morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-30
From:  Rice Field Shelter +1.5 (643.6)

To:  Wind Rock (662.5)
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a very Restless and uncomfortable night was feeling a bit better, but still awful, in the morning. I initially passed on breakfast and anything to drink. I was feeling like if I could do 5 to 10 miles, that would be it for the day. After slowly, and I mean slowly, packing up, headed out about 9. Hiking was painfully slow. I did take some sips of water and nibbled on a Clif bar. About 10:30 finally had breakfast - granola. About 11 I kinda crashed on a tough little uphill. Made myself drink some water with electro lights. As I continued to drink and rehydrate, started feeling better and better. By 1:30, lunch, had already done 11 miles and was back to 90%. After lunch was pretty much 100% which was a good thing as a nasty 1000 foot climb followed by 2 miles of difficult rock terrain. Made it to Wind Rock and was surprised to find out I did 19 miles. Quite the view. See pic of the sunset. I ate dinner overlooking the mountains and valley. So as horrible as the day started, was quite a nice ending !Today marks the end of week 7 and just over 30% of the trail complete.
Date: 2017-05-31
From:  Wind Rock (662.5)

To: Sarvers Hollow Shelter (679.6)
Miles today: 17.1

A tough day after a tough day yesterday. It has been a difficult trek out of Pearisburg on the way to Daleville.  2 nasty climbs today. The first 2000 feet but the worse one was at the end of the day 1100 feet - felt like straight up. I almost sat down, pulled out my phone to dial 911 and quit. Several other who came into the shelter after me said the same thing. I set up my tent and took a brief nap. Was too tired to make dinner.  Saw my first rattle snake. Was a big one at least 3 feet long and had 8 to 12 rattles. I did not get close enough to get an exact count. It was laying across the trail. Fortunately I saw it a few feet ahead of me so no danger of stepping on it. I threw some rocks at it to get it to move but it just sat there. Not until I got close enough and started to hit it with my pole did it move away. No rattling.Not much in the way of views at all today. Just lots of walking in generic woods. Many times the path was so narrow, bushes brushed on both sides of me as I walked. Virginia is 550 miles people reference "The Virginia Blues" as so many miles and days of just walking in the woods. Felt like that at times today. Raining as I go off to sleep. Had I known, probably would have stayed in the Shelter especially since only 2 others in there. Oh well.
Date: 2017-06-01
To: Lost Spectacles Gap (700.8)
Miles today: 21.2

Was a long long day. An Early start, late end. Hike from the shelter was .45 miles up a steep hill. And that .45 does not count. Really nice day to hike. The miles went by quickly. On and off steep rocky sections. Not up and down steep but sideways steep. Good thing was dry out. Encountered another rattlesnake today. This one smaller but more stubborn one. Could not get it to move off the trail so eventually had to hike around it. Came to the Audie Leon Murphy Memorial at lunch time. He was the most decorated vet of WW2. Very touching especially so close to Memorial Day. See pic. At the end of the day did the Dragon's tooth part of the trail. Highly technical, STEEP and dangerous especially at the end of the day when I was tired. I kept praying my feet would go where my mind told them! Was steep down hill. My Knees got angry at me! Passed the 700 mile mark on the dragon tooth. Did not see any marks on the trail. Too steep!  Did I mention Dagon's tooth was steep?  Stealth camped just beyond Dragon's tooth. Tired but a good day.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Lost Spectacles Gap (700.8)

To:  Lambert's Meadow Trail (718.8)
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

The big highlight today was McAfee Knob providing an iconic hiker pic. See mine. Also a dramatic view. This the 3rd day in a row I encountered a rattlesnake. I almost stepped on this one. Scared the sh** out of me. Way too close a call. And it was a big one to boot. Encountered a large black snake while setting up camp. Needless to say I'll double check my tent zipped closed tonight!!!Word on the trail was Will just a few miles behind me. I thought he would catch me at camp but no sign of him. We should meet in Daleville tomorrow. In the past few weeks encountering very Few people my age. Even Will observed and commented the same. Seemed to be 20-30% "older" folks on the trail early on, now like 5>#/p###Appears to be more folks getting injured on the trail. Not falls, but stress type Injuries. A few of us speculate that people are trying to do big miles since hitting VA and they are paying the price - sprained ankles, feet issues, stress fractures, shin splints, etc. Even though by this time everyone in hiker shape, still can't push the body too hard - even if you are 25 or 30! We've been keeping our miles (15 - 20 and not too many 20s) consistent for the past 4 to 5 weeks. Easy day into Daleville tomorrow and a well needed zero on Sunday. Then I'll start the big miles!!
Date: 2017-06-03
From:  Lambert's Meadow Trail (718.8)

To:  Daleville (728.1)
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

Finally an easy day of hiking. Was up early and did just over 9 into Daleville by 10:30. Ran smack into civilization and Saturday morning shopping frenzy at the local strip mall/Kroger. Got picked up by a relative and spent the day relaxing at his farm. Very much enjoyed some most outstanding southern hospitality!!!Will got off the trail about 3:00. We drank beers, ate and enjoyed a wonderful late afternoon/evening enjoying the peace and quiet, mooing of cows and some excellent company. Oh and comfortable chairs and beds!
Date: 2017-06-04
From:  Daleville (728.1)

To:  Daleville (728.1) zero
Miles today: 0.0

Spent a most relaxing day on the farm in the best of hands. Had by far the worlds best biscuits and gravyThe big task was getting 3 days resupply. Nothing much more to report -which is an excellent thing to be saying about a zero!Back on the trail tomorrow early
Date: 2017-06-05
From:  Daleville (728.1) zero

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter (746.7) 
Miles today: 18.6

Typically we are very excited and reenergized to hit the trail after a zero Today was a bit different. After such a good zero yesterday, not quite the urgency to hit the trail again. Speaks to the quality of the time we had on our zero. Hit the trail after 8 in the rain. Not hard but steady. Rained for most of the morning, till lunch at 12:30. After lunch, just misty and damp. Started to hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, crossing it multiple times. Made 18+ by 3:30. Some of the easiest hiking we've had in weeks. So on our zero, carol, our gracious host, did our wash. First time my clothes dried with a drier sheet. I sure did enjoy my extra fluffy and static free clothing. I'm sure my fellow hikers enjoyed the spring fresh smell of my clothes!Weighed myself for the first time since the beginning of the hike. I've lost 10 pounds. Will has lost 20. Also weighed my pack. I started this morning with a total pack weight about 26.5. That included a litter of water and food for 3 days.
Date: 2017-06-06
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter (746.7) 

To:  Cornelius Creek Shelter (765.0)
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I realized that yesterday we completed 1/3, 730 miles, of the trail. As of this morning only 1443.6 to go!  Morning hike was not too bad. A quick 9 to a swimming hole where we had lunch. Fun started from there. 2000 foot climb over 9 miles to the shelter   While a few nasty pitches, just up and up for hours. One question I've been asked by several is how do I power my phone while on the trail? I carry a USB external battery. One from Anker. One of the heavier items in my pack at 8 oz. 10000 milliamps (or something like that) so plenty of power/recharges. Amazing how long phone power lasts if in airplane mode all day! Tented at the shelter.
Date: 2017-06-07
From:  Cornelius Creek Shelter (765.0)

To: Glasgow (784.9)
Miles today: 19.9

Once again split with Will. We hiked about 3 miles where he got a shuttle back to Roanoke  He will be going to Bannaroo, gets back on the trail on the 12th so will be 5 days behind me. In a week or so we'll decide how to hook up again. Was a medium 20 miles today. Was quite cool so made hiking "easy". Late in the day reconnected with John/Haze who we initially met 20+ days ago at Mountain Harbor hostel / B&B. We decided to hike together to waynesboro, 77 miles 4 days from now. Crossed the James River foot Bridge, almost 1000' long at the end of the day. See pic. Was pretty cool!Hitched into Glasgow for town food - steak and cheese, 2 beers, giant orange crush. Was full for almost an hour. Resupplied at a ridiculously expensive convince store. UGH! 4 days food and a big climb,2200', first thing tomorrow.  Tented in a big field.
Date: 2017-06-08
From: Glasgow (784.9)

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter (804.9) 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early and hitched back to the trail. On our way by about 7:15.  2200 foot climb while tough was not all that bad. Best that it happened first thing in the morning vs late in the day. Also was quite cool out. No sun. Probably high 60s. Hit the 800 mile mark around 1:30 - 2:00. Only 1400 more to go!!Another big climb early tomorrow - almost 2700'. Just 500 more than this mornings. Just who said Virginia was "easy".
Date: 2017-06-09
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter (804.9) 

To:  The Priest Shelter (827.3)
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: clear sky

Nothing too exciting to report on today's hike. Was cool so the early climb was not too bad. Went through some nice balds and open fields. A couple of mini climbs at the end of the day ga bit unexpected and after 20 miles not too much fun. Reached camp about 4:30 so was a relaxing setup and dinner. Just looked at tomorrow's hike. A terrifying 3100 decent immediately followed by a 3100 accent all within 11 miles. Yikes. Bonus is we are headed for a brewpub in 15 miles where we will camp for the night.
Date: 2017-06-10
To: Reid's Gap / Devils Backbone Brewpub (842.8) 
Miles today: 15.5

Was a long day. 3100 feet down hill. First 1/3 was very rocky and tough down. Once at the bottom immediately up again. Was a long and difficult 3100 back up hill. Really kicked my butt. Many rocky sections. Not too much steeps. Even the young kids ( under 30s) commented how difficult the climb was. We have heard the last big climbs until New Hampshire. We'll see!Lots of day/ weekend hikers out on the trail. Many of them need to learn that folks traveling uphill have the right away. While only 15 miles, took till about 3 to finish the day.  Hitched into the Devils backbone brewpub. A nice couple with 2 kids stuffed us into the back of their Honda CR-V  Not sure who had it worse, John and I in the back "trunk" area or the two kids in the back seat with all sorts of stuff draped over them ( made room in the trunk for John and me). Fortunately only had to go five contorted miles. Got to the brewery and immediately had beer and burgers (yikes $12 burgers - Boston prices). More beers, set up camp in a field then back for another round of beer and burgers. And I'm still hungry as I write this!Looks to be a nice night out.
Date: 2017-06-11
From: Reid's Gap / Devils Backbone Brewpub (842.8) 

To: Rockfish Gap / Waynesboro (861.9)
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Up early for the $5 hiker breakfast at the brewpub. Must of been 15 of us waiting for the doors to open at 7. Got a quick hitch to the trail head and was on our way by 8:30. Made good time and miles as the trail FINALLY flattened out. Just a few small ups and downs.  Summer starting to rear its hot and humid attitude. When you sweat going down hill you know it is hot and humid. Also very still and quiet. Temps were pushing 90 in the woods for sure. Made it to trail head at Rockfish Gap / Waynesboro where we met Haze/John's wife. They gave me a ride into town. Not sure when I'll connect up with him again - hopefully soon as it was a pleasure hiking with him the past 4 or 5 days.Checked into the hotel, got some beer and snacks at Walmart. On way to dinner met up with Tin Man who I met at the brewpub last night. we found a local bar for dinner. Great burgers and IPAs on tap. We decided to hike the Shenandoah's together.
Date: 2017-06-12
From: Rockfish Gap / Waynesboro (861.9)

To: Rockfish Gap / Waynesboro (861.9) zero day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Nothing like a zero day!Got up, posted a bunch of trailjournal entries then "breakfast" at the quality inn Did laundry (just a few 100 yards down the road from the hotel) and got my first haircut and beard trim. I wonder if it will make hitchhiking a bit more difficult since I've lost that thru hiker grunge look! That will change in a week or so. Went to the local outdoor outfitter/hiker store to pick up some odds and ends. Was only a 1 mile walk from town. HUGE Double bacon cheese burger for lunch, picked up 4 days resupply at Walmart then another 1 mile walk to a local brewery. Had 2 very well executed IPAs with Tin Man. We wondered into some political discussions (first while on the trail) and although we did not share common views on a variety of subjects, enjoyed and respected each other's opinions. Perhaps we should send our friends in DC on a thru hike??? Sounds like a few of them we should send elsewhere. Dinner - a just OK burger and back to the hotel So a good zero in waynesboro - 3 burgers, clothes washed , haircut, walmart, and some local brews. Oh and a new pair of shoes. I'll be looking smart on the trail tomorrow!
Date: 2017-06-13
From: Rockfish Gap / Waynesboro (861.9) zero day

To: Blackrock Hut (882.6)
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Breakfast at the quality inn, walked to a local coffee shop for some good java while we waited for one of the town folks to shuttle us back to the trail. On our way by 8:30. Entered Shenandoah National Park, SNP. Was hot and humid all day. Nice clean shirt was wet and stinky in about 5 minutes. Fortunately no climbs and nice trail. Saw my second bear. This was an excellent sighting. Heard it up in the tree so watched it a bit. A woman with a dog came south bound and the dog started barking at the bear which scared it out of the tree. Got some good pics. Tin Man who I am hiking with said it was a big male. Quite exciting although not sure how smart I was scurrying around trying to get close enough for a good pic. "4 PM" hot day thunder storms threatened but no rain. Temp and humidity dropped a bit.
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Blackrock Hut (882.6)

To: Swift Run Gap/US 55 +.3 (908.7)
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: few clouds

Was a tough night sleeping. A whippoorwill was very active ALL night. Kept all at the shelter up. Incredible how loud and shrill they can be. Then some fellow campers decided to leave at 5...Departed around 7:30. Hiking was pretty easy. A bit cooler than yesterday. Passed 900 miles today. Only 1281.6 to go!Got to the shelter around 4. So far shelters, or huts as they are called in Shenandoah, are a bit disappointing. Huts are small (not that I utilize them - I always tent at shelter / hut locations) very buggy and limited tenting space. We decided to move on and look for a stealth location. Tool almost 4 miles to find a spot. Feet tired! 25 miles too much for me.
Date: 2017-06-15
From: Swift Run Gap/US 55 +.3 (908.7)

To: Hawsbill Parking (929.1) 
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: few clouds

Easy day of hiking. Made good time until we reached Big Sky Lodge. Although had lunch on the trail we were hoping to get a burger at the lodge. Of course we arrived at 2:15 and they stopped serving lunch at 2. So we hitched a ride 1.5 miles back to the wayside restaurant. Pigged out on the club sandwich, fries, several large sodas, and blackberry cobbler topped with blackberry ice cream. Then hitched back to the lodge to continue our journey. Found out that the tap room had just opened, 4PM, so felt obligated to check it out. Self control was exercised so after 1 beer, got back on the trail. Good thing as it was quite hot and humid and I'm sure a second beer would have made the last 4.7 miles a challenge. Had the honor and pleasure of hiking the afternoon with a Purple Heart retired Marine.  Stealth camped, made dinner and got into tents just as a light rain started to fall.
Date: 2017-06-16
From: Hawsbill Parking (929.1) 

To: Elkwallow Weyside +.7 (951.3)
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: light rain

Was cooler but very humid when we set out. I've been using we as I've been hiking with Tin Man the past 4 days. Seemed like it could start raining at any time. Some difficult terrain early in the day on a part of the trail called Mary's Rock. Should have been called Mary's Rocks! Really beats up the feet and knees and slows progress. Other than that just gentle ups and downs.  We were pushing hard as we wanted to make the last wayside for dinner. Rain started about 1. We could tell it was going to be one of those all day showers. Made good time despite the rain and got to the wayside about 4:30. It was less then expected. no table service - just walk up and order, limited menu. Still I had a burger, 2 large dr peppers, chocolate milk, then a pulled pork sandwich. We were planning on packing out a six pack, but was raining pretty hard and we knew we would just quickly set up camp and dive into tents to hunker down which is exactly what happened. Not much to do sitting in your tent by 6:00 'cept listen to music, rain on the tent fly and write a journal entry. Looking forward to getting to my sisters tomorrow. It has been so humid and damp, that with the rain, clothes and me are VERY stinky. With the rain, I have the tent closed up and it is not very pleasant smelling in here. Life of a thru hiker. We all know that as the summer progresses and we hit multiple days of temps 85+ with humidity 85%+ the general public will significantly increase their distance from us.
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Elkwallow Weyside +.7 (951.3)

To: Front Royal (969.7)
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Up and on our way by 7. Tin Man and I were looking forward to the end of the day. Me to meet my Sister, Brother-in-law, my parents, and two zero days. Tin Man a hotel, shower and some town food. Hiking was EasyWe had a second bear sighting just before lunch. A large bear 20 feet up in a tree enjoying its lunch. Was very exciting. See pic. At lunch I meet an Amish family who was section hiking. Ironically they were from Lancaster PA near where I grew up. Left the Shenandoah park a bit after lunch. Wow 107 miles in 4.5 days! While the Shenandoah park was the "easiest" 100 miles on the trail, overall Virginia was not as easy as we thought it would be. Lots of big climbs, and if I remember two 5 day resupply stretches. Made Front Royal at 2:15. Met my sister and Brother-in-law. They were prepared for thru hikers as had some food, beer and drinks for us. Most importantly they had towels on the seats of their car and trash bags on the floor! Limited the destruction to their car. Dropped of Tim man off at a hotel in Front Royal. Hopefully I'll catch up with him in the future. Got to my Sisters house washed all my gear down with a hose, bucket and soap. I'm sure it will be clean for at least the next mile on the trip. My parents showed up just before dinner. Steaks, lamb chops, soda and beer were consumed.
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Front Royal (969.7)

To: Front Royal (969.7) zero day one
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Father's Day!!Timing was excellency as I got to spend my Father's Day zero with my mom and dad. Had Breakfast out. Then on to REI where I got new socks. First two pair did well making 970 miles but it was time for them to go. Also got down cleaner to wash my sleeping bag. I'm sending it home till September/New Hampshire as it is too warm now. I got a light down blanket at COSCO for $20. And it a pound lighter!!!Showed my dad my all my pack stuff so even on my zero got to unpack, setup camp, and repack!Spent the rest of the day sitting around and eating all day. On and off watched the last round of the US Open. My niece and her family showed up late in the afternoon. More steaks for dinner. Off to bed way late 9:30!
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Front Royal (969.7) zero day one

To: Front Royal (969.7) zero day two
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up really hungry despite all the food consumed yesterday. Had to make breakfast immediately after getting up. Spent the morning with my Dad planning my whereabouts for the next two weeks and food resupply for the next week. I'll be in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania all in the next few days. I guess there is a 4 states in 40 miles in one day challenge that one can do. I'll be skipping that. I'll just be thrilled to finish VA, move through WV hitting Harpers Ferry (unofficial half way point at 1024 miles - 1095 is half way) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters, power through MD (where I will stop by Mary's cousins for a night) and into PA. Dad and I went shopping after planning. It was fun taking him through the local grocery store buying thru hiker food and educating him on our wonderful diet. I bought way too much food for the next couple of days!!!  Spent the rest of the day just lounging around, eating and visiting with the family. Steaks, beer, wine for dinner.Really enjoyed my first back to back zeros (especially as there were afternoon showers) Not sure when that will happen again.
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Front Royal (969.7) zero day two

To: Ashpy Gap +2 (991.7)
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

After a big breakfast my parents and I left my sisters and arrived at the trail at 8:30. 10 seconds after we arrived John/Haze and his wife pulled into the parking lot! Last I saw John was back in waynesboro a bit over a week ago. After saying goodbye to my parents John and I set off for Ashby Gap. It was a very pleasant day and the hiking was easy. Just a few moderate ups and downs through the day. Not very many rocky sections. Was the easiest 20 miles of the AT so far. Some nice open meadows at Sky Meadows State park. See pic.  Left Haze to join up with his wife (and another night in a hotel) and hiked on 2 more miles. Stealth camped alongside a stream. Very nice night out. I'll leave the tent fly off. A bunch of big milestones the next few days. 1000 mile mark tomorrow, finish Virginia (550 miles/25% of the AT) and hit Harpers Ferry Wednesday. Halfway point, 1095, within sight - 103 miles/5 to 6 hiking days away. But first.... Tomorrow "The Roller Coaster". 13.5 miles of tightly packed ascents and descents. Sounds like a blast! This could be my last post....
Date: 2017-06-21
From: Ashpy Gap +2 (991.7)

To: Blackburn Tent Site (1011.3)
Miles today: 19.6

Happy first day of Summer!!There is a thru hiker "tradition" of hiking naked on the first day of Summer. All I saw was two guys hiking in underwear. I was briefly naked in camp this morning when I changed into my hiking clothes and doing a tick check. Do you think that counts???Crossed 1000 miles today. Hard to believe. 1000 is a big number. successfully navigated the 13.5 miles of the roller coaster. I use navigated because SO many rocks. That added to the 8 to 10 mini climbs made for a long day. Fortunately it wasn't too hot and plenty of water along the way.  No views today. Just as well as I was heads down weaving around and over rocks. Only 12 miles to harpers ferry so I'll be there by noon / one tomorrow.  Looking forward (as always) to some town food. Summer time heat settling in. Getting warm in the tent at night. Would be nice to cowboy camp / sleep under the stars, but the bugs...  A bit of trail magic. When I arrived at the Blackburn Trail Center and Tent sites, there was one extra grill cheese sandwich which was offered to me and quickly consumed!