morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Big day today. Hiked up 27 miles, the most yet. After about three miles, I encountered so more trail blessing. A former thru-hiker was passing out soft drinks. He offered me a drink and a Hardees Sausage biscuit. What a great start to the day!Hiked up to Big Bald Mtn. and had amazing views. On the way down I slipped on a log and snapped my trekking pole in half. The metal just snapped; at least, it wasn't my leg that broke. Finished the day by staying at Uncle Johnny's hostel. Ate pizza and listened to the UK-ISU game on my iPhone. Cats won. Bought new trekking poles. Lekis.Oh, and I weighed myself. I started the hike at 181.5. The scale said 172. Not sure how accurate. But that's not bad for 20 days on the trail. Hopefully that trend doesn't continue because I can't carry anymore food.Fun(ny) FactsTimes I've Fallen = 2Times I've Almost Fallen = At least 10-15 times per dayBiggest Mileage In One Day = 27 milesLowest Mileage (excluding zero days) = 4.5Number of Bears I've Seen = 0
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Erwin, TN

To: Curley Maple Shelter
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: light rain

Spent much of the day eating and getting a resupply. Stayed with Achilles at the hostel last night. This morning we got a shuttle into Erwin for breakfast at the Huddle House. Pretty good. Maverick, a Mississippi boy from the University of Southern Mississippi joined us. He talked to us about all the hunting he had done.Spoon, Green Bean, Moses, Huckleberry, and the Roaming Dude showed up later at Uncle Johnny's hostel and then all of us went back into town for lunch and resupply. Ate lunch at the Azteca Restaurant in Erwin. Very good food. Achilles and I did resupply at the IGA. When we got back, we packed up and hit the trail around 3 pm. We decided a light day was in order since we got a late start, so we only hiked to the next shelter. Staying here with Maverick and his buddy Goose, the only Mississippi boys I've met on the trail.
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Curley Maple Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful clear sky today. High was about 78. Very warm on the trail. Hiked with Achiles for the first 13 miles until lunch. We stopped at Cherry Gap Shelter to eat. Then hiked the last 9 miles by myself at a slower pace. We're at the shelter again with Maverick and Goose. I think all four of us are going to try and hike the twenty- four miles to a hostel tomorrow since the nearby shelter was closed. Saw a grouse today as I was climbing Unaka Mtn. I was only five yards away, and the bird didn't seem too concerned. Tomorrow we climb Roan Mtn., the last mountain above 6,000 ft. before the Presidential Range in New Hampshire.Forgot to share something from a couple of days ago. Moses was reading an article about making a successful thru-hike on the AT in Backpacker Magazine. The article claimed that for 2011 climbers trying to summit Mt. Everest had a higher success rate than hikers trying to thru-hike the AT. Obviously, the comparison is apples to oranges, but I do think the comparison speaks to the difficulty of completing the thru-hike.
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hiker Hostel/ U.S. 19E
Miles today: 23.7

Probably the best day on the trail. Woke up early and left the shelter around 6:10 am. Headlamped it for an hour and then the sun rose. The climb over Roan Mtn. was probably the toughest climb so far on the AT. Started out very steep and then changed to switchbacks and then at the end it got very steep again.Today we probably had some of the best views on the trail. We walked across grassy balds for a significant portion of the trail and had panoramic views for much of the day. Today was sunny and the high was about 80.Late in the day a thunderstorm blew through, and we got the very edge. Lots of lightning and a little light rain. The made our way to Mountain Harbour Hiking Hostel. Staying here with Goose, Maverick, Achilles, and Silent Sam, a guy from Mass. And after getting some dinner and resupply in town, we're watching Top Gun.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Mountain Harbour Hiker Hostel/ U.S. 19E

To: Kincora Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 24.4
Weather: clear sky

Probably the least scenic day on the trail so far. Such a contrast given yesterday's spectacular views. Hiked in the forest for approximately 25 miles. Was told today's terrain was flat, but instead the mileage was lots of short ups and downs, though perhaps the easiest day on the trail elevation wise. Made it to Kincora just before 5 pm and got to go into town for dinner. Met some new thrus: Tetris and Squatch, Mule and Turtle (couple), Crash, and Bluejay. Meeting Bob Peoples, the owner of Kincora was a real treat. It's worth staying at Kincora just to hear his stories about the trail.Got my mail drop too. Thanks Mom and Dad.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Kincora Hiking Hostel

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: clear sky

Hot day on the trail. Upper seventies maybe eighty. Hiked into the Pond Wilderness and was impressed by the steep creeks and beautiful Laurel Falls. Got trail blessings going down Pond Mtn. An older couple that was day hiking gave me a goodie bag: clementine, hard-boiled egg, Snickers, cupcake, and peanut butter crackers. Hmmm... Thanks Pop and Gweem from Jonesborough, TN.Hiked around Watauga Lake and then over the dam. Then hiked up to the ridge that followed the 15 mile reservoir. Great views. Got some light rain showers for the last 2.5 hours. Didn't get too wet. Just cooled me off.Water source isn't great for those thinking of staying at Iron Mtn. Shelter, but it is better than Vandeventer. Double Spring is probably the best shelter along the ridge. Staying at the shelter with Achilles.Going to push off early tomorrow to try and beat most of the rain and get into Damascus, VA. Goodbye, Tennessee. Hello Virgihis! Three states down. Eleven to go. Of course, VA is 660 miles, so I'll be in this state the longest. Finished NC on Tuesday.
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damacus, VA
Miles today: 32.8

Woke up really early, 4:15 am and left the shelter ten minutes before 5. Headlamped hiked for about two hours. Only got lost once. Made it to Double Spring Shelter by 7:30 and ran into Turtle, Mule, and Crash. Saw a garter snake in the middle of the trail. It tried to bite my trekking pole. I've seen three snakes in the last couple of days. They're definitely out on the trail now. Made it into Damascus by 2 pm. Went to the post office and then headed over to the outfitter to get new shoes. The heel of my New Balance trail runners had become unglued and was tearing off. Thankfully, I made it to a store before my shoe fell apart. Got some Montrail trail runners.Got a shuttle ride from Mt. Rogers outfitter to Abingdon to the Quality Inn and Suites. Nice hotel.Didn't really hike 32.8 miles. Hiked 26.4 miles. Had made a previous mistake with total mileage somewhere.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Got an easy shuttle ride from two bicyclists headed to Damascus to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail. When I got into town, I promptly ran into Goose and Maverick and Diesel and the Kid. Got some fuel for my stove at the outfitter and the hit the trail. Ran into Spoon in about a half-mile. Hiked with Spoon until lunch and then he pushed on. Also met Peach Fuzz, a young kid from Texas for the first time. Spent the night at Lost Mtn. Shelter with Moses, Maverick, Goose, Diesel, Kid, and Tbow.The day was partly cloudy and the highs were in the mid-sixties. Great day for hiking. My feet hurt pretty bad since I was breaking in some new trail runners.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Lost Mtn. Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Another great day for hiking. Temps were in the upper sixties with sun. Got on the trail by 8 am and then climbed Virginia's two highest mountains, White Top and Mt. Rogers, by lunch. Hiked through Grayson Highlands in the afternoon and saw the wild ponies. Trail was really rocky and my feet hurt pretty bad by the end of the day. Tented that night and probably got the best night sleep that I've had on the trail. Camped with the same group from the previous night plus Sharkey and Rummy.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day. Highs around 75. Warm and sunny. Hiked a long day over some uneven terrain. So far Virginia has been easier than any state, but I wouldn't call it easy. Nothing is easy on the AT.No real highlights other than some pretty views of Virginia farm country. Made it to Partnership Shelter by 5 pm. Partnership Shelter is one of the most famous shelters on the trail because it sits 0.2 miles from the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area visitor's center, which allows hikers to order pizza and easily bring it to the shelter. We had a group of 11 hikers and we spent about $160 on pizza and other food. It was excellent.Got a brief thunderstorm during the night. It was hard to sleep last because it was so warm.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Partnership Shelter

To: The Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Short day. Very sunny and clear. High in the upper sixties. Great day for hiking. Hiked with Moses to the Interstate 81 interchange. There's a cheap motel here called The Relax Inn where hikers can do laundry and a cheap room. The motel is not very nice, but it's nice to get a shower and wash my clothes. Splitting a room with Moses, Goose, and Maverick.
Date: 2012-03-30
From: The Relax Inn

To: Walker Gap/ Burke Gardens, VA
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail blessings galore today. Back on the trail by seven-thirty after a night at The Relax Inn. I do not recommend this place. Skip it. Walked through some beautiful mountain pastureland today. VA is prettier than I thought it would be. Encountered some more trail blessing at VA 42. Former thru-hiker Lab Rat and someone else left some coolers full of grape orange soda and crackers and Little Debbie's. Thank you!Ate lunch at Knot Maul Branch Shelter. Btw, Moses just glides up the steep inclines. I can't keep up with him. Long afternoon. Climbed up to Chestnut Ridge. One of the hardest climbs in several days. Stopped to hydrate and get water at the pond about 1.8 miles from the shelter. Made it to Chestnut Knob Shelter shortly after Moses. Met some thrus: Firepit, Woodchuck, and Mickey. Shelter was totally enclosed with a door. Shortly after Moses and I got there, a family of 5 showed up. There weren't spaces available, so Moses and I decided to head to a local church that was offering thru-hikers free food, laundry, laundry, and shuttle. We then hiked 1.2 miles downhill to Walker Gap where we were picked up by this guy named Ron who was a member of the LutheranChurch in Burkes Garden, VA.Burkes Garden is this geological phenomenon. A lush green valley surrounded almost entirely by mountains. The Vanderbilts tried to purchase land in this valley many years ago, but the landowners refused to sell. Instead, the Vanderbilts built their estate, the Biltmore, near Asheville, NC. But Burkes Garden was their first choice. The locals call their area God's thumbprint.Anyone, Ron took us to his very nice house where we showere. We then were shuttled to Peter and June's home. Peter is a pastor in training at the 14 member Lutheran congregation. He's still in seminary at Gettysburg. June had prepared homecooked a chicken casserole, salad, and peas. I ate like a swine. I didn't have room for dessert. Peter and June were delightful hosts. They kept us nearly two hours. I tried to give the church a donation, but Peter refused, telling me that his church was practicing sacrificial giving. Eventually we wound up back at Ron's house we visited with him and his wife Naomi. I slept in a queen size bed with clean sheets. Best night's sleep since starting.Trail blessings galore. Am very thankful for those who are ministering to hikers.Btw, I passed mile 550 today. I'm more than a quarter of the way through!
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Walker Gap/ Burke Gardens, VA

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

Naomi and Ron cooked Moses, Tbow, and I a very large breakfast: sausage, eggs, toast, grapes, and pancakes. Ate too much. I was able to convince Naomi to take $40 for the church to thank them for the hospitality. Tbow also gave some money. Ron gave us a lift back to the trailhead and we said goodbye.Apparently, there had been a lot of rain the previous night, so the trail (i. e. the rocks and roots that we normally walk on we're extremely slick. I tripped and slipped many times but never fell. Hiking was tough today because I was so bloated from breakfast and the previous night's dinner.Hiked to U. S. 52 and got a shuttle into town by a guy named Bubba for $10. Stayed at the Big Walker Motel so I could watch UK vs. UL. Cats won!The motel was nice. Ran into Turtle and Mule who were zeroing. Also ran into Crash who had slack packed that day.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Bland, VA

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: clear sky

Kind of losing my hardcore status with three straight nights if staying inside. But the beauty of the trail is that everyone hikes their own hike. I've learned not to judge other people's hikes, so hopefully i get the same latitude.Long hard day. Hot and sunny. Saw a huge six foot long black rat snake on the trail. I was hiking behind Moses after lunch, and he almost stepped on it. Needless to say, we gave it a wide berth.Stayed at Wapiti Shelter with Moses, Mule, Turtle, Maverick, Goose, and Zoso.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to light rain but it only lasted two hours. Hiked an "easy" 17 into Pearisburg. It's kind of silly when I start thinking of 17 miles as easy.Beautiful views from Pearis Mountain. Ate Mexican food for lunch and dinner and then watched UK win the National Championship with a group of hikers.Got a great care package from my Aunt Ginger and Uncle William and their four boys: Travis, Spencer, Logan, and Will. Very thoughtful. I shared my treasure with other thrus, and they were greatful.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Mtn. Lake Road, VA 613
Miles today: 26.9

Slackpacked for the first time on the trail. Slackpacking is when you carry very little of your gear, mostly just food and water. So basically we found a guy named Ron in the guidebook who ran shuttles for hikers. We each paid ten bucks, and he drove us to the road crossing, about a forty minute drive. Gained a lot elevation during the drive, so I knew we would have an easier time hiking back into Pearisburg. Basically we hiked south on the trail and didn't have to make the big climb leaving town.Did the whole day in just under nine hours. Hiked with Zoso and Moses. Had a really dry stretch on a ridge, and I got really dehydrated. Avoided the big thunderstorm. Been blessed with good weather.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: VA 42, Sinking Creek Valley, Huffman B&B

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Back on the trail. Feeling great. Made twenty miles despite a late start. Day was sunny, breezy, and cool. Hiked alone for the whole day. Met up with Tbow and Daddy'O at the shelter. Gonna get in the thirties tonight. Brrr...
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful day. Sunny and highs in the upper sixties. Climbed up to Dragon's Tooth and had beautiful views. The climb down was the hardest climb I've had on the AT period. Very steep. Had to use bolted in hand and foot holds to descend. My trekking poles were a nuisance at times. Hiked around 13.6 miles to VA 311 where you can walk 1.3 miles to the Homeplace Restaurant. Got a lift from some former thrus. The meal is AYCE. Loved it. Ate with Tbow and Daddy'O. Then we got a ride back to trail.Made it up to McAfee's Knob just before sunset and had beautiful views. Probably the prettiest views in VA.
Date: 2012-04-09
From: I-81/Daleville

To: Bobblet's Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Slept in until 8 this morning. Nice to be in a quiet motel room with no one snoring. Joined Zoso and Daddy'O at the free continental breakfast. Tbow left early. Headed over to the outfitter around ten to pick up some deet, body glide, and aqua mira. Ran into the same cocky sales clerk who tried to sell me Superfeet in Neel's Gap. We both quickly recognized each other, and he asked me about how my hike was going. But then he proceeded to talk about how fast he hiked and how he could "crush" ten miles in 2.5 hours. Too fast for me.Left Daleville around 11 a.m. The climb up Fullhardt Knob was long but gradual, switchbacks the entire way. Eventually got caught Maverick and Goose at the second shelter. We relived Bubba Watson's Master's victory from yesterday. Maverick and Goose had taken two zero days to watch the tournament.Today was pretty eventful. Hiked slow. Sunny and highs right around seventy. The trail crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway three times today, and we had good views of the Virginia countryside.Got to the shelter around six-thirty. Tbow was already there plus there were four Boy Scouts on Spring Break. Daddy'O showed up around seven-thirty, so he and I decided to head further north on the AT and find a place to tent since the shelter was full.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Bobblet's Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: clear sky

Nice day. Sunny and highs in the upper sixties. Decided to do a bigger mileage day because I knew my food wouldn't last until Friday and my next resupply. Made a huge climb up to Apple Orchchard Mountain, 10.3 miles of climbing, about 3500 ft.Had lunch at Bryant Ridge Shelter. Spectacular triple decker shelter. Nice shelter I've seen on the AT besides the Fontana Hilton. Wished the miles had worked out so I could have stayed there.Hiked with Mav and Goose in the morning. Then hiked by myself in the afternoon. Tbow and Daddy'O joined me at the shelter. They both tented since it was going to in the upper twenties at 4,000+ ft.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Thunder Ridge Shelter

To: Campsite near Pedlar River Bridge
Miles today: 29.6

My biggest day yet. Woke up knowing I was trying for big miles. Cold blustery day, probably never got above 45 degrees high on the mountain. Winds of 20 mph made it feel downright freezing. Ran into a section hiker who told me that it briefly snowed on him that morning. The weather made it a tough day, but so did the climbs. Got really frustrated with the trail for the first time on my journey. In the morning I was expecting to go all downhill. When I got a couple of unexpected steep 300 ft. climbs I started to let my emotions get the best of me. Eventually, I got over it.Crossed over the James River and the longest footbridge on the AT and then proceeded to spend the next 2.5 hours climbing again. Three really steep climbs. The long miles of the previous days caught up with me today, and I found myself resting for brief periods during the climbs. Normally, I can charge up a mountain without stopping, but today was different.Met a thru-hiker named Hopalong at the end of the last big climb. We chatted briefly while I cooked dinner at Punchbowl Shelter. I managed to boil two packs of Ramen, eat, clean my pot, and repack in 30 minutes. I was proud of myself.I left Punchbowl Shelter in search of lower elevation since I knew it was going to be in the mid-twenties again. Plus, I wanted to make some more miles. Found a trash can in the Blue Ridge Parkway parking area. Trash cans are a hikers best friend. I was probably carrying close to 1.5 pounds of trash, so it was nice to lighten my load. Hiked until about seven-thirty and then found a nice campsite near Pedlar River.Got cold that night but I stayed warm enough in mh 15 degree bag and tent.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Campsite near Pedlar River Bridge

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 23.0

Long tough day. Lots of climbing. Blustery sunny day. At least it didn't rain.Normally, I can look at the map and the description in my guidebook and have a pretty good idea where the AT is going. Today, not so much. Today the trail was really confusing. I thought I was going to hike up or down one moutain but instead I'd hike over to a hidden ridge. This made for a frustrating and surprising day.Definitely tired today. It was hard to make the miles as fast as I normally make them even with the promise of a shower and clean clothes. Had beautiful views at Cole Mtn. It was a grassy bald with panoramic views for 100 miles. Saw lots of day hikers. VA spring break.Eventually made it to Spy Rock Rd. and walked the 1+ miles to the gate. Ran into Turtle and Mule. The three of us are staying at the Dutch Haus B&B. Only $30 for a clean room with private bathroom and shower plus laundry. Earl and Louisa are the owners. Real nice folks. Dinner was an extra $14, but it was well worth it: 2 large pork barbecue sandwiches, salad, potato salad, baked beans, turkey casserole, and for dessert, Reese's Peanut Butter pie. I ate way too much but my body was famished, and I really needed the calories. How often is that true in life?
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Campsite after Dripping Rocks
Miles today: 25.6

Slack packed with Mule and Turtle today. The day started with a ridiculously good breakfast: sausage, eggs with spinach and mushrooms, pancakes, and then a large cinnamon roll cake.Slack pack was just what the doctor ordered for tired legs. Made it down the Priest with little problem. It wasn't nearly as steep as everyone Madeira out to be. We slack packed to Reed's Gap where Earl met us with our packs. Since it was about 4:30, the three of us pushed on for some more miles. I made it the furthest, hiking to a campsite just off the AT.Another sunny, blessed day on the AT.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Campsite after Dripping Rocks

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got on the trail by 7:30. I was extra motivated about getting into town. Hiked the 13 miles to Rockfish Gap, and as soon as I had taken my pack off to get a drink, a trail angel named Dubose stopped and offered me a ride. He gave me a quick tour of Waynesboro and then dropped me off at the outfitter. Got some new shoes and had them sent home for later on the trail. Walked to the Quality Inn. Got a room. Went to the Chinese Buffet. Very good!Ran into Murdock and Rambo at the outfitter. They bought a kayak and canoe respectively. They decided to paddle the South Fork of the Shenandoah all the way to Harper's Ferry, WV. It's called aqua-blazing in thru-hiker lingo.Celebrated Mule's 28th birthday with Tbow, Moses, Zoso, Rambo, Turtle, and Mule.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

Entered Shenandoah National Park today. Hot sunny day in the low 80's. After eating the continental breakfast and checking out of the hotel, I got a ride to the trailhead with Mule and Turtle. The same guy that brought me into town dropped me off. Started hiking just after 9:15. Terrain was the easiest I can remember. No big climbs but still some ups and downs. The trail through the park is very well maintained. Fewer rocks than a typical a day.Mule and Turtle saw a bear and her cub. I had just passed through and didn't see it.Now here at the shelter with a big crew: Zoso, Spoon, Mav, Goose, Mule, Turtle, Green Bean, and a new kid named Rambo.