morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter campsite
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Writing this from my tent at Cornelius Creek Shelter (764.4). Hiked 18.6 miles today, and met up with Mamafish for lunch.Woke up after a decent nights sleep in a good water proof shelter. I love the ten privacy but if you can avoid packing up a wet tent every so often, it can save a lot of time on packing. I was later than I hoped but my lack of immediate hunger allowed me to to roll out without breakfast. The first gap came quickly. The second was a longer stretch and with a decent climb. I was in a little funk but finally hit a groove, I was at the second Buchanan crossing and waited just 2 minutes for Mamafish. The lunch was good, and I was back on the trail within an hour and ten minutes. I had a huge climb and didn't want to waste good weather. Mamafish went up the first climb with me and down to a creek somewhere off the backside before she turned around and hiked south to the car. The climb was big, I didn't know for sure, as I neglected the book all day. Bambi informed me of the correct distance while Panda spoke of elevation change. It was not going to be fun, but I chugged ahead and tried to get the ball rolling. The climb was massive. I'm talking sweat falling off every step, might have a heat stroke, calve burning climb. I was thankful to finally go down, and Whiplash, Bambi, and I made our "deadline" of 4:30.Hippie river shower, the beer I hauled all the way up, and food time! Catfish
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter campsite

To: US 501 (Glasgow)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from a hotel room, got off at US 501 (Glasgow) after doing 20 miles from Cornelius Creek Shelter. Staying in town with Mamafish.Woke up after a great night, and some good rest to find that the rain had let up, and it was time to pack down my tent. It was wet, but I was thankful not it be contained by its walls. It was around 7 when I left, much ahead of everyone else, but I was coming off trail that night while everyone stayed.The first section was up, and it was cold. The fog was rolling over the mountain tops and trickling off the other side. I stopped at the next shelter, which was closed because of bears. I searched far and wide for some furry company but ended up leaving without a bear sighting. After the shelter it was mostly downhill, so cruise control came on and miles added up.Before too long I had made it far enough to justify a stop. I called Mamafish and let her know my arrival time. She hiked back to Matts Creek Shelter which runs along the James River. The river views were great along with getting off the trail and done with 20 miles by 3 o clock.Rest time, 22 tomorrow.Catfish
Date: 2016-05-23
From: US 501 (Glasgow)

To: US 60 (Bueno Vista)
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from the same hotel as last night, hiked 22 miles (without slack packing). Got picked up at US 60 (Bueno Vista) at 806.1 miles in.Got up late and ended up being even later because of traffic. By the time I got to The trail I was ready to go. The climb was not fun right off the bat. It had some gives in gain and was easier than I expected. The morning was solid and clean.The afternoon got a little exciting, as the downhills were crazy sharp, sometimes full of rocks. My pace was slower than I expected but with the lofty goal of 22 I needed to pace myself. I caught up with Shannon who was part of the Cat Crew I started with. I chatted for a while and then went up to the final climb where I met a hiker attempting to break the record for unassisted through hike. He needs to do 46 miles average! The decent was easy until I tried to cross a river a little too fast. Slipped and hit the rocks decently hard, luckily didn't break myself. The last 2 miles from the shelter up to the road was rough, and definitely unexpected. So tired I don't even want to finish this. Hotel tonight, Mamafish leaves tomorrow.Fish out
Date: 2016-05-24
From: US 60 (Bueno Vista)

To: Campsite (818.2)
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from my tent at a campsite 818.2 miles in. Had a lazy day, walked 12.2 milesWoke up late as usual, it was my last day with Mamafish. We enjoyed some hotel time knowing I was ahead of Bambi and Whiplash who I have been hiking with consistently, and could catch them if they passed. We had breakfast then made our way to the trail, I said goodbye and drank the remaining Guinness I had leftover. It was a good morning, but it was hot, and it was 12:00 before I started walking.There was a long climb, and it was dripping sweat hot. It would run into my eyes every thirty seconds, blur the vision, and make my eyes sweat. It was an interesting morning. I finally made it to the top and sat down in a nice shady campsite. Layed out my footprint and layed down for a nap.I awoke an hour later still no Whiplash or Bambi, I decided to wait a while longer and before to long Bambi came meandering around the corner. They were tired too, and only planned on doing about 18 which was five more than me.We stopped at hog camp gap and played on the swing for a minute. It was a nice break but we had to move on before we got caught up. We planned on staying at the campsite before Seeley Woodworth Shelter. It took us a while but we made it, set up camp, hippie shower, food, guitar jams, and bed.Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Campsite (818.2)

To: Devils Backbone Brewery (Reeds Gap)
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from Devils Backbone Brewery, we got off at Reeds gap 842.2 miles in. Walked 24 miles today. Woke up early after a good nights sleep under the moon and stars. First night in a long time the weather was nice enough to not use the rain fly. I got up at 5 and was packed and leaving by 6. Whip and Bambi were not happy that I did not wake them, but I thought it might be too early for that. I hiked the morning alone completely, stopped at spy rock. Which was a wonderful 360 view from and outcropping. I stayed there for a while, and then decided I needed to get some miles in before it got too hot. Which it did, while I was headed down the mountain. The drop was terrible on my feet, and I felt a shin splint coming on. I tried to slow down and be patient but by the one I got down it was hurting, and so was I. The next part of the day I like to forget aboutThe climb was the worst, the absolute worst. It was steep, rocky, and exposed in the sunshine. Which at this point is my mortal enemy. It took 2 hours and 20 minutes, but I got to the top. I was hurting. It took its toll on my motivation as well. Knowing we were headed to the brewery I kept heading north, and finally hit the road. Took off my clothes and tried to dry out, before the shuttle I called from the brewery got there.It is an amazing place. Like a winery with outdoor seating and a stage. The food was amazing, and the beer was better.Rest and then breakfast! Catfish
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Devils Backbone Brewery (Reeds Gap)

To: Paul C. Wolf Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from Paul C. Wolf shelter, 856.3 miles from Springer Mtn. GA. Hiked 13.6 miles today.Woke up scorching hot in the field at Devils Backbone Brewery. Had an amazing night filled with pork ribs, and Scottish black ales, and some amazing scenery. It was time to hit the breakfast which was unfortunately late, but amazing none the less. Whiplash, Bambi, Shannon and I jumped into the back of the truck and up the three miles back to the trail.It was a smooth start to the day. The first three miles skipped by without a cause. My shin and hip on my right side are not feeling good. Actually to be honest it's probably the worst I have felt in a while. I made it to the shelter though, took my bath in the river, and drank the crown I brought along. I'm trying to drown my pain and sorrow. Catfish is going to Waynesboro tomorrow.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Paul C. Wolf Shelter

To: Waynesboro (861.3)
Miles today: 5.1

5-27-16Woke up at the shelter and got and early start, hiked 5 miles into Waynesboro, VA, at Rockfish Gap (861.3).The five miles weren't incredibly hard, especially considering the the days previous. Bambi's parents were coming into town and had Amazon trail magic when we arrived. It was enough to soothe my shin splints, at least for the moment. Bambi gave Whiplash, Uconn, and Jellydog to the YMCA which has showers and free camping. The tent was set up, resupply, and relaxing. Also a crazy cracked out homeless man screaming in the middle of the night at the top of his lungs. It was an interesting Nero, ready to get back in the woods.Catfish
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Waynesboro (861.3)

To: Campsite (873)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Writing this from my tent somewhere around mile 873. Hiked 12 miles today after a slow start from Waynesboro. Woke up and packed up after an alarming night and was ready to get out of that place. Before too long I was packed (which was heavy as all hell) and heading to breakfast. Jellydog, Whiplash, and Uconn joined me and we loaded up on carbs before hitching to the trail.We started our day off checking in getting permits, which some forgot. Fortunately I got mine situated and made decent time. It was the first day in the Shenandoah's, and I was bear hunting. I went ahead from Whip and Jelly and felt a little better. I was worried my shinsplints would slow me down. But fortunately everything was working good.I got to the shelter early, pulled out the guitar, and jammed with Whiplash and Jellyman. Bambi and her friend Storrs were shortly behind. She was section hiking for a day. We decided on four or so more miles and I headed out ahead to find a spot. I ended up stopping at a crossing of the Skyline, and then finding camp a little further up. It was dry, by a decent campsite. Good times had by all!Catfish
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Campsite (873)

To: Ivy Creek 
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from my campsite at Ivy Creek Spring, hiked 22 miles from our campsite. Woke up after a good sleep and headed out ahead of the group. Was headed to the campstore which was around 18 miles ahead. The day was young and I was in a good zone. Second day of feeling good and I was flying. I was happy to be moving decent but being very patient.I saw deer everywhere, 4 before noon. It was a great morning. It started to rain in the afternoon. But it was a drizzle and stayed that way. I made the campstore at 2:40 which was almost my finishing point. I knew everybody was slower this morning so I took a shower and did laundry, also drank 4 beers, which set me up amazing for the last couple miles. Panda, Whip, and Monkey took skyline and got separated. Camping alone with Bambi waiting for the rest of the crew.Holla for a dolla,Fish
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Ivy Creek 

To: Bearfence Hut (918.8)
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

Writing this from Bearfence hut at 915.8 miles in. Hiked 25 miles todayHad a slow morning with Bambi. Our friends never showed up, but we knew we would find them the next day. It was sunny after the night of rain, and things dried out. It was a good lazy morning.The hike started with the hardest Shenandoah terrain so far. Not that it was bad, actually a lot better than it had been for a long while. It was incredibly hot and humid though. I was drenched in sweat, glasses fogged up, and a little slower than the previous   day. We had some good views and it made some of the climbs worth it.After some good miles we still had 14 to go, we were headed to Bearfence after talking to everyone else. I was devastated, metaphorically. This half of the day was a battle to stay hydrated and fueled. It passed and had 3 miles to do at 8:00, it was dusk and a beautiful finally. Just when I thought I would never see a bear a giant crash came from the trail and juvenile bear came shooting to the east. Bambi and I got some video of it and enjoyed its presence until it freaked her out and we moved on. .5 miles later we heard more noise. Sure enough another black bear with a beautiful coat was on the left. Four deer later and a campsite, we finally found the hut and set up the tent right before downpour. Rest rest rest rest!
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Bearfence Hut (918.8)

To: Tinker Cliffs
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Writing this from Little Stoney Man Cliffs (932.9). Stealth camping here for the night after a long fun day and 17.2 milesWoke up at Bearfence late, after seeing my first two bears on the trail, and was slow to get moving. The rain had come down hard last night and gotten most everything soaked. Fortunately the sun was also up and allowed me to dry it down. We had planned on the wayside as a lunch-ish destination. Everyone was gone save myself, it was peaceful.The struggle was real, for a bit. Thank god for second winds. I made it to the wayside in one piece and starting eating what I had sweated out. The beer was extraordinarily cheep and they had my favorite, which means productivity was about to come screaming to a halt. I hiked out from their slightly day drunk knowing I would sweat it out and suffer a bit. Made good time though and stopped into the Skyland resort for round two food and beer! Bambi and co. Arrived shortly after, enjoyed some tap dancing! By tap room I was certain they meant tap beer (which they did have) but also apparently actual tap dancers. It was a cherry on top.We drunk night hiked to little Stoney man after watching the sun set, and poised for the sunrise.Catfish!
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Tinker Cliffs

To: Gravel Springs Hut (955.7)
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from Gravel Springs Hut (955.7). Tenting after a long day of hiking. Did 22.8 miles from Little Stoney Man Cliffs.Woke up before sun up and enjoyed coffee on the cliffs. It was a sight to be had, and I was feeling pretty good. We planned on a big day and a stop at the Wayside. Everybody else was still around, so we hung out and enjoyed the view. Panda was enjoying Skyline and spoke of bear. Bambi and I dropped back from the group a little. Seven miles later I glanced up to see what looked like an Ewok (star wars reference). It was a baby cub, and just when I looked for mama and to yell to Bambi, Mother Bear stormed away from us starting 10 yards away. We moved away and got an amazing sight, two more cubs in the tree. They jumped down one from 30+ feet. After our bear encounter we were energized. The next few miles to the 17 mile mark, the wayside. Whiplash had been there forever. Cold taters, Panda, and Monkey were there. We had food and rested in the heat of the day, before continuing down to Gravel Springs Hut. It was a steep downhill, and full of Boy Scouts. We were early and had plenty of time to have some fun.Fish fish Fish
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Gravel Springs Hut (955.7)

To: Jim & Molly Denton
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After a great night hiked 18.6, and stopped in Front Royal. Staying at Jim and Molly Dent Shelter.After a good mileage day I had some gnarly red spots on my heels. I was ready to move and headed out ahead. It was a long hot trek into Front Royal. Finally hit the last mile and a half and cruised into town. So many chores to do in town. Fortunately they all were at the Post Office, along with 4 packages. It took a while to get the resupply together and the stuff I wanted to send home. Bambi designed a dual box design to send my guitar home. I grabbed some Taco Bell, and headed to meet the rest of the group.It was starting to rain and I just sent my rain coat home. I bought I maybe made a mistake, but it was still so hot. The last five miles were long, but the shelter was nice. I was happy to be still, I am happy to be doing 18 tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Jim & Molly Denton

To: Campsite at 996
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from a campsite at mile 996. Walked 21.8 miles from Jim and Molly Denton Shelter.Had a good night at the shelter, cowboy camped under the awning out of the rain. Got up early and got ready, was walking out with Bambi around 7. Hiked with her for a while till I got a little winded, and dropped back for a few miles. The morning was amazing, and the terrain helped that out a lot. We had a few amazing fields with tall grass and trillium blooms littering the green hillsides. It was a good start but my shin splints and heel hot spots from blown out shoes got to me. I ended up kicking rocks with my left foot and breaking or just bruising my middle toe.That made the journey a little more excited, especially when our group wanted to do a few more miles after arriving upon at Rod hollow. The next day has a hard up and down section called the rollercoaster, and we blaster the first two hills out of the way. The rain came down hard as soon as we finished setting up. A perfectly timed evening.Catfish
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Campsite at 996

To: David Lessor Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from David Lessor Memorial Shelter, hiked 17 miles and finished the rollercoaster. Woke up super late after missing the rain barely, we stayed in and enjoyed the slow morning. By the time we got out of bed my buddy Bones who was behind had caught up. We hiked together for a while, but he went ahead when me and Bambi breaked.We stopped in the heat of the day at Bear Den Hostel and watched a few movies. After Shrek and Lord of the Rings we ate pizza, it was late. Six o clock came around and it was time to night hike. The rest of the rollercoaster was mean, but we got through the endless ups and downs. Rolled in late, set up camp. Into Harper's in the morning.Fish
Date: 2016-06-05
From: David Lessor Memorial Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: moderate rain

Writing this from the Econolodge in Harper's Ferry. Hiked a soft 9 miles into town today.Woke up around 8, and started the take down process. It was nice out despite the scary weather forecast. I knew I had some decent miles to do and jumped in with whiplash. We hiked together all the way till town talking of the intricacies of turbo chargers and superchargers. It was an easy 9 and soon we hit the bridge over the Shenandoah river.We hit town and I put off the ATC until tomorrow. Decided to savor the short day, beers and real food! It was a wonderful choice, soon I was ready for bed.Cheers to clean sheets!Fish
Date: 2016-06-06
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Campsite
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a nice lazy day checking out Harper's ferry, hiked 4 miles out. Staying at a campsite by the road. Had so much fun it was hard to leave. I have new tips on my poles and a semi full bag of food. It was time to head out. Walked with Bambi, Cold Taters, Honeybun and Crooked Foot. We stopped at the river to enjoy some food and then continued on and hunkered down. Realized after the fact that I have checked two more states off, goodby west VA (And VA).Fish
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Campsite

To: Pine Knob Shelter (1046)
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Writing this from Pine Knob Shelter, 1046 miles from Georgia. Hiked 19 after a lazy morning.Woke up ready to do decent miles but ended up laying around enjoying the morning. It was gorgeous out and had breakfast with the birds and Bambi. It was a nice start, to a good hiking day.The miles we're long, and there was a lot to look at museums and historical war sites, as we were getting close to the Mason-Dixon Line. Maryland is beautiful, but we had a section of nasty rocks. We stopped by a campsite made for AT hikers and showered up before ordering pizza and chewing down.Bambi and I headed out for another few miles, and camping at Pine Knob shelter. Big miles and resupply tomorrow. Catfish
Date: 2016-06-08
From: Pine Knob Shelter (1046)

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from Tumbling Run Shelter, 1076.1 miles in. Walked a marathon today (26.2).Woke up earlier than the past few days and started off after coffee. Bambi was feeling good and hiked in front all day as I tried to chase her. Cold Taters caught up and hike with us most the day.The terrain was not too be, save one huge downhill section of rocks. Besides that there was a lot of junctions with triads, be we passed. We are now in Pennsylvania. We had 18 under our belt for the day and felt decent.After sensory overload at Walmart it was time to return to the trail. Hitching was a little bit of a process but we got it done, a well as a little night hiking to our destination, Tumbling Run. Shelter sleep tonight. 20 miles tomorrow.Catfish
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter (1091.9)
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from Birch Run Shelter, 1091.9 miles in. Hiked 26.2 miles from the last shelter and resupplied.Woke up after a decent night in the shelter, and deflated the mattress. Once deflated, the process is started and cannot not be undone. It was a quick breakfast and coffee day. Moving by 9 it was our earliest day in a while.The Mason-Dixon (PA border) line came quick, we celebrated crossing into the new state and then moved along. Before too long we had made 9 miles disappear. I took a nice break at the park and waited up. The next section had some ups but they passed, and brought us more flat ground. We managed to find a ride after Pen Mar park into the Walmart. Resupply ting at a huge place like Walmart is exhausting, but well worth it in savings.The hitch back to the trail was difficult, and the first driver dropped Bambi and I at the wrong crossing. We managed to hitch a second time this one to the correct location. The last few miles were flat and amazing. We caught the Washington memorial at sunset and climbed to the top and soaked in the views.We finally made it to camp around 10:00, and set up in the shelter. Sleep time, my body is so tired.Fish
Date: 2016-06-10
From: Birch Run Shelter (1091.9)

To: James Run Shelter (1109.1)
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from James Run Shelter campsites, mile 1109.0. Hiked 18 miles from Birch Run Shelter.Got up around 8 and made coffee with Bambi. The sun was seeping through the trees and made the ground glow orange. We were the last out of everyone in the campsite, but glad to be last.The hike was amazing, and Pennsylvania had yet to throw the rocks at us. The miles skipped by, as we hiked headphones in. Before to long we were at the Mid Way point for this years Appalachian trail! We took photos and a break. The actual memorial was a few miles past. The half gallon challenge was our next stop, and I was dreaming of it.The state park where the store with ice cream was located in was amazing. Beautiful day hikes and a swimming lake. The challenge kicked my ass and I didn't make it through the first 1.5 quart. Bambi astonished me and completely blew the competition away.We did another 7 miles to the next shelter, found a nice spot by the river, and hung our heads for the night.Life is good, but I can't eat 1/2 gallon of ice cream. Catfish