morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Tye River Suspension Bridge

To: Devils Backbone Brewpub
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Awake at 7.30 and back on the trail for 9.00.A hard climb from the start from 1,000 ft to 4,000 ft which included a lot of scrambling over rocks, plenty of views from Chimney Rock.Descent down Three Ridges Mountain with the best views from Hanging Rock, took a good break here to rest and admire the scenery.Past Maupin Field Shelter and an uphill hike to Reeds Gap at VA 664.Did not encounter any northbound hikers all day, I must be behind them all!Immediately got a ride from a local guy who offered me a cold beer which was greatly accepted.He dropped me off at Devils Backbone Brewery Brewpub where I had a good few beers and a good feast.There is free campsite where I set up camp (I'm the only hiker here) and returned to the brewery for more liquid refreshment, happy days.Watched England in the Euros and as usual no excitement. Back to the bar!!!Enjoying relaxing after six days of hard hiking.
Date: 2016-06-21
From: Devils Backbone Brewpub

To: Devils Backbone Brewpub
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke at 8.00 and went to the Brewpub for cooked breakfast which was thoroughly enjoyed.After six hard days on the trail decided to take a "Zero Day" today.Need to relax and have some good food for a change.Looking at my options for the rest of the trail, my 6 month entry visa expires on September 8 and will not make it to Maine by then.I will have to apply for an extension and consider flip flopping, will wait until Harpers Ferry to decide.Feeling a bit low at the moment but hopefully it will pass after today's rest.
Date: 2016-06-22
From: Devils Backbone Brewpub

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Awake at 7.30, packed and in for breakfast at 9.00, excellent start to the day.Shuttled back to Reeds Gap and back on the trail for 10.00.After yesterday's despondency I feel in a more positive mood.A fairly easy hike today with good views Of Wintergreen Ski Resort and The Priest in the distance.Up and over Humpback Mountain and nice steady descent to Paul C. Wolfe Shelter where I found a nice spot by Mill Creek and a waterfall with pool to set up camp.
Date: 2016-06-23
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Quality Inn Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Awoken at 5.30 by thunderstorms and heavy rain, fell back to sleep until 8.30 with the rain continuing. Decided to relax until the rain eases as I don't want to get soaked before my short 5 mile hike into Rockfish Gap.At 11.00 the rain eased so I got back on the trail, slippery underfoot as I hiked uphill and then the rain returned.Passed a small cemetery and a cabin and chimney ruins.Arrived at Rockfish Gap where I phoned for a free shuttle off "Astros" into town, wet but grateful to get a ride.Booked into Quality Inn which had no electricity due to power being down because of the heavy thunderstorms.Had a shower and bath in the dark before heading into town for some much needed food.Returning to my hotel afterwards I had to put my life on the line by walking in the road as it seems that American towns don't appear to have pavements/sidewalks, everybody it seems drive everywhere, guess that explains their obesity problems!
Date: 2016-06-24
From: Quality Inn Waynesboro

To: Stealth Camping at 876.4 
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Awake at 7.30, breakfast and watched "The Beverley Hillbillies", one of my favourite programmes when I was a youngster.Was shuttled back to the trail by "Mr Gizmo " and called at the outfitters for a gas canister, many thanks for the ride.Into Shenandoah National Park at 11.00, steady climb for 300 yards and then self registered for a camping permit (free of charge).Fairly easy hiking cross crossing Skyline Drive which runs alongside the trail in certain locations.Feels good to be back on the trail after a "Nero Day" yesterday and recent despondency.Forecast rain for the afternoon which duly arrived, threw on my waterproofs to try and keep me a bit drier to no avail, decided to abandon the idea after a few miles as I was perspiring so much.Rain lasted about an hour on and off by which time I was well and truly soaked.Gritted my teeth and got on with the hike, rain stopped and the sun put in an appearance.Decided that I couldn't make it to Blackrock Hut so I set up camp just off the trail.Set up my hammock, hung my food bag and climbed into my hammock for a good rest when all of a sudden one of the trees gave way, fortunately it became jammed into an adjacent tree. Quick change of tree and all was well, could of been a lot worse!So far the terrain has been fairly level with well maintained paths and I made good mileage.Lying in my hammock planning tomorrow's hike with loud thunder very close by, sounds like I'm in for a heavy downpour shortly, which has just arrived!!
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Stealth Camping at 876.4 

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

Awake at 9.00 after a good 12 hours sleep.Weather cool and overcast.Packed and on the trail for 10.00.Steady hiking with a few climbs, stopped at Blackrock Hut for lunch and water.Crossed Skyline Drive a few times before arriving at Loft Mountain Store where I stopped for some beers and food.Decided to stay at Loft Mountain Campground for the night, set up my hammock and relaxed with a cold beer.Could have hiked further but I'm not in a rush, am here to enjoy myself!
Date: 2016-06-26
From: tLoft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Awake at 7.00 and back on the trail by 9.00.Clear skies with forecast of sunny weather.Nice steady hiking with few climbs.Good views from Ivy Creek Overlook and of Powell Gap Hollow from Powell Gap.Arrived at Hightop Hut at 5.00 where I set up camp.Weather has been kind today, dry and not to hot.Passed 900 miles today!!
Date: 2016-06-27
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Awake at 6.00 due to hysterical nauseating laughing by a girl and guy (no consideration for other campers, this reminds me why I prefer stealth camping!)Decided to get an early start, breakfast, packed away and on the trail for 8.00 (possibly my earliest start yet even though I was the last to leave the hut). Nice easy going with a good view west from flank of Hightop Mountain.The rest of the day offered no views.At Skyline 65.5 was met with "Trail Magic" from "Grandpa Joe", retired Air Force Officer who gifted me an ice cold coke (delicious!)Hiked with Joe for 5 miles (Joe is a former marathon runner and keep fit guy who is in training for a planned AT thru hike next year.)Hiking was steady with temperatures in the low 80's with high humidity, thunderstorms forecast for this evening.Had a steady hike to Lewis Mountain camp store where I purchased food and beer.Decided to have a shower and do my laundry whilst having liquid refreshment.Bought a carry out and hiked to Bearfence Mountain Hut where I set up camp, relaxed with a few beers, good day today.Three days in the Shenandoah's and still no sighting of any bears, only beers!Tomorrow I will be visiting Big Meadows Wayside for a big feast before camping at Rock Spring Hut.Days like this remind me why I'm out here, the wilderness, peace, tranquility and alone with my own thoughts.
Date: 2016-06-28
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: moderate rain

Awake at 7.30 to be greeted by a deer staring at me!Packed away and on the trail for 9.00, weather fine after light showers last night.Nice steady hiking with a few views from Bearfence Mountain.Passed a cemetery before leaving the trail to Big Meadows Wayside at 12.00.Treated myself to Blueberry shake, soup, cheeseburger and Blueberry sundae, thoroughly enjoyable.Decided to spend the afternoon relaxing and having a few beers before leaving at 16.30 and hiked to Rock Spring Hut where I set up camp and had dinner.Great day today and good food.When asked by day trippers why I'm hiking the trail my stock answer is now .... "because life is short, enjoy everyday"!!!Tomorrow will be a 15.3 mile day to Pass Mountain Hut but not before calling in at Skyland Resort for a big breakfast!
Date: 2016-06-29
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Awake at 7.30 and back on the trail by 8.30.Steady hike to Skyland Restaurant where I arrived at 10.00 for a big breakfast, stayed until 12.00 and an easy 5 miles taking in Little Stony Man Cliffs and Stony Man Overlook to the west.Spotted my first bear in the Shenandoah's, albeit a cub and no sign of mum as he slowly ambled across the trail in front of me.Arrived at Pass Mountain Hut about 17.00, set up camp and had dinner.Breakfast will be taken at Elkwallow Wayside in the morning, am making the most of the opportunity to eat well whilst in the Shenandoah's before it's back to oats for breakfast.
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Front Royal Hostel
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Awake at 7.30 and back on the trail for 8.30.Nice east hike to Elkwallow Wayside where I had breakfast and cold drinks.Decided to head for Front Royal Hostel which would make it a 22 mile plus day, the longest day so far of my hike.Weather was sunny but cooler in the woods, hiking was mixed with plenty of short climbs.Nice views to the west from North Marshall Mountain.Hiking down to Compton Springs came across a mother and baby bear, the cub was only small and he took notice of me and carried on eating, the mother just looked at me as I took a couple of snaps.Obviously she didn't feel threatened even though I was only about 20' from her cub.Have now seen three bears in the Shenandoah's and two previously on the trail.Hiked to the hostel where I had pizza and cold sodas, showered and did my laundry.Been a fairly long day but not difficult, feet aching so may have a short day tomorrow, not sure yet.Was hoping to get to Harper's Ferry for the 4th July Independence Celebrations but unfortunately it isn't going to happen.
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Front Royal Hostel

To: Front Royal Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Should have known better......at the hostel last night and finally fell asleep at 1.30 only to wake up at 5.30.Blisters have reappeared again, shouldn't have done so many miles yesterday in my attempt to get to Harper's Ferry for Independence Day. Will reevaluate my plans for the next few days.Mike the hostel properitor shuttled me into town where I had breakfast, resupplies and had a look around, not a lot to see.My "Zero Day" will consist of relaxing all day with a view to getting back on the trail tomorrow with all guns blazing!Return shuttle to hostel by Mike and then an afternoon relaxing.At about 8.00 went to The Lucky Star Lounge for a meal and drinks.Enjoyed the company of "Rude and Spud" and also Mike the hostel owner.Nice beer, a few pints of Troegs Perpetual IPA.Good live band on, fancied staying longer but it wasn't to be!Thoroughly good night.
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Front Royal Gostel

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awake at 6.30 and back on the trail for 8.00.Enjoyable days hike with no big climbs, very little in the way of vistas but hiked through some nice meadows.Stopped for lunch at Jim & Molly Denton Shelter which is by far the best shelter on the trail so far, luxurious.Arrived at Dicks Dome Shelter Hut at about 18.30 having done a 19 mile day.
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Awake after a 12 hour sleep at 8.00 and back on the trail for 9.00.Nice steady hiking for the first 9 miles before hitting "The Roller Coaster", 13.5 miles of tightly packed ascents and descents.Although today's hike only consisted of about 9 miles, arrived at Bears Den Hostel at about 19.30.As I was booking in the proprietor offered me a plate of food he had left over, this was graciously accepted and quickly devoured, followed by two buns.Set up my hammock in a very pleasant garden at the rear.Good days hike which was challenging and enjoyable, fortunately the weather was very kind, overcast and cool, ideal for hiking.Passed the 1,000 mile marker today!!
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Awake at 8.00 and made pancakes for breakfast, good stuff. As it's Independence Day in good old USA I decided to take a "Zero Day" to celebrateAt 12.00 shuttled into into Purcellville with Glenn the hostel proprietor (top guy) for Independence Day Parade, had lunch and beers at Jose's White Palace & Cantina before going to Monks BBQ for more beers.Returned to Hostel to relax and have dinner before deciding what tomorrow brings.After considerable thought have decided to go to Harper's Ferry and then to Mt. Katahdin and hike south which will remove any problems in getting to Maine before closure in mid October.Also the weather should not be a problem and I will be meeting hikers going NOBO who I was hiking with in March/April.Will be able to make as many rest days in town as I want.This is all providing my visa extension is approved.I'm on a hikers holiday so intend to enjoy my trip.
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn AT Centre
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Had a really goods night sleep despite heavy rainfall and Independence Day fireworks!Breakfast at 8.00 and back on the trail for 10.00.Really enjoyed my stay at Bears Den Hostel which was so comfortable and the properitors very friendly. Was tempted to spend another day there but I have to get moving.4 miles on the "Roller Coaster" and then back to an easy hike to Blackburn AT Centre where I decided to stay the night, set up my hammock and relaxed.Will arrive at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy early afternoon to have my photo taken and book a space at the campsite.Will then attempt to apply for my visa extension online and book my transport to Katahdin.
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Blackburn AT Centre

To: KOA Campground
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Awake early and back on the trail at 8.00 for the shortish hike to Harper's Ferry, easy going and arrived at Appalachian Trail Conservancy mid afternoon to have my photo taken and get some information regarding my flip flop.Had a bite to eat be then hitched a ride (the lady who gave me the ride told me that I was smelly so I guess I need a shower although I had one three days ago) to KOA Campground, the only campsite with showers, laundry and the like.Tomorrow will head into town and hopefully apply for my visa extension and have a good look around and relax and grab a few beers.The campsite is full of RV's and my hammock is set up in the corner out of the way, having a few cold beers from the campshop which I'm thoroughly enjoying.Going from a NOBO to a SOBO! Just love life on the trail!!
Date: 2016-07-07
From: KOA Campground

To: Washington DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Awake at 7.00 and left KOA at 8.00.Hiked into Harper's Ferry stopping for breakfast on the way.Spent over 4 hours at Appalachian Trail Conservancy filling my visa extension application/letter/documentation and arranging bankers order for $290.00.Visited the old town for a couple of hours which was good to walk around and beer at Coach House Bar and Grill whilst watching the Euros.Having spent so much time at ATC I was invited by Glen who works as a volunteer to his home in Washington DC where I had dinner with his family and was given a bed for the night.Booked my flight from Washington to Bangor Maine for tomorrow.Glen's wife is driving me to DC in the morning where I will have a look around before catching my evening flight.The friendliness of the people I've met in the US has been overwhelming and has made my trip even more enjoyable.My plan is now to fly to Bangor Maine, get a bus to Medway and a shuttle to Katahdin and then hike south back to Harper's Ferry meaning I will not have to worry about getting to Mt. Katahdin before mid October. Also if my visa extension is approved I can have a more leisurely hike south stopping at towns and bars when I like.
Date: 2016-07-08
From: Washington DC

To: Super 8 Motel Bangor Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Awake at 6.00 and driven to the local metro station by Michele where I travelled into Washington DC, then did the usual tourist trip of The White House, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and walk round the Tidal Basin before finishing at Mackey's Irish Bar on 1823 L ST NW where I'm enjoying a few Flying Dog IPA's before heading to the airport later for my flight to Bangor Maine and hopefully hiking to Mt. Katahdin on Sunday.More liquid refreshment at the Coach House Brewery before arriving at Reegan Airport to find my flight delayed due to bad weather. Am in the American Tap Room at the airport sampling their delights!Just loving my life in the USA!
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Bangor Maine

To: The Appalachian Trail Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

After a two and half hour delay finally arrived at Bangor Maine airport at 02.00 Saturday morning, taxi to Super 8 Motel and shared a room with Lady Catherine from Rhode Island.Awake at 8.00 And showered and breakfast before heading to Bangor Old Town.Lunch at the noodle bar, grocery resupply and beers at Paddy Murphy's.Taxi to coach terminal and a 90 minute drive to Millinocket where the hostel is located.Booked in and then out for dinner and few pints of Blue Moon at Blue Ox Saloon.Decided to take another 'Zero Day' tomorrow before hiking up Mt Katahdin and back south to Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2016-07-10
From: The Appalachian Trail Lodge

To: The Appalachian Trail Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awake at 7.00 after a good nights sleep.Glad I decided to hike Mt. Katahdin on Monday morning as it's raining steadily with overcast sky.Down to Appalachian Trail Cafe for a hearty breakfast and milk shake.I have booked the SoBo special at The Appalachian Trail Lodge for $100 which includes shuttle from Medway, 2 nights in bunk room , 2 breakfasts and shuttle to Baxter State Park (24 miles) on Monday morning.(Bus from Bangor to Medway at 18.30).Camping spot for Monday evening has to be pre-booked and all necessary permits can be obtained when arriving at the Park but because I use a hammock I will have to wait until I get there tomorrow to sort out a spot.Will need to get some "tree huggers" for my hammock as they are a requirement in the Park.Spending the rest of the day relaxing, watching the Euros 2016 Soccer Final and a few more Blue Moons!Early night as up at 5.00, breakfast at the cafe at 5.30 and shuttle to Mt. Katahdin at 6.30.Set up camp and a round 10 mile trip before heading south on Tuesday morning.Having spent the last day in Millinocket and walked around the town I am saddened that there are so many empty premises and rundown shops, the bars are almost all empty and I guess that without AT hikers the town would be a ghost town.Have seen a lot of small towns on the trail with empty shops and a lot of thrift shops, seems these towns are suffering from lack of investment and the results of the recession, will they ever recover? Somehow I doubt it, sad for the remaining townspeople.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: The Appalachian Trail Lodge

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

Awake at 5.00 and now sat in Appalachian Trail Cafe having big hiker breakfast prior to my 6.30 shuttle to Baxter State Park and my ascent of Mt. Katahdin later.Now going SoBo and looking forward to meeting the NoBos on the trail.Glad to be going back on the trail away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, bring it on!After Mondys wet and miserable day today is fine and sunny this morning.Apparently it has been wet and miserable for the past 12 days resulting in poor visibility from the top of Mt. Katahdin.Forecast is for it to get a lot hotter during the course of the week, looks like I've got a good day for my summit.Arrived at Baxter State Park at 8.00 and checked in and was allocated a camping spot.As I will be returning to the camp after my summit of Mt. Katahdin all I need is water and snacks, accordingly the park provides day sacks for this purpose.After a nice easy start the climbing becomes harder as there are a lot of rocks/boulders to navigate.The climb then becomes a combination of rock climbing and scrambling, not easy.Fortunately there are metal rungs installed to assist in the difficult vertical areas.As I got to the top of the rock area thinking I was nearly at the summit only to discover nearly 2 miles more of fairly easy hiking to the top.After 4 hours I arrived and had a quick snack and the obligatory photos by the Mt. Katahdin sign I set off back to camp, not as easy as I thought it would be.Slipped and snapped one of my trekking poles and had to make do with the remaining one which was no fun.Back at camp after 4 hours and set up my hammock before cooking dinner.Not an easy day and tomorrow I will be setting off on the 100 mile Wilderness, officially a south bounder now (SoBo) and returning to Harper's Ferry to complete my A.T. hike.Looking forward to more experiences and adventures in the mountains.
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Awake at 7.00, packed away and on the trail southbound for 8.30.Nice easy hike and very flat in fine sunny weather.Stopped at Little and Big Niagara Falls for a rest.Arrived at Abol Bridge and had lunch and beers at The Northern Restaurant, probably the last beers for a while until I finish the 100 mile wilderness.Feeling good and looking forward to the rest of my hike to Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Stealth Camping at Pollywog Gorge
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Awake at 7.00 and on the trail for 7.30.Steady hiking nearly all day, weather warm but shaded by the trees.Nice hike by the lakes with a welcome breeze only had hindered by the mud, boulders, tree roots and flies!Stealth camped just before Pollywog Gorge.Had a 2 hour nap before making dinner surrounded by flies!Asleep by 19.30 feeling totally shattered.
Date: 2016-07-14
From: Stealth Camping at Pollywog Gorge

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Awake at 7.00 and back on the trail by 8.30, after 11 hours of heavy sleep.Fairly easy hike past Pollywog Gorge and moderate climb up Nesuntabunt Mountain, stopped at Wadleigh Stream Lean-to for breakfast feeling very dehydrated.The humidity today is very high and I'm soaked through.Stopped on the shore of Nahmakanta Lake to relax for a while and admire the beautiful scenery, very restful.Blue blazed for a mile to the dock on Pemadumcook Lake where I was picked up by boat by Bill from White House Landing and taken across the lake.Booked in for 2 nights so I can have a rest day tomorrow and weather permitting go out on the lake.Had a large cheeseburger for dinner along with a few beers.Am in the bunkhouse and I'm the only hiker here so it's like having my own private room.Relaxed on a veranda overlooking the lake and admired the evening sunset.Today has been the most satisfying hike as far as scenery is concerned.Life on the trail is great!
Date: 2016-07-15
From: White House Landing

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Awake at 5.30 and decided to do my washing, using water from the lake and a metal bucket!The waters of Lake Pemadumcook are still and the light mist in the distance is steadily burning off as the sun appears.Had breakfast of eggs, bacon and pancakes.Went kayaking in the morning before the wind gets up, good fun!In the afternoon went out in a canoe across the lake and spent the rest of the time in the hammock overlooking the lake.Spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the veranda overlooking the calm lake and listening to the calls of a loon, before dinner of 15" pizza and beer.White House Landing is the perfect place to rest up in the 100 mile Wilderness and eat pizza, burgers and drink beers!This place is so peaceful I just love being here.Decided to stay another day........