morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Russell Feild Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: broken clouds

4:30 wake up and on the trail for a long day. A bunch of us decided to hike up to the top of Clingmans anyway for sky brightening - way to cloudy for a sunrise. Lunch was at Newfound Gap with all the tourists. We yogied some sweet food at the gap. I ended up with some sweet and sour chicken and apple cobbler. I got in to the shelter around 6 right before the rain hit. I ate two fantastic dinners, the cobbler, and finished my whiskey. I hope the rain will let up for the morning.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

It poured all nigth and half the morning. When I finally left at 11:15 the rain had stopped but the coulds were still on the mountain tops. As the day wore on ice started to form on tree branches. I'm glad these shelters have fireplaces along with the occasinal hot coals to make life easy.
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Freezing rain covered in a dusting of snow makes for a slippery day. Pizza and Guinness for a St. Patrick's Day celebration. Shower and Laundry are another reason for a celebration. I only spent 5 days in the Smokys, I need to go back when its warmer.
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnunt Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

This 20 mile day was a lot easier than the first. In fact it didn't even feel like one. I probably could have kept going if it was a little warmer and would stay lighter for longer. I met Hike and Catipiller at the shelter. Tomorrow its in and out of Hot Springs and warmer weather.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Walnunt Mountain Shelter

To: Stealth Camp 1 mile south of Rich Mtn Fire Tower
Miles today: 20.4

First stealth camp. Not quite sure how many miles today, I'll have to wait to see and figure out where I am exactly. The hike down into Hot Springs wasn't too bad but the hike up and out was a little tougher - probably due to the BBQ and Beer. I have left everyone I had been hiking with behind for now. I'm sure that they will pass me while I'm off the trail this weekend. Those zero days are starting to look real nice. Better get the rain fly up looks like rain.
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Stealth Camp 1 mile south of Rich Mtn Fire Tower

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail Magic! Fel and Hercules ('99) opened up their home to hikers. Pecan waffles, vegitarian chili, and bread pudding with ice cream were all on the menu. They were fantastic people, very frendly. Tough climb out with a full stoumach. Had a bit of rain towards the end of the day.
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I was supposed to meet Emma, Whitney, and Fish down at Sams Gap for a night of camping and fantastic brownies. I waited until 9:30 for them to show up before I called it a night. Hopefully I'll find them tomorrow, or more importantly, the brownies.
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Sams Gap - Auburn AL
Miles today: 2.5

I found those crazy kids halfway down to the gap. They arrived around 10 PM the first time and drove around for a while before figuring out where exactly the parking lot was. (In their defence the trail wasn't marked that well at the road crossing.) Then the wondered around for two hours looking for me before they finally pitched their tent next to the trail, where I stumbled upon them shortly after sunrise. Best hike so far this trip, it actually was all down hill for once. Looking foward to a few days of no boots.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Sams Gap - Auburn AL

To: Auburn, AL
Miles today: 0.0

First zero day. Actually there was a lot of walking but it was without my pack and boots whick makes all the difference. Auburn has a really nice campus and the weather was fantastic except for being a little warm. I had forgotten to put shorts in my bag back in Feb so I spent the day walking around in my kilt as opposed to wearing pants. I did notice that the area wasn't very mountainous. Back to the trail sometime tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Auburn, AL

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

Finally made it back to the trail at 7:30 PM and rolled into the shelter by 10:30. I spent some time on the top of Bald Mountain looking at the stars and the glow of the towns all around me. Staying up late but still waking up at the crack of sunrise is catching up with me. The shelter was pretty full with people and gear so I'm in the hammock. It should be better than the shelter and the hotel floor which was too hard, and the hotel bed which was too soft.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Miss Janet's House Erwin TN
Miles today: 16.9

And back into the swing of things. Well almost. I was actually able to sleep in for once, but I wish I didn't. Apparently I'm still in Alabama, in fact I think it was warmer on the trail than it was the day before. What happended to Spring and moderate temps? It is fantastic to be back on the trail though - I'm not used to all the noise and late hours assocated with college students.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Miss Janet's House Erwin TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Only 16.4 miles? It felt like a lot more, it must have been the late start and all of the uphill. I went to the Post Office to pick up mail from my Grandmother and also found a surpise package, full of candy and an airplane bottle of Jack curtesy of Emma. Going over Roan Mountain tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight camp is at a converted barn with a spectacluar view. I heard thunder all afternoon so in case it starts pouring I'll have a roof over my head and a great place to watch the storm. I'm glad I didn't go over Roan yesterday, there was no way that I would have been able to.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Finally back to a decent milage day. Note to self: Crossing Highlands in rain and wind is a bad idea. (3/31: Although later in the day it was freezing rain). Comming down from the Roan Highlands I picked up a follower. I waited a few minutes to see if anyone was behind me before I set off again with a wet, hungry, Beagle in tow. After giving her half my lunch and some of my turkey that I didn't need (Thanks mom for forgetting the alfredo sauce). I met a day hiker who said that he would contact the owner to get her home.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

Fantastic hike today, no huge mountains, and I was done by 4:30. I ate a whole pizza (mushrooms and onions), along with a bag of baby carrots. Breakfast will be bananas, apples, and oranges. Back to the trail tomorrow. Damascus in two days (50 miles)?
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day because I didn't get out of the Hostel until 10. When I grow older (I'll never grow up) I want to be like Bob (owner of Kincora). He was full of stories on both the trail and life outside of the AT (apparently it exists somewhere). I ended up leaving my headlamp at the Hostel, I'll have to get it mailed ahead of me. Damascus or Bust Tomorrow!
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: The Place, Damascus 
Miles today: 32.7
Weather: light rain

Made it into Damascus at 6:30 after leaving at 5:30 this morning. Interesting hike without a head lamp, good thing there was a full moon. Great day for big miles, not too hot, cold, wet, dry, hilly... A bunch of us got invited to a local's house for Beer, Bondfire, and, once the rain started, Foosball. I made it to bed around 12:30 to end a full day. Resupply tomorrow and back to the trail. Met Alleycat, Hawk, Molassas, and Zero. Pairsburg in a week or so.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: The Place, Damascus 

To:  Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

No more leaving at noon and still expecting to hike 15 miles, especally out of a town with a full pack. Breakfast was All You Can Eat (AYCE) Pancakes at the Dariy King, I only ate 10 and I was quite dissapointed with myself. Also, no more hikeing after only 4 hours of decent sleep.
Date: 2007-04-03
From:  Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Went over Mt. Rogers today and I won't have to revist 5,000 feet until Mt. Lincoln, NH, about 1,300 miles away. The forest service was implamenting a prescribed burn to maintain some of the balds so I got held up for an hour or so. It was really interesting to watch and talk to some of the forest service employees. I didn't get to see any ponies today, hopefully I will tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Someone has littered the creek with beercans, and their full! Thanks to Coughdrop for those. I finally saw some ponies this morning. They were interested in me until they realized that I was pulling a camera out of the plastic and not food. Really windy today as well, I almost lost my pack cover a few times.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: 1 mile N. of Dan's Path Shelter
Miles today: 25.9

No water at the shelter so I figured that I'd camp elsewhere. A really nice day today, I was crusin' a little bit faster than 3 Miles per hour. I crossed I 81 today and I got to thinking that a short 1 hour drive or so north is Blacksburg. But instead it'll take me 4 or 5 days to get there. Anyway, everytime I get a mail drop (like today) it feels like Christmas. I have no idea what kind of extras Well get thrown in.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: 1 mile N. of Dan's Path Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Snow! thats right, I said the "S" word. It started around 4:30 and is still going pretty strong at 7:30. Luckly I was 45 minutes away from a four sided shelter. Unfortonitly its at 4,400 feet and has no chimney. Passed a mile stone earlier today: Mile 543.5, which is a quarter of the way. I'm starting to feel like I'm getting somewhere.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Big Walker Motel, Bland, VA
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke this morning to 4 inches of snow on the ground. Lots of drifts on the trail were knee high and a few were mid thigh high. The morning was slow going, took 5 hours to walk 10 miles, which is really slow, at least for me. Orange Blaze and I decided to hole up in Bland to thaw out and try to make it to church for Easter services. Dinner was two 12 inch subs, and I was still hungry.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Big Walker Motel, Bland, VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter! IT was nice to wake up and not be freezing this morning. No cathlic church in town so I wondered around town until I found a church with open doors. I made it too a Methodist church in time for a bible study, Coffee and doughnuts, and then finally a service. Hitching back to the trail had never been easier. Late start at 12:30 so I had to make it a short day. Its a mere 31.3 to Pearisburg and the road to Blacksburg, should be a fun day tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Blacksburg
Miles today: 31.3

"CRAP!" Thats a direct quote from me 1.5 miles down the trail this morning. I had left my baseball cap back at the shelter. So as I walked back to get it I lost an hour on the day. I ended up making it in to Pearisburg at 7:45 PM. An hour later I was showered, in clean clothes, and drinking drinking beer. It was a great end to a really long day.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Blacksburg

To: Blacksburg
Miles today: 0.0

AYCE lunch on campus runs from 11 AM to 2 PM. I was there and eating for all but an hour of that time. I know what you're thinking but the campus food at tech is actually pretty good. Especally when you have been on the trail. I also found the location of my headlamp. It seems that The Professor and Bobslead have it. I hope they aren't too far ahead or behind when I get back on the trail.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Blacksburg

To: Smith Mountain Lake
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I took the bus in to Ronanoke to meet my Mom at the Airport and catch a ride up to my grandparent's house. I bought way too much food at the store for resupply along with a new pair of shoes. It was a rainy day so my plan of lounging on the dock was spoiled.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Blacksburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Great Hike once I got off of the ridge and on the leeward side of the mountain. It was snowing this morning with just an inch or two accumulating up on the ridge. Beautiful views from the rice fields but it was too cold to take pictures, good thing this is pretty much my backyard while at school. A large tree fell and smashed the shelter, luckly noone was hurt. I found out this evening about the shooting from some section hikers.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Took an early day due to the rain and two hours I spent on the phone at lunch. I made the mistake of gettting a paper, I was only able to make it half way through. I think its better to be in the woods and not be tempted to watch the news all day.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful day from sunrise to sunset. I was only on McAfee Knob long enough to get pictures. To me the knob is a part of Tech and it wasn't the same without anyone else up there. Coming down into town I met the last Southern Bound Thru Hiker, Rambo Ron. Ate BBQ at 3 Little Pigs along with a basket of Hush Puppies. The Beer store next door was having a beer tasting, 2 German and 1 Belgian Lagers, all quite good. Made it out of town in 2.5 hours after resupply and updating my Journal.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

I past the 1/3 mark early today. Its kind of hard to beleive that I have walked over 725 miles in 50 some days. I broke my spoon today at lunch, so it looks like I'll be using a stick until Waynesboro.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

I'm pretty sure that life could not be better than this. I met Gizmo and Pizza Man, a retired couple who are doing another thru hike. I took a side trail down to Apple Orchard Falls. It was well worth the extra 2 miles, mainly because I ran the 1 mile down the hill. It feels great to move without a pack. I passed under the Guillotine, I would hate to be there when erosion finally wins and drops the rock on the trail. A couple of day hikers were out digging ramps (wild onions) and they gave me a few to add to my dinner. Its kind of lonely ringt now, its my third night in a row in a shelter alone.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

I was done at 4 today and only did 4 miles after lunch. It was nice to goof off and go swimming for a while. I met Traveler at the shelter, a hiker over from Holland, who did his first thru in 1985 and several more between then and this years. He was a full of interesting stories and after 3 nights alone I was ready to listen.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

A few sprinkles in the morning but the clouds gave way in the afternoon. The sun and humidity were killer this afternoon. I finished relitivly early again. Its nice to have some lounging time in the afternoon. Now if only I could take the whole afternoon off, that would be the life.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Great hike today. I found some swings in a gap that I used to pass the time while I waited for my water to be treated. Got an invite from Caribou to stay the night at his place once I made it to Maine. Spending the night with T Mac and 3 section hikers, its nice to be with a group again.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 29.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got in at 8 after starting at 7:30 this morning. Its not too bad once you facter in the time I took for lunch, dinner, and other assorted breaks.I met Sunshine and Daydreamer, a couple who traded in their car for gear when it broke down on the way to New Orleans for a Jazz Festival and are walking home to CT. 5 mile day tomorrow to Waynesboro. For those of you without your AT map handy, thats just south of Shenandoah National Park
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro YMCA
Miles today: 5.0

I got in to town at 10 and ate AYCE Pancakes. I was only able to eat 6 but they were plate sized and thick. I ended up getting my breakfast paid for but didn't find out until I tried to pay. I also got my fuel for free so it was worth the long walk to the hardware store. I ended up spending 2 hours on the phone and another 2 on the internet. I camped at the Y, my only complaint was that there was no place to hang my hammock.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

No blackberry milkshake, the wayside was closed. I'll have to try at one of the 4 other places. Had a sweet sunset from the shelter. There wasn't much to see today, kinda sucked. Also, somehow burned a hole in my Kilt. Oh well, that's life.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

Still no milkshake, the machine was broken. I did get some blackberry cobbler and blackberry ice cream though. I passed 900 miles today which leaves with just 100 miles of the 550 miles in VA. It was really hot today, made worse that I was out of the wind most of the day. Pilgram is putting Mousetrap and I up for the night in the Lodge as we will be moveing faster than He for the rest of his section hike.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Two Months. Thats 61 days, 54 Hiking Days, and 928.7 Miles. Only Three Months and 1245.3 Miles Left To Go. Every Day and Every Mile That Goes By Makes It Feel That Maine Is A Resonable Goal.No milkshakes yet again. Tomorrow is the last chance and I refuse to leave the park without one. Beer in the park is increadably overpriced and I can't wait until I get to Harper's Ferry and the Fat Tire waiting there for me.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

Finally got a Blackberry milkshake, it only took 86 miles. They were all I heard about and more. I didn't see any bears while in the park but as long as I get to see a Moose up north I don't care. Its nice to be out of the park, its full of blowdowns from hurricanes and ice storms the past few years. It rained for 15 minutes at 4:30 AM but instead of cooling everything off it just added to the humidity and my misery.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to do a big day today since it wasn't as hot as the past few days. At dusk two foxes ran out of the woods, down the trail (towards me), and then back into the woods. Almost gace me a heart attack until I realized what and where they were going. Also my shirt got eaten by Mice. I guess they were after the salt in my shirt.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

Rode the "Roller Coaster" a 13.5 mile stretch of ups and downs. Speratly there weren't too bad but one after another really wears you out. I stopped in at Bear's Den Hostel for some ice cream to get me through it. Staying the night at a PATC (Patomic Appalachian Trail Club) Hostel. Redwing, Hopeful, and Hikelet are fantastic cartakers whose hospitality is unmatched. After having dinner with Mosuetrap and I, we played dominoes late into the night (9:30 PM).
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Harpers Ferry, WV - Cantonsville, MD
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I decided on an impromptu trip to Uncle Sean and Aunt Ginny's. As a bounus I also get to see my Grandparents (Dad's Parents). I got out late (8:20) from the Blackburn Center, but it was a hard place to leave. I still made it into Harper's Ferry on time mainly because it was down hill. I was Thru Hiker number 26 to stop in the ATC Office on the year.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Harpers Ferry, WV - Cantonsville, MD

To: Loudoun Heights VA-WV State Line
Miles today: -2.0

I got back to Harpers Ferry around 12:30 and explored the town until 4:30. I hiked south (it felt dirty and wrong) until I got back to the state line. I took a nap in VA to prepare to walk to PA tomorrow.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Loudoun Heights VA-WV State Line

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 48.2
Weather: clear sky

I left VA and entered WV at midnight. By 1:00 I had made it into Maryland. I didn't make it to PA until 19:30 and finished the day at 21:20. I could have been done earlier if I hadn't decided to order Pizza at Pen Mar Park and the trail didn't go through a boulder field that it didn't have to.It was a beautiful day. Sunrise and sunset had some of the best colors I have seen on the trail yet. No good views at those times so no pictures. I will not be doing any more large miles likes these ever again.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 32.8
Weather: overcast clouds

1,087 miles down. 1,087 miles to go. Halfway done on my 70th day since starting. I'm not sure how I feel about reaching this milestone. On one hand I'm happy to have reached it. On the other hand finishing and being done with my hike has become more realistic, and I don't know if I want that to happen. Maybe in another month or so I will be.Pine Grove Furnace General Store was closed, so I had to walk another 10 miles for the half gallon challenge. I chose Coffee Crunch, which was a mistake. I only ate half until the chocolate started to make me sick. I could still eat more, just not ice cream.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon PA
Miles today: 29.5
Weather: few clouds

The sun was merciless today. I spent most of the day walking through fields in the Cumberland valley. It wouldn't have been so bad if there had been more creeks or springs along the way in which I could soak my self. In the afternoon I was racing a thunderstorm. It ended up being a draw, I made it too the last shelter before town before the worst of the storm hit, and waited it out for an hour. I'm staying at the Doyle tonight, one of the original Anheuser-Busch hotels, more than 100 years old. The rooms are small, but its everything a hiker wants: a bed, four walls, and a ceiling. You have to share a bathroom but there is an added bonus: the ground floor is a bar.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon PA

To: Juniata River Camp Ground
Miles today: 0.0

I slept in to 8. It felt great. Massave Blueberry pancakes were for breakfast as I wasted time until 11. I spent the rest of the day between the computer and the bar waiting until Mr. Whitworth and Mr. Decker arrived around 6. We camped at a camp ground just north of town.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Juniata River Camp Ground

To: Malvern (home)
Miles today: 1.9

Mr. Whitworth, Mr. Decker, and I went for a hike, about 7 or 8 miles. I wanted to make sure that I covered at least the milage from the Hotel out to the parking lot where I will get dropped off when I come back to the trail.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Malvern (home)

To: Malvern 
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Mother's Day! I got pressed into service to get the house ready for the picnic my mother decided to have because the whole family was home at the same time. It was nice to see family and friends before I disapear back to the woods. I picked up a new sleeping bag to try to use a smaller backpack.