morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Stealth Camp

To: Skyline 31.2
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

We woke up early and left camp by 7:15am because we were motivated by a breakfast buffet at the Skyland Resort only about 1 mile up the trail. The buffet was delicious, but as always I ate way to much and didn't feel like hiking right away. We hung out for about an hour after eating and then figured we should get going because we were meeting my parents at 2:30pm 10 miles up the trail. We got back on the trail and within a couple miles, we stopped at a beautiful view and Dorothy, another thru hiker, was playing the ukulele and singing, so of course we stopped to hang out and listen to the beautiful musical entertainment. It was really hard to leave, but after an hour or so, it was time to go in order to meet my parents by 2:30. I flew through the rest of the hike and made it to the meeting place right before 2:30. It was great to see my parents and my dog, Belle, who gave me a very excited hello. I'm so excited that I get to spend almost a week with them. We took Davy Crockett and BitterGoat into Luray with us, and then settled into our hotel room and went out to dinner. Although I just had a break in Waynesboro, I'm excited to take a few more days off and spend them with my parents and puppy.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Skyline 31.2

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0

We went to a delicious breakfast at a caf© in Luray and then I drove a bunch of hikers back up to the trail, since it would be really hard to hitch into the park because of the fee. It was strange to drive after almost three months, but I don't think anyone feared for their life too much. After I dropped them off, another hiker needed a ride into town because she was needing to get home due to some family issues. Since my parents and I were planning on going to Waynesboro to check out some breweries, we took the hiker to Charlottesville first so that she could catch a bus home. After the trip to Charlottesville, we headed to Blue Mountain Brewery and then Wild Wolf Brewery near Waynesboro. It was nice that Belle was allowed at both breweries, so she could enjoy the day with us. Although there was a lot of running around, it was a pretty relaxing day. Category: Other
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Luray, VA

To: Luray,VA
Miles today: 0.0

We went out to breakfast again and then I picked up some hikers at the trail because they wanted to go to the caverns in Luray. It was raining most of the day, so we decided it would be a good day to go to the caverns as well. The caverns were absolutely amazing, but being forced to follow the tour and being trapped in a heard of people was pretty stressful. I really wish that I could have just wandered the caverns on my own or with a smaller group and just exist in the immense beauty of the caves, but instead I listened to the horrible jokes of the guide and moved along with the huge group. It definitely made me very aware that I prefer to explore on my own or at least not in such a touristy setting, and I am going to have a hard time adapting back into society when I am done with the trail.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Skyline 31.2

To: Skyline 21.1 Hogback parking
Miles today: 11.0

We went out to breakfast again (definitely getting spoiled), and then headed to the trail to do some slackpacking. My mom, Belle, and I hiked 8.5 miles to the next Wayside where we met my Dad for lunch, and then my Dad and I hiked another 2.5 miles. Since I didn't have a pack, I actually ran some of the last 2.5 miles and it felt really good to use some different muscles for a change. After hiking we went back to the hotel and just relaxed for the rest of the day.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Luray, VA

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I did some laundry this morning and then we headed to Harrisonburg to go to a shoe store and some breweries. I ended up getting the same shoes that I've been using, but got some metatarsal pads to hopefully help with some of the numbness and nerve issues in my feet. After the shoe store, we went to a beer and burger joint for lunch. Belle was able to sit outside with us at the restaurant and we ended up sitting right next to another dog named Belle, so they seemed to have a pretty good time. After lunch we went back to the Waynesboro area to Devils Backbone and Starr Hill Breweries. Starr Hill was probably my favorite of the breweries and I got some beers to pack out on the trail. Another relaxing zero day with the family.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Luray, VA

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

My plan was to slackpack 16.8 miles today, but I really didn't feel like hiking in the morning when I got up. I decided that I would use the day to do all the stuff that I hadn't gotten done yet, like resupplying, catching up on my journal, and uploading pictures. Uploading pictures was surprisingly stressful because the computer kept freezing and some of the pictures weren't uploading correctly. I finally got the pictures uploaded and then decided to take a nap instead of hiking. After my nap, which was lovely, I played Frisbee with my dog and then facetimed with my brother, sister in-law, and niece. Definitely glad that I skipped the hiking today. After going out to dinner, I resupplied and then packed all my stuff up to head back out on the trail tomorrow. I finally caught up on my journal and then spent the rest of the night cuddling with my puppy and watching tv. Tomorrow, I will be back out on the trail and plan to do some high mile days to get to Harpers Ferry. I'm kind of excited to be in a new bubble of people when I get back out on the trail because I enjoy meeting different people. Hopefully, the weather stays nice for the next few days.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Skyline 21.1 Hogback parking

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

This morning I went out to breakfast with my parents and then they dropped me off at the trail. As always, it was really hard to say goodbye to Belle, and tears were shed. Once I got back on the trail though, I was very glad to be back and enjoyed the first party of my hike. I took a break at the shelter and saw in the trail log that Orion and Aquaman are only a half a day ahead of me so I'm going to try to catch them so we can celebrate at Harpers Ferry. The second half of the days hike was much harder, probably because it was scorching hot and I wasn't eating enough food. It's hard for me to eat when it's so hot out because I completely lose my appetite. Although the terrain was pretty easy, I was struggling for the last 8 miles of the day. I got to the shelter around 5 30 and planned to eat dinner and then hike 5.5 more miles to the next shelter, but after sitting down for a bit and talking to the other hikers at the shelter, I decided to stay at the shelter and set up my tent. There were some section hikers who were on there last night and it was fun talking to them along with the other hikers I met. It's strange not knowing anyone when I get to the shelter or know who anyone is talking about but it's cool to be in a new group of people. I am considering trying to do a 30 mile day tomorrow but if it's as hot as today then I don't think it will happen. Glad to be back on the trail!
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

It was raining this morning so I didn't get out of my tent until close to 8 30 after the rain stopped. I packed up my stuff and ate breakfast and then talked to the section hikers for a while before finally hitting the trail around 9 30. I had no intention of doing the 30 mile day once I actually started hiking and I've kind of given up trying to catch Orion and Aquaman because it's not as fun hiking with a goal in mind. I definitely prefer to just hike and see how far I get. I did fine for the first half of the day, but the second half of the day kicked my ass. I'm struggling to eat enough calories during the day when it's so hot out and so I don't have any energy to hike. When I get to Harpers Ferry, I'm going to have to reexamine my food choices. I really want to carry more fruit and veggies, but they are very heavy for the calories they provide. I finally made it to the shelter after stopping at a stream and making my breakfast drink to give me some energy. I cooked dinner and set up my tent and then enjoyed the two beers that I packed out a couple days ago. Tomorrow I'll be hiking the rollercoaster, a 13 mile section of very close accents and descents and I am not looking forward to it. But, I will be crossing the 1000 mile mark and will get into Harpers Ferry the next day. Is been different hiking by myself but I've been enjoying it. Can't believe I'm getting close to the half way point. I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad about it because it means I'll be on the downward swing of this amazing adventure.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9

I actually got up pretty early this morning, 6 15, despite not wanting to get up at all. I knew it was suppose to be really hot today though so I knew I would regret not getting started early. Even with hitting the trail at 7 15, it was hot! The rollercoaster started less than a mile after the shelter and was a killer! Since I haven't had any energy the last couple of days, I took it really slow and took lots of breaks. I made it the 10 miles to the hostel by about 1 pm and went in to get a soda and take a few hour break out of the hot sun. It reached the mid 90s today and it was almost impossible to stay hydrated. I planned to just take a break at the hostel and then hike 11 more miles to the next shelter but when a late afternoon thunderstorm rolled in, it sealed my fate and I decided to stay. What a great decision. I ate a whole pizza, a pint of Ben and Jerrys, a bunch of pickles, and drank 4 sodas. I also split another pizza with another hiker to pack out for lunch tomorrow. I feel so much better after getting some much needed calories and I'm hoping it helps me do the 19 miles to Harpers Ferry by 4 or 5 pm tomorrow. I didn't end up hitting 1000 miles today since I stayed at the hostel but tomorrow will be a big day with 1000 miles, getting my picture taken at the ATC and getting my thru hiker number, and getting to Harpers Ferry. Can't believe I've made it this far already. Excited for tomorrow!
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 19.8

After making myself a delicious pancake breakfast, I got started on the trail around 8 15. Since I was trying to get to Harpers Ferry and get to the ATC before they closed at 5 pm, I had to do a 20 mile day without many breaks. I crossed the 1000 mile mark a couple miles after leaving the shelter and made my own 1000 mile sign to take a picture of since I apparently missed seeing the sign that already existed. I was pretty excited about the 1000 miles but pushed on to get to the other exciting events of the day. The temperature was in the 90s and there wasn't much water on the trail but I didn't mind as much today because I was determined to get to Harpers Ferry. A few miles before Harpers, I crossed the Virginia/ West Virginia border and completed my forth and longest state on the trail. Next I arrived in Harpers Ferry around 4 30 and got my picture taken at the ATC. I was the 758th thru hiker this year. After that I sat around and relaxed and then headed to the hostel to get a bed. Once I had a place to sleep, I showered and then went to an Italian restaurant where they let you bring in your own beer, which I did. After eating I made it back to the hostel and quickly fell asleep. It feels great to be in Harpers Ferry having hiked over 1000 miles and finally be in a new state. Excited to see what's next.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.6
Weather: clear sky

I woke up to a waffle breakfast and then hung out around the hostel until about 10 before heading into town. I saw Aquaman and Double Dare at the ATC and after they got their pictures taken, Willow and I did a quick .6 mile section of the trail and then we met the guys at the bar to get a celebratory drink. We ended up going on a beer tour of Harpers Ferry and had drinks at all three bars in town. We decided that we definitely wouldn't be leaving town today so we got a hotel room for the night with 7 hikers, Aquaman, Willow, P.S., Stealth, Shaggy, Wessel, and myself. Next we headed to dinner and then decided that we couldn't pass up the Harpers Ferry ghost tour, which was so much fun. Walking back to the hotel after the ghost tour was scary and fun even though it felt like it took forever. Such a fun day!
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today I had big plans of leaving but I instead got sucked into Harpers Ferry again. I'm not really sure what exactly sucked me in, but I just didn't want to leave. Willow, P.S., and I tried to rent a haunted hotel room but it was already booked, so we got another room at Econolodge with Stealth and Shaggy. Willow, Double Dare, and I headed back to the Secret 6 bar, where we had now apparently become regulars and hung out for the day. We tried to go somewhere else for dinner but everywhere shut down because a storm was suppose to come, which it never did. After dinner, we along with Stealth and Aquaman went across the street to the Inn for coffee and dessert. The coffee was amazing and walking back to the hotel room, I almost decided to leave and night hike. When we got back to the hotel room, we found out that P.S. and Shaggy were both going home in the morning and ending their hikes for financial reasons. Although it could have been a bummer, we ended up having a great night and laughed and joked around until 3 am, when the caffeine finally wore off and we could go to sleep. I love Harpers Ferry! Hopefully I can leave tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Weaverton Rd
Miles today: 3.5

Harpers Ferry tried really hard to suck us in again but we finally managed to leave around 5 30 pm. We spent the day getting coffee, breakfast, ice cream, and just hanging out around the town. Willow, Stealth, and I finally got back on the trail, even though we really didn't want to leave. We hiked about 2.5 miles before stopping along the river at an awesome spot. Even though you're not allowed to camp along the river, we spent the next 1.5 hours trying to decided whether or not we should risk it. We finally flipped a coin and it told us to leave, but as we were getting ready to leave a guy walked down to the water and we asked him about the camping. He then offered for us to camp in his back yard and gave us a ride to his house. Once we set up our tents, Thomas, came out to chat and we learned that he had never really even talked to hikers before but wanted to find a way to help out hikers. He was a cool guy and we greatly appreciated his hospitality. Didn't get far, but at least I made it out of Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Weaverton Rd

To: Gapland Rd
Miles today: 6.5

This morning we left Thomas's house around 10 and walked to a small country store he told us about. The store had amazing sandwiches and we talked to the owner for a while and then ate our food before finally getting back on the trail around noon. After about a mile of hiking, we got to the Weaverton cliffs and spent a couple hours there. Then we planned to hike to Gathland St. Park to get a soda before hiking on, but when we got there, there was a group of people doing a 43 mile run and there was an aid station at the park. We started talking to the people at the aid station and before long we were getting free soda, chips, snacks, and smoothies. It was amazing and the people were so much fun to talk to. After hanging out for so long, we decided to charge our phones and ipods since there were outlets and then once again managed not to leave. We ended up stealth camping in a tucked away corner of the park and plan to leave early to avoid getting a ticket. We are very much succeeding at the smiles not miles slogan right now! Tomorrow we are really shooting for a 20 mile day.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Gapland Rd

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: broken clouds

This morning we managed to get up and get packed up before the park opened and without being noticed so we avoided any kind of ticket. Although we had big plans for today, it's like the trail is trying to slow us down right now. About 7 miles into the day, we stopped to take free showers at a campground and right before we were about to leave, two past thru hikers showed up to do trail magic. They grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and had fresh watermelon. It was amazing. We finally got going again around 2 pm and then less than half a mile later there was another group of past thru hikers doing trail magic. They had beer, soda, brownies, cookies, strawberries, and cut up veggies. They were really cool and we sat down and chatted about their thru hikes and what's coming up for a couple of hours. Then we finally got moving again and we got to the Washington monument, a tower you can climb up, and it was awesome so we hung out there for a little bit and then I fell asleep on the steps to the monument and Willow fell asleep on a bench. I'm pretty sure people thought we were homeless. Then it looked like a storm was rolling in so we booked it the 3.5 miles to the next shelter and set up our tents. I'm not sure why we can't seem to make much progress right now but it's been really awesome with all of the trail magic!
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started out pretty great but didn't end that way. We took our time getting up this morning because it was raining on and off. We left camp around 10 am and hiked a couple miles to Annapolis Rocks. We hung out there for a couple of hours before a storm started to move in so we figured we should get off the cliff. We started hiking again, prepared to get wet, but the storm never came. A little while later we stopped at some more cliffs and enjoyed the view. It's strange how comfortable I now find rocks and how easy it is to find the perfect sleeping/relaxing spot on almost any big rock. We got hiking again and were kind of excited that we were going to get to the shelter early and have time to play in the new nap hammocks that we bought in Harpers Ferry, but the rest of the day didn't go as planned. Willow badly sprained her ankle on some rocks and could barely walk, but luckily Weasel happened upon us and was able to help figure out what to do. We called a shuttle to pick Willow up at a gravel road about half a mile down the trail and then Weasel carried her pack down, along with his, while Stealth and I helped Willow down the rocky mountain. Hopefully Willow will recover and be back on the trail soon, but it was a big reminder that injury is a very real possibility. Once we sent Willow off to the hostel, we made it to the shelter around 8 and I set up my tent. My biggest fear out here is getting hurt and that became even more real today. Definitely not the fun evening I was hoping for.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

It was raining again this morning so I didn't get up until around 9 once the rain stopped. Stealth had never hitched into town (not sure how that's possible) so today was his first hitching experience. We hiked 4.5 miles and then tried to hitch into town but there wasn't much traffic on the road so we hiked 2.5 more miles to a busier road. Within a couple minutes we got a hitch into town to the Chinese buffet and then we went to Walmart to resupply before catching another hitch back to the trail. Once back on the trail, we were only planning to hike 2 miles to the next shelter but we got there pretty early so we pushed on to the next shelter and ended up running into a bunch of others hikers that I hadn't seen for a few days. 13 miles, Chinese buffet, and resupply makes today very successful. I wonder where I'll end up tomorrow.
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

This morning it was hard to get up, but I eventually rolled out of my tent and packed up and was on the trail by about 8 45. There was an immediate climb and then a view from Chimney Rocks, where we hung out for a little bit before continuing on. Today is so hot and muggy that the air just feels thick and gross. The rest of the hike today was pretty boring without any good views, but the trail did go right by a state park that had a concession stand and I got hot dogs and ice cream, which of course were amazing. After the food, we planned to go about 10 more miles to the shelter but stopped short because we found a cool campsite. I ended up hanging out in my tent pretty early though because the bugs were constantly buzzing in my ears and driving me crazy. Tomorrow we will officially cross the halfway point and attempt the half gallon challenge. I also forgot to mention that a few miles out side of Harpers Ferry, I made it into Maryland, and yesterday I completed Maryland and made it into Pennsylvania and crossed the Mason Dixon line. 6 states down and officially in the north!
Date: 2013-07-04
From: campsite

To: campsite
Miles today: 14.3

The campsite Stealth, Weasel, and I stayed at last night was clearly on top of dead bodies because the flies were insane. There were also a lot of bees that seemed to like the company of humans and wanted to hang out. It was a strange and creepy campsite, which of course made it fun for me. After finally getting packed up, we set off to get away from the flies and to cross the halfway point. It was a strange feeling getting to the halfway point because I was battling between, "Holy crap, I'm already halfway done," and "Holy crap, I'm only halfway done." It was definitely a great feeling though and so I pushed on to make it official and attempt the half gallon challenge, eating a half gallon of ice cream. When we got to the park, both Stealth and Weasel chickened out because they didn't want to feel sick but I couldn't by pass this experience so I chose mint chocolate chip and dove in. About 35 minutes later, I successfully finished my half gallon and then ordered some fries. After hanging around for a little while and checking out the AT museum, which was really cool, we continued on in search of free showers by the lake. Since it was the 4th of July, the lake and surrounding area was packed with people and extremely overwhelming. We took our free showers and then had to get out of there so bad that we didn't even attempt to get free food from people. We stopped at a campsite a couple miles in and then just enjoyed the rest of our 4th of July and listened to fire works. Can't believe I'm halfway!
Date: 2013-07-05
From: campsite

To: backpacker's campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was difficult getting up and moving this morning and I didn't get on the trail until after 10. It was a very hot day and the hiking seemed harder than normal, although the terrain was fairly easy. Even though the plan was to get to the backpackers campsite and then walk into Boiling Springs for dinner, food wasn't even motivating me much. Stealth and I stopped in at a country store and I ate a sandwich and drank 4 sodas. It's strange how much everyone craves soda out here, but it is amazing when you get it. We finally got to the campsite around 7, and I was on the verge of having a meltdown when I saw that the campsite was about .2 miles from the trail. Not usually a big deal, but my feet were killing me, I was getting attacked by bugs, and it was still super hot out. I managed to hold it together and set up my tent and then made it into town for delicious Italian with Stealth and Orion. After dinner we walked back to the campsite and listened to about 6 trains about 20 feet away go by throughout the night. Horrible night of sleep!