morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Cold this morning! Maybe it was a bit too early to switch to the 40 degree bag...10 easy miles into Daleville. Several nice views on the ridgeline.The trail goes right through Daleville, and by the trail was a recommended BBQ spot, 3 lil pigs. Excellent Carolina BBQ and the staff was very accommodating. Very hiker friendly, and all thru-hikers got free banana pudding! Great spot, but unfortunately we aren't staying in town. We brought enough food for this week so we don't need to resupply, and we need to make miles so we continued onward after the delicious lunch. Gandalf and Chicago came in as we were leaving.Met GGG at the first shelter out of town. Its an awesome shelter, the roof has gutters that direct the water into an underground tank, and then 20 feet behind the shelter a spigot comes out of the ground that you get the water out of. So cool!Ran into GGG a little while later as he had encountered Fireball and Tropicana slackpacking south. Tropicana was trying out new shoes (It seems most people are replacing shoes at this point). They brought out several PBRs out of town and were giving them to the thru-hikers they met on their way back to Daleville. Great trail magic!Got to the shelter about 5, but decided to call it a day. Might not make the next shelter until late, and nice folks here. Gypsy is a SOBO finishing a hike she started a couple years ago. Also two Canadians here with a little baby. They love hiking, and figured they'd try hiking even with the baby. Normally I'd be concerned, but they seemed to be experts - made all their own gear and everything. If anyone could hike with a baby it'd be them. Very cool people.Feet feel pretty good, even though I hiked the last 10 miles without socks. Moisturizing my heels since they can crack (I read about this before). My big toe with the ingrown nail really hurt today. Have to watch that, maybe get it taken care of this weekend. Goose seems to be doing well with his new shoes.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: few clouds

Forgot to mention the drunk guy yesterday. When we met Fireball and Tropicana, they told us about a fellow they had heard about, who'd stayed at the first shelter out of Daleville the night before. Apparently when he got up, he pounded several Four Locos and then set out. When the other shelter denizens encountered him again he'd walked 2 miles and then passed out on the trail. We found him sitting on the trail just after we received our PBR trail magic, smoking a cigarette. He mumbled greetings to us, and we continued 3 miles to the shelter. He took 5 hours to move those 3 miles. This morning he got up (looks like he's just sleeping on a blanket), still wearing his jeans and two denim jackets, asked us where the trail was and which way was north, and stumbled out. We found him again a few miles later, sitting in the middle of the trail smoking another cigarette. There are all kinds out here.Still quite cold. I'm not freezing in my 40 degree bag, but its not wonderfully comfortable at night either. Come on warmer temps!The first part of today was pretty easy. Followed the Blue Ridge Parkway for a while, which was nice because there were trash cans. The shelter before ours was great too. Bryant Ridge Shelter is more log cabin then AT shelter, multiple floors, huge porch. We continued on though, and the last 5 miles of the day were pretty tough. All up hill.Finally reached our shelter and I set up behind it. Rolling Thunder and Brightside are here, GGG rolled in after eating dinner at the log cabin shelter. Also met Disciple again. We'd seen him briefly the night before we got off at Catawba. He's an older section hiker who's trying to complete the AT by doing multiple long trips.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: John'a Hollow shelter 
Miles today: 0.0

Much warmer this morning. Took our time this morning and left around eight. Passed a sign for Apple orchard falls but it was a half mile off trail. Seen several falls already and there will be more. I only walk that far off trail for food. Several tough climbs in the morning and high temps tired is out. Highcock knob in the middle of the day was especially rough. Took a break at the bottom when we ran into furrball and ducttape. Rolling thunder and brightside joined us for lunch. I filled up on water as I had run out earlier and was feeling a little dehydrated. Went up and over a ridge and had a long descent to the James river. Encountered some day hikers who assured us it would not rain today but surely tomorrow. We were getting off trail tomorrow so we'd just need to be done by then.Decided not to jump off the bridge across the river as tradition apparently demands due to my hatred of cold water. Continued a short way to the shelter and I set up my hammock nearby. We washed off a bit in the spring which flet glorious after a hot and sweaty day.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: John'a Hollow shelter 

To:  Blue ridge parkway
Miles today: 0.0

We got up early because Jane was picking us up. There was a really annoying whippoorwill nearby sounded like a car alarm going off most of the night. In the morning I found the giant wolf spider my pack and tried to show goose in the shelter but he got out of bed before I could dump it on him. It was warm again today and we didn't get any rain at all. some tough climbs in the morning. mornings can be pretty rough. Takes a little while for the muscles and metabolism to warm up. Midday you can eat a Snickers and have instant energy to power over hills but in the morning everything is tougher.We had some great views including a faa toweer off another ridge. We passed that just the morning before but it looked so distant now. We also had a eautiful view of the James snaking through the valley.We arrived at the Parkway and did not wait long before Jane pulled up. She has a small coupe but we managed to fit inside. Had some burger King and they dropped me off at the amtrak. Luckily I had the row to myself as I stunk!
Date: 2015-05-04
To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Lots of incline in the morning, but nothing too steep. Just very long. Also quite hot today. We both have mp3 players but only had headphones before. I decided to make that more of a group activity had purchased a small cheap speaker. Today we tried it out and it worked great. Now we can hike and listen to Backstreet Boys together. Rabbit, Disciple, and a couple - Sweep and Major are here.   All older section hikers, but with very large sections.   Apparently another thru hiker gave them a name for that - BASHERs, or big ass section hikers.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Devils backbone brewery 
Miles today: 13.0

Woke up early to catch the sunrise on the Priest, the mtn the shelter is on. Apparently no good viewpoints on top, sojust aye breakfast at the summit and continued. Super long downhill followed for several miles. Was able to hey some service and got on touch with Corey and finalized l plans for the Shenandoah. Long hike up three ridges. Found an entire tent at a shelter at the bottom. Huge tent too. Started listening to planet money podcasts from npr. Made the climb more enjoyable. Very steep, very long, and quite hot. Got to reed's gap and got a ride from a young couple. The brewery was great. Good enough food and delicious net. We got a flight of everything.   The owner bought one of poor flights and the bartenders were wonderful. Hammocked in the woods next to the brew house.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Devils backbone brewery 

To: Waynesboro 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up at 7:30. Wanted to get an early start so we'd easily make it to town. The owner told us that we could go around back to the kitchen in the morning to get breakfast. We were not disappointed. Met Daniel starting the smoker and he let us inside. The cook arrived soon after and made us a salad and omelets with bbq. We asked regarding a ride back to the trail and one of the assistant brewers overheard. April had some time before the brewing started that morning and drove us back to the trailhead.Easy hiking but very humid. Maxe good time and I enjoyed splashing through streams to cool off. One bonus to wearing sandals.Arrived at rockfish gap to a list of locals we could call for a ride into town. As I dialed a number a girl drove up and offered a ride. She was a thru hiker in Damascus who was off trail for a few days bringing a stray dog home that she had found.Ate at the legendary Mings, a big Chinese buffet. Lots of good food and we each had several plates. Went to the quality Inn and took showers. Met up with seeker, gandalf, chicago, and Sean who we hadn't seen since fontana. Went to a local bar and caught up with everyone.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Waynesboro 

To: Camping
Miles today: 10.0

Got our continental breakfast. They actually had biscuits with a crock pot full of gravy which was delicious. Gandalf and Chicago were there as well. They are aqua blazing along the Shenandoah river up to harpers ferry or something.Corey and carter arrived at 8 as promised. We went through corey's gear and took out some extra clothes but for the most part he had good stuff. Carter drove us to the Walmart and we resupplied. Only a few days since there are a few stores and restaurants in the park.She dropped us off at the trailhead and, after some cheese fries from the popcorn stand, we started hiking just before 12.Permits are required for camping in the backcountry. They are free but the station was out. I ran down to the skyline drive entrance station to grab more. The ranger thought I was nuts running and hiking in sandals. Stopped at the first shelter. Slightly odd fellow there with pigtails there. He walked off as we arrived. An older hiker came into the shelter and asked us if we knew the nude man with pigtails bathing in the shelter's spring. After pigtails came back from violating our water source the old hiker (which we later met, name of wayfarer) asked him not to do that, to which pigtails agreed. Wayfared went to get water a day pigtails smashes his own face into a tree. Rebounding, he speaks to himself in a girls voice that he is always hurting himself when others deserve to get hurt. That and other odd behavior caused us to decide to move on and camp elsewhere.Found a nice site by a stream only a few miles later. Short day, but we knew we'd slow down with corey. His feet are a bit sore but not too bad. Nice relaxing day and we sat around our camp talking for a while.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Camping

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up at quaternary after six and left about 7:30. Easy terrain but no water, so we had to carry a bunch. Corey's feet are beginning to feel the pain of being trampled and so we took several breaks. Had a short day planned so the pace was fine and we got to our destination mid afternoon.Seeker caught us midway. He stayed in the shelter with pigtails but apparently there was no other erratic behaviour. Seeker is getting ahead of us to meet family and a friend in Harper's Ferry but we'll probably catch up with him eventually. His friend is starting a flip flop from there and she'll be starting slowly.Also met Fresh Ground! He started in HF and is hiking south to Waynesboro. It was great to see him on the trail.Wayfarer was at the hut when we arrived. He is about 70. He attempted the AT 5 years ago at 65 but had to quit due to injury. T hi is time he started down in Florida and is doing a partial hike of the ECT, which runs from Florida to somewhere in Canada. It includes the AT. He does about 10 miles a day and finishes early to beat the heat and rest a lot so he doesn't get hurt again.Sean caught up to us as well after taking a zero in Waynesboro. Goose and I Hammocked while Sean and Corey slept in the shelter. All we annoyed by the whippoorwills singing all night. Hate those things.
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Something Hut
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left camp leisurely. Short miles mean no reason to rush. Wayfarer left long before, of course. Sean hiked with us all day, and conversations ranged from TV shows to guns to immortality. Flat terrain and nice temps.Loft mtn campstore was closed for renovations which was a bummer, but at least the wayside was open. We got burgers, sandwichs, and the famed blackberry shakes. The shakes were great but the resort style prices were not.Bought and packed out beer and hot dogs for dinner. At the shelter we built a fire for the dogs and chilled the beers in a stream. Excellent water to end the day.Saw our first bears on the trail to the wayside. Side path went by a spring running downhill. When we were heading to the wayside there was a lone bear at the bottom getting water. On our way back he had been replaced by a mother and three cubs. They were far enough away that we were not in danger, and watched them play and scamper up a tree while the mom rested in the water.Several folks at the shelter. Wayfarer is here, and Slow Ride, who says he has completed the trail several times and is going sobo right now. Also several section hikers, including 3 college aged guys, oNE of whom claims he backpacks frequently but does not look like he gets out much. One of them played Wayfarer in chess while we taught Sean Mao. Had a good game but it ended like it always does - in an argument. A nice evening.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Something Hut

To: Lewis Mtn Cabins
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

Hikes another 10 miles or so with Corey before he stopped to wait for Carter to pick him up at US 33. We need to do more miles to be picked up from Front Royal on Wednesday and his feet are sore so we decided to cut his trip a bit short. It was deemed successful and I believe he had a much better time than the last trip.We continued on and met Sean and Wayfarer at the cabins. We intended to go to the shelter just past, but they floated the idea of splitting the 4 person hiker cabin available. At 15 per person and getting food and beers from the store for tonight we decided to stay. Bought some bottles of devils backbone and stuff for sandwiches and had a relaxing evening with them.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Lewis Mtn Cabins

To: Pass Mtn Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up and left the usual time. Wayfarer silenced his alarm and was up after us - perhaps he had too many beers last night?Hurried 5ish miles to Big Meadows to get breakfast but alas the sign on the door informed us that the lodge did not open for another two days. A pox on their house. We ate a disgruntled snack on a nearby rock overlook and resolved to visit Skyland for lunch instead.This went much better. The dining room has a lovely view of what I assume is the Shenandoah valley or something. We each had the vegetarian chili which was delicious. As a second course I has a large salad that contained some sort of odd grain, as well as beets, kohlrabi, goat cheese, and various other john-foods. Sean and goose each had a cheesesteak made with portobello mushrooms.Moved on to Byrds Nest #3 Hut. This used to be a cafeteria for workers building the park but was now infested with termites and mice. There was a college-aged fellow there with a Philmont shirt.We moved on to the hut at pass mtn. AWOL wrote this specifically mentioning that there were two privies and we were excited about this, but both privies sucked. Big letdown.Tried sleeping in the shelter just because I had not tried it since the smokies. It was garbage. Very uncomfortable and I could hear the mice scurrying around. It's the hammock from now on.
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Pass Mtn Shelter 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We went through Compton Gap today.Got up early. I'm not sure if there was a reason for this.Got to the last wayside in the park just as it opened. Ordered a platter for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, and some pretzels and some packaged hummus snack thing for dinner as my food bag was running low.The hiking was uneventful. Not too hot but plenty of bugs. We listened to planet money and learned about fish traders for aquariums (because they can't buy animals, they have to trade with other aquariums) and why college textbooks cost so much (because publishers are evil)
Date: 2015-05-13
To: US 522
Miles today: 4.0

Got started early to meet Sarah (Goose's sister) at the 522 trailhead to head back home. Ended up getting there early and she was running a little late so decided to head into Front Royal for breakfast with Sean. Tried to get a hitch and succeeded when Seeker came by in a car. He was being driven back to the trail by the hostel he had stayed at. They gave us a ride into town and dropped us off at a diner. We each ordered several plates. I had a vegetable omelet and biscuits & gravy. Sarah arrived not long after we had finished and we drove back towards DC.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: US 522

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Did not sleep much Sunday night as I was up late packing my bag and preparing my maildrops. Goose told me Thursday that he would not be able to finish the trip and would return home at the halfway point. I prepared maildrops for resupply partially so that I could include dehydrated vegetables in my dinners, partially so that I wouldn't spend time in towns dealing with shopping, and partially just to try out this method of resupply.Anyway, I was half asleep all day. Drove out to 522 with Dave and susan, keegan's parents who were heading back home. Goose had been dropped off at bobby's Sunday evening. Very hot and humid, but easy terrain. Was still covered in sweat the whole day. Legs were tired as well, 5 or so days off trail lost us our trail legs.Ran into two guys from Philly that we hadn't seen since Franklin at the shelter, but they moved on. Disciple was also there, staying the night. Just keep meeting him on the trail due to the breaks we've been taking. Lastly, a young husband and wife with a baby, and her sister and sister's bf. Unlike the Canadians we met before, these people should not have been hiking with a baby. Huge packs, did not know what they were doing, had to read the instructions on how to use their jetboil (a really simple stove). God help them and that child.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Apparently I never did a journal entry for this day. Anyway finally left virginia, went through west Virginia and entered maryland. Harper's Ferry was great. Picked up my first maildrop for this part of the trip from the ATC center and got our pictures taken. Goose and I were numbers 197 and 198 I think, though I believe that includes flip floppers starting here. I picked a canister of fuel for my stove since I didn't have a chance to get some at home.Had lunch at a place with great gyros. The railroad tracks were not far and we saw an amtrak heading south to dc. About 49% of me wanted to walk over and get a ticket home. It's tough getting back to the trail after seeing keegan, and this time was especially hard since I saw many family and friends. Even goose was only out for another few days I was glad that he had come as I don't know if I could have come back alone. It's almost a blessing that I won't be coming home again until I'm finished as these weekends are very taxing emotionally.The trail in Maryland is quite easy and we made good time to the shelter. Great weather, but rain is forecast for tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 30.6
Weather: light rain

Rainy and cold this morning, but just light showers. More easy hiking throu gu md. Ran into mammoth at the first shelter we passed, as well as long stride who I hadn't seen since the smokies. Also lots of section and week backpackers in this area. Passed and climbed up Washington monument for a lovely view of the md countryside.Goose left near Smithsburg. This was near the md border. He had thought of making it halfway, but his knees were super bad and he didn't feel like continuing on them. I agreed, a few extra miles isn't worth damaging his knees. Still sad though. Rushed through the next 15 miles which apparently gave me shin splints or something which I'll be complaining about for the next several weeks.
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 32.0

Morning was very cold and I slept in till 6. My phone finally died last night during a work call (I had lost the charger over the weekend at home). I had spoken to dad and decided to upgrade to a smartphone, so at some point soon needed to be in town.Started on the trail 40 minutes later. Went by Antietam shelter - nice little one by a stream. Tumbling run shelters were soon after, and I stopped to use the privy and shed some clothing. A girl asked if I had heard the chainsaw last night. Um, no, it's 7:30 and I've hiked 4 miles already, I slept nowhere near here. Overall easy hiking today. Southern PA is very flat and the trail is clear and spongy - very enjoyable to hike on. My lower left leg kept hurting but wasn't slowing me down so I ignored it. Sometimes stuff just feels odd and gets better on its own.Caught up to mammoth. He starts and ends late, hikes very fast and doesn't take breaks. Today he was concerned as he was low on food and the next good resupply was well into tomorrow. He told me all about his trip. He likes midwest folks the best, especially kansas, as they were the nicest. He walks on major roads and has only had a few issues with police preventing him from crossing bridges, one such in St Louis. He generally waits till nightfall in those situations. We made really good time but my leg did not get better and eventually he went ahead as he needed to do more miles and I had started hobbling. Was going to stop at a shelter 28 miles in but decided I could make pine grove furnace state park by 5, before the store closed. This was the location of the half gallon challenge, where you have to eat a half gallon of ice cream.Passed the halfway point today. Was excited till I realized I still have the whole other half to do.Arrived at pgf to find that the store was actually open till 8. P-diddy, hot pants, bostrich, and several other thru hikers were there. The challenge consisted of a 1.5 qt container and an extra pint. I received some expert advice and got neopolitan for the larger container, so that you don't tire of a single flavor. I chose moosetracks for the pint. Challenge was easy, did not feel sick, but I could definitely feel my teeth vibrating from the sugar.Stayed at the hostel because 32 miles was quite enough and my leg hurt.
Date: 2015-05-23
From: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel

To: Darlington Sheltet
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: few clouds

Started hiking with p-Diddy. We'd met him twice on the trail before, at noc and in the Shenandoah. Lots of long flat cornfields today. Unfortunately my leg really festival bad and I have to struggle to hobble when I should be cruising. Quite frustrating. We got to boiling springs, 20 miles in, early afternoon. Beautiful town from the back of a postcard. Big lake, big old houses, lots of people out and about. Stopped into a pizza place and ordered big huge strombolis.There was camping outside of town but it was by railroad tracks and seemed loud. The next shelter was 14 miles down the trail but it looked very flat and we were told it was all through fields. My leg felt terrible but it was too early to stop so onward we went.Saw many animals - deer, rabbits, groundhogs. Was easy terrain and made a good time hobbling.Had to night hike the last few miles and got in at 9:30. Quietly set up hammock and ate some snacks, skipping dinner as I was too tired.