morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Cornelius Shelter

To: James River
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Much colder night than expected. Slept with my down jacket and kept it on the next morning until we started climbing. High-Miler and I hiked up to the weather radar complex on top of Apple Orchard Mountain where we took a break but stayed in the sun to stay warm. You could see 100 miles it seemed from the top of the mountain. Soon after we left the mountain we hiked under the Guillotine and took some pics. A few miles later we found our very first trail magic hosted by some folks from Louisiana. Although I had been blessed with jugs of water and a small cooler with soda much earlier in my hike, this was the first time there was full spread of food, orange slices, assortment of crackers, water, soda, trash drop-off and some chairs to sit in. We had a nice time conversing with the hosts and watched the wife's leave for a slack-pack of the next few miles south of us. We stopped and talked to a few SOBO's namely I Don't Know (from Abbot & Costello) and Freckles. Once we got to Highcock Knob I contacted Stanimal's Hostel for a pickup when we reached theJames River Bridge parking lot. The river was a lot bigger than I imagined and the AT walks along its side for a while before the huge foot bridge that crosses the river. Per the Guthook app, the foot bridge is 1,000' long and is the longest in the entire AT. The bridge was dedicated to William T. Foot who was a thru-hiker himself and his wife "Happy Feet" were the first to complete the American Discovery Trail in 1997. After getting to the hostel I received a message from my wife about the incoming bad weather into Atlanta the following day so after a few phone calls, I decided to leave the Hostel and get shuttled back to my transportation south of Roanoke and travel back home tonight. I said good-bye to my new found hiker friend "High-Miler" and wished him all the best. His company over the past 6 days was refreshing with great conversation and allowed the miles and hours to pass by quickly. I will be off the trail for about a week but will rejoin the adventure back at the James River and continue my hike north. Total miles for today was 19.8
Date: 2017-04-10
From: James River

To: Brown Mountain Creek shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

After a week off the trail to celebrate my bday (56) and visit many of my college friends down in Tampa, I am back on the AT and lov'n the trail life. The weather seems to be warming up this week so scaled down my cold gear a little. Still expecting some modestly colder nights/mornings. Was dropped off at the James River this mid-morning by Staminal and started hiking at 11:00. I will see him in Waynesboro later this week and stay in his Hostel. With the late start, I wasn't sure if I would make my target for the day around 20 miles north. Today temperatures moved to low 80's and really warmed up on the ascents. Met a few folks out for spring break hikes today going both SOBO and NOBO. Met up with 4 trail volunteers from the Natural Bridge Trail Club that were chainsawing a large tree that had crossed the trail. near Bluff Mountain. You take for granted while hiking, that there is s lot of work that goes into keeping the trail safe and passable. I let the 4 volunteers know that I really appreciated true hard work and dedication to the trail. Crossed the 800 mile mark from Springer and found a nice tribute on the ground to the milestone in front of the foot bridge crossing Pedlar River. Made it to Brown Mountain Creek shelter site by 6:30 and tent camped by the creek, which is also close to the shelter. Just before dark another hiker, Q, walked in to stay in the shelter. He had heard of me from Tigger, and also knew several other hikers I had met back at the Woods Hole Hostel. Total miles for the days as 20.2.
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Brown Mountain Creek shelter

To: The Priest shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful morning with cool breeze for ascent to Bald Knob (elev 4,043). After leaving my campsite I hiked along the Brown Mountain Creek and the early settlement and farming community of freed slaves founded in the early 1900's. Most of the upper ascent was through previous burned forest. Some places you could still smell charred wood. Hiked over some beautiful balds and while resting at the top of one Bald and uploading yesterday's TJ, two fighter jets (maybe F22 with twin tails) streaked across the side of the mountain at very nest my elevation. Was amazing to see and hear them so close by. The temperatures continued to rise today to about the low 80's which started to zap my energy. Tried to keep drinking at very opportunity to avoid dehydrating. Took the side trail yo Spy Rock and scaled the side of the granite dome with my pack on. After I took several pics, I tried looking for another way down but apparently the way I came up was the way I was getting down. Took my time but as I got back on the AT I thought I would be encountering more ascents/descents in the coming months. Stopped in at the Priest shelter and set up camp. Two other SOBO were already there, one was finishing his hike from last year and another was on a two trip. 22.5 miles for the day.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: The Priest shelter

To: Devil's backbone Brewery
Miles today: 15.5

Very windy last night but my new poles that made my ZPack Duplex freestanding worked great. I ended up having dinner with the SOBO's who were both from Canada and had a long conversation about the USA and Canada differences. Pretty interesting conversation but they were both very complimentary views about the country they were hiking in. My weather girl (my beautiful wife) told me last night when I was checking in that I had a 30% chance of rain in the morning. Sure enough, on my way down the Priest, it started to rain and made the rocks pretty slippery. I slipped a few times but no issues to report. Light rain continued as I hiked up the Three Ridges which was a pretty tough climb. The trees are starting to bud-out at the lower elevation. I guess the green-tunnel of the AT is on its way. So far this year I have had great views through the leaf-less tree's. I also finished The Killing if the Rising Sun, by Bill O'Reilly. Very informative and gives you plenty of info and facts to come to your own conclusion on the ethics of dropping the first atomic bomb. On the way up Three Ridges I ran into my first snake. This black snake harmless but was 4.5' long stretched across the trail. When I approached, he/she did not want to move so I hiked around it hoping not to run into any relatives I was passed by two mountain runners as I was descending the Priest and they were going up! Then I was startled by the head runner as they passed me going up Three Ridges. We talked at the top of Three Ridges, Anne is from Richmond and she and her friend were up for the day to train for future mountain races. They were really strong going up some very difficult, rocky terrain. When I made it to Reid's Gap I called the Devils Backbone and they suggested to start walking down and a local would pick me up or they would come get me. I ended up waking 3.5 of the 5 miles until a local and his dog picked me up. He told me his wife had hiked from Springer to Harper's Ferry where she got off due to planar fasciitis. When I arrived the hostess walked me outside and pointed where I could camp. Once I set up and changed, I walked back and had several cold beers and a great lunch. I plan to stay till dinner, yes eat again, and then walk back to my camp site and pass out
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Devil's Backbone Brewery

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a great night at the Devil's backbone Brewery for my second feeding I was packed up and at the Summit (where breakfast is served at DB) by 7:00 a.m. and was treated to a great Hiker's breakfast for $5. When I asked what was in the breakfast, the hostess did not know but that the chef would make sure I didn't leave hungry, she was right. DB provided me a ride back up to Reid's Gap and had a fun conversation with the driver. Apparently the road where DB is on is called "Brew" Ridge Parkway due to the several brew houses, distilleries and wine tastings. Need to come back and get more acquainted with this road! One of the great views along this stretch of trail is of the Wintergreen Resort. Looks like a fun place to be during the winter. I also ran into Luke & Eric who I met at the end of my hike yesterday around Reid's Gap. They were both out on spring break and were hiking toward another shelter where some of their other friends were meeting them. They were peppering me with questions about hiking from, how many miles per day, what kind of food, how much does your pack weigh, etc. They were both good hikers and seem to be having a great time being on the trail. I got off the trail at Rockfish Gap and walked over to Kings Gourmet Popcorn stand for a hotdog/fries and a to-go bag of kettle popcorn. Yum! Stanimal p/u was right on time and he took me to my transportation and made it home tonight to be with family for the Easter weekend. Plan to be back on the trail early next week.
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Staminal picked me up from my transportation right on time this morning and stop me off at the Rockfish Gap visitor center. Just as I was leaving the gourmet popcorn area, I ran into some cyclist from TX who were on a 2,000 bike ride. All of them were at least in their late 60's but in great shape and seemed to be having a great time together. Early in my hike this morning I passed Blue Bell and Country Girl who were on their first day if their flip flop hike starting at Rockfish Gap. Also passed Yorktown Brown, Cheney and two SOBO's who had accomplished their NOBO in 2007. One of them was 78 and pushing up the hill better than most. This shelter has at least 5 tents set up around it and a coupe in the shelter with a less than one year old girl. Total mikes today was 20.7
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

Last night at the shelter I met a father and daughter from Canada who were section hiking the Shenandoah's. Also met a couple with a very young infant that were hiking up to Everett Massachusetts where they were moving to start their new life. The father of the couple was a physical therapist and personal trainer from Oakland California and was extremely knowledgeable about their nutrition on the trail. Also met a couple who were finishing up the Shenandoah's to complete their AT hike from the previous year. One of the many fascinating facets of hiking the Appalachian trail is all the different variety of people that you meet with varying backgrounds and ideas on life. Beautiful, crisp morning at Blackrocks Summit. Met Stickman who asked if he could take a video of me with conversation around the AT. I finished the audiobook "The Great Gadsby". I had seen the movie but the book put more of the details into perspective. Next audiobook is "To Kill A Mockingbird". I have decided that the AT is a great place to catch up on listening to as many classic books as I can muster. I am not much of a reader so the audiobooks work great for me. Passed the 900 mile mark, getting closer to the halfway point. Met two HS boys that were sitting next to the road with all of their gear. They were hiking with their dad's when one developed a knee problem. The Dad's went to retrieve their cars and come back and get these boys. Found out both were Eagle Scouts so we talked about scouting and Philmont and their plans after high school. Always fun to run into some Boy Scouts. They peppered me with questions regarding my hike and my experiences so far on the AT. Unlike last night, there is no one at the shelter or camping here tonight. Total miles today was 21.5.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: few clouds

Very windy and colder last night so I slept restlessly. Once I packed up, I moved into the shelter and started making my hiker mocha and the rain started. I was glad that I woke a little early and got packed before everything got wet. Now I need to start hiking in cold rain but I have my trusty umbrella to keep my upper half dry. Hiked in the rain for a few hours and then after the rain stopped, I stayed at the cloud level keeping everything very wet. While still thick in the clouds, I hiked into the Lewis Mountain Campground. Had a nice hot coffee and bought a few provisions for the day. The goal for the day was to get to Big Meadows Wayside early enough so I could eat a healthy, early dinner plus have one of their famous blackberry milkshakes and then hike another 4 miles to my campsite before it got too late. I arrived at the wayside around 3:15 and had a wonderful meal. Just as I was finishing, another hiker pulled in that I had passed earlier, so he joined me at my table and we got to know one another. He was a younger man that came from California to hike the AT. He had worked at Google so we had some interesting conversations about his career and some of my past projects with his employer. Stopped at Rock Spring Hut to find several folks at the shelter and even more tent camping. Appears most folks are section hiking or out for a few days enjoying the trail. I am getting off the trail again tomorrow at Luray to go home for a family friend's wedding and then plan on being back on the trail sometime on Monday. 23.8 miles for the day
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Thornton Gap
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

As the daylight started to emerge this morning, the chorus of birds started to sing. First and most pronounced was a whooping owl, followed by crows and then small chirping birds. Hiked over Stony Man Mountain and The Pinnacle. Grumpy and Gucci Girl took a video of me around the Skyland Resort as they were asking all thru's questions to help them in their anticipated AT hike next year. Also ran into more trail magic by a 2004 thru hiker and his wife from PA. We had a great conversation and then I was on my way to Thornton Gap where Allison from Open Arms Hostel was to shuttle me back to my transportation. When I got to Thornton Gap I ran into a couple from Quebec who had been cycling in the area over the past few days. They were very interested in my hiking trip and my gear. They wanted to know how much everything weighed and what all I was carrying. They were very surprised that's all you needed to hike the AT. We both took pictures of each other before they headed off down the road. 13.9 miles for the day.
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Thornton Gap

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Well it rained all morning and all day. As I write this journal, my tent is getting pounded and I think it supposed to rain tomorrow too. I stopped in at the last Wayside in Shenandoah park, Elkwallow, and had a burger and fries. The only dry area was the roof between the restroom area so I took my food and pack over and sat down to eat. A couple from Belgium came over to use the restroom but then I engaged in a long conversation with them about hiking the AT and their multiple visits to the USA for vacation. They like visiting once a year and they tend to go to different areas of the country to see different things but they always end up in Florida before they head back to Belgium. Areas of Tampa, Sarasota and Longboat Key were areas they liked visiting before going home. I told them I lived in the Tampa area for almost 12 years and where I met my wife and went to college. After a rainy, cold day of hiking, I stopped in at Gravel Springs Hut after a short 14.5 mile hike from where Allison of Open Arms Hostel dropping me off this morning. When I arrived at the shelter a hiker had set up her tent inside. We talked for a minute and then I went to find a tent site. After setting up, I went back to the shelter and made dinner and chatted with the hiker. Her current trail name is Darkhorse but was also called Slow-N-Steady during her 2005 thru-hike. She mentioned that her thru-hike was after her husband passed away and she didn't want to stay in the house after that tragic event. My guess is she is in her young to middle sixties and she is now focused on hiking south on the AT with her daughter who is helping with slack-packing duties and day hiking.
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: clear sky

Woke early and packed up a wet tent under a misty morning. Said goodbye to Darkhorse who was also packing up but she was being quiet due to another hiker who came in later last night and was still sleeping. She thought that she heard mice the night before trying to get at his food. Only took 30 minutes of hiking for a steady rain to come out and stayed that way most of the day. My umbrella is getting quite the workout and my set up is working out great and allows for hands free operation. The trail was sloppy and ran like a small stream for many sections. Passed several SOBO's who were out for section hikes but didn't find any NOBO's. The rain and low clouds blocked all of the views that were available along the trail. I finished the audiobook "To Kill a Mockingbird" and started "The Devil in the White City". Officially left the Shenandoah Park's northern boundaries with little fanfare. Passed a sign, high in a tree stating that the next 30 miles north follow the border of Mosby's Confederacy and base of operation of his army during the civil war. Stopped at the Manassas Gap Shelter around 4:15 after a 24.1 mile day. Still misting but hopeful it will dry up tonight.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 22.7

You can tell that you are getting closer to bigger cities when the jet traffic overhead is pretty constant for arriving and departing jets, presumably at Dulles and Reagan airports. Today marks the 50th hiking day for me on the AT. Although I started last October, my priorities are with my life back home and then I squeeze in hiking the AT as much as possible. I entered the Roller Coaster at mile 993.7. Even though I have almost 1,000 miles on this body, the roller coaster is no joke of a hike. Passed the 1,000 mile mark today! Clouds dissipated and the sun came out and then got hot. Stopped at the ATC owned, Bears Den Hostel after logging 22.7 miles. Met Buzz (Alaska), Red Mage and Meexo who I have passed three times as I have come and gone from the trail. She told us tonight that she had tough morning as she slipped in one of the many stream crossings and broke one of her poles. Found out Buzz lives in Alaska and has been a freight/commercial pilot most of his life. Enjoyed listening to his flying stories. Next stop is Harper's Ferry!
Date: 2017-04-27
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Woke early again and made my breakfast alone in the Hostel kitchen. Had coffee about 10 pancakes, butter and syrup which was a great way to start the mornings hike. Unfortunately most of the mornings hike was in the fog/ cloud so the visibility and views was minimal. Crossing the Shenandoah River was pretty spectacular and there was also a helicopter hovering most of the afternoon cutting. Checked into the ATC headquarters and took the required Polaroid picture. I am officially #70 NOBO hiker this year. Stopped at the Town's Inn Hostel and some good people. Ate at the 1840 restaurant next door which was great. Taking Amtrak into D.C. tomorrow to spend the weekend with my wife and celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary. Planning to be back on the trail on Tuesday Stats for the hike (up to HF):1,023 miles222,500 feet of climbing51 hiking days on trail20.5 avg. miles per day
Date: 2017-05-02
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite 
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: light rain

Great trip into D.C. this long weekend with my bride of 29 years. I travelled into town using Amtrak which was convenient and cost effective. We took in several museums, had many good meals, good weather and saw the gathering of many thousands of folks assembled to march on Pennsylvania Ave. Wouldn't be D.C. if there were no demonstrators or protesters :)  On the ride back to Harper's Ferry, the rain was about 30 minutes late do I hustled up to the ATC office where they had held my pack for me while I was in DC. Thanks to the great staff at ATC for keeping my backpack and staying open late. I checked into the The Towns Inn hostel and went next door and ate again at the Bistro 1840 where I met a couple from Holland here on vacation. Another hiker from the hostel was in the same little vestibule eating dinner so most of the conversation centered around the AT and our personal stories about hike. Not much sleep last night as the other two hikers found some common topics so they stayed up late talking and my sleep pattern had changed this past weekend so it was hard to drift off.  Started the morning with a homemade breakfast at the Towns Inn and was off on the trail shortly after 7. Walked along the C&O Canal Towpath/Potomac River which was beautiful and was also passed by several freight and passenger trains.  Once crossed over the Potomac I was hiking in Maryland, although I never saw the state cross over sign. Hiked past several Civil War sites today including Brownsville Pass and Gathland State Park. It would be fascinating to walk along Maryland's Civil War Trails' Antietam Campaign but maybe I will comeback for that.  I was surprised to find the very first Washington Monument is actually along the AT. The nearby volunteers of Boonesboro celebrated their July 4th, 1827 by erecting a large stone monument in memory of George Washington, around 60 years earlier than the current monument in DC. Stopped at the Pogo Memorial Campsite which has a privy but no shelter which is a little unusual.  Total miles for the day was 26.1.
Date: 2017-05-03
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite 

To: Chimney Rocks
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: light rain

Slept well last night. Met 5YP (five year plan) a FF who is in his third day out of Harper's Ferry. Woke up early again to the chirping if birds. They are my new alarm clock. Hiked to High Rock Ledges which is for hand gliding pilots and apparently graffiti artists.  The entire mound rocks and concrete steps that make up the High Rock Ledges had graffiti sprayed all over it. Finished the book Super Freakonomics. I had read the first book which was fascinating and this new version did not disappoint. Hiked to the Mason Dixon line which also is also where I leave Maryland behind and enter "Rockssylvania". Met Jackie , who is a section hiker from Maryland and also a new CPA. She stopped in at Tumbling Run shelters. Cool set up with two shelters and a pavilion in between. I pressed on to Chimney Rocks where I found a good tent site and called it a day.  The weather is forecasted to be very wet on Friday so tomorrow I need to get to Ironmasters Mansion Hostel and potentially take zero there on Friday. Total miles today was 24.1.
Date: 2017-05-04
From: Chimney Rocks

To: Ironmaster's Mansion 
Miles today: 28.3
Weather: light rain

Got started early this morning as I knew it was going to be a long day. Beautiful sunrise over Chimney Rocks with the sky turning red just before the sun rose above the horizon. Hiked past some really nice looking shelters like Quarry Gap. Also made it to the official halfway point sign about 2/3 into my day. The sign indicates it's 1090.5 miles either to Springer or Mt. Katahdin. I believe the official mileage this year is 2189 miles so the true half point for me is another few miles up the trail. Either way, I am happy to have made it this far in 54 days of hiking/camping along the AT. I made it to the Ironmaster's Mansion in the late afternoon, only to find out that the whole place had been rented out to a school group for the night. The innkeeper helped me find a motel in Mount Holly and was kind enough to drive me to the motel, Holly Inn. I walked down to the laundry mat, washed my clothes and went back to the motel for dinner which was great and the beers were pretty god too!Longest day yet at 28.3 miles