.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Terrapin Station
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 81Terrapin Station10.1/965.3HostelThe storm came in last night not long after I finished writing. It rained hard for about an hour, but as morning came the tent was basically dry. Strange because the air still had that thick quality that we usually feel before the storm rather than after.Only one bear today, but a much shorter hike. And I was moving pretty fast to get into the hostel. It had been many hot days since my last shower and the day hikers were beginning to make comments as I hiked by in my cloud of hiker funk. I was on a mission to get out of the heat, so I barely said more than a brief greeting as I passed the groups of people out enjoying the park.Terrapin Station is one of those very laid back hostels run by a thru hiker. Hostels like this have what a hiker needs, including a mud room and a clothes line. It has a nice lounge area and only 13 bunks, so it's not an overcrowded zoo. At 950+ miles, there are less of us thru hikers, so the hostels need not accommodate large crowds like Top of Georgia, which is also an excellent hostel run by a thru hiker.Tomorrow, my wife will arrive for a nice visit. I'll be up early for the last twelve miles on a great set of boots.Thank you all so so much for the guest book entries. It's great to read them when I have a strong signal and battery to spare. If you left an email, I'll be answering personally during my slow down this coming week.
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Terrapin Station

To: Manassas Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Day 82Manassas Gap12.1/577.3HotelThe sweet smell of honeysuckle filled my nostrils on several occasions this morning as I made my way to the pickup point Beth and I had decided on. I was hiking by 6:00 AM and the birds were singing up a cacophony. My spider stick was in full swing since I was the first one on the trail. Still I felt the annoying touch of web when I occasionally missed one.Two bears today, about an hour apart. I was outside the park boundaries and these two were more timid. With the exception of a couple of Boulder fields, the trail was good old dirt. Rock hopped a few streams, climbed a few hills, dropped into a couple of gaps and eventually arrived at Manassas Gap, where Beth stood waiting. It had been 82 days since we had enjoyed a cheeseburger together, so we made a bee line for McDonald's.Gonna be a great week.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Front Royal VA

To: VA 605
Miles today: 18.5

Day 84VA 60518.5/996.5HotelBeth dropped me off two hills north of the southern edge of the roller coaster. A thirteen mile stretch of ups and downs guaranteed to bring out the best in everyone. And maybe a few mutterings. I slack packed back to Manassas Gap; meeting a lot of known and unknown hikers along the way including High Life, Fugitive, Elle and California Chrome. Also saw and spoke to the three lady section hikers that I stayed at Byrdsnest #3 shelter with in the SNP. Bionic Peanut, Chipmunk and their friend who has not settled on a trail name as yet. Fun to hike south and visit with folks along the way.Tomorrow I will hike north, while Beth awaits near the end of the roller coaster doing trail magic of cold drinks for all hikers emerging from the trail at Snickers Gap. Hopefully she can intercept most of those people and offer some refreshment.Saw deer, squirrel, rabbits and box turtles today. No bears, lions nor tigers. Tomorrow, I will be on a mission. A photographic mission to capture an image of one of the large wolf spiders of the roller coaster. I know just where to look. In the privy of the Sam Moore shelter. Till then... Hold on tight, and check under the seat
Date: 2016-06-01
From: VA 605

To: Snickers Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

Day 85Snickers Gap6.7/1003.2HotelLast night we stocked up on GatorAid and sodas. Then this morning met several hikers at the trail magic stop already happening at VA-605 and offered a slack pack up to Snickers Gap covering a good portion of the roller coaster.No names will be mentioned, but five people did take us up on the offer. So I set out heading north today and Beth zoomed up to start providing drinks and water bottle fill ups at Snickers Gap. Once I arrived, we were able to give Colin, a hiker from England a ride to the close by town for resupply. Beth's trail magic day was a success. So we drove over to Harper's Ferry, where the outfitter was able to change out my trekking pole tips. Slowly getting chores checked off the list.Hey, we passed the 1000 mile mark today! Only 1189.5 to go
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Snickers Gap

To: Keys Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 86Keys Gap13.6/1016.8HotelWrapped up the roller coaster today. Mission accomplished. Saturday Marc and I will start out where I left off. My brother got in this morning, while I finished hiking this section.I did get a good shot of one of the wolf spiders yesterday. Posted here for your enjoyment. Probably should have put a quarter next to him or something, but there wasn't anyone there to do it. Who? Me? Ahhhm not gonna do it. Saw a pretty cool Black Rat snake today. It was a really big one. Captured him on video, linked at the bottom. Other than that, about five deer and lots of squirrels. My dad, who was a squirrel hunter would have marveled at their numbers. Black Rat Snake video
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Keys Gap

To: Keys Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 87Keys Gap0/1016.8HotelZero day spent spotting my brother's vehicle and doing some sight seeing. Gettysburg, never been there. Wow. What a big place, with hundreds of monuments. Apparently one for each group at the positions they fought. War is a bad thing. Plain and simple. Back to the trail tomorrow. Relatively short days for the next week. Across WV, MD and into PA. Onward to Maine!
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Keys Gap

To: Ed Garvey Shelter MD
Miles today: 12.6

Day 88Ed Garvey Shelter12.6/1029.4TentWell, Beth, Marc and Myself headed for home today. Actually Beth is already home, Marc is headed toward Memphis and I am headed home via Katahdin. Gotcha! It was another beastly hot day. Very humid, which makes hiking not a lot of fun and more of a grind. We did cross into and out of West Virginia today. Virginia also behind us, Maryland is the sixth of the fourteen states the trail passes thru. MD is also short, so I should be in PA soon.I accidentally used 40% of my battery today, so I need to take active measures to conserve battery. I'll keep this short, but the highlight of the day was seeing a mink scamper across the C&O canal bike path. Pretty rare to see a mink these days. Sorry, too fast for a picture.Well, I stopped into a state park and was able to charge my phone. The mink was only about 10 feet away. Had something in it's mouth that I think might have been a baby mink. Very cool.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: Ed Garvey Shelter MD

To: Rocky Run Shelters
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Day 89Rocky Run Shelter9.1/1038.5ShelterI slept my best sleep on the trail last night. Probably because Beth brought me out my 25 year old Thermarest pad. Same one I used on my 06 thru hike. All these new blow up air mattress things have one thing in common. They all SUCK! Well, I actually slept in a little just cause I could. Stopped at Gathland SP today for water and a phone charge. Heard about some heavy weather coming in, so with the phone charged I checked the radar and sure enough a huge line of storms was bearing down on us. I made it to this new shelter and let the storms roll in, which happened about 3 PM. At almost 4:30 it's still raining hard, so I'll stay in a dry shelter for the night. No need to hike in a thunder storm if I have other options. MD has strict camping rules. No dispersed camping. Not a fan of that.Hate to say it, but the hike was boring today. Also, the humidity has not let up. Maybe it will after this big storm front passes. Ever the optimist, lol.Shelter is filling up. I have yet to see someone I know. Lots of people who started north from Harper's Ferry. Other section hikers coming south.
Date: 2016-06-06
From: Rocky Run Shelters

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Day 90Raven Rock Shelter20.6/1059.1TentAfter the storms passed the humidity dropped. We slept well, OK as well as hikers in a shelter can sleep. Some of the folks stayed up late. Someone snored loudly enough to make me use my earplugs. An alarm went off at 0430. Then the section hiker crew got up about 0600. Yeah, slept well. Today began with the promise of a beautiful day. I didn't set out to do a 20, but I decided not to waste a great day for hiking by cutting it short. Glad I didn't because this shelter has excellent camping sites. Even a picnic table at the camp pads in addition to the one at the shelter. Maryland has redeemed itself. Passed by a cool monument to George Washington today. A stone tower with a great 360 view from the top. Caught up with High Life too. So it turned out to be a pretty good day.
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: South Mountain PA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 91South Mountain PA17.8/1076.9TentI crossed the Mason-Dixon line at 10:05 this morning. Conductor has left the south! It makes me happy to be in Pennsylvania! So I was looking in the guide and I see this little town with a tavern, actually a hotel according to the sign out front that lets hikers camp for free and has a shower. Well, I'll walk a mile off the trail... Those miles don't count... for a cheeseburger. Actually I'm actually having a veggie pizza but I took an outdoor shower that felt GREAT! and I'm gonna tear into this pizza.Another beautiful day. I was awaken by a cuckoo in the tree above me. At first, maybe 0600 I was annoyed, but he kept it up and I finally got the message. All good. Later I saw my daily Pileated woodpecker. It was a good day with good trail. Good old dirt, with a few rocks thrown in to remind us we are on the AT.So I took two showers today. I misinterpreted my radar and got caught in an orange band. Soaked, but it felt good climbing the 1000 foot hill twenty minutes later. The South Mountain Tavern has a small concrete walled outdoor shower. A hiker friendly, out of the way, gem of a place. The food is great, the people are nice. Well worth the mile walk off the trail. Six hikers here tonight, including thru hiker CheapNEasy who I just met, but weirdly enough started in GA the same day I did. Seems like a good egg, so glad I finally met him.Onward into PA!
Date: 2016-06-08
From: South Mountain PA

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 92Birch Run Shelter16.0/1091.9TentAt 0600 the sun was shining on my tent. I decided to try and sleep in until 7 in spite of the traffic noise. I got up at 7 and suddenly no sun. The sky was heavy with dark clouds. The wind was blowing. And it was actually chilly. I packed up and made my way back to the trail.A couple of miles up the trail there was a pair of small shelters. I stopped in for a break, even though the shelters were .3 miles down a steep hill. After I left, climbing back up the hill I decided to check the radar. Not sure why I didn't check it before leaving the shelter. Thunderstorms on the way. Back I went, down the hill.The storm only lasted about half an hour. I left the shelter once the rain had passed. It was cool enough that I wore my rain jacket the next couple of hours. Actually a nice cool day for hiking. Not much else to say about it though. I stopped a few miles short of the official half way point today. It can wait until tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Iron Masters Mansion
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: few clouds

Day 93Iron Master's Mansion9.8/1101.7HostelI slept in till 0800 today. Short day into Pine Grove Furnace SP. Spent a relaxing afternoon at the General Store. Eating of course... And cheering on the half gallon challenge hikers. Since we passed the half way point, the tradition is to eat a half gallon of ice cream. Been there done that ten years ago, so not on my todo list this year. This is also the stop for the Iron Master's mansion. I stayed here ten years ago as well. I must say the new owners Central Pennsylvania Conservancy have turned this into a 5 STAR ! Hostel. A must stay for any future thru hiker. I have included pictures that I am sure simply do not do it justice. With a bunk (separate bunk rooms for men and women) comes fitted and flat sheets, pillow case and a towel. Really a beautiful place. Please do check out the photos.The mansion was also an Underground Railroad station. The proprietor showed us the secret room and pictures of the secret passageways.The video is from a couple of days ago when I stayed in the shelter to avoid a storm Stormy Day on the AT