morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Lambert's Meadow Campsite

To: Curry Creek
Miles today: 17.7

Another early start at 6:50. Slept good last night. This mornings hike was a series of short ups and downs on the ridge lines but there were plenty of rocks to deal with. It was a lot quieter this year as the Cicadas were in full force last time. Went into Daleville for a resupply. I ran into Alex who told me that Kyle and Dad (Elliot) had come down with Norovirus. These are the first cases I have heard about. Hope it doesn¢t spread. After I got done shopping I stopped at Wendy¢s for a triple burger with fries and a frosty. While I was eating a young man of about 11 year old come up and was asking if I was a thru hiker and wished my luck. He said that he wants to do it someday. I finally left town at about 12:45 and by now the temp was in the high 70¢s. I think the cold weather is finally over. It was hard climbing out of there with the heat but I pushed on. I came to where the AT intersects with the Curry Creek Trail and set up my tent. I am right next to the Creek. As I was reading my book next to the fire just before sunset I heard a commotion across the creek. It was a huge buck and I don¢t think he was expecting me to be there as he was in a big hurry to get away. I am in my tent and am off to sleep.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Curry Creek

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 19.6

Been sleeping really well lately. Up and at it by 7:00. The terrain doesn¢t look bad in the book but hiking it is a different story. Steep climb leaving the camp this morning. With the higher temps I have been drinking more water. I started crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway today. It was very quiet. Hardly any cars were on it. The terrain is a little rocky along here and is rough on the feet. One of the good things about the Parkway is there are many trashcans to dump garbage. I stopped at Bobblets Gap Shelter for lunch and water and when I got there Mau, Dirt Time, Pater Pan and Guardian were all there. I leap frogged with them a couple of times this afternoon. I got here to the creek first and waded in. It was cold. I rinsed out my shirt and then started wiping my upper body off. When I was done cleaning myself I went to turn around and slipped right down into the deep hole. After that Dirt Time showed up and I went and set up my tent then went back to where Dirt Time was sitting waiting on the others. They decided to camp here tonight also. Only going to do 14 miles tomorrow as I have 3 big climbs.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Jennings Creek

To: Harrison Ground Spring
Miles today: 17.2

I was thinking a lot about Snail and Turtle yesterday as Jennings Creek was the last time I saw them before they decided to go back to Germany. Once again on the trail at 7:00. Hiked in great weather this morning but it warmed up fast. There was a lot of climbing today. A total of 4,300 ft as I entered the Blue Ridge Mountains. I made my first stop at Bryant Ridge Shelter and as I was looking back through the shelter log I came across an entry from April 18th from Sparky who I hiked with in 2012. He left me a little note saying hello. From there I went to the Cornelius Creek Shelter for lunch. The bugs are getting to be a pain with this warm weather so I didn¢t stay long. About two miles from there I ran into a doe who started to run but stopped and just watched me go by. I did manage to pick a few Ramps (wild garlic) for my dinner but will have to use them tomorrow as I had a cold dinner. When I got to the Thunder Hill Shelter I ran into Wolverine. He was just leaving as I got there. It was early and the bugs were awful so I decided to come here. It rained a little on the way and I waited about 10 minutes until the rain stopped so I could set up my tent. Wolverine is here also. We are getting a shuttle into Glasgow, VA to resupply. I will be staying in town. Wolverine isn¢t sure what he is going to do. They are calling for rain later tonight but should be done by morning.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Harrison Ground Spring

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 11.4

Got up early and woke Wolverine at 6:00. I left camp at 6:20. Had a little drop and a short steep climb early. After that the terrain was nice and gradual and mostly down. Ran into the Swede which now goes by the trail name Garm. He caught a ride on the shuttle with us. The morning walk was great as I got to Matt¢s Creek Shelter. I had plenty of time so I waited for Garm and Wolverine to catch up. After they got there I started heading to the James River Foot Bridge which is the longest foot use only bridge on the AT. Garm caught up to me there and we crossed to the parking lot where we were to meet the shuttle. After we got to town at the shelter the town built for us I set up my tent, took a shower and went to Scottos for lunch. They have a wide variety of items to choose from and are very reasonably priced. I had the 10 piece shrimp basket with fries and a chocolate shake. I then went and did laundry and got back to the shelter as the lightning storm hit. It lasted about an hour but at least it cooled things off. I then went to dinner and had a burger then came back to sit around the fire. Might rain more tonight but who knows.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Swapping Camp Road
Miles today: 17.5

Got up too early at 5:00 am. Couldn¢t go back to sleep so I started to pack up. Tent was soaked from all the fog. Caught the second shuttle and was on the trail at 8:45. Got to Johns Hollow Shelter and got water which tastes so much better than town water. It stayed cloudy most of the day, Got the big 2,300 foot climb done early. Wasn¢t too bad with all the switchbacks. When I got to the top of Blott Mt. I laid out my tent to dry. The bugs were bad as there wasn¢t any wind so after eating a quick lunch I packed the tent up still pretty wet. I wanted to push to Brown Mountain Creek Shelter 2.5 miles from here but my friend told me to stop here. Saw two fighter jets about a mile before I got here and 2 more just went overhead a minute ago. I have a 2,900 ft climb in the morning but the rest of the day just looking like small ups and downs. Hoping to get to Spy Rock Campsite tomorrow which is 21 miles away.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Swapping Camp Road

To: Spy Rock Campsite
Miles today: 21.0

Up and out at 6:40. Walking along Brown Mt Creek was great. There was a community here of freed saleves in the early 1900¢s. I could still see the walls they built to help keep the creek from flooding and some of the foundations of the homes and a couple of the chimneys remain. Then I started my 2,900 foot climb. I am so happy to have gotten that out of my way earl. Water sources are far apart through here in some spots. I stopped at Hog Camp Gap which is a grassy meadow with water 3/10ths of a mile off trail. Took a break here then moved on. Was going to stay at the Seely-Woodworth Shelter but was told there were people sick staying there. Most likely the Noro Virus. I pushed on to Rock Spring and drank a lot of water and then filled both water bottles and my Saywer bag to take up to Spy Rock. It¢s a pretty ricky rock climb even without my pack but the view was worth it. Got to see a nice sunset. Will wear my shoes instead of my crocs to climb it in the morning to see the sunrise.
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Spy Rock Campsite

To: Maupin Shelter
Miles today: 17.7

Woke at 5:30 and climbed to the top of Spy Rock for the sunrise. I was not to be disappointed as it was a spectacular view. Got some pics and took a video of it. After 45 minutes I went back down to my tent and broke down camp. I was still out of there before 7:00. The morning went well. Even the climb up The Priest Mt was quick. At The Priest Shelter we are supposed to confess our sins and ask for penance. As I was looking back through it I had another message from Sparky. He went further than I thought. On the way up The Priest I had a hard fall. I got the ground pretty hard but only skinned a knee. After leaving The Priest there is a 3,100 ft descent. On the way down I fell hard again. It¢s a further fall falling downhill than uphill. Luckily no injuries. I stopped at Cripple Creek to get water and slipped off the rock and got one foot wet. Then I had an 1,100 foot climb to Harpers Creek Shelter. Real nice layout with the creek right in front. I almost stayed but with as early as it was I pushed on. It was a 2,200 foot climb to the top of Three Ridges Mt. Something in the back of my mind was telling me it wasn¢t going to be easy and it wasn¢t. It was worth it though when I got to Hanging Rock and was able to enjoy the view for 30-40 minutes. I then made my descent to here. I don¢t see any more big climbs in the near future. Will do an easy day tomorrow and nero into Waynesboro Monday.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Maupin Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro)
Miles today: 20.9

Took my time getting up as I was only going to do 16 miles. The first 7 miles went fast. I started thinking I could make it to Waynesboro at a decent time. When I got to Dripping Rock I decided to get water at the next source. As soon as I started back on the trail I found a cooler with trail magic. I was the first one there so it wasn¢t there long. I shouted out to 2 other hikers, Chuckles and his wife Little Red. We had PowerAde, Pepsi, Apples and little candy bars. It was great. A short time later I was over Humpback Mt. and descending to my original target of Paul C. Wolfe Shelter. I arrived at 1:30 and made the decision to go all the way. Arrived at Rockfish Gap at 3:30 and started calling people from the list that is at the guardrail. It is a list of locals who will shuttle hikers into town for free. Decided to camp at the hiker camp and pavilion on the edge of town near the YMCA where we can get free showers. When I got to town and was able to get service on my cell phone I found out my ride back to the trail from Trail Days had to cancel, so instead of lining up another one I have decided to keep hiking. 2 good things come from this. 1: I stay ahead of the big bubble and 2: I stay ahead of the Norovirus outbreak. I bought a whole rotisserie chicken at Kroger¢s and ate that then ate 3 quarts of ice cream for dessert. It has worn me out so I am heading off to bed.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro)

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Didn¢t get up until after 7:00 am. Around 8:00 Blueberry and I headed to get breakfast at Weasie¢s. Great little Mom and Pop diner. After that I did my laundry, picked up my 55 degree sleeping bag at the PO and came back here to relax. It has been in the 80¢s all week so pretty hot with no breeze. Got a late lunch at the grocery store and with a thunderstorm threatening Top Speed, Rock Ocean, Forrest and myself all head to Mings, an all you can eat Chinese Buffet where I had 5 plates of food like I did in 2012. This is probably the friendliest hiker town as people come out here to talk to us and see if there is anything we need. We are welcomed everywhere and feel right at home. This is actually one of the largest towns we come to. I think I am going to take another zero day just to wait for the cooler weather coming Wednesday.
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to stay. Went to Weasie¢s for breakfast again and came back to camp. Most everyone is gone as some of them went Aquablazing, which is rafting, tubing or canoeing down the Shenandoah River for up to 1 week. They plan on coming back to hike the Shenandoah National Park when they are done. I am taking it easy and going to see who shows up today. 2 more people are calling it quits this year. Rock Ocean and Shadow are heading home. Many people I know have dropped out for different reasons for each tends to send them home. Homesick, lack of money, tired of hiking in the same state so long, injury, or their bodies are just plain tired. Some others have things happen at home that can take them off the trail also. Will be entering the Shenandoah tomorrow and will probably hit 900 miles on Friday.
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Got out of town and on the trail at 9:15 which was a lot earlier than I had planned. Waynesboro is a hard town to leave as the town¢s people are so welcoming. Signed in at the self-registration kiosk and entered the Shenandoah National Park. I wasn¢t planning on going so far but with the water sources spread out I needed to get here. At 8 miles into the park I saw something move on the trail. It was a spotted fawn. It stepped over to the side of the trail and lay down to try to blend in. I saw that it wasn¢t too nervous of me so I took a couple of photos. I then started to walk away and there was the mother. She wasn¢t too nervous of me so I took a picture of her also. The miles just seemed to melt away. When I got to the top of Wild Cat Ridge there stood a 4 point buck all in velvet. I talked to him for a little bit but when I went to get my camera he moved off into the woods. I guess he is camera shy. I ran into another doe grazing at the parking lot but she took off right away. I got to Blackrock Hut, they call the shelters huts here in the Shenandoah, a little before dark. I ate dinner in the dark and am now getting ready to go to sleep.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got another late start at 8:15. We cross the Skyline Drive several times each day. My first destination was the Loft Mt Wayside. The waysides sell pancakes for breakfast and burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries and milkshakes. I had a cheeseburger with sweet potato fries and a blackberry shake. I sat with Rock Ocean and Hercules. Rock Ocean left soon after so I sat there with Hercules for at least another hour. After I left there I saw 3 rabbits and 2 grouse. Another easy terrain day but it felt good to get done a little early. Need to go into Elkton tomorrow to pick up a couple of mail drops, new shoes and to get a resupply to get me to Front Royal.
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Lewis Mt. Campground
Miles today: 19.9

Back to my normal start time of 7:00 am. The climbs are getting a little longer now but still not bad. Was planning another short day but the time just flew today also. Got into Elkton on a ride from the 6th car to pass. Went to the PO and out on my new shoes and threw the old ones away. I then went to the Dollar General for my resupply. Repacked my food bags and walked out to the highway and got another ride real quick. Had my sights set on camping out at an old shelter site but there was a no camping sign there so I moved on. It sprinkled a little while and I decided to try to get to the campground hopefully before it rained again. I got here in time but I had a tent pole break so I did what I could with it and got it set up before it started to rain. After it stopped I went to prepare dinner and discovered that I lost my knife. I think I left it at Pinefield Shelter. Hopefully somebody will find it and bring it forward. Will leave messages in the shelter journals and maybe I will get it back. The campground host is a real nice guy. He gave me a knife and let myself and 2 other hikers store our food in his car. Will have to call Big Agnes about my pole and hopefully they will replace it real quick as I really don¢t want to stay in the shelters.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Lewis Mt. Campground

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 7:00 and started to pack up. I hung up a line to hang my tent to dry as I had to wait until 9:00 am for the camp store to open to see if they had a repair kit for my tent. I bought one and a pint of milk so I could have some Raisin Bran for breakfast. Thought I might have a temporary fix but it wasn¢t meant to be. Have to wait until Monday to call Big Agnes. Got out of camp at 10 am. I was feeling a little frustrated at first but decided to make do with the situation and deal with it when it was time. We seem to be right next to Skyline Drive most of the time. I can hear people talking above me at the view points along the drive. No bear sightings for me yet but I have seen many day and weekend hikers as it is Saturday. Got caught in a little shower before I got here but not bad. There were 2 huge logs about 5 feet long in the fire pit and it was burning good. Met Major and his wife Stats who are doing large sections. They started last year and hope to finish next year. There is a raccoon here who knows how to get to the food bags on the bear pole but Oyster is here with his dog Nate and are tenting near the bear pole. Left a note at the side trail to here in case someone has found my knife. I doubt I will get it back but it is worth a try. Rain forecasted for tomorrow. My 11 miles may be 15. Will let the weather dictate which one it will be.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

All of us got up at 7:00 and started our morning routines. I ate cereal again for breakfast and packed up. It was raining lightly when we woke and as I left at 8:00 am. I stopped about an hour later. Had a lot of nice views this morning and I was looking forward to a soda when I got to the Skyland Stables but the machine wasn¢t working. I decided to skip the restaurant and kept moving until I got to the Pinnacles Picnic Area where I sat with a SOBO section hiker as a quick shower passed. I then proceeded to the Byrds Nest #3 Hut and thought I was going to stay but the sun came out so I decided to do the 4.4 miles to here. Along the way I took the side trail to Mary¢s Rock and climbed to the top to see a great view. I arrived here and no one else is here. I have had my dinner, set up my sleeping gear and have gathered firewood. Hope someone else shows up. Almost forgot, as I was walking through the Stony Man Parking Area a ranger was giving a tour and asked me if I would explain what a thru hike was and to share some of my experiences. Afterward I answered a few questions and then moved on.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Someone did show up last night at 9:30 pm. It was Ox and his father who has joined him for a few days. Got a late start as I had plenty of time. I love the Shenandoah as this is probably the easiest terrain to hike so far. Still haven¢t seen a bear. Beautiful day for a walk in the woods. It is a lot quieter now that the weekend is over. Got to Elkwallow Wayside at 10:30 am and couldn¢t get lunch so I got an egg, bacon and cheese sandwich with a blackberry shake. After I got done with that Oyster showed up with his dog Nate. It was now lunchtime so I ordered a hot dog and another shake. Spent a total of 2 hours there then moved on. Crossed Skyline Drive several more times today and arrived here at 3:45. Oyster and Nate were here already. Got all set up in the shelter and cooked dinner. People started to show up one after another. There are now 8 thru hikers here and 7 section hikers. Will have a chance to see a bear tonight or tomorrow morning as there have been many sightings here in the last few days. Will be staying at the Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel tomorrow. A short 10 mile day. I am looking forward to a nice ling shower as it has been a long while since my last one.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 9.6

No bear sightings. The3 of us woke up before 6 am. I had breakfast and was the third one out. Got great views from South Marshal and North Marshal Mountains. Time seemed to fly by as I arrived here at the hostel at 10:45. I got my shower and ate lunch. I met the owner Mike and he seems to be a real nice guy. Will relax here the rest of the day and catch a shuttle to town tomorrow to resupply then hit the trail again. I will be officially out of the Shenandoah National Park tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

Awoke with those that are slackpacking today at around 7 am. Took my time packing up and talking to some of the other hikers. Got the bed linens in the washer for Mike the owner. Had some breakfast and left the hostel at 9:45 am getting me on the trail itself by 10:00 am. Was a beautiful day with the highs in the low 70¢s. It was raining the last time I went through here so it was a nice change. Got here to the shelter at 1:30 pm. Forrest was already here and was set up when I got here. I wanted to stay here last time but couldn¢t so made it an early day this time. I had a nice lunch, picked onions for dinner and collected firewood. There are 5 of us here that stopped before 3:00 pm. This is a nice shelter with a deck and a bench to sit on, a separate pavilion with a picnic table to cook under and a shower but the water is cold. A couple of other hikers brought out corn on the cob and chicken legs and cooked them up over the fire for us. Between my dinner and the chicken I am full. Going to get down into the low 50¢s tonight and strong chances of rain all day tomorrow. Good thing I am only going 10 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Dicks Dome Shlter
Miles today: 10.0

At 9:30 Hercules came into the shelter after doing 30 miles. He is only doing 5.5 miles today. It started raining at about 6:30 am and didn¢t stop by the time I left at 9:30.Kept a slow and steady pace to the Manassas Gap Shelter where I thought I was going to stay due to the rain but came to here instead. Beowulf and Firestarter, who bought the chix last night, left just before me. I ran into them as they were taking a break. The rain stopped for a couple of hours but the drops from the trees made it feel like it was still raining. Beowulf was just leaving the shelter as I got there and I was the first one there. This is the last year for this shelter as they are building a bigger one. This one will be dismantled and moved to the Bear¢s Den Hostel. Firestarter got the fire going and there are 4 section hikers here also. 2 are in the shelter with me and 2 are tenting. Supposed to be cold tonight so will have to keep the fire stoked so we have warmth in the morning.
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Dicks Dome Shlter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Rain came back last night but the fire kept burning. It was cold when I woke up so I stayed near the fire to stay warm. My shoes and socks were dry when I put them on but a short time later they were wet from the grass. It was a beautiful day with the sun out and temps around 70. Stopped at Rod Hollow Shelter for an early lunch and met Wild Ginger and had a long conversation with her about recovery. It was just what I needed after a long time without a meeting. We gave each other a big hug and I moved on to enter the Roller Coaster. The Roller Coaster is about 12 tightly packed ups and downs in a 13.5 mile stretch. It is also very rocky. I only did half of it as there was no way I was going to repeat the marathon I did in 2012. With that pressure off it was much more enjoyable. When I got to this shelter the Ridge Runner was sitting there. After 2 minutes of talking with him he said he remembered me. It was in New Jersey when he was a Ridge Runner there in 2012. What a small trail. Got a fire going as it will be another cold night.