morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-16
From: @ Audie Murphy Memorial Monument

To: @ Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Thought I had an easy day today, but the hike up to the Dragon¢s Tooth was harder than expected. I could feel myself getting tired, and it turned out I just needed to eat. The hike down from the top was strenuous, rocks and small, narrow steps leading down terrain that I had not expected. It would have been very difficult in rainy weather.Went to an AYCE restaurant tonight called the Homeplace. They had fried chicken, ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, pinto beans, gravy, biscuits, and baked apples. Dessert was cherry cobbler and I ate more than was comfortable, but it was well worth the cost.The hostel is busy tonight, a little hot inside and rowdy. I¢m going to put the earplugs in and hope people need sleep as much as I do.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: @ Four Pines Hostel

To: @ Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Easily the coolest day of hiking in terms of views and in some cases, terrain. Yesterday took me over the Dragon¢s Tooth and the descent required some climbing and crossing some dangerous ledges. Today, while less dangerous, was more inspiring. McAfee Knob was all that it was hyped up to be. Several of us lounged up there for quite a while, long enough to dry out and get some good pictures.The hike afterwards took us to a cliff top that looked back at McAfee and then was followed by a neat, half-mile cliff walk.Fireflies are out tonight. Their illumination looks cool through my tarp. Stream nearby allowed me to soak my legs again. They hurt towards the end of my day, but tomorrow into Daleville is only 9-point something, so it shouldn¢t be too bad.Good spirits now, Crossing 1/3 distance in a few days (~ 727 miles).
Date: 2013-06-18
From: @ Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: @ Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4

I didn¢t realize it the other day, but I¢ve been on the trail for two months. I fell that I¢ve gotten use to the routine of breaking camp, setting up, doing town chores, and of course, walking. When I think that I might be out here another 120 days, give or take, it is quite humbling. I know I can do it though. It is just a matter of time.Today was a shorter day due to the location of town and persistent rainfall morning. I was soaked through, but my gear inside my pack stayed completely dry ¢ always a good thing. I needed to buy 5-6 days of food, though, and it made sense to stay a night, dry off, clean up, and relax. Hot breakfast in the morning is another good perk above and beyond the hiker rate.I¢ll try and leave at a good time tomorrow, but like I said before, the inertia of town is strong.My next town goal is Buena Vista, just past 800 miles. Did I pack too much food again? Maybe, but I like to eat, so its not all bad. I¢m realizing that I enjoy the company and conversation of some of the older hikers. Their experiences are interesting to hear about and we have some different views from a lot of the younger hikers, guys and girls out here still figuring themselves out. I also enjoy the fact that they tend to sleep earlier, like me. It makes for peaceful shelters and campsites. But I¢ll take the hum of the a/c tonight.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: @ Daleville, VA

To: @ Black Horse Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Though I left town several hours later than I had envisioned myself doing so, I still made good mileage given an 11:20 start. The terrain was mild compared to the last few days, so that certainly helped. Rest and a calorie recharge likely helped, too.My legs are feeling good most days, but I still limit my mileage and I always take the downhills slowly, lest I aggravate my tendons. As usual, I soaked my feet in a creek, but today was different. There were fish in the water and they nibbled my feet if I was still for a time. It felt strange and I could feel the slight roughness of their teeth for lack of a better term. When I accidentally dropped my bandana in the water, they cleaned that, too. It was a nice bonus to an already good day.Camped pout near the Blue Ridge parkway and hoped it remains a quiet night. Also hoping for a dry one ¢ the next few days should be. Titus is camped nearby and tomorrow we are going to aim for a swimming hole near mile 752, a modest distance, but still quite a walk.9:56 PM, a bit later than normal bedtime, but should sleep like a champ. High spirits and a good mood to carry into tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: @ Black Horse Gap

To: @ Jennings Creek
Miles today: 14.6

Foggy, chilly morning that eventually turned into a beautiful day. I didn¢t have much hope for it turning out well at around 9 AM this morning when I got a migraine headache.The first thing I noticed was my hands. Before a migraine, it often feels like they are not my own, a disembodiment, or at least a feeling of controlling them at a distance, or a delay. Once that passed, a visual aura appeared in the upper left of my vision field, which made it difficult to focus on the trail. As the aura ended, the pain in my temples began, and there was nothing I could do but hike.Perhaps it was doing just that, focusing on the trail, and not on the pain, that helped it pass. By noon by the pain was faint and only leaning over or somehow sending blood to my head made my temples hurt momentarily.This is the first time I have documented a migraine. I¢m sure it¢s useful to know that it took 65 days to get one. I hope it takes at least as long before I get another, if not longer. I was able to end my day sitting on a rock in the middle of a creek soaking y legs for half-an-hour. I might do even do it tomorrow morning as the hike begins with an ascent. Actually, the ascents last all day, but I hope to tackle a few before it gets too hot. It¢s the summer solstice as well, so there will be plenty of daylight to use. I¢m looking forward to waking up in good condition.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: @ Jennings Creek

To: @ Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy solstice, its summer!The longest day of the year delivered some of the steadiest ascents of the hike so far. They are listed below:~   951 to 2042 ft (1091 ft)~ 1211 to 3560 ft (2349 ft)~ 3233 to 4255 ft ( 992 ft)It was a day of climbing and I¢m beat for it, The guidebook shows that in a few days we get up in elevation and stay there, much preferred to the large ups and downs. Thought my legs handled it well, too bad there was no water nearby to soak them in.The highlighted feature on the trail today was ¢The Guillotine¢, a boulder lodged between two much larger rocks, perched precariously over the trail. I used my camera timer and got a few pictures.. Walking under it was not particularly terrifying, or even worrisome.T and I made a fire tonight to smoke the bugs out, but also to use in our pagan dance ritual celebrating the arrival of summer. It was quite a successful fire, hot enough to turn a can someone had left with the words: ¢Please carry out¢ into ash. Shelters near roads are always littered, which attracts bugs, which makes me prefer hammocking in a place like this.Cool temps tonight, so I should sleep well. 9:57, and time to go to sleep.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: @ Thunder Hill Shelter

To: @ Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3

Today felt like a consolation for yesterday¢s climb. All but one section was of a nice grade, descent, are containing a feature worth stopping for. I was happy to leave camp quickly because the gnats were out in full force early. And all was well until I came to an unnamed mountain with a 12oo¢ climb, steep sections, and nothing at the top. Totally pointless. But the day got better. A 1-2 mile section had just the slightest uphill grade and even had some views along the way. Several locations had good water, too, helpful for cooling down on a hot day.During one of those later stops, I felt a pinch on my scrotum and was displeased to find a deer tick embedded there. Luckily, because I felt it bite, my discovery and removal was immediate.My day improved again when, on reaching the James River, we took part in some bridge jumping with some locals. The water was a bit scummy, but it felt nice to jump and fully submerge before the final 2 miles to camp.It¢s hot tonight, no wind. Cicadas are here but are quiet now. I wonder how long that will last? Reminds me of Okinawa, anyhow.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: @ Johns Hollow Shelter

To: @ Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Long day. Hot and humid. Started with a rough climb and had to another by noon. Afternoon was better but I got something in my eye 3 miles from camp and couldn¢t get it out. I had to turn my head left and look right to get my eye into a pain-free position. It made for some awkward walking. I also hurried to camp and seemed to have strained a muscle on my left outer calf/ankle area.Sat in a cold creek after getting to the shelter.After 10 minutes of cooling the legs, I just leaned back and got my whole body under water. What a shock! But it felt great.1.8 miles into town for a zero. Looking forward to it especially after this particularly muggy week. 800 miles, too!
Date: 2013-06-24
From: @ Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: @ Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 1.8

The day has started well ¢ a leisurely morning, a short walk to the road, and a kind fellow travelling around the country has driven several of us into town. I wait my turn at the wayside, watching his belongings that he had to remove from his car to fit the three hikers, who went before me, into his car.The place I sit seems like it would be well suited to hitching, but perhaps timing is playing a part. It is Monday morning, after all. Despite being only 10 AM, it is remarkably hot and humid, the sun beating down on this picnic table. I am looking forward to a shower, ice for my legs, ice cream for my belly, and a/c for the rest of it. * * * My town experience in Buena Vista has been really splendid so far.First, Rob was the name of the guy who helped us all into town. T and I even had breakfast with him and we had a great morning.Second, the hostel/caf© is a great place. The staff is nice and helpful, the food is delicious (especially the cinnamon rolls), and the hostel is wide and centrally located in town.We shuttled to the markets to resupply, our laundry is being done for us and will be ready in the morning, and we have a ride back to the trail at 10:30 AM. I could stand some quieter, less immature hostel-mates, but I got everything I wanted, life would be too easy.We¢re only 3- 4 days away from Shenandoah and the plan is to stop by the Devil¢s Backbone Brewing Co. on the way, an offer that was made to us back at Trail Days.Today was good ¢ restful, restorative and a nice break after five humid days.(Updated from June 11).
Date: 2013-06-25
From: @ Buena Vista, VA

To: @ Spy Rock
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Had an amazing experience at Blue Dog Art Caf© in Buena Vista. Highly recommended to any hiker passing through. Not only were we shuttled to the trail this morning, but a stay included a free breakfast sandwich and drink. Very happy to have been a guest!Hit the trail at 11:00 and still made great mileage. We made it to Spy Rock and caught a great sunset. Might even catch a sunrise if I can get up in time.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: @ Spy Rock

To: @ Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunrise viewing was aborted due to preference of sleep. They look like sunsets anyway.We crossed the Tye River today and there was 3easy access to some smoothly flowing water across the footbridge. When I arrived there was a local couple soaking their feet. I asked to join them and proc3eeded to fully immerse myself in my clothes. The chilly water was the perfect way to cool off after 9 miles.I talked to the couple about the area for awhile, and they took off about the same time some other thru hikers showed up. After drying myself off on the rocks, I got in for a second go.Later, we discovered a copperhead and some water snakes in a small eddy very close to us. While I was cleaning my toes, a water snake swam up and poked his head out. He caught me by surprise and I yelled: ¢Oh, sh*t!¢ before jumping up quickly to the amusement of others.Water, especially flowing water, is always a nice place to take a break. There is a creek here, so I¢m off to soak my feet before bed.Tomorrow, we head to the brewery for good beer and food, the day, after 1.9 miles into Waynesboro, and shortly thereafter, Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: @ Harpers Creek Shelter

To: @ Reids Gap
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke at 5:30 and started hiking early to beat the heat as we had a bit of a climb over the Three Ridges. I was rewarded with a peaceful trail and some great views of clouds in the valleys below. I was even chilly at 10:00 AM when I stopped for a snack on the mountaintop. Rain threatened and only came in a light, short drizzle.We caught a ride from a man, who has a relative hiking the trail, so he was interested in our walks so far and curious about life in the woods.Devils Backbone was a very good choice about a diversion from the trail. Good food, good beer and free camping. There¢s a $5 hiker bre4akfast that sounds unbelievable, but I¢ll snap a picture tomorrow for proof. I hope it helps us with the 19 miles we plan to do.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: @ Reids Gap

To: @ Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Slept well and woke to a 9:30 AM breakfast of biscuits and gravy, potatoes, bacon, eggs and strawberries and oranges, a hiker special for only $5. Awesome!A patron of the brewery walked out on a two-beer tab last night and naturally, we were asked about it. I don¢t know if it was a hiker¢s bill, or not, but I paid it in good faith, mostly to endear the brewery to future hiker groups. Not all hikers are thoughtful, unfortunately, so I do my best to offset the shortcomings. I guess it¢s the ambassador in me.Getting back to the trail was harder than it should have been. We were under the impression that a shuttle would be waiting for us. Instead, nine of us with packs piled into the back of a beat-up pickup truck and held on for our lives as we were whisked back up to the trailhead. And, even with a 10:50 start, we did 19.3 miles by 7:30 PM.The Ming Garden AYCE Chinese in town was all I needed it to be. Tomorrow will be a later start with some errands and whatnot. I¢m hoping to keep it light through Shenandoah by taking advantage of all the waysides and easy access to food.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: @ Waynesboro, VA

To: @ Turk Mountain Trail
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Morning was busy with packing up from the hotel, getting labels for boxes printed, and arranging a ride to the outfitters and back to the trail. In preparation for summer hiking, I switched to a lighter sleeping bag and sent home some gear that was no longer needed, all said, it probably comes to 2, or so, pounds weight savings, but over so many miles, it makes a difference.Started hiking at around 1:20 and made slow progress into Shenandoah National Park.Something about coming out of town today made me feel real sluggish. Might it have been the delicious half-chicken I bought from the church BBQ? Maybe copious use of the A/C at the hotel? Or the added weight of the ¢treasure book¢ I found at the start of Shenandoah National Park?Titus and I came across two black bears at around 6:00 PM. They seemed to be foraging right off the trail, downhill to our right. We heard a sniffing/grunting noise before we saw them and we did everything properly to alert them to our presence. But it was clear after a few minutes that they were not going to move. So, T and I started slowly walking past them while we talked calmly. It was my closest encounter with wild bears, so far, maybe 50 feet.   What surprised me was how ¢tame¢ they were. They didn¢t start or flee, they just watched us walk by and away. It is good that they are hard to startle, or is it bad that they are so accustomed to humans?
Date: 2013-06-30
From: @ Turk Mountain Trail

To: @ Cross Ivy Creek
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: haze

Up early at 5:30, T and I started our long day with a steady pace. That was the key to doing 18.9 today and not hurting or hating life.   Early starts also start in cooler weather, which is a great thing to walk in. Good view at Blackcreek Mountain and pretty smooth trail after that. We reached our main goal of Loft Mountain Campstore where I ate two burgers, drank a beer, and resupplied for 2 days until the next store.On our late afternoon push for a few more miles before we camped, we came across a large pile of fresh bear poop right in the trail. Then with only a mile, or so, to go from where we are now, a rattlesnake made its pes3ence known to T as we took a break at a rocky overlook.Looking to do another solid day tomorrow, up at 5:00, hopefully. Another night without bears would be good, too.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: @ Cross Ivy Creek

To: @ South River Fire Road
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Terrain today was much more sustained up and downhill climbs, though cloudy skies helped keep body temps down.Mileage was good again even with a short morning break, a two-hour afternoon lunch break, and a dinner at a picnic table just off the trail.Not much of note today except that after we left the picnic area, we came across (what I saw to be) three bears ¢ mama and cubs ¢ but this time they were above the trail and much closer than two days ago. We startled the cubs up trees, and with mama bear staring right back at us, we retreated back on the trail while calmly talking to each other.Once we were out of sight, the cubs came down and all three of them crossed the trail and started off down the hill. But the cubs kept climbing trees (practice Maybe?) which slowed our progress a little. With some adrenaline still in our veins, we hiked a ways, but we were losing light, so we settled for a site just off the trail, set up hung food bags in record time, and are hoping the wind and rain calm down a bit overnight.Animal sightings aside, SNP is a tad underwhelming. I hope the next few days prove me wrong.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: @ South River Fire Road

To: @ Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

Today turned out to be a half-day. We still managed 12.6 miles by 12:30 and felt good.Our morning rush was driven by the idea of food. Specifically, food of a more substantial nature, warm food, and food prepared by someone else. And by beer. So, our morning walk went quickly and our aching feet carried us to the Big Meadows Wayside, we were happy. It was good timing, too, for, as we sat down, it began to pour.Lunch was chocolate milk, a blackberry shake, a fried chicken platter with sides, and apple pie. That meal consumed, we made our way to the campground laundry and showers. Cleanliness never felt so good!The draw of sloth pulled hard and we decided to camp here after extravagant dinners at the Big Meadows Lodge. It was the right choice because night hiking in high winds doesn¢t strike me as fun.Though our mileage was lower today, it was still a net gain for me. Tomorrow, we resume serious miles and we plan to be in Harpers Ferry by the 8th.Late night, 10:44 PM, but I¢ll still be up at 5:30 start a big day.
Date: 2013-07-03
From: @ Big Meadows Campground

To: @ Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.4

After last nights¢ dinner expenditures, we said we wouldn¢t pay for breakfast. But the void left in our stomachs by the large meal had us feeling empty by 10 AM.Our early rising and early departures put us at Skyland by 10:33, just three minutes after the buffet stopped seating. Fortunately, a motherly employee sensed our distress and said that if we hurried, we could take part in what remained for breakfast.What remained was a lot ¢ eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, hash browns, baked goods, fresh fruit, yogurt, etc. We stocked up two plates apiece, and when those were clean, we did it again. Our stomachs stretched, and our morning made, we hiked on (we had already done 7.5 miles in 3 hours). The weather settled down, and though we slowed our pace a bit for my legs, we still made good miles, even with the 2.5-mile breakfast detour.Harpers Ferry draws close and SNP will be a memory in two days time.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: @ Pass Mountain Hut

To: @ North Marshall Mountain
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

It¢s late, so I¢ll be brief.Four hour breakfast at the last wayside in SNP. Also resupplied there for the push to Harpers Ferry. Hiked out with Titus and Outback to watch fireworks from the peak.Feeling really good about my hike and my chance to finish. Will have 100 days to reach Katahdin from Harpers Ferry, but won¢t need them all (I hope). I¢ve come so far but still have so far to go and I¢m excited for it.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: @ North Marshall Mountain

To: @ Tom & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 16.1

Last night¢s camping spot had a great view, but the gnats were intolerable. We each had a cloud of at least a few dozen swarming around us until well past dark. They also beat us to waking and were there to greet us as we broke camp.   It was frustrating and set a strange tone for the day.Gnats left behind, we didn¢t think today would be too bad. But the heat and humidity, combined with some unexpectedly strenuous terrain really seemed to take the energy out of us. We did 16 by 5 PM, but the effort seemed much greater.There were some good moments today, lest you think it was all suffering.We came upon a cooler of water and some (eaten) watermelon, a nice trail magic gesture. Moments later we found raspberry bushes with ripe fruit and enjoyed their tartness. Finally, we reached a shelter with a solar shower. Sadly, the water supply was empty and none were to be taken. Otherwise, the shelter and its grounds are quite nice. I¢m hanging tonight and the air is stagnant and humid. I¢m hoping that this is the kind of weather where sleeping in the air helps.Noises in the adjacent woods, always sparking my imagination. Cool breeze, gone quickly.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: @ Tom & Molly Denton Shelter

To: @ Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Felt much better today, likely due to more properly managed hydration. Removing the insoles from my shoes also seemed to fix a problem where my toes were going numb. There is still some discomfort. But it is greatly reduced. I think the only solution is a new pair of shoes in 4F as I¢m sure my feet have increased in size.There was a section of trail lined with blackberry bushes. I stained my fingernails purple, I picked so many. Trail magic in the same vicinity consisted of chilled watermelon and some bags of chips.Camp at shelter is nice. I¢ve guyed my tarp out widely to improve airflow. I may not even need my bag tonight. The spring is a fast-flowing pipe, a second pipe down from that useful for wringing out sweat-drenched clothes.Tomorrow will stop by Bears Den Hostel to pickup our mustache wax and to eat pizza and ice cream. There is a true milestone as well and HF is within reach.