morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelrer - Tented
Miles today: 21.5

Day 20 - Saturday, April 14thHiking Days 15 / Nero Days 4 /  Zero Days 1Start Location: Little Laurel ShelterMile Marker: 293.5Ending Location: Hogback Ridge Shelter - TentedMile Marker: 315.0.Time: 9h 50minMiles: 21.5Weather: cold in the morning but it seems to be warming up a bit- 38-40 Wind has turned to just a breeze  Started with wind-shirt and an extra shirt but they both came off rather quickly After my 2 cups of coffee at the Nelson's during the day yesterday, I ended up having to get out of my nIce warm bag around 5:00 to take care of it.  As much as you try to wait to the morning, your bladder seems like it is going to explode. You can't fall Back asleep anyway so you may as well resolve the issue.  It is just so hard to get out of that very comfy warm bag.  The good news is that it just is not as cold as it has been.  Probably around 40 or so.  That 10 degree difference is all it takes between being on the fringe of shivering to be comfortable.  It was odd that I needed to leave Hot Springs in order to get signal to update my journals. No signal at all there but sitting on a mountain top in seemingly  nowhere you get 3G service.  Very odd. Up with Mr. Wrong around 6:45-7:00.  Putts around until just before 8 and headed out. Nice day. It wasn't long until I was removing layers and finally down to just my shirt. Went over The Big Firescald Bald, a rocky ridge line.  It was nice to do it in nice weather.  The last two hikes it was cloudy and/or stormy.  Stopped at the Jerry Cabin Shelter for some lunch.  Actually boiled water for 2 packets of oatmeal.  First hot lunch.  Using my food up so I don't have to carry it any further then I have to.  Now taking a break at Mountain Shelter.  It does not look like much on the elevation maps but it was a hard 2 mile down and a sharp 1/2 mile back up.  The bugs and Mosquitos are bad here so I needed to use one of my last 2 bug wipes.  Will need to get more in Erwin.As till 8.8 miles to go for the day.  The downs have pounded the bottoms of my feet.  The ups have been somewhat long and steep as well.  I'm not sure why this day was hard but it seemed to go on for ever.  Arrived at the shelter just before 6:00.  There was a girl I passed coming up the final hill for the day.  She did not seem to be doing very well.  I stopped and asked her if she was ok.  After the third time she said she was alright and didn't want to talk much.  The hills seem to have really beaten her down.  Once at the shelter it seemed more like a convention.  There was a large boys out troop, a youth group and a host of hikers. In all probably around 40 people.  A far cry from the three last night.  The scouts shared their extra food.  I had a fee pieces of steak, a sweet potato with brown sugar, and two pieces of bread.  Nice score in addition to my lasagna  I have one packet of oatmeal, ramen and tuna for tomorrow.  Not much but it will hold me until I'm in Erwin the day after tomorrow.  All is good.  No service at the shelter so I will post them tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Hogback Ridge Shelrer - Tented

To: No Business Knob Shelter - Tented
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 21 - Sunday, April 15thHiking Days 16 / Nero Days 4 /  Zero Days 1Start Location: Hogback Ridge ShelterMile Marker: 315.0Ending Location: No Business Knob Shelter - TentedMile Marker: 335.7Time: 9h 14minMiles: 20.7 Weather: cool in the morning, warmed up quickly. 40 morning, sunny 75 afternoon.  Night is expected to be warmer. Up at 6:15.  Packed, over to shelter.  Privy, first out at 7:50. The hiking day was good.  Got over Big Bald.  Great day for it.  Clear.  Met a guy who referred to himself as a tourist.  He pointed down the hill to the resort.  He indicated he was hung over and went for a hike to defog.  He then stated he was going for a drink but the town was dry and the resort was still off season and the lounge was closed.  Bummer for him. On the way up Big Bald ran into a group of 5 women out for a three day, 13 mile adventure.  They had packs bigger then the average AT hiker plus they had bags hanging off of them.  Nice group.  Ran into them again as I was leaving the shelter after a quick tuna lunch.  Out of snacks so I was hoping for some trail magic at one of the two major road crossings coming up.  The first crossing is where we leave the NC/TN boarder back-and-forth and now we are headed north through TN.  As I headed up there were two coolers.  Score.  Opened one... Nothing.  Opened the other ... nothing.  Two cooler, no magic.  Not feeling the love.  At the second  crossing at the end of the day there were two coolers just before the crossing.  Opened one ... Trash.  Opened the second ... SCORE.  Nailed some Gatorade and oranges.  Does not sound like much but in combination it is exactly what I needed to finish my day.  Hit the last shelter.  Another 20+ day.  Here are Animal, Gotto, Mr. Wrong and Dances with flies.  Animal is carrying a 5-gallon pail at 12-15 pounds plus a 40-45 pound pack.  His goal is to be the first to complete the trail carrying a bucket.  My tent is up.  Ate my Ramen and oatmeal.  Now completely out of food.  Bam.  Second time my food is right on schedule.  I have put my faith that the Lord will provide when needed and do far all has come to past.  By the way. With this shelter having no water and no privy it has "no business" being here. Ha ha
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Campsite at Mile Marker 363.4 - Tented

To: Overmountain Shelter - Red Barn
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: moderate rain

Day 24 - Wednesday, April 18thHiking Days 18 / Nero Days 5 /  Zero Days 1Start Location: CampsiteMile Marker: 363.4Ending Location: Overmountain Shelter - The Red BarnMile Marker: 382.7Time: 9h 25minMiles: 19.3 Weather: Steady Rain all night.  Cooler but just short of cold.  Rained most of the day.  Stopped about 4:00 or so.  Was supposed to rain the rest of the day and night but now it looks like it is done for now.  Getting cold now. Heard the rain hitting the tarp all night.  Slept great.  Check for leaks a few times but all seemed ok.  Although when the big drops hit the top it sends the condensation spray all around so there is a layer of moisture on everything.  My feet slid off the tarp so my foot box is wet. The day hiking started in the rain.  Packed up everything inside then put the drenched tarp in the netting of my pack.  Delayed going to the bathroom until thenext shelter if possible since there is nothing available at the tent site.  The rain was steady all day.  Trail was running water and mud.  Hiking went well.  I was late out being the third tent to leave.  Seven still up even when I left at 7:55.  Hit the first shelter in about 5.5 miles.  Three hikers still there.  Even after a short day The three of them are taking a zero in the shelter be aide they don't want to get wet.  Shelter rats.  It's funny how these tough guys on the trail get sidelined so easily from just water.  There's a few people around that seem to have various tiffs going on.  The kind of macho crap that should be left at home.  Either way there was some situation the other night where the state police and a federal cop stopped a hiker for a gun issue.  I know only what I hear but it is supposed to be all over the journals like white blaze.  Whatever.  The group in the shelter is one half and the other half is on their way there from the campsite.  The zero day will cause them to meet up again.  Great.  It will be interesting if there is a chapter twoAte an oatmeal and a tuna packet.  I stopped on purpose just to cook a hot meal.  It was nice.  Back in the rain.  And as it turned out this shelter did not have a privy.  Found the woods.  Only the second Poop in the woods.  It was funny because the noise on the tin roof made it sound like it was pouring but when you got out in it the rain was not bad at all.  Odd squatting in the woods in the rain.  Even a first for me. More detail to be addedRoan mountain Clearing over nature preserver. Hit barn.  Smoky with fire underneath.  Dundee and Steve-o here with about 10 others
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: 2 miles past the Trail Boss Trail - tented
Miles today: 29.1

Day 34- Saturday, April 28thHiking Days 27 / Nero Days 5 /  Zero Days 2Start Location: Knot Maul Branch Shelter Mile Marker: 555.1Ending Location: 2 miles past the Trail Boss Trail - tentedMile Marker: 584.2Time: 11h 52min Miles: 29.1Weather: Pleasant night.  Cool but nice morning.  A touch of rain early.  After warm with mostly sunny skies.  Supposed to be a low of 55 tonight. Alarm went off.  Of course I fell back asleep.  Didn't wake up until one of the other two started moving around.  Up just before 6:50.  Slept great.  No snoring.  Heated up the last of my oatmeal and hit chocolate.  On the trail at 7:38.  The hiking day went ok.  Hit one ridge where it was rocky for about 5 miles.  Very PA like.  The only AT hikers I saw all day was very early on where several had camped out just after the shelter.  I am not sure but I think they may have skipped the 11 mile section between Partnership Shelter and I-81.  Took my second tumble today stubbed a rock that sent me off balance.  Nearly face planted, rolled, everything turned out ok.  Had to fetch a few things that flew down the slope but not a big deal.  I have been very fortunate with the falls I have had.  I was drafting a letter in my head and lost focus.  I need to stop that. I hit the spot where I ended up in 2010.  I knew that just a bit farther was a good spot.  Sure enough I found it.  Great overlook.  By the time I got here there was only about 15 minutes of daylight left.  I almost skipped dinner.  But I hustled and was actually able to eat watching the sun set over the mountains.  Nice. Long hiking day.  Somehow I missed the second shelter which ended up a good thing since my day was so long.  Nearly 12 hours.  My longest day yet at just over 29.  Not bad for an old guy.  My goal is to get up early (ha ha) and do another long day.  Then Nero into Woods Hole Hostel.  I still need to check out what I'm doing tomorrow. More to update:ItchyDid not zip tent up - bugs Headlamp is near dead 20 miles to food.
Date: 2012-05-06
From: U.S. 220 - Howard Johnson's

To: U.S. 220 - Howard Johnson's
Miles today: 0.0

Day 42 - Sunday, May 6thHiking Days 31 / Nero Days 8 /  Zero Days 3Start Location: U.S. 220 - Howard Johnson's Mile Marker: 722.5Ending Location: U.S. 220 - Howard Johnson's Mile Marker: 722.5Time: 0h 0min Miles: 0Weather: Warmer but wet.  Light rain most of the day Damp but warmer in the afternoon.  Steady rain in the afternoon. 70-75.  Drizzle all night. Zero day number 3.  Up at 7:00.  Fussed a bit and on to breakfast.  The breakfast here is probably the lamest continental breakfast I have every experienced.  They probably keep it simple because of all the hikers that stay here.  If they had something nice, the hikers would in-fact inhale it all anyways.  The biggest complain however is that the coffee is way too thin.  Blah.  Made a waffle, a few tiny bagels and cereal. Several hikers here and eventually Dundee and Steve-O made it over.  Then back to my room.  My goal is to leave my room as little as possible.  And that much I did.  The only time out was to the Dollar General and McDonalds.  Had to go under the I-81 interchange which is a very busy spot.  Felt like I was in the frogger game trying to cross the road.  Everything I want to do today has to have a utilitarian value.  Picked up snacks, lunch and back to my room.  Rested, listened to music on my phone and caught up on some of my journals.  As hard as it is to try to keep up, using the phone has been great.  Good wi-fi here which allows me to access trail journals very quickly.  Was actually able to finally upload several pictures. I even stayed in for dinner.  A box of 7 wings and the left over ranch dressing from my salad.  Not much but yummy.  I headed out later to get fuel for the next section.  After stopping at 3 gas stations, not one of them sold the gas antifreeze Heet.  Funny how had stations do less and less products that you used to only be able to get at a gas station. Now they only sell small food items, snacks, candy, soda and beer.  Oh well, only have two meals to cook and have enough fuel for at least one.  I stopped in to Dundee and Steve-O's room.  Found the two of them in the bathroom working on Dundees hair.  Getting a buzz.  I took the rest of Steve-O's Epsom salts and back to the room.  Into the tub with my music going and a scotch in my hand.  Now this is sweet relaxing.  Lights out at 10:00.  Today was the perfect zero day.  Lots of rest, minimal motion and tasks all complete.
Date: 2012-05-07
From: U.S. 220 - Howard Johnson's

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

Day 43 - Monday, May 7thHiking Days 32 / Nero Days 8 /  Zero Days 3Start Location: U.S. 220 - Howard Johnson's Mile Marker: 722.5Ending Location: Cove Mountain Shelter - ShelteredMile Marker: 747.5Time: 9h 50min Miles: 25.0Weather: Warmer and damp.  Day started in heavy fog and stayed foggy all day.  65 most of the day.  61 degrees at 6:00.  Winds picking up. Day started when I woke up around 5:00.  Not for any specific reason.  Was going to get up but really no reason to do I tried to get back to sleep.  Got up with my 6:00 alarm.  Popped in the frozen breakfast I purchased at Dollar General. Actually not all that bad.  Eggs, 2 sausage and something they called hash browns.  Also had some chocolate milk.  Fused and packed the final things.  At 6:35 made my way to the continental breakfast.  Rather lame but it's there and made.  Not overly hungry so I had 1 cup coffee, 1 waffle and a small bowl of cereal.  Ate with Dundee and Steve-O.  Dundee is sporting his new hair cut that  Steve-O gave him yesterday.  A mohawk that is dyed mostly blond.  Actually does not look bad at all.  I finished up and went back to my room to use the bathroom one last time.  Grabbed my pack and headed for the trail.  Stopped in at their room to say goodbye.  Steve-O had his new pack on his back and his old one on his front.  Definitely A Kodak moment.  He indicated that is how he has to hike the 2.1 miles of trail then the 0.9 miles to the post office.  He is shipping his old pack, bag and shoes out.  Dundee is going with to pick up his new pack from Z-Packs to replace the pack that he has been having all his issues with. I was on the trail at 7:35.  For such a nice stop as this was, I am very happy about my start time.  The hiking was good all day.  Cooler temps, foggy and overcast.About 4-5 moles in I ran into Mouse. It ends up she started out the wrong way putting in about an extra mile and half or so.  We hiked off and on most of the day.  She stopped at the last shelter putting in her 18 mile day.  The day was rather uneventful.  Just hiking.  Put in my 25 and still arrived at the shelter at 5:25.  Was going to move forward the 7 miles to the next shelter but at 25 and having a nice day, I thought I would end it on a positive note.  Tomorrow is going to be a very hard day so I wanted to have an easier day today. Dundee and Steve-O arrived about 7:00.  They did not bring up any water and this shelter has no water source.  They moved on the two miles to the next water source.  With rain expected tonight, being in an empty shelter, I'm opting to do the 2 miles earlier with dry gear.  I love to tent in the rain but with hard long clubs tomorrow I stayed. Two more hikers did make it here and decided to stay.  Now 7:21 and rather dark due to the overcast skies.  My goal is to be asleep in the next hour. Up at 5:50.  On trail by 6:30.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Spy Rock Road - Fish Hatchery Road - Montebello VA

To: Spy Rock Road - Fish Hatchery Road - Montebello VA
Miles today: 0.0

Day 48 - Saturday, May 12thHiking Days 35 / Nero Days 9 /  Zero Days 4Start Location: Spy Rock Road - Fish Hatchery Road - Montebello VA - Dutch HausMile Marker: 817.8 - Zero day #4Ending Location: Spy Rock Road - Fish Hatchery Road - Montebello VA - Dutch HausMile Marker: 817.8 - Zero day #4Time: 0h 0min Miles: 0.0Weather: cooler but nice.  72 degrees with mostly clear skies.  But who cares since its an indoo zero rest day.  So what does one say about the perfect zero day.  Up easily of course for my pot of coffee.  Still another fantastic breakfast.  Great food, great company with so many hikers here.  It's funny how well behaved everyone is and has been.  The Dutch Haus brings us back to some if the benefits of civilization again without all the encumbrances of it.  If your looking for a rest stop, this is it.  Fun, but certainly not a party place.  After breakfast I reorganized my gear and packed my pack. I prepared the box of the items I no longer need or want.  That included my blacave, the silly toe socks I bought with Dundee's recommendation, the pair of socks that got replaced, old guide pages, extra vitamins and last but certainly not least, my cookppt and stove.  I'm done cooking.  It simply takes way too much time.  I have a few food stops coming up so I'll go happily back to cold eating.  Did it for two full hikes.  I'll do it again.  I also did not like how the pot stacked on my pack.  Everything I have could be smashed down then I get to my cookpot.  It is good that it will be gone. Got a ride to the P.O.  Got'er'done.  Time to run the trails starting tomorrow.  No more wussy hiking.  Running light, running strong.  Next stop ...... Harpers Ferry.  Just hung around all day in the main house.  Rested.  Ate.  Caught up on my journals.  Updated my music with the purchase of a few more songs to hike with. I am feeling strong, rested, ready to kick ass on the the trail.  I know the trail is capable of giving a good old fashion beat down, woop ass whenever it wants.  But im in sync with it.  I dont fight it.  I work with it.  I accept what it throws at me, not with questions or argument, but with acceptance.  It is what it is.   Going to try to go to sleep early tonight.  I think my body has actually allowed itself to wind down.  Now I'm sleepy.  No more coffee today.  Might even try to rustle up some pm Advil.  The more I wrap my head around things the stronger I'm feeling.  I'm going to see if I could translate what I'm feeling at a personal level into a forward direction.  In terms of miles and in terms of life. The power of we have as individuals is simply amazing.  We don't have to hike thousands of miles to harness that power.  We just need to believe in ourselves.  So today ... Believe in yourself ... Do something amazing ... Anything ... And go with God.  He's a good partner to have at your side.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Spy Rock Road - Fish Hatchery Road - Montebello VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter - Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 49 - Sunday, May 13thHiking Days 36 / Nero Days 9 /  Zero Days 4Start Location: Three Ridges Overlook Parking - BRP 13.1Mile Marker: 837.7Ending Location: Calf Mountain Shelter - ShelterMile Marker: 863.3Time: 9h 40min Miles: 25.6Weather: Morning started warmer then it has been.  55 with a light breeze.  Partly to mostly sunny.  High of 70.  With the high presure and cold leaving, The standard mountain haze is back.  The weather is supposef to be spotty for the next several days with 50-60% chance of rain with some thunderstorms. (get ready all you shelter rats.  Your favorite time is near).  Day high was around 73-75. Mostly sunny until the front came in around 5:00.  Cloudy after 5.  Still no rain by 8. Slept ok.  I was able to partake in two small sample bottles of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky that I popped in my last mail drop.  By far not my favorite but its here now and I can't afford the pack weight.  It was still hard to get up knowing that your wonderful rest period has come to an end.  Up and out for coffee by 6:15.  All packed up and ready to hit the trail again.  Actually I am now ready to get going again.  Full house last night.  16 for breakfast.  Breakfast was in two seatings.  Was in the same room again with the Dutchman.  Glad he didn't snore.  Scout also stayed at the bunkhouse last night.  Nice guy.  He would be nice to hike with.  Dundee and Steve-O are in range.  I'll try to catch up with them in the Shennies.  Out to the trail a bit later then I wanted but ok for a long stay.  Hiking by 8:15Trail magic. Sausage pancakes  watermelon. Stopped called my mom wished her a happy mothers dayGot to the shelter Stinger and Dundee at the shelterMouse in town?Steve-O in town for Chinese buffet. Nice night.
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Gravel Springs HutÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ - Tented

To: Compton Gap Trailhead - Front Royal Terripan Hoste
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

Day 53 - Thursday, May 17thHiking Days 39 / Nero Days 10 /  Zero Days 4Start Location: Gravel Springs Hut - TentedMile Marker: 950.0Ending Location: Compton Gap Trailhead - Front Royal Terripan HostelMile Marker: 959.6 Time: 2h 50min Miles: 9.6Weather: Great, cool in the morning.  Remained on the cool side.  High of 72. Great hiking day. Too bad I was not able to take advantage of it. The group was up late last night.  The section hikers were having a good time with the thru hikers.  I was far enough away so it didn't make much difference.  Went to sleep at 9:00.  Slept ok despite the rock pile I was tented on.  My goal was to skip the hostel and get to the Dome shelter, or at least close to it.  As it turns out, I had a bad experience that has caused me to cut my day short. Not what I wanted but under the circumstances, it was the best decision.  Made it  in just under 3 hours.  I did not push it.  In fact, not much hop in my step at all. Once at the shelter I had an opportunity to shower and do my laundry.  Ate a pizza, coke, chips and ice cream, all by noon.  I'm not sure what my plans are but with such a short day today I think I may go with a farther day which would let me have a short day into Bears Den.  I lost a day here but with only three days to Harpers, everything's good to go. I'm actually a bit tired.  Falling asleep as I'm updating my journals.  Tried to take a nap but without much success.  Going to finish my ice cream.  Then another pizza is on the schedule. The are several other hikers here already.  Probably 7 or 8 so far.  There's also a great trail dog here. Found about 400 miles ago.  A really nice dog. Beaker and fieval are also here.  Mike, the grateful Greenpeace Guy, (hostel owner) also just came in.  Caught a trip to town for dinner.  Full slab of ribs, mashed potatoes, salad, cole slaw and two glasses of wine.  Then on to the dollar store.  Coffee but I realized there are no mugs here.  Gatorade, razors, nail clippers.  $0.50 nail clippers should resolve one of my toe problems.  No real need to get out too early tomorrow.  Going to shave tonight.  Getting late .. 9:30.  Ready for bed.