morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: moderate rain

Nothin Finer Than Eatin In Your Diner      Miles from Springer: 395.3Sam The Jam and I began our hike today around 9:00 am and the clouds arrived quickly. I heard on the radio that 1.25 inches of rain was expected so my outlook for the day wasn't optimistic.We climbed up Little Hump Mtn (5,459) and dark, ominous clouds with plentiful rain were only a few miles west. We quickly put our rain covers over our packs and our rain gear on before the impending downpour. Once we hit Hump Mtn (5,587 ft), the rain and wind pounded us. The wind forced my body sideways and the rain drops were 1/4 inch in diameter. We got soaked quickly.Once we were off the mountain's summit, the wind died down, but the snow was on the trail still and rain continued on for another hour.At noon, we hit US19E and saw a posting for Brook's Kitchen only 3/4 of a mile out of the way. That was a no brainer for us. The rain had stopped and we were starved and soaked.At the restaurant, the lunch special was a chicken fillet sandwich with fries, tea, and dessert for $5.99. Jam and I ordered that plus I had a hot dog an chips. Jam went with a cheeseburger and chips. The food was "to die for". After our two meals, the waitress gave us a ride back to the trail and we were off for another 9 miles. The sun was out now and growing humid. Plus, we were officially done with North Carolina after 19E. I saw on the news at the diner that storms were in Nashville so we hauled our butts to the next shelter before the thunderstorms arrived. We pulled in at 5:00 pm and the T'storms began at 5:30 pm. Perfect timing!
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Pond Flats
Miles today: 21.3

Tombstone Pizzas         Miles from Springer: 416.6The shelter was quite crowded last night with the rain and the addition of 6 section hikers. Jam and I claimed the third level which was perfect for us. Our hike began around 9:00am and stayed relatively flat for awhile. The trail was a bit slick from the rain last night and the fog this morning. The trail was littered with rocks at times too. Wet rocks are only slightly better than slush for traction.Jam and I had a quick bite for lunch at Moreland Gap Shelter. My quick bites need to become larger because my hunger has definitely kicked in. A couple weeks ago I would have oatmeal for breakfast, a powerbar for lunch, and trail mix as a snack. Today, I had oatmeal and a powerbar for breakfast, 2 powerbars and trailmix for lunch, and I was still hungry. Luckily, Jam and I needed to resupply today. Instead of going into Hampton or staying at a hostel, we went to Laurel Fork Lodge for a quick 2 day resupply on food. Plus, we wanted to do laundry. An added perk was that they sold frozen pizzas so Jam and I bought the last two large pizzas and chowed down. The owner even allowed us to take showers. We left clean, stuffed, and with food. Needless to say, the last 6 miles were a piece of cake despite the intense climb up Pond Flats. The river we walked along cut a canyon that we hike up at the end of the day. The gradient rose from 1,900 ft to 3,780 ft over 3 miles. We're camping with Gumby and Mowgly, who we've been passing the past couple days, for the night.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Pond Flats

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: clear sky

Long Haul      Miles from Springer: 442.8Last night was a cold one. It was so cold I had a hard time falling into a deep sleep. I woke up before the sun rose above the hill and made a "serving" of oatmeal. Jam and I were hiking by 8:30 am. There was an undercast in the river canyon that was pretty cool to see.We had a quick descent to Watauga Lake and crossed the dam. Then, we had a really long ascent up and along the ridgeline of the lake. It took 5 hours before we could no longer see the lake and at that point we'd hiked 11 miles and it was already 1:30 pm. Needless to say, I knew that with 15 miles remaining it would be a long day.The good news was that it was clear and the trail was dry. Now that equates to "Happy Feet". The hike was also along a ridgeline that had its fair share of ups and downs but was still flatter than Georgia and North Carolina.At 4:00 pm, Jam was hungry so he stopped to make dinner while I continued with the 8 remaining miles. I think I saw a coyote along the trail that was off in a hurry on my approach. By mile 26, it was 7:00 pm and I was beat. I was especially happy to cook dinner and take a load off my back and feet. I'm looking forward to Virginia tomorrow. High Top,and Boomer pulled in after dark so we'll be in Damascus together.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Wahoo Virginia!     Miles from Springer: 461.1After a clear day yesterday that showed no signs of impending weather, a fair bit of rain moved in early this morning. Luckily, it was over by sunrise. The dog at the shelter last night, Clowee, had one round of growling during the night. No complaints here since that deterred a possible bear from the shelter. The dog's owner actually found a dead mouse beneath him this morning. He must have killed it when he rolled over. One down!Jam and I began hiking at 8:30 am and trail conditions were excellent given the rainfall last night. Skies stayed overcast and the wind was relentless, gusting to approximately 20 knots. The hike today featured moderate ups and downs along a ridgeline into Damascus, Va. There was also a bit of trail magic in the form of a cooler of soda left from the day before. There was one Mountain Dew left so Jam and I split it.Eight or Nine miles into the hike, we hit Abington Shelter for a quick 11:30 am lunch. I cleaned out my food bag which consisted of a granola bar, a tuna packet, a Payday, and a Snickers. With no food left, there was no turning back.We hit the Virginia/ Tennessee border at 2:00 pm and were in Damascus by 3:00 pm. Our first stop was the hostel and then Subway. Jam ordered two foot long subs (meatball and buffalo chicken), 3 cookies, a bag of Doritos, and a pop. He finished the entire meal. Incredible! I had a foot long turkey/black forest ham sub, with 5 cookies, and a pop. I finished all of mine as well, although I ONLY had 12 inches of sandwich.From there, I went to the library to check some email and the world news. It's unfortunate to see that Sox with a 2-4 record at the moment. Once I left the library, High Top told me he found a ride to get to the supermarket, so I went along with him. Papa Jack was our driver and that was a nice piece of trail magic.After our trip to Food City, it was time for dinner. Boomer, High Top, Jam, and I wound up at Quincy Pizza. This was likely the last food place open in town at 8 o'clock. I ordered Lasagna, a side salad, a soda, and cake with ice cream. I finished all of that too! It's nice to have a full stomach.Also of note, Jam and I will likely be hiking separately for the rest of his time on the AT. He is only going through Roanoke, VA and wants to slow down a bit so that he doesn't arrive too early. I, on the otherhand, want to keep hiking steady so that I can get as close to PA as possible to attend graduation on May 17th.Virginia holds the longest stretch of the AT at 547.5 miles. It should be a big hurdle to jump over!
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Miles from Springer: 476.9Last night's stay at The Place was worth the 4 bucks. The room was a comfortable temperature and the facilities were clean and better than the woods. Although, I still prefer the Holiday Inn Express.My stomach was pleased with all the food I consumed after 3:00 pm yesterday, but I still had a Boston Cream doughnut, banana, orange, and yogurt for breakfast. I did a few other chores after the meal. I sent home a couple items that I hadn't used, visited the library, bought more denatured alcohol for my stove, and purchased a couple AT bandanas at the outfitter (one for Jam).I packed my bag and was ready to hike at 1:00 pm. Jam treated me to a sub at Subway. This time I selected meatball and went for the 6 inch. Jam pounded another foot long. At 1:40 pm, Jam and I said our goodbyes and I was off. We had a lot of fun together and surely will have stories to tell when we meet again, which will be in May when I return to Penn State for graduation.My hike today consisted of a few ascents that were manageable and my pace stayed quick. The pack today was heavier with a full bag of food and added water weight. Rain was on and off all afternoon and there were a few rumbles of thunder as well. Part of the AT was concurrent with the Virginia Creeper Trail which is a converted rail to trail for bicycles. It is evidently very popular.Just before the shelter, I saw a huge turkey fly over the trail and into the woods. I arrived at 7:10 pm and was quite pleased to think about how I went 15.8 miles in 5.5 hours. Tonight I'm staying with three section hikers: Postman, Mowgly, and Gumby. I'll probably hike with them the next couple days since their schedule is similar. I need to average 22 miles a day to arrive in Duncannon, PA on May 15th. I'll be happy if I'm a little short of that as well. At 18 miles per day I would make it to Harper's Ferry, WV on that day. Either way, that would mean I did nearly or half the AT in 2 months!
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

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

Miles from Springer: 500.1I had a terrible sleep last night. I kept waking up at what seemed to be hourly intervals. When I finally got ready to go, it was 8:40 am. I ate a Pop Tart and declared myself hiking ready. About a half mile in I spotted a rabbit. The first one of the trip.Today was generally all uphill. I climbed for 5 hours straight. First was to Whitetop Mountain and then to Mount Rogers. Mount Rogers is around 5,500 ft and the trail never quite makes it to the top. The day was cold and wet. It never really rained, but the cloud cover was thick. I didn't have a single view from the highest point in Virginia. The trail was also more like a creek and very rocky. I ate lunch at the shelter near the summit. Gumby was inside and her teeth were chattering from the uncomfortably cool temperatures. I think I may have joined in after a few minutes being idle. One of today's highlights was reaching the Grayson Highlands. This area is famous for its wild ponies that roam the bald. Mowgly, Gumby, and I ran into two. It was a very unique experience despite the trail being littered with pony dung. One pony came right up to me.From there the hike was generally downhill. There were many rocks on trail. I arrived at the shelter around 5:50 pm and immediately made mashed potatoes.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Miles from Springer: 524.8Another cold night to say the least. With the fog and drizzle, it was damp too. I woke up this morning at 7:10 am and was hiking ready by 8:20 am. I knew it was going to be a good day from the moment the sun hit my face. It felt glorious to be warm and dry while hiking.The terrain was more forgiving today with three inclines but nothing that was too long. My main problem was actually my body. On the outside of my left heel I have a blister that I cared for last night with cream and a blister pad. Today it grew and I felt each step. That was tough to take for close to 25 miles. I popped it again tonight and put a huge band-aid over it. I hope it heals soon.Partnership Shelter is unique in that it is close to the ranger station and thus a road so that we (Mowgly, Gumby, Postman, and I) could order pizza. I ordered 2 large (One with pepper, onion, pepperoni, and hamburger; one cheese) and I split a 2 liter Dr Pepper! The large with topping was dinner and the other pizza will be breakfast and lunch tomorrow. With the pizza, I think I can make it to Pearisburg, VA without resupplying.Despite the blister, a great day of hiking!
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: clear sky

Miles from Springer: 550.3Today's hike was my longest in terms of time, but not distance. I got up just before 7:00 am to take a shower, which was adjacent to the shelter. The temperature this morning was surprisingly high so the after shower chill wasn't so bad. Mowgly and Gumby packed out early, but I was only a few minutes behind with an 8:10 am start. Postman left after I did, but passed me going up the first hill.Most of my hike was solo today, especially in the morning. The sun was beaming from the get go and I quickly was hiking in just shorts and a t-shirt. Temperatures must have topped out in the mid to upper 70s by mid afternoon.The views today were spectacular. I walked across numerous fields that were lush and green. Trees have begun to flower and the ground is covered with flowers as well. The smells in the valley were unbelievable. This is a top 2 day in my book so far for this adventure.At 1:00 pm, the trail hit a major road right across from a Shell station. For me, this meant ice cream. I purchased 2 apples, a pint of Breyer's cookies and cream flavored ice cream, and a chocolate milk. I added a couple slices of pizza from my extra pizza last night to complete the meal (pizza was also breakfast and dinner today). I sat outside the station watching those coming and going while having the best meal ever. I'll never take ice cream for granted again.Before leaving, I took time for some foot care and then hiked on. I passed below I-81 for the first time. The trail wound through fields and over numerous ridges (never along them). One other highlight was walking across a field full of cattle. They stared and I stared right back. I've never been that close to an animal like that without some kind of fence between.Ridges here in Southwest Virginia are exactly like central Pennsylvania's. It's too bad we can't hike along them. That made today tough! Mowgly, Gumby, Postman, and I all got in around 7:00 pm making our hike 11 hours long. We all hurt at the moment. Time for bed.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: VA615, Laurel Creek
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

Miles from Springer: 574.2I was up early and hiking a little before usual. I can't tell you the exact time because I tried a new hiking tactic today. I left my watch in my backpack since I find I'm constantly checking it.Today was another warm, sunny day from the get-go. I had shorts and a t-shirt on and broke out the sunscreen. Mowgly and Gumby started before I did, but I passed them and Postman going up Chestnut Knob (4,409 ft). It was a challenging 2 hour ascent with over 2,000 ft of elevation gain. The top was a bald and the shelter on top was actually an enclosed building. We sat and had lunch before carrying on.My body required a lot of water today. In Georgia, I'd have 2.5 to 3 liters in my bladder and I was good for the day. Today and yesterday, I must have drank 4 liters. I filled up just before a ridge which we walked for 9 miles. It was slow going since the trail was pretty rocky. We reached Jenkins Shelter around 5:00 pm and pushed another 4.8 miles to a campsite. We had to descend to Brushy Creek which was a nice hike to end the day. Plus, there was some trail magic when we hit the road in the form of Mountain Dews. The campsite had a cooler full of Powerade as well. The beverages hit the spot.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: VA615, Laurel Creek

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 33.2
Weather: clear sky

Miles from Springer: 607.4I can't say what time I left camp this morning since I like to keep it in my pack now, but I did have it out for my morning alarm. I got up at 6:30 am and was surprised to see that there was no rain. All the forecasts I'd heard and seen called for rain all day or showers. I woke up to some high, broken clouds.After a bowl of oatmeal, a pop tart, and packing up the tent, I was off and hiking at 7:30ish? It was still after Mowgly and Gumby's departure. I decided not to fill up on water at the river nearby in hopes that my liter left would last 8 miles to the next, hopefully better, source. I told Postman that I hoped to go to the shelter beyond the set stopping point for Gumby, Postman, and Mowgly. He was quick to inform me that it would be a 33 mile day. I acknowledged the distance and said I'd see how I feel in 25 miles.Well, all things went my way today. After a quick climb out of camp, I walked a ridge that was generally flat and well groomed. I hauled my butt for 8 miles in about 2 hours and as luck would have it, there was trail magic left in the form of Mountain Dew and gallons of drinking water. I filled my bladder, now at less than 1/2 a liter, to 3 liters (max capacity) knowing I'd need it all. This also added a noticeable bit of weight to my pack.I caught up to Mowgly and Gumby after crossing over I-77 and told them of my big plans. They seemed surprised. I passed the first shelter which was 10 miles from my starting point and it couldn't have been too far removed from 10:00 am at that point. I just kept my momentum going along a long ridge. It was perfect for a quick pace because this part of the trail had no rocks and only a few sprinkles fell. Cloud base was so high, I knew any rain was only temporary so I didn't bother putting on rain gear. I stopped for lunch, to tend to my feet, and once again at the next shelter. I signed Jenny Knob Shelter's register at 1:45 pm which means I went 10 miles in 3.75 hours approximately. From here, I knew my 33.2 mile day was possible despite the fact Wapiti Shelter was 14.2 miles north still.My pace slowed some going along the next ridge since it was littered with rocks. I estimate that it took a couple hours to get 5 miles to Gumby, Postman, and Mowgly's stopping point. When I arrived, my stomach told me I needed calories so I had a few handfuls of trail mix, took a couple pictures of the suspension bridge, and hiked the final 7.7 miles as fast and sure as possible. The rain began to fall for these final miles, but I refused to use my rain gear. After figuring out that signs in this area displayed incorrect mileage information, I was alert to see the shelter, which I arrived at 6:50 pm. It took 11 hours and 20 minutes to go 33.2 miles. That is quick and definitely worth the effort since it is now raining out and I am in a shelter. Gumby, Postmman, and Mowgly are tenting 7.7 miles back. Plus, I am only 16.6 miles from Pearisburg, VA. Baseball, ice cream, real food, and a bed await!
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

MIles from Springer: 624.0It rained hard last night, but it stopped by sunrise. That is my favorite kind of rain. I packed out of the shelter by 8:20 am. I had my rain gear on because the clouds today were thick and ominous.The first climb was tough just because I was sweating so much with rain gear on. So, I took it off and began hiking again. Not much longer, it downpoured so I quickly put it back on. The heavy rain lasted a few minutes before stopping. By that time, I wasn't about to take it off and stuff it in the pack only to put it back on eventually. So, I stuck with it for an hour or so.At 10:00 am, I had a killer hunger so I devoured a tuna packet and fun size snickers. There was a brief climb and overlook which Sunny and I enjoyed. We ate lunch at the next shelter from 11:45 to 12:10 pm. I finished off my jar of peanut butter, my last granola bar, and final tortilla.The rest of the day was a climb up Pearis Mountain and then a steep descent into Pearisburg. The view from Pearis Mountain looked directly into the town and valley. It was worth the climb. Skies were broken most of the afternoon so views were available.Once in town, I picked up my mail at the Post Office, booked a motel room, had my laundry taken care of and relaxed. The best part of this motel wasn't only that the laundry was done by the caretaker, but also its placement next to Dairy Queen. I had a hamburger, Dr Pepper, onion rings, chicken wrap, and Reese's pieces blizzard. It was around 4:00 pm when I ate.Since I had two double beds in my room, I got Sunny and Downhill to stay with me for the night. We got some really bad Chinese food across the street for dinner. The buffet was definitely not fresh and Sunny and I were both not feeling well afterward.Just next door was a supermarket which allowed some final food preparations to be made. I bought a banana, apple, and orange for breakfast.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Miles from Springer:   643.3I took my time packing up this morning. I left the motel at 10:00 am to go to Rite Aid and make Jam a picture CD. Then I went to the post office to mail it. Finally, I made a last pit stop at Dairy Queen. After a milk shake, chicken wrap, cheeseburger, and onion rings, I was ready for hiking. The skies just so happened to unleash water at this time too. I hiked through the ten minute shower to the trail. Once on the AT, the skies were broken. In the sun, it was a delightfully warm day. I played the rain jacket on and off game between showers and sun for the first couple of hours. There was even a brief stint of hail.It was a steep hour long climb out of Pearisburg, Va. My bag felt much heavier than usual, but that is due to the full food bag. I reached the first shelter at 2:00 pm after a noon start to hiking. I was pleased with my pace and moved on after a brief pit stop.The clouds were pretty impressive today. Some thick, towering cumulus were scattered across the sky. Most you could see from top to bottom. I also had a good glimpse of West Virginia today. It is still a while until I hike within W.V., but the trail is close to the border. The final 12 miles past the shelter took a little longer than I expected, but I arrived at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter at 7:00 pm. It is just Lightning and I in the shelter tonight. She actually grew up in Vernon, CT before moving to Simsbury. We've probably crossed paths before without knowing it.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles from Springer: 668.2My thoughts about today's hike center solely on the weather. After a cold night, this morning I woke up just as the snow began. It wasn't overly cold until I climbed above 3,500 ft. The wind was whipping at times and the snow came down heavy along the first range. It was also a rocky stretch of trail, so with the snow cover at a half inch, it was slow going. Once I descended to War Spur Shelter, I ate lunch and the sun came out.I kept my rain jacket on for the climb up to the next ridge, but it quickly came off on the ascent. It was a tough, steep climb without switchbacks. Switchbacks, zig zag motion up/down a mountain, can be annoying but they save my achilles from pain. This ascent was straight up and I must say my leg muscles were super tight. The skies stayed partly to mostly cloudy with a few flurries despite warm surface temperatures in the afternoon. I had a lightweight, synthetic long sleeve shirt on for the second half of the day.I descended that ridge and crossed several fields in the valley. I saw cows, donkeys, and a few people. I mention people because I only saw 2 on the trail today. I think I moved ahead of most hikers now.The third ascent was worse than the second in terms of steepness. I struggled up the entire hillside. On the way, I saw the largest oak tree on the southern half of the AT. It is 300 years old and 18.5 feet in girth. That was an impressive sight.I hiked along the third ridge of the day and am staying at a shelter just below it. There is nobody here for the night besides myself. I'll make plenty of noise in the morning!