morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Newport Rd. 

To: Catawba Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

Before setting out, I ate a nice breakfast (biscuits and gravy, sausage, eggs, banana) at the Quality Inn and somehow dialed the wrong number when trying to reach Homer, the shuttle driver. The man on the phone informed me he lived in Maine and would not be able to shuttle my wife and I to the trailhead, but to give him a call once I reached further north. I got ahold of Homer and we hit the trail by 10:30. It was slow going and I had to stop many times to wait for Annie, which took quite a bit of patience, but I wanted to spend every nomen I could with my wife and I enjoyed Annie's awe of the trail as well as her beautiful presence. We had a break at some cliffs, where we watched butterflies have threesomes. We made it to the shelter by 5, but there was a family set up there, so we opted to set up the tent. Annie at an entire Knorr Pasta Side and I was extremely impressed and proud. It took me over a month on the trail to be able to eat that much! LOVE MY WIFE! LOVE MY LIFE! I was able to try out some of my new summer gear: Sawyer Squeeze filter, Platypus bladder, and my old Thermarest NeoAir. I also now have a silk base layer (but still kept my old Patagonia Capaline base layer) I also began to break in my new and larger LaSportiva trail runners. They are a men's 10.5/women's 11.5...I used to wear a women's 9.5. My feet are so buff right now.
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Catawba Mtn. Shelter

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

We woke up a bit late and packed up for the day. Annie has taken my advice to "pace yourself" while going uphill to heart and I found myself waiting often and trying my best to slow my pace and remain patient. We met Goat, a thru-hiker from Turkey on or way up to McAfee Knob. Once there, my snack was rudely interrupted by Tatu Jo, who was in a bit of a hurry to take his iconic photo and finish up his 20-30 mile day. He professed to be a great photographer and took pics of Annie and I to get us out of his way. I later had someone else re-take these photos. I must say, while I thought the view was spectacular, there have been plenty along the way, so I wasn't sure what all the fuss was about (other than the iconic photo, of course). I'm sure it's proximal location to the road plays a part in its popularity. The place was inundated with day hikers and I was more than thrilled to move on. Annie and I had a bit of a tiff because I could no longer remain patient and pander to Annie's bruised ego. I told her to check her ego, which she didn't appreciate, and I lost it a bit when she shared that with me. My extreme emotionality surprised me, but I suppose I've only had to worry about my own well-being for the last 3 months, and catering to my wife's needs while placing my own on the back burner was not something I realized I was unprepared to do. It took more than an hour and a few swigs of whiskey before I was able to snap out of my fog. Tinker Cliffs turned out to be a great place to regain myself and we're just as beautiful as McAfee and were isolated from the maddening crowds (thank goodness!). The hike up to the cliffs had no switch backs, and Annie had to take a break (this was pre-fight) and we were passed by Bones, with whom we later shared the shelter and some nice conversations. Today marks 3 months on the trail for me. Happy anniversary, Hestia.
Date: 2016-03-31
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: 4 Pines
Miles today: 9.4

We woke up early to get a head start on our hike in o Daleville due to the forecasted rain. Annie made real good time today and loved the rocky ridgeline walking. It's been very refreshing to with miss her enthusiasm and excitement along the trail. We made it in to town just at it started sprinkling and headed to 4 Pines for the night, where one of the asshole NOBO boys was staying. I suppose the Three Musketeers must have split up. It was super awkward at first, but simply avoided contact and continued on with my merry way. We caught the shuttle to The Homeplace, where we had a yummy dinner with 2 thru-hikers, a biker, and the asshole. Afterwards, we made our way back to the hostel, where we pitched our tent in the barn and played cards while digesting our meal before passing out.
Date: 2016-04-01
From: 4 Pines

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Thanks to the roosters, we were up and out early. We headed back to the Quality Inn for some quality time. We are breakfast at Cracker Barrell, where I was again co fuses as a man. We ran errands, ate food, and relaxed. I had my first serious thought of going home as my time with my wife drew to an end.
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

It was another teary goodbye as I left my wife edit the woods. I had no motivation to hike, but still made okay time to Fullhardt Knob, where I had lunch and chatted with Kestrel, a former thru-hiker, and saw Steve and his son, Josh. After lunch, I felt in much better spirits and was able to get my pace up to 3miles an hour. I decided I would stop every hour for a 20 minute break to rest my feet and even dunked them in a cold creek once. At the shelter, I was joined by Tofer (a thru-hiker who had started his flip-flop that day), KT (a thru-hikerish finishing her thru-hike from the previous year), Steve, and Josh. I had many great laughs and was very happy to see Steve again and no longer felt a desire to go home. Let the mental games begin.
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek (VA 614) 
Miles today: 17.0

I woke up a bit late and very chilly (30F) with the wind still blowing. Another thru-hiker (Super Nova) had arrived after dark and informed me the next morning another of the NOBO assholes, who has now adopted a different trail name, was about a day behind me. While this upset me slightly, the annoyance didn't last long and I hit the trail by 9:30. It was odd crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway all day (5 total crossings) but here were some phenomenal views and trash receptacles, so I didn't mind much. I decided I would stop for a 20 minute break every hour (or 2.5-3 miles) to rest and elevate my feet as I had read this would reduce the pain. It did. :-D I also dunked my fee in a cold stream during one break. By the time I finished by 17 mile day, I felt like I could have hiked further, but the sun was setting, so I pitched my tent at a local and unofficial campsite along Jennings Creek. KT & Tofer were scheduled to meet me at the campsite, but KT never arrived. A fisherman told me she was trying to hitch a ride into town for beer, though there was a scarcity of cities nearby. Tofer showed up achy and blistered after having hiked 20 miles (he got a bit lost at one point) on his second day on the trail despite suggestions to take it easy. I'm running low on fuel and don't know if I have enough to make it to Glascow.
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Jennings Creek (VA 614) 

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

I woke to the sounds of trucks carrying fishermen hoping to catch trout in the newly stocked creek. It was warmer then when I had gone to bed, and experienced told me precipitation was likely. I asked a fisherman for a weather updated, but he was uninformed. I psyched myself up for the 4 1,000 foot clings I had in store for m and made good time up the first. I stopped at Bryant Ridge Shelter for a snack and foot rest. Had I known how incredibly phenomenal it was, I would have planned to stay there. I had another break 1/2 up a climb along a switchback and laity with my feet propped on a rock across the trail. I checked the weather after I had summited and saw thunderstorms coupled with below freezing temperatures, so after eating lunch at Cornelius Creek, I decided to stay put rather than climb an additional 1,000 feet. No Hurry had graciously left a pile of firewood (THANKS), so I collected a bit more and set to building a fire for cooking dinner. Shortly after lighting the fire, KT showed up, and Tofer trailed in about an hour or two later. Just as the sun was setting, 2 other thru-hikers (Boomerang and Patches) who were finishing up a 32-mile day. Seriously, WTF? There's no way to adequately take in all the beauty and wonder surrounding you when traveling that fast and that far. Oh well, HYOH (hike your own hike). They were both very nice guys, but I'll likely never see them again with the mileage they're pulling.P.S. The thunderstorm never hit us.
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter 

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I revisited winter last night, sleeping with my electronics, water, and filter so they would not freeze. I woke up late to tiny snowflakes sparkling like glitter in the morning sun and mouse shit in my coffee cup. The two later arrivals were up and out early, pushing for another 30 mile day. I hope to make it to Matt's Creek Shelter so I can be at a lower elevation during another below-freezing evening, but I'm getting a slow start to my day. I have to force myself to take breaks, as I know my body will surely die if I don't, but the cold drives me to hike further and longer. I'm at Thunderhill Shelter and it's mostly downhill from here, so maybe I'll make up some time. I've got 12.4 to go...It was a fairly easy hike, with one someone strenuous mountain after lunch. I arrived at Matt's Creek and had the shelter to myself, which I found refreshing after having been seemingly surrounded by people since returning to the trail in Daleville. I'm definitely missing certain aspects of winter hiking. While I do love meeting new people and having someone with whom to commiserate the weather, mice, and terrain and share laughs about everything and anything absurd...the solitude I had experienced early on, which made being around people even more rewarding...has been elusive. Matt's Creek is a beautiful shelter with a creek flowing in front (always the best when you can hear the water source as you sleep!). I had a visitor around 9pm that was neither a human or a mouse. I sat up straight in my sleeping bag, with my heart pounding as I searched for the source of the rustling with my headlamp, but saw no eyes reflecting back at me, only the puffs of my raspy breathing in the dark cold night. The alien visitor left me be and I slept fitfully, dreaming of being attacked by a pack of wild dogs, one of which (a Chihuahua-looking dog)had mange, and the fear from losing my hair from the mites floating towards me from the dog became more prominent than the fear of losing my life.
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Glascow, VA (town shelter)
Miles today: 2.2

I had a lovely morning walk along the James River, stopping often to photograph the blossoming wildflowers. I crossed the James River footbridge, which is the longest foot-use-only bridge along the AT, and met an older man with a long white beard who was planning a day hike. I attempted to hitch, but The Beard (which should be his trail name) and his driver decided to give me a lift into town. Glasgow is tiny and has few amenities, but the town-provided shelter is truly boss; it has 6 bunks, electricity, a microwave, a shower with hot water, 2 port-a-potties, firewood, and a clothesline. I ran into KT, who was a bit hung-over, and waited for the only restaurant in town to open at 10:30. I ate a fish sandwich, finally satisfying my craving for fried fish that had originate on St. Patrick's Day, and had a beer while updating my trail journal. KT showed up a bit later, so we split a pizza (yaye, 2nd lunch!) and I headed to the post office for my drop box. I took a shower and washed my clothes before the trail famous Bonnie and Clyde arrived. They had been at the trail since November and before Clyde even proposed to Bonnie (on April 1st at McAfee Knob), rumor had it they were going to be married at Katahdin when they finished their hike. They were also known for making fire pits under the eaves of the shelters and leaving empty bottles of booze in them. Trail gossip....They seemed pretty cool and got a fire started. I finished my taxes and updated my trail journal before buying a bottle of wine...which had a cork...and was not allowed to exchange...I scoured the town for the use of a corkscrew or even a screw, screw driver, and set of pliers, but I was unsuccessful in my quest. I ran into Tofer at Scotto's (the one restaurant)during my search and returned to the shelter, where KT used her knife to dislodge the cork...into the wine. The gang of thru hikers hung around the fire chatting about trail life and were later joined by two locals (who had brought tools to open my wine) and STEVE! Tofer's feet were exceptionally swollen, most likely due to his need to maintain pace with people who had been hiking for weeks and months, so he soaked them in some Epsom for the night.One thing I think about every day (sometimes multiple times a day) while I'm hiking is what I will do (as a profession) after I complete this trail. Do I go back to what I had trained for, but left me exceptionally stressed...do I venture forth to an unknown career, become self-employed, tempt fate with my own business? Tonight, I discovered it doesn't matter what I do after the trail as long as I find a way to bring the trail with me.
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Glascow, VA (town shelter)

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 1.7
Weather: light rain

I woke up feeling the effects of a bottle of wine coupled with too much smoking and not enough water. I spent $8 on frozen breakfast items from the grocery store across the street (I'd advise the Dollar General in town if you can overcome laziness), had a coffee courtesy of Bonnie and Clyde while Tofer immediately began drinking bitch beers. KT headed out early to make it to Buena Vista to meet up with a guy, and I left around noon, hitching a ride to the trail with an obvious Virginia Tech fan. I enjoyed my walk along the creek, despite feeling my heartbeat in my skull. I decided John's Hollow Shelter looked like the perfect place to stop for the day, so I set up my bed, read, and napped. I was later joined by Christmas Tree (who worked in a wilderness program for adjudicated youth-way fucking cool), Brent (no trail name, but super eccentric and entertaining), and Bananas (another female thru-hiker).
Date: 2016-04-08
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Puncbowl Shelter
Miles today: 8.8

Resuming my original plan, I headed to Punchbowl feeling much better than the previous day. The shelter was exceptionally idyllic, with a small pond and a grassy clearing within view. The shelter became packed with 4 section hikers (Pilgrim, Mackgyver, Yankee, and unknown), though two decided to sleep in their tent/hammock. We also had 3 thru-hikers (Scorched Heels, Big Dumb Animal, and Crash). 6 of us crammed in the shelter and were able to stay warm despite the below-freezing temps.
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Puncbowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista, VA (US 60)
Miles today: 11.3

Well, the next shelter at which I had planned on staying had a forecasted low of 18F. Therefore, my plans changed yet again, as I was seriously doe with cold and the snow, which had begin to cover the ground as I began my hike for the day. I put my legs in high gear to get to Buena Vista by lunch, but slowed down briefly to explore the remnants of the Brown Mountain Creek Community. I chatted with a day hiker at Brown Mtn. Shelter before pushing on to the trailhead parking lot. I hadn't even finished 1/2 a cigarette before I was picked up by a nice young man who dropped me off at the Buena Vista Motel on his way to class in Lexington, VA. I took a quick shower, which looked like a bath when I had finished, as the tub plug was stuck in a depressed position, leaving it full of brown murky water...I'm so gross. I hit up the Mexican restaurant in town (would likely not return) before heading back to the motel, where I laid watching TV and movies for hours before passing out.
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Buena Vista, VA (US 60)

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

I've had a serious lack of motivation for hiking lately. I suppose this could be the "Virginia Blues" alluded to by some on the trail, but I'm not sure. I suppose the lack of hostels and ever-presence of new hikers has an effect on my affect. I decided I needed a goal; I would hike my first 20 mile day to watch the sunset on Priest Mountain. I hitched a ride to the trailhead from an ATC trail maintainer and was grateful to have had the opportunity to give my thanks to someone who has done so much volunteer hard work. The hike up to Bald Knob was steep and slow-going, so I took a break after reaching the other side, where I crossed paths with Postal Poet, whom I had met at 4 Pines. The hike along Cole Mountain and Tar Jacket Ridge offered beautiful views and an easy grade. I realized I would likely not be able to visit Spy Rock and see the sunset, so I chose the former (it was becoming overcast anyhow). It was a thrilling climb up, using cracks and small handholds in the boulder to ascend to the top, where you are rewarded with 360 degree views o the surrounding mountains and feelings of being a badass (that is, of course, you climbed up the front not knowing there was a rope-lead path up the back). I raced the setting sun to the shelter and was blessed to see two birds: a Woodcock (which has a seriously deadly-looking dagger of a beak) and a Great Horned Owl, which brought tears to my eyes and compelled me to whisper a "thanks" to Mother Nature. I discovered where some helium balloons go when you lose them and arrived at the shelter delirious, exhausted, and toting a Mylar Happy Birthday balloon. Mackgyver, Scorched Heels, a couple celebrating their anniversary by setting a tent up in the shelter, a section hiker I met at Punchbowl and still don't recall his name, and STEVE were all present and subjected to my hysterical ramblings.
Date: 2016-04-11
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Reeds Gap/ Devils Backbone Brewery
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

My body was feeling the effects of its first 20 mile day, so I must admit I did not actually do all of the mileage listed. The terrain for the day called for a 3,000 foot descent, which had some amazing views, immediately followed by a 3,000 foot ascent, which is absolutely ludicrous. I was averaging less than 2 miles an hour and drooling for a beer an a burger. After climbing 1,000 feet, I ran across a sign which indicated Maupin Shelter (my anticipated lunch spot) as 3 miles along the Mau-Har trail...as opposed to 7 miles along the AT...after llimbing another 2,000 feet...The decision to blue-blaze (i.e., not walk along the AT, which has white blazes and is therefore considered "white blazing," but rather a side trail which has blue blazes) seemed to be a no-brainer, though the Mau-Har trail was not as easy as I had hoped; I hiked about a mile down into a ravine, 1 mile up along a beautiful creek with cascades, waterfalls, and swimming holes, then an additional mile up the ravine across boulders. I arrived at Reeds Gap having missed (but not really) Three Ridges Mountain and was able to get a hitch a ride to the brewery on the 3rd vehicle. Devils Backbone Brewery is super swanky and had a small clearing near the tree line, where I set up my tent before joining Scorched Heels and a group of locals for their "book club," aka "reason to drink and gossip." KT and two other NOBO thru-hikers joined us for drinks and food.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Reeds Gap/ Devils Backbone Brewery

To: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

It was HOT last night! I had to lose my sleep clothes and sleep with my bag open. I suppose I will inevitably have to switch out my 0F bag, but not just yet. The staff at Devil's Backbone graciously have KT and I a ride to the trailhead prior to their planned company meeting. I learned from the driver Devil's Backbone beer was available in Nashville, so I'll definitely be on the look out once I get back home. My initial plan was to head to Paul C Woolfe Shelter, but I decided I wanted a zero, not a nero, ad the terrain made for a mostly easy hike into Rockfish Gap, where there was actually a list of Trail Angels posted for rides into town. KT & I ended up hitching anyway and I arrived at the YMCA, mistakenly thinking that would be the ocation to set up my tent; I was corrected and directed by the woman at the front desk to the town's hiker pavilion. I walked along the greenway to the pavilion, where I met DG (Delayed Gratification), a former thru-hiker and current biker. We chatted a bit, I set up my tent, and ate dinner. KT showed up, hooked up the solar charger, then left to purchase a Naddy Daddy. I hit the sack a bit early and called my wife. Tenderfoot showed up at dusk.
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I awoke covered in dew and with bags of food on the table in the pavilion. I was excited as a child on Christmas morning and jumped out of my sleeping bag to investigate; DG had woken up extra early due to the exceptionally low temps (30F in my temp & frost on my Crocs) and had returned with trail magic! He bought donuts, bananas, and Sour Patch Kids to share. I took my time chatting while I dried my sleeping bag and tent in the morning sun before setting off for the library at 9am. I got a new book and headed to Kroger for 2nd breakfast. I ate outside, waiting for the Salvation Army to open at 10 so I could buy a cheap set of clothes to wear while I did my laundry. While I was waiting, a Trail Angel (Pepper) stopped and gave me her phone number to call when I was ready to hit the trail. After purchasing my clothes, I headed for the post office to pick up my bounce box and a woman offered me a ride, but I declined since I was only a block away. Afterwards, I made my way to the Quality Inn, and I was again offered a ride within a block of my destination. I was told I was too early to check in and to come back in one hour, so I left some of my things in the lobby while I went to the laundromat. When I returned 1.5 hours later, I was again told I was too early, so I left and met KT at Mings AYCE Chinese buffet. The food was ok at best, the service piss poor, and KT informed me she would not be able to split a room since her money had not arrived in her drop box. I went back to my room to shower and chill before heading to Kroger to resupply. Afterwards, I went to The Heritage on Main for dinner, whiskey, and live music. The salad I had was amazing, no doubt because my body was seriously craving roughage. The music began to sound good by whiskey #2 and I was singing along by whiskey #3, my cue to head back to the hotel. Once I was back in my room, I had a complicated but constructive conversation with my wife.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up later (7:15am) and ate breakfast with Steve in the lobby of the motel. I wan into Waffles, who was a bit bitchy...or acting like a New Yorker, I'm not quite sure which, or if there is even a difference. I organized my food, packed, and had an Epsom Salt bath before heading to the post office to ship some things (including my Sawyer Squeeze pouch, which bit the dust after a week's use) home. I ate a $5 lunch box at Little Caesar's before hitching a ride to the trailhead from a man from Honduras, passing Steve along the way. I registered and hiked along some fairly flat terrain, coming across deer less than 20 feet from the trail, not perturbed at all by my presence. I saw 4 deer in total. I came to the shelter, which had many hikers present when I arrived. I asked if the shelter was full and Salty (Waffle's boyfriend) indicated there were 6 people currently planning on using the shelter...since the shelter apparently only accommodated 6, I set up my tent...only to find out I had been mislead on the actual total of individuals occupying the shelter...I made a fire in which I baked my potato and later topped with whipped onion and chive cream cheese, chili, and a shallot- YUMMMMMMMMMMM :-)