morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-07-07
From: Rainbow Stream Lean To

To: Abol Bridge Lean To
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

We exited the 100 mile wilderness at the end of the day today.  It was an easy hike as we completed 15.1 miles by a little after 1:00.  The reward was we were able to eat lunch at The Northern restaurant at the Abol Bridge campground.  It was good to get a beer and have both lunch and dinner at the campground restaurant.  I can still use the extra calories!  I forgot to mention yesterday we met a 77 year old lady that had just flip flopped south bound and was through hiking the entire trail. I was impressed seeing her on the trail!  Our Lean To tonight was also located right on the bank of the river and since we got to camp early I took advantage of going for a swim in the river after lunch.  We also had a picnic table for the first time in several weeks so I convinced both Mikes to play another game of Cribbage.  Life is good!  We enjoyed a devotional to end the day and Thanked God for his care and safety as we completed the wilderness and day 84!
Date: 2022-07-08
From: Abol Bridge Lean To

To: The Birches Lean To
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

We have been seeing glimpses of Katahdin for several days now but now we are at the base of the mighty mountain. The park is a truly gem set aside by Governor Baxter several years ago with a condition that it remain wilderness and does not get developed.  That means there is no paved roads in the park, no plumbed water, no electricity even in the ranger stations.  It has remained completely undeveloped for people to enjoy its natural beauty. Mount Katahdin is only a small portion of the total park area.  We had to register for our summit and did that with ranger Collin.  They only let 12 NOBOs hikers per day to stay in the campground Birches area so we got up early and hike from Abol Bridge to get our name on the list.  We were surprised to pass 19 SOBO hikers who had submitted the day before.  We were the first three hikers on the list but were also surprised that before the day ended there were 7 NOBOs who made the list. We expected Coach and Ways but two other ladies also joined us.  The 10.1 hike to the Birches took us less than 4 hours and we enjoyed another day hiking past several streams and ponds!  The short hike benefitted us when a thunderstorm passed through the area mid afternoon and we could tuck into the shelter and stay dry.  Ranger Alex gave us our Katahdin orientation and approved our hike for tomorrow.  We finished the day playing Cribbage and then have a group prayer for safety on tomorrows climb.
Date: 2022-07-09
From: The Birches Lean To

To: Katahdin 
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Mike and Mike got up at 4 a.m to be on the trail by 5 a.m.  Rick decided to wait to hit the trail at 5:40 a.m. I still enjoy my sleep. We all agreed to hike the Hunt trail which is the official AT trail and comes right near the ranger station.  I was able to catch them by 7:30 a.m and we all submitted at 9:31 a.m.  The trail got very challenging as we climbed through mile 4 and it went from a hike to a full rock scramble.  The last mile leveled out as we approached the summit.  We decided to take the Abol trail down which was a shorter and steeper trail.  We had an absolutely beautiful day even though it was very windy going up the Hunt trail.  Our views were great and the bowl area of the mountain is impressive.  So on day 86 (3 days ahead of schedule) we completed the NOBO section of the trail and the first 1168 miles of the entire trail. Congrats to Mike Hunnell (Hardway) and Mike Ikeler (Eagle Ike) who summited with me.  I appreciated hiking the northern section with these men and after a short break we all plan on headed SOBO.  It is time to head back to Michigan to take care of my family who have been supporting my dream and especially taking Mary on a week of vacation before heading back to Harper¢s Ferry West Virginia in early August.
Date: 2022-08-10
From: South Bend, Indiana

To: Harpers Ferry West Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Starting at 9:54 I hope to board Amtrak train in South Bend, IN.  The train is already 44 minutes late leaving South Bend.  I hope to arrive in Harpers Ferry shortly after lunch tomorrow.  I will hike about 9 miles tomorrow after getting to town.  It is good to get back on the trail and will begin posting as coverage allows.
Date: 2022-08-11
From: Harpers Ferry West Virginia

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

The Amtrak trail was about 1:45 minutes late getting to Harpers Ferry on Thursday.  It took a little over 15 hours from South Bend, IN.  I spent the first 30 minutes finding the AT trail office and got my self checked in as a SOBO flip flopped #271 headed for Georgia.  I hit the trail just after 2:00pm.  The temperature was a balmy 84 degrees but I only had 9.3 miles to the first shelter.  I arrived just before 6:00pm which was enough time to cook supper and get organized for tomorrow. I saw three deer a one small fox on the trail but few people.  At the shelter I met Crossroads and Chad who were both ending their hike NOBO in Harpers Ferry due to injuries.  The shelter and Gazebo were impressive and a good first night stay.  We got a brief rain shower after dark but that is why shelters are the best!
Date: 2022-08-12
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 2 SOBO but Day 88 overall.  Since it is Friday there are a lot of day hikers out today.  I exited West Virginia which is the 10th state I have completed.  The next one on the list is Virginia but since there are over 520 trail miles I expect it to take about five weeks before I complete state number 11.  Today I had two different groups donate some snacks for trail magic which is an awesome blessing that people can do for through hikers!  I also entered a region called the ¢rollercoaster¢ which other than being really rocky is not to difficult after New Hampshire and Maine. The other disadvantage is that when you get to the top of a hill you are still below tree line so there a very few nice views.  I spent the night at Sam Moore Shelter by myself except to watch a mother deer and her young fawn wander to within five feet of the shelter just before dark which does not happen if there is a crowd around.
Date: 2022-08-13
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Whiskey Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a couple mileage milestones today.  In the morning I passed a sing telling us we had 1000 miles left to Springer, GA.  In the afternoon after finishing the 14 miles called the ¢ rollercoaster¢ I cross over 1200 miles of my hike.  Found a nice overlook a little off trail for lunch and then to the shelter.  Today the shelter was crowded with 11 other weekend hikers.  Five of the eleven were two families which shared the shelter with me.  Both dads were 20 year military veterans and we had a great evening talking and discussing the importance of kids having father figures in their lives while they are growing up! The day also ended with me collecting some more trail magic snacks since the were only out for the weekend and had extra food.  So far this SOBO direction has produced more trail magic than going NOBO!  Enjoyed having a group to spend time with in camp but I am not sure weekdays are going to offer the same luxury.
Date: 2022-08-14
From: Whiskey Hollow Shelter

To: Floyd Wayside Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: scattered clouds

The trail remains busy with day hikers but I also met my first SOBO pair today also.  I started the day thinking because I needed to resupply I would not get a lot of trail miles but thanks to Derek that was not true.  Derek was out for a training hike/run and passed me going North.  He saw my pack and we talked about how to get to Front Royal.  There were three options and I asked him for advice.  Two hours later he came back South bound and told me he decided the easiest way for me to get to Front Royal was for him to drive me there and back.  He drove me 7 miles into town.  Shopped with me at Martins and then we got a sandwich and he drove me back to the trail.  In all he saved me several hours and miles.  The only thing that ruined the end of the day was it started raining about 3 miles before I got to camp.  Needless to say I was nice and wet when I arrived.  At camp ¢Lucky¢ arrived just before dark and shared some food with me for more magic.  Since it rained all night I was glad I pushed extra miles instead of hammock tenting for the night.
Date: 2022-08-15
From: Floyd wayside shelter

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

We woke up to a light rain in the morning after on and off rain all night.  I officially entered Shenandoah NP before 8:00 am. Right away I was treated to wild blackberries along the trail. It was a good early morning treat. The rain was on and off all morning.  I hiked all day without seeing a single other hiker.  After lunch the rain started getting heavier so I stopped at Gravel Springs Hut.  That proved to be a great decision since at 2:30 it began to pour. To my surprise we ended up with 20 people at the camp tonight.  Only 10 fit in the shelter and the rest had to tent.  Eleven of the group were Georgetown Freshman orientation group for five days.  Spent some time talking to the Belgium cousins who are hiking SOBO and will join me the next couple days
Date: 2022-08-16
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Pass Mtn hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a late start due to the large crowd at the shelter.  It was really nice to have a sunny day after the last day and a half being wet.  We also got our first experience of the SNP Elk Wallow way station for lunch.  Unfortunately, they had lost power for two days and had a very limited menu.  All their Ice cream had melted (Boo!).  So we had chicken tenders and fries which we very tasty.  After supper we have Peter a trail name - ¢Paper Weight¢ since he is carrying four Dutch books.  We had six at the shelter tonight and met NOBO hiker Rusty Bridges. We are also enjoying that every shelter has picnic tables for eating and cooking on
Date: 2022-08-17
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Had another later start when Gabe one of the section hikers offered Michele some coffee we stuck around for an extra 30 minutes.  Right out of camp we started seeing wild life today and by the end of the day we had seen several deer, rabbits, a small snake, and even a wild turkey.  We also had a day of some great views including a place called Mary¢s Rock which was very scenic. We met another group of college freshman doing orientation camping this time from William and Mary College.  We also met NOBO hiker Steady Eddy who started in GA on April 15 the same day I started in Harpers Ferry.  We still are not seeing a lot of other SOBO yet though I expect some of the faster ones to start catching us soon. We had light showers after 3:00 again today but nothing real steady before we made it to the shelter. It is time for dinner which tonight will be a Rommon Bomb.
Date: 2022-08-18
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Bear fence Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We got late start so that we could take advantage of Big Meadows Way Station.  They do not open until 11:00 am and we wanted to enjoy lunch there.  I woke up at 6:30 with two deer feeding within five feet of the hut this morning.  Once at the Way station we meet ¢Shaggy¢ who I had met in Maryland in April and is now headed SOBO also.  The best part of lunch was a Shenandoah famous Blackberry Milkshake which was awesome along with a pretty good double hamburger.  Before leaving we toasted finishing 100 SOBO miles with a local beer!  I also enjoyed to blue blaze side trails after lunch.  One to a waterfall and the second to the Bearfence Mtn. Scramble trail which was 0.5 miles of rock scrambling just before getting to camp.  There 8 at camp last night including Low Rider who is also headed SOBO.  Finally I met my third group of Georgetown freshmen out for a five day orientation outing.
Date: 2022-08-19
To: HighTop Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Left camp with little water and hiked to a near campground to resupply.  We are finding water is not as plentiful as would be ideal so you must pay attention to resupply options in the southern section of the park.  I met three NOBO hikers (Big & Little Brother and Burger Queen) Also had a day hiker give me some trail magic of Apricots and Lemonade which is always appreciated!  At camp I was joined by Flat Tire and his fianc©e.  He hike the AT SOBO in 2019 and it was good to share favorite memories.  Surprisingly I saw no wildlife on the trail today, we have been treated most days with several deer and other animals but I still have not seen my first bear yet.
Date: 2022-08-20
From: HighTop Hut

To: Loft Mtn Campground
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the Belgium cousins today since they were only doing an eight mile hike and I need to keep to a 100 mile a week schedule.  The trail was pretty friendly and I averaged 2.5 miles an hour before lunch.  I hiked to another Wayside cafe for my last BlackBerry Shake before exiting Shenandoah NP in two days.  While I was enjoying my shake Sue asked me if she could share some blueberry¢s and cucumbers with me since she heard hikers miss fruits and vegetables while they are hiking.  She gave me close to a half pint of blue berries and provided a sweet treat!  Once I got to the campground I enjoyed a hot shower and met Flat Tire again.  He and his fianc©e were talking while they were hiking with their dog Buck that they need to catch up with me and offered to buy my supper if I would share a beer with them.  Two trail magic moments in one day.  I returned the favor and got us a discounted campsite that we shared for the night with my Golden NP pass and we enjoyed a supper, beer, and a campfire while continuing to share AT trail memories.  It was the first time I got to try the hammock and sleep pretty good despite a few hours of rain after dark.  I also have hiked over 1300 total miles now and enjoyed the devotional from Our Daily Bread which used Philippians 4:6 to talk about anxiety and worry and how God promises us peace in vs 7 if we come to him and stopped trying to manage it on our own.  That was a timely message for me as we think about Katie¢s pregnancy and Sydney going back to work on Monday after having Kinslee a month ago.
Date: 2022-08-21
From: Loft Mtn Camp Ground

To: Calf Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Left camp early even though it rained last night.  Wished my goodbye to Flat Tire and Carrie and thanked them for their generous trail magic.  Unfortunately today was one of those days that the weatherman was correct and thunder storms started at 8:00am and lasted for almost 7 hours.  The trail became a stream after a few hours of steady rain and I think it is the longest stretch I have walked in the rain in my 97 days on trail. I did not stop for lunch since I just wanted to get to the shelter and change into dry cloths. I only met one other hiker on the trail after the first hour a NOBO hiker ¢Tasty¢ joined me at the shelter after dark.  We both wined about the wet day.
Date: 2022-08-22
From: Calf Mtn Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I Needed to resupply food and dry out after hiking in the rain all day yesterday. I decided staying at Stanimal¢s 328 would allow me to do both plus get a shower.  The trail was extremely slippery after yesterday and I went down twice.  Stanimal¢s offered a free shuttle to the hostel so I scheduled a time and avoided the five mile walk.  I was able to get a lot done in the afternoon including catching up with three hikers I  had met on the trail before.  Including Cowboy who I had not seen since Pennsylvania.  I tried to eat at the local Chinese buffet but it was closed today. Jim Gort helped me find a great local option and I enjoyed a burger and fries.  I also highly recommend Klines Ice Cream. They make a mean flurry! There were some small trail magic items in the hostel pantry including some fruit and other small food items.  It worked out to dry out and chill out for the night.
Date: 2022-08-23
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Mauling Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: few clouds

Christina shuttled us back to Rockfish Gap.  We are no longer in Shenandoah NP and are head south through the  Blue Ridge Parkway.  I hiked the morning with Squint who also stayed at Stainimal¢s. Met NOBO hiker BullDog on the trail.  At the shelter there were 7 hikers including two through hikers Hot Minute and Polonia.  I was happy to learn that reversing my two insert has helped my sore left foot which has four hot spots rubbed raw from walking in the rain.
Date: 2022-08-24
From: Maulpin Shelter

To: Spy Rock - Ken & KarenÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hospitality
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

I knew today was going to be challenging but it also turned out to be special.  I spent a little time enjoying some of the water falls near the shelter on a side path and then headed for the Tye River suspension bridge and the 3200 ft climb to the Priest Shelter area.  The climb took 2 1/2 hours to arrive at the Ledges.  I stopped at Priest shelter for lunch and then move on to Spy Rock.  The first person I met for the day was Karen on the top of Spy Rock.  She invited me for a home cooked meal even they had been gone the last week.  She cooked a great meal with many vegetables and some fresh tomatoes and cantaloupe for good measure.  I was able to do laundry and get a shower.  We had a get night talking with her husband Ken.  After breakfast I hit the trail with some extra lunch food and much appreciation for everything Ken and Karen provided this grateful through hiker. Trail Magic is truly a wonderful gift.
Date: 2022-08-25
From: Spy Rock - Home Visit Ken & Karen

To: Brown Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

Karen sent me on my way after cooking eggs, homemade coffee cake and some cantaloupe.  I was also carrying some lunch and additional coffee cake.  Great hospitality and generosity.  Thanks again to both Ken and Karen.  One item I forgot to mention about my climb to Priest shelter was the nice rattlesnake I met on the way. After spending five minutes trying to get it to move unsuccessfully I decided I should just leave trail and bypass the stubborn fellow.  The trail today hilly and the humidity the last couple days has been rather high.  In the afternoon after a couple of days of texting each other I crossed paths with NOBO hiker ¢Grimm¢ (Mike Beidler for my Whirlpool acquaintances).  He was two days from completing his southern AT hike and we sat and talked for over 90 minutes.  It was great to be able to meet him on trail!  I did enjoy both wild apples and more wild blackberries again today and I can not say enough how good fruit tastes to through hikers.  Starting to hit a section where AWOL is warning about cell service and I am experiencing that especially at the shelters lately.  I am on my 101 day on trail and all is going well!  Praise God for safety, health, and trail magic!
Date: 2022-08-26
From: Brown Mtn Shelter

To: JohnÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

One major difference besides the humidity in the south is that the trail does not go straight up the mountains.  Every climb is filled with switchbacks and few of them result in a view at the top.  Today I did have a view at the top of Bluff  Mtn and while I was there two day hikers joined me.  We sat and talked and enjoyed the view of Buena Vista and before leaving they share a handful of snacks including some grapes, pretzels, jerky, chips, and a cliff bar.  Thanks Allison and Melissa for the trail magic and I enjoyed meeting the dog Maggy who was out for a nice hike also.  I passed two milestones yesterday.  I have completed over 1400 miles of the trail this year and now have less than 800 miles left until I reach Springer Mtn.  I did meet section hiker ¢Wonder Woman¢ towards the end of the day who also is ready for a break in the humidity.
Date: 2022-08-27
From: JohnÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hollow shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Left camp early because I knew my day included close to 5300 ft of climbs.  The first 4 miles though were along three different creeks and rivers. I crossed the James River on a beautiful foot bridge and headed into the hills.  I met a couple of hikers who warned me that for the next 40 miles water will become scarce.  I checked FarOut and decided to top off every one of my water bottles about 3.8 miles from camp.  It was the last water source including at camp and added 6-7 extra ponds of weight for the last few climbs. I did met several hikers today including flip flipper ¢Survivor¢ who is trying to finish Virginia and the flip again.  I also saw my first Hummingbird at the water supply and the Butterflies were everywhere
Date: 2022-08-28
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Cove Mtn Shelter 
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: few clouds

The morning was filled with some reflections from the song ¢How Great Thou Art¢.  The phrases When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur & Hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.  The views from some mountain sides the valleys filled with yellow flowers and walking along creeks were enjoyable.  I saw 8 deer and and many butterflies again.  It was a relaxing and enjoyable morning.  Yesterday I climbed up a mile, today was the opposite and I had over 5800 feet of descent. Unfortunately, I did take a hard fall on a dry steep downward descent.  In the afternoon I was looking forward to going to the Middle Creek Camp Ground store for ice cream, a meal, and resupply. After bushwacking and walking the road for a mile I found a sign on the door - closed early for the day.  Not what I wanted to see!  I was fortunate to get a ride back to the trail. There was also no water at the shelter tonight so the last 4.8 miles I hiked with all my water bottles and my CNOC bag filled up so I could cook and have water for tomorrow.  No one else was at the shelter but because it was on a ridge I had cell phone coverage and enjoyed touching base with some family and friends before calling it a night.
Date: 2022-08-29
From: Cave Mtn shelter

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

Left camp at 7:01 am.  Made great time in the morning as the trail ran next to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I saw an Eagle, hawks, and turtles. Was happy to catch ¢GG¢ at Wilson Creek Shelter. We hiked to Fullhardt Knob which is the first place I stayed that had water.  I finished the Northern Virginia section of FarOut.  Today was the first day that I needed to hike with a Head net.  Today was also the first true SOBO hiker ¢Jon¢ that I have meet that has not flip flopped. Finally, I picked some wild peaches today. They were a nice treat!
Date: 2022-08-30
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Lambert's Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Left camp with "GG" headed for Daleville/Troutville area for a second breakfast. We enjoyed! A breakfast at cracker barrel before heading for our resupply at Kroger. Unfortunately we were surprised to get pulled over by the State Police and ticketed for hitchhiking. We actually were not breaking the law but I'm not sure whether I want to come back and fight the ticket. Today at Troutville I change in the software program from Northern Virginia maps to Southern Virginia maps. After shopping at Kroger and a quick stop at Wendy's for a frosty, I hit the trail. GG Gigi was staying in town to pick up some mail and update other items that she needed to take care of. I hit the trail just after noon, and arrived at Lambert's Meadows shelter a little after 4:10. Luckily for me the rain held off until 4:15 and I was safely undercover. I was fortunate enough to see another hawk, three turtles and a fawn during the day. I spent another night with no one else at camp but looking forward to having company tomorrow. Speed bump, Jim Gort we'll be joining me tomorrow