morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-04
From: Possum Creek

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 6 and even though it rained last night, everything was pretty dried out. Said bye to Ezra as he was heading south back to his car, brief but nice of him to join me. I went on a couple miles to a shelter, but everyone had left for the day.It was pretty easy terrain, and made good time. My goal was a shelter in 22 miles, and since I left at 8 shouldn¢t be a problem right? Unfortunately there was a steep 4 mile climb up Chestnut Knob. There is a stereotype that Virginia is flat, and yes it doesn¢t have the crazy peaks and gaps of Georgia but is not exactly a sidewalk!At least there was a reward at the top - beautiful walk along exposed ridge leading to a cool stone shelter that used to be some sort of cabin. Everyone was just chilling in the grass. As I rolled in, Mike the Chemist was just leaving. It was nice to see a familiar face and catch up as I hadn¢t seen him since before Damascus.I stayed at the top for about an hour and even debated staying the night since it was actually clear, but wanted to put in more miles.The afternoon was generally easy terrain with a few tough uphills. At one of the road crossings, a guy got out of his truck and asked if I wanted a soda. I asked if he had anything else but that was it. I should have just moved on then, but he did all this work taking out a cooler so I felt obligated. He also didn¢t mention it was a diet root beer. Yeah, it tasted about as good as that sounds in the middle of a long hot hike. Sat in my stomach for while, and I felt more guilty because there were other hikers behind me that probably would have enjoyed it.Finally got to the path to the shelter around 6, and according to the guide the water source was further up the trail. So I put down my pack to grab water and found some nice campsites. When I got up to the shelter, there was a big group of young thru hikers that seemed loud and partiers. So I ended up setting my tent up all the way back down by the creek. As soon as I had it set up, the group walked past... apparently they weren¢t staying at the shelter and were looking for a side trail to a lake for fishing. Yup. I ended up going back to the shelter to cook food, there were a bunch of sites and only about 5 people camping but oh well.When the group walked back from their expedition, one of the guys saw my bear bag and said it was one of the best hangs he¢s seen. I think he was exaggerating and might have been drunk, but still felt good to hear as this has been one of my challenges.It definitely felt good to do over 20 miles again, especially since I was mostly alone. Overall an exhausting but wonderful day and the best part was it was blue skies and no rain at all!
Date: 2018-06-05
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept pretty well and got up at 5:30 since I knew it was going to be a big day. Was out by 7:15, and didn¢t see anyone all morning. The terrain was pretty easy and everything was clicking.A couple hours in, I saw something ahead on the trail I couldn¢t tell was a hiker or an animal. It kept waiting until I got close then ran around the corner. Turns out it was a deer with her baby (fawn?). We played this ¢game¢ (I¢m assuming since they are wild was not a game to them) for a few minutes. At one point the baby kind of got trapped down a ridge between me and the mother. I wasn¢t really sure what to do, tried to show I meant no harm!Made it to the highway around 11:30. It is a major road by an interstate, and the town of Bland was about 3 miles away. At first I was planning that for my resupply, but they didn¢t really have anything there. I had so much already and turns out there was a small store right on the trail. It is called Brushy Mountain Outpost and also has a small restaurant. I got a delicious cheeseburger with Cajun fries for less than five bucks. There were a bunch of other hikers there, but I didn¢t recognize them. Looks like Philly Crew was here yesterday. And the hiker box had a pack of 6 tortillas, which was just what I needed!After crossing over the interstate, the trail wove back into the woods. I went ahead of everyone, and the trail followed along the ridge. Unfortunately, there were no water sources (one of the drawbacks of not having rain) and I was feeling the long day.A couple miles before the end was a gravel road with 600 written on it. 600 miles! It feels like just hit 500 in Grayson (I guess it was last Wednesday).I got to the shelter around 6, and to my chagrin there weren¢t many campsites away from the shelter. I wanted my own space, but wasn¢t sure I wanted to camel up and go to a further site down the trail that didn¢t have water since I was dehydrated. I went on all these side trails looking for a spot, and by that time had walked so much I was even more tired. So I decided to stay after more indecisiveness. I ended up picking a bad, rocky spot that was on a slope but at least I was happy it wasn¢t too crowded. Then a few minutes later a couple big groups showed up and it was packed and loud. I was hoping they¢d move on, but stayed. So it ended up being super crowded and they were up late (aka 9). I was really looking forward to an early quiet night (usually everyone goes to bed around 8). At least there was a privy!After getting that compliment about my bear hang yesterday, I was on a bit of a high. Well, tonight I got the carabiner stuck in a tree which sucked. I was able to cut the line and rethrow it, borrowing someone else's carabiner. Luckily I will be in town soon and can replace. I guess I can also not use one and just tie the line (not PCT method) hoping a bear doesn't cut it, or somehow figure out how to do the knot to run it through...
Date: 2018-06-07
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Angel's Rest Hiker Haven
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up just before sunrise, so was able to catch it over the valley from my tent. The plan had been to leave after breakfast, but I had everything ready to go at 7 so I decided to cancel and get an earlier start. Tracks liked the idea and did the same.I got to the shelter I was originally planning to stay at around 8, so not much time lost. It did have a cool new deck in front, but didn¢t look like a lot of tent sites so I probably made the right decision.Overall the terrain followed the ridge so was pretty easy, only issue was I had a hot spot on my heel right where I stepped. There were actually about four or five decent views of the valley below. The last one, Angels Rest Rock, is a popular local day hike. There was a big group there, turns out they were from Forest Service and local trail club and had some interesting info.Tracks and I got to the road crossing together. It was about a mile off trail into town, so we started walking hoping someone would pick us up. We were only a few hundred feet down when a van coming in the opposite direction stopped. Turns out it was someone from the hostel I planned to stay at dropping someone else at the trail, so took us back! Perfect timing!The driver pointed out a clearing on one of the mountains that looked like it was for power lines. But apparently it was cut recently for a pipeline they are building here that is a big issue. It won¢t bring any jobs to the area, but will affect one of its biggest industries- tourism. There are protests and everything. I haven¢t heard anything so will have to look into it.I had actually reserved a private room at the hostel since it was the same price as the budget motels but I figured a better atmosphere. I debated tenting since it¢s so nice out, but figured I could use a good nights sleep in a bed.After putting my stuff down and cleaning up, I walked to ¢downtown ¢. There¢s no outfitter, but next to the post office was a tchotchke store that had a room with hiker gear.I actually had a friend from Durham come up and visit for lunch, that makes two in a week after nothing for six!I lazed around most of the day, utilizing WiFi and finalizing resupply. There was actually a Food Lion right in front of the hostel, I haven¢t seen one in months! Of course even though I had a list, got way too much food so will be struggling leaving town tomorrow.
Date: 2018-06-08
From: Angel's Rest Hiker Haven

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Even though I didn¢t sleep in and got up around 6, I didn¢t wake up at all during the night so the bed must have helped!I took care of some chores and walked to the library in the morning to use their desktop. On the way back I went through ¢downtown¢ Pearisburg, which was really sad. All of the spaces were closed or vacant. Wonder what Marion got right they didn¢t?When I got back to the hostel around 11, everyone was just lounging around lazily. It was a little tough to get motivated, but I got out around noon after finishing a bunch of Food Lion produce. This was actually a huge mistake as you will see.The road walk back to the AT was a little shady with no shoulder and cars going fast. The trail crossed over the New River and then by a big factory, which was a little weird. You could see the cutout for the Mountain Valley Pipeline. It was then a long climb up Peters Mountain, but it was gradual so not bad. My issue was that all of the food mixed together in my stomach and was not happy. I had to dig a few catholes, including one I realized was right next to an ant hill. Biting ants!Also passed a gravel road that lead to the pipeline construction. There was a Forest Service cop sitting there, and lots of signage. Didn¢t really see any other people except for a few southbound day hikers.Finally made it to the shelter around 5. Beautiful view into the valley farmland and foothills in the distance. I was originally planning to go further, but figured it might be good to be by a privy just in case, plus I didn¢t know if the sites ahead had views.One guy stopped by about half hour later, but moved on. I figured I might be the only one which would have been nice, but Candid showed up a bit later and set up near me.Even though it had been blue skies for days, as soon as the sun was starting to set some dark clouds came in, and we could see it raining and lightning in the valley over in West Virginia. So we quickly put on our rainflys and attached guy lines for the wind, but thought it would miss us to the north. Figured worst case scenario could run to the shelter.Well, were we wrong! It seemed the storm went right over us. The rain and wind picked up, and the thunder started getting louder. The lightning is what worried me being on an exposed mountain, but I was too lazy to run to the shelter. I could feel the pressure change and lightning bright, but luckily were no huge cracks of thunder. After about an hour, it ended and I was fine and dry! Needless to say I fell right asleep.
Date: 2018-06-09
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Wind Rock
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to blue skies and most everything had dried after last night¢s storm. I actually slept through until six, not waking up once. I was out around 8, Candid was right behind me and the couple that came late were still sleeping in the shelter.The morning was pretty flat all along Peters Mountain. But something on the joint or muscle top of my right foot that had been a slight ting yesterday turned into a sharp pain that shot up my leg. But it was only when I walked so no worries there...A few hours in I took a nasty tumble on a slick rock. It hit the foot in question, plus my leg and bent my pole a bit. Complicating things was the fact no water for 12 miles!I hobbled into the shelter for water and lunch and Candid was already there. I laid out my rib fly to dry, took off my shoes, and proceeded to eat as much food as possible. I was pretty hungry again after basically clearing out my entire insides yesterday. But some part of me felt there would be trail magic coming up.After the long sunny lunch, I finally got going. Not but a quarter mile later, I see a sign for food pointing to a parking lot. I was right! Turns out it was a current thru hiker, Bo, who took a zero and providing trail magic with his mom. They had hot dogs, cold drinks, and snacks. They were so happy to see us, I guess it was a slow day. Also, Bo started on May 9 so he is booking it!After a while there and copious amounts of food in our stomachs, we continued on. We knew it was going to be a climb, but it was pretty long and steep. Candid jumped ahead and I struggled.Finally made it to the shelter on top around 5. I was pretty beat up, was originally planning on a shelter that was still 8 miles away and realized I was not going to make it, plus wanted to rest my leg.An hour later, we get to a parking lot where a couple of guys were hanging out . They said there was a nice camping spot ahead so perfect!I got to Wind Rock shortly after, it had a great view maybe better than Rice Field. There was also a huge swath of grass for tenting. I set up as far from the rocks as possible as I figured it would be a party scene so close to a road.I went up to the rocks to make dinner, and as I was wrapping up they joined for a beautiful sunset. Could see rain in the distance, but it was headed away.They offered me beer but I declined. They were nice though and had a lot of local hiking knowledge. Another thru hiker, Jesus, joined shortly after. He actually left the Angels Rest hotel in Pearisburg this morning and did almost 30 mile day! Sounds like he and Bo are about same schedule. Also, he said he met Brenno last night at the hostel so I am not that far ahead.I was up with them until after 9!
Date: 2018-06-10
From: Wind Rock

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Luckily the partiers didn¢t stay up too late and I had my earplugs, so slept all the way until 6. Caught one last look from the rock and left around 7:15.The beginning was easy and made it to a shelter within a couple hours. Jesus was just leaving there. The rest of the morning involved going up Johns Creek Mountain, which was another long steep climb. The shooting pain on my foot actually felt better on the uphill though.At the top was Kelly Knob, which we were told had an amazing view. It was okay, partly blocked by trees so I think better in winter. Still was nice to catch some rays and have lunch.After descending to Laurel Creek for another privy stop (I always go just in case), it was another big climb up Sinking Creek Mountain. The weather sprinkled while going through some open meadows, but not much. Also passed the Keffer Oak, which I guess is over 300 years old and one of the largest on the trail.At the top of the mountain, I was excited to cruise along the ridge with some good views all the way to the shelter. Some dark clouds came in and it started to rain, but I was under tree cover and it wasn¢t too bad so I didn¢t worry or put on my rain jacket.Well, a few minutes later just as the storm picked up I got above tree line and had to scramble along slanted wet rocks. If you know anything about me, I don¢t have the best balance/coordination, plus being poured on with sweat in my eyes didn¢t help my focus. I must have crashed hard into the rocks at least a dozen times and my side/rear were starting to feel it. As the old saying goes, ¢No Rain, No Pain, No Maine¢ and I definitely earned my right to Katahdin! (although when I thought this to myself there were a few more expletives...)After about a mile of this, the trail finally dipped below the trees and off the rocky ridge. And like clockwork, the storm passed. In fact the sun came out! I was mad because the ridge actually would have had excellent views, but there was no way I was going back.The last few miles were downhill, but with my torn up body and the wet rocks, it was a struggle. I finally hobbled into the shelter around 6:30. Candid, Duchess, and another lady were all set up inside. When I started looking for a good campsite, they looked at me like I was crazy and said ¢It could rain more later ¢ and I was like ¢yeah probably. That¢s why I have a fly¢. Crazy that they are thru hikers and I feel more hardcore than them. Shelter just seemed so crowded and it was blue skies for setting up my tent.As I was finishing camp chores, Jesus showed up. It was after 8 and he was thinking of going on! But ultimately stayed.I was half asleep around 10:30 when a couple showed up. They were quiet, but I could still hear them setting up tent and whispering. But I was annoyed and took a while to get back to sleep.
Date: 2018-06-11
From: Niday Shelter

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

Slept until 6 and was out at 7:30. There was a hill pretty early, but I took it slow and wasn¢t bad. At the top was a monument to Audie Murphy, who I guess was a famous World War II pilot turned movie star who crashed right by there. I've seen other graves/memorials on the trail, but this one seemed to be pretty well marked with rocks, flags, etc.It was decent climb including some scrambling up to Dragons Tooth, which is a huge pointy stone at the top of Cove Mountain. I saw Jesus and Candid up there and enjoyed the views. Coming down was tough, lots of steep downhill on rocks. There were some rungs but didn¢t really help.I thought the rest of the afternoon was going to be easy, but the terrain profile was misleading. There was a gas station convenience store about a half mile off trail, but I had enough food I didn't need to go.I finally made it to the Catawba road crossing that has a big parking lot for McAfee Knob as the rain started. There were two shelters pretty close, when I got to the first one it was a weird scene- someone set up their hammock inside and had all this food out. So I went on to the second, and there was a huge crowd. I was disappointed as I was kind of hoping to stay in the shelter with the rain and getting an early start tomorrow. But turns out it was a group of twenty teenagers with a church youth group. They were actually camping away but using the shelter to cook. I was overwhelmed feeling claustrophobic with all the people, so hung away until they cleared out.Jesus and Candid showed up shortly later (they had gone off trail to a gas station) and thought we would have lots of room. A couple of section hikers showed up later, but there was still room.
Date: 2018-06-12
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Daleville Super 8
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We had talked about getting up for sunrise at McAfee Knob, but it was cold and drizzly so slept until 6 and slowly got started. I was out first at 7, figuring it would be a tough rocky climb up to the knob and Candid and Jesus would pass me so we could be up together. On the contrary, it was a nice gradual uphill mostly dirt. There were a few groups coming down, I'm assuming were hoping to catch a view at the top. Unfortunately, it was all fogged in. Still was a cool rock that jutted out and could imagine the view!The rest of the day was pretty easy hiking along the ridge all the way to Daleville. The clouds cleared a bit and we got some views of the Carvins Cove Reservoir. It was only 18 miles and weather wasn't horrible, so I was debating just resupplying and moving on, but figured my body could use a little rest.The road the AT comes out in is actually a busy 4 lane highway so a little risky crossing. I checked into the Super 8 and emptied some of my bag. Walked a half mile to the outfitter/grocery store, I believe I saw the Philly Crew/Professor but not sure. Leaving the parking lot I saw a few thru hikers I recognized, Charzard and I forget the other. Turns out they are actually staying with their shuttle driver, and he let them use his car! So they gave me a ride back to the hotel which was nice.I got dinner from the store, so the rest of the day was just relaxing, laundry, and using hotel computer. Hopefully a good night's sleep!
Date: 2018-06-13
From: Daleville Super 8

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept all the way until 6:30 in that nice bed! Was out after a big breakfast about 9. It was an easy uphill leaving town under blue skies. Even though I only needed a couple days of food, of course I bought too much so my bag was heavy. Stopped at the first shelter for a privy run and saw Odys and Cam.Pretty easy terrain all the way to the next shelter for lunch. There we had a big crew group - Philly Crew, Double O, Odys, Big Money, Seamus and Cam. Everyone was trying to get rid of heavy produce they bought in town, so it was like a potluck feast!The afternoon was pretty easy as well. About halfway through, the trail met up with the Blue Ridge Parkway and basically followed along or near it. This was interesting because it wasn¢t great being next to cars, but there were a lot of great views with the cuts for the road! Dark clouds threatened and we could see thunderstorms in the valley, but only got a sprinkle. There was a guy going southbound that pointed out some fresh raspberries in the bushes. I would have totally missed them so will need to start paying better attention.The shelter was only 18 miles in and down a steep side trail. I didn¢t feel like pulling to the next one and didn¢t want to camel up on water to stealth, so set up off the AT away from the shelter. The group had a long discussion about staying or moving on but ultimately decided to stay (they are as indecisive as me!). It was nice because good group (Ball Flap and a couple sectioners joined) with a campfire and they had packed up s¢mores ingredients. It was annoying walking up and down that hill to my tent, but it was super crowded and no good tent sites so I¢m glad to have my space.
Date: 2018-06-14
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: few clouds

Stayed dry all night under a tree. Got out around 7:20, most of the peeps down at the shelter passed me around 7.The beginning of the morning was easy continuing to crisscross the Blue Ridge Parkway and it actually wasn¢t long to the next shelter. Oh well. It did have a nice privy though, loving the Natural Bridge club!The trail then went down to Jennings Creek which is more of a lazy river you could wade up to your knees. Spent a good amount of time there cleaning off all the sweat.After that was a short but steep climb over Fork Mountain. Was ready for lunch so stopped at the Bryant Creek Shelter, which is three stories and looks more like a House than a lean to.Coming up Floyd Mountain and really most of the afternoon was tough. I was like wait, what happened to my trail legs? And my pack was pretty light only a day of food.After passing an odd looking FAA tower and The Guillotine (a small rock awkwardly supported you walk under) I finally made the shelter. Double O and Ball Flap were already there. I found a grassy area and started to set up my tent, and realized the area was crawling with bugs. Wasn¢t any better other sites so I figured I could just hide in my tent. Some people went on, but there wasn¢t anything good ahead, plus this one had a bear box in addition to water and privy.Cooking wasn¢t the most fun, especially when the biting gnats came, but I made do. Met a guy named Misty who had foot issues and had to take a bunch of zeros. Sounds like he also had something similar on the top of the foot as me, he said it¢s an inflamed tendon and in addition to rest/ice/elevate, massaging it might help.Shred, Odys, and Big Money came shortly later and all set up tents in one small grassy area...think they had about 8 crammed in when it was meant for two or three!