morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Porter's Field

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was to be our most challenging day of Virginia. We had 6 miles to the top of the Priest and then a steep descent (3,000 ft.) to the Tye river and then climb back up to 4,000 ft. We knew it was to be a tough day so we were on the trail by 7:15 It was hot again. By lunch, we were swimming in the Tye River. It was such a treat. We were hanging out eating lunch on a rock when Sisafus and Dino joined us. Sisafus was reading the guidebook and mentioned there was a brewery/restaurant 5 miles west on a road a couple of miles past our destination for the day. It took only one minute for us to change our plans. Three Ridges Mountain was still in between us and the Brewery. Another tough climb. There was a blue-blaze trail that allowed you skip this 7 mile, tough section. I know of a few that did this and heard of others that did it, but this would be cheating and not really qualify you as a thru-hiker. You have to do it all! Even though this was a difficult day, by 6:00 we were at the VA 664 road that led to the Brewery. We hitched a ride and by 6:15 we were sitting in the Devil's Backbone brewery. The manager was so nice to us and told us where we could camp, offered us firewood and told us where the water was. They allow AT hikers to camp there for free and make them breakfast for $5 each. They only serve breakfast for hikers. The open at lunch for the public. We got our fill and went behind a clubhouse type building they rent on occasion and slept on the covered deck since it had been raining and looked as if it more was coming. Oh yes, I forgot to mention the Bugs the night before. There were these little black flies that bring blood when they bite. I got bit dozens of times. I guess they like the cooler weather because there were none at the brewery. We discussed the next days plans and fell asleep on the deck.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Reeds Gap

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.2

We decided to make a push for Waynesboro so we didn't stay for the hiker breakfast at the brewery and were hitchhiking by 7:30. A dozen or so cars passed us before a guy in a pickup truck picked us up and dropped us off at the spot we were just 13 hours earlier. We were back on the trail by 8. The forecast called for rain and thunderstorms. It rained lightly most of the day but the temp was cool and it allowed us to make great time. We did the 19.2 miles to where the AT crosses the road to Waynesboro in just over 7 hours. No long breaks at vistas today. It just isn't the same when it's raining and the visibility is 100 ft. We hitched into town and got a hotel room. The plan was to zero on Mother's day. Ahhh rest and town food. Topo was to get new shoes also. We had heard the Green Leaf restaurant was a good place to eat and the chef was from Louisiana. The place was packed but we talked a couple at the bar into moving over one seat so we could sit at the bar. They were just waiting on a table anyway. We ordered fried green tomatoes and shrimp for appetizers and some local IPAs. I ordered crawfish ©touff©e, one of my favorites. A couple came in and sat next to me and we started talking about the AT and our adventure. Four beers and an hour later, we ask for our check, only to learn that the people we were talking with had told the bartender they were paying our check. Wow! that was some great trail magic. Thank You so much. I am sorry I didn't write your names down. The trail angels help us make it on the challenging journey. The six block walk back to the hotel was filled with laughter and appreciation for Trail Angels. Monday we enter Shenandoah National Park, an easier section of trail. Thursday, I will be leaving the trail for 4 days to spend time with Tamara and go to Trails Days celebration back in Damascus. I will hitch a ride if I can. This will be a nice break with lots of food, but I will be losing my hiking partner. Topo will be 4 or 5 days ahead of me when I return and I will be in a whole new group. It is the way of the AT. A new family every week or two. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: BlackRock Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We were excited to be entering the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) and were back on the trail by 8:00. Everyone says if you haven't seen a bear yet, you will see one there. They were right. I saw my first bear 40 minutes into the day. We stood 200 feet apart and stared at each other until he decided to turn and walk away. It was really hot and humid this day and Topo and I decided to take a break at an overlook where the trail crosses the Skyline Parkway. We were sitting there talking about how nice a cold drink would be when Graham Cracker and Short Stop came up to join us. Then there were 4 of us talking about trail magic. A car passed and then turned into the parking lot. I was two thru-hikers that were temporarily off trail and were doing a trail magic tour. Lucky us! They gave us cold drinks and snacks. I honestly believe we manifested that magic. An hour later, we were back in the woods and all spread out along a high ridge when a thunder storm hit. Most of you know me and think I do some scary things for fun. I can honestly say that this was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. for 30 minutes (it seemed a lot longer) lightning flashed all around me as thunder boomed. The rain was coming down in sheets and the wind was blowing in several directions at once. When it was finally over, the temp had cooled so it was easier to enjoy the SNP. We ended our day at BlackRock Hut. Same as a shelter with a different name. We were joined by 7 others within an hour and there were 15 or so by 9:00. We stayed in the shelter that night because there were storms around still. Suddenly, someone said. "There is something in here and it just ran into my sleeping bag". That place lit up like a Wal-Mart parking lot from all the headlamps that instantaneously clicked on. We saw it and it looked like a Guinea pig but climbed like a squirrel. It moved pretty fast, but not near as fast as the people in the hut. 5 minutes later, Topo, me and the critter were the only ones in there. I slept great that night. Whatever it was, it didn't snore. (20.6 mi)
Date: 2014-05-13
From: BlackRock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

As I mentioned a few days ago, I will be getting off trail to go to Trail Days in Damascus and to see Tamara. We will be doing a little shorter days so I will be at a major road crossing at a time good for me to begin making my way back to Damascus on Wed. We stayed around in the morning relaxing and drinking coffee. Our plan was to only do 13.2 miles this day. We left just before 9 and it was getting hot and humid already. This day we would pass a camp store and a wayside. (Store/restaurant ). By 11:30 we were at the camp store and enjoying a cold beer and a bag of chips. I think we took an hour break there. We then continued to the wayside for lunch. I had a cheese burger, sweet potato fries and a local IPA. The rest of the day was hot and humid until the clouds came in and the thunder joined in. We made it to Pinefield Hut without getting rained on and Graham Cracker and Short Stop were there. It was a eventless evening with thunder the rest of the day. No Critters in this shelter but we did see lots of deer coming thru camp and have a bear checking things out after dark.   (13.2)
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Pinefield Hut

To: U.S. 33
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Another late start. We had no reason to hurry as I only had 11 miles this day. I was not as excited to be getting off trail as I thought I would be. I wanted to see Tamara, but also wanted to stay with my trail family. The morning was nice and cool, mostly cloudy. We were in the clouds much of the time but occasionally climbing out and above the clouds to the sunshine. I have been above the clouds like this a few times in the past, but this day was back and forth several times. That 11 miles went so fast and just before we got to the road, we saw Rocket Man, Ranger and Princess. Ranger said he was getting off at Harper's ferry and that I may not see him again. I know by now, it happens all the time and every time may be the last time you see someone out here. After saying goodbye, I watched the 4 of them hike back into the woods and began the 200+ mile hitchhike back to where I was 4 weeks ago. (seems like last year). I got a ride pretty quickly and 40 minutes later I was at an exit on I-81. This guy knows hikers and he dropped me off at a Subway where I went to for lunch. After I was full I went to the interstate ramp and sat on the guardrail for an hour with thumb out. I finally got another ride, but only 15 miles or so. This went on for the rest of the evening and after 6 rides, I made it to Roanoke. I got a room at the Super 8 and went to the Mexican restaurant just before they closed. This was my longest day, but I only got 11.6 trail miles. Bad storms and heavy rain was in the forecast for the next 24 hours.
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Roanoke

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

I got up early and hit the breakfast buffet on my way out. I was on the interstate by 7:30. An hour later I got a ride and the 12 Tribes were going the same place I was. I would make it to Trail Days earlier than expected. I was so happy to be in a van when the storms and heavy rains hit. The people that gave me a ride were setting up a hospitality area in tent city and told me to come over later. They also fed me on way and offered a second meal (homemade bread and cheese), but I was full from their homemade scone. It was awesome. They let me off in town and I was immediately sucked into a church-sponsored area where they were giving away coffee, homemade cookies and hand-knitted hats. I dug through hundreds and must have tried on 10 before someone said "that one is you." So off I went in my new hat. An hour later, Tamara showed up with Hazard. We spent the rest of the day wandering around, Tamara and I went to the Food City and bought so much food. She spent much of the rest of the day cooking a vegan feast. Hazard and I went to some of the local places to have a brew and listen to bands there. As much as I wanted to stay up and participate in the festivities, I was in bed before 11. I will leave Saturday out of my journal, but will do an entry for my return trip to SNP. I will post some pictures later so be sure to look at them. Happy Trail Days!
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 8.3

Trail Days was a blast. I did everything. Tamara and our friend Hazard agreed to return me to the trail so Sunday morning we headed back to Elkton VA We got back in time for me to get a few miles in. They dropped me off where I got off trail and went to set up camp at Lewis Mountain Campground. I hiked in and Tamara & I went to Big Meadows Lodge for dinner while Hazard went for a hike. It was nice to get a ride all the way back to the trail. Thanks to my trail boss and friends. On my hike, I ran into Stakes and Cliffwalker. I hadn't seen them since Damascus. A great day. (8.3 mi)
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Skyland
Miles today: 17.6

Today was another perfect day for hiking. Tamara, Hazard and I drove to Skyland Resort (in SNP) for breakfast and to drop off my pack. After we ate, they drove me back to the campground and walked me to the trail to say goodbye again. It may be a while this time. I hiked off with a small pack with minimal gear (slack-packed) as they packed up camp and prepared for the 9 hrs. drive back. Not much to say except for the bear encounter. He and I were on a collision course when I just stopped. He stopped in the trail just 15 feet away and turned to look at me. He paused for one second and ran off. There was also this deer that I almost had to push off the trail. I got to Skyland and showered then went to have a beer and update my TJ. Oh yes, I almost forgot, Tamara brought me some new shoes. They now have 25.9 miles on them. If all goes well, I will be in WV in a week. (17.6 mi).
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Skyland

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a really late start (for me lately) today, but I manage to get out by 9. For some reason I was unusually friendly and had some long conversations along the trail including one with two fellow thru-hikers I hadn't seen in a while that were hiking south. Seems they had gotten off for a few days also and were doing a section backwards. Anyway, it was nice to talk to them. This will be the last time I mention Bears. I saw a bunch the rest of my time in Shenandoah. I stopped at Elkwallow Wayside for my second lunch and had a cheeseburger and a coke. I still had a few more miles in me so I hiked on to Gravel Springs Hut where I saw a copperhead along the way in the trail. He would not get out of my way. I poked my hiking stick at him, tossed sticks at him and even tried to push him out of the way. He never struck at me but stayed in the ready position. I eventually went around him. I guess he was enjoying the warmth of the rocks as the sun was setting. I arrived just after 8 and there were 3 others there including one I had met at Bryant Ridge a week or so ago. His name is Facts and he always has something interesting to say that is true. A fact. Later two more joined us. Another perfect day on the trail and my first 24 mile day.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Manassas Gap Hut
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: overcast clouds

This was a cool, windy day and I managed to get out by 7:30 I hiked alone all day for the 4th straight day. The trail in Shenandoah is as nice as it gets and allows me to stretch my legs out and travel much faster than normal. I stopped for a soak in the creek and then at the road leading to Front Royal. I had left the SNP and debated going into town for food instead of eating another cheese and summer sausage sandwich. Hmmm. OK, I'll try to hitchhike in. It took almost 15 minutes to get the ride, but I got to sit in the front of the truck with two German Shepards. He dropped me off at an Italian place where I got a salad and some Lasagna. I made short work of it and went to the dollar store next door and got a coke and a lemon pie. I got a ride in the back of another truck as soon as I put my thumb out. As we went up the road I noticed the damage from the torrential rains that had come while I was in Damascus. I was told 4" in a couple of hours. A bridge was closed and several business were cleaning up along the creek. The trail also took a beating and was even washed out in a few places. I feel for the trail maintenance crews that will be working months to repair all the damage. I also walked in lots of mud this day. I was only off the trail for 80 minutes to go into town and eat. I made my way to Manassas Gap Hut to find it full. There was rain in the forecast, so I ask if there was room. There were a few people that knew me so they spoke up and said "We will make room" I joined them to make a really full shelter. There was a couple in there 40's that snored together and totally drowned out the noises of the forest. It never rained. (24.1 miles)
Date: 2014-05-22
To: Anywhere but VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Dear Virginia, The miles are piling up. I loved you, once. There is so much about our time together that I am grateful for, but we need to part ways. I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but there it is. Living with you has worn me down to a shadow of my former self. I thought this would be a happy experience. Instead, I feel trapped. Every day your presence grows heavier on my shoulders. This hurts me more than it hurts you.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Manassas Gap Hut

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 22.8

I got up at 5:30 and was on the trail by 6:30 on this day. I had been getting texts from some friends asking me when I would be in Harper's Ferry so I thought I would go for some big miles and see if I could escape VA today. The first 10 miles were done before 11:00 and I had my first lunch. I came to a sign that said I was approaching the "Roller Coaster" It sounded fun. By noon it felt like 100 degrees and it was as humid as it could be. I was feeling it too. The roller coaster was up and down over and over and over. And it was soooooooooooo rocky. It whipped me. I stopped at every creek deep enough to submerge myself in a cooled down. By 5 I was suffering and decided to take a break 3 miles short of my goal at the Bears den hostel and charge my dead phone. I Plugged in and got two cold Sunkist orange drinks. As I looked around, I noticed how cool this place was. This has to be the nicest hostel I have seen. My plan was to leave in an hour but I never did. Lots of friends here, an outlet to charge, a shower and pizza. I feel better and I will make it to Harper's Ferry tomorrow and meet up with Princess, Rocket Man and Ranger. (22.8)
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry WV
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

First of all, I can't say enough about the hospitality at the Bears Den Hostel. That place is an incredibly beautiful spot, owned and operated by the ATC. The have a hiker special that includes a bed, shower, laundry, a pizza and a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream for $30. Oh, and an all you can eat, make-your-own pancake breakfast. That is where this day started. At 5 a.m I was making pancakes. I had four. I was in a hurry. You see, Rocket Man and Princess invited me to join their Luxury Tour. I have been admiring the way they were traveling north. I have teased them numerous times about it over the past month. They spent countless hours researching all the places along the trail to eat, sleep and the things to see and do along the way. Well, one-third of their trio was ending his hike at Harper's Ferry. Ranger, we miss you! However, this left a spot that I was more than willing to fill. Wednesday, I got a text from Rocket Man asking me to join them. On a temporarily basis I am sure. Or maybe a trial basis. Being in SNAP where the trail offers big mile days, I thought I could catch them. They were 60 miles ahead of me. Sometimes I think I am still a young kid I guess so I said I would try. Fortunately for me, but unfortunately for Rocket Man, he had a foot issue that held him in place for a few days. So, back to today. I left after I finished cleaning my dishes about 6:30. The morning was cool and breezy. I have enjoyed hiking alone, but I missed my friends that left me while I was at Trail Days. This Is the real reason for the high miles lately. No need for a dip in the creek today. By 2:00 I had covered over 20 miles and was at the ATC. That is the organization that basically regulates the AT. I had my picture taken and was assigned a number (238 of the people who have passed northbound). I left to get some food and meet up with Rocket Man and Princess at the Town's Inn bed and breakfast. We went to the Irish pub and had lunch. We discussed the week's plans. It looks ambitious, but doesn't allow the zero day I had planned. Oh well, there is always next week.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Harper's Ferry WV

To: Turner Gap
Miles today: 17.5

My first day on the luxury tour began with breakfast at the B&B and then a shuttle ride to Turners Gap where Rocket Man, Princess and I would hike back to Harper's Ferry. Being Memorial Day weekend, our proximity to DC and Baltimore and the fact that the weather was awesome, I saw more people on the trail this day than the last 750 miles combined. I was glad to be one of the thousands out there today. The trail was fairly easy and the miles flew by. I met a young couple that wanted to know everything about thru-hiking and we spent the last 5 miles hiking together. I found the TeaHorse hostel that was my destination a mile or so after I got off the trail. Laurel, the hostel owner ask me to come in the office before entering the hostel. I came in and she asked me to read the rules on the wall while she watched to make sure I read them. Showering ASAP was one of the rules I was glad to follow. She runs a clean place with plenty of space, a comunity kitchen, two bathrooms and a nice living room. After we showered Pricess put our laundry in and we asked Private Joker to join us for a late (4:00) lunch. We walked a block down and began discussing where to eat. There were two places near and no one really had a preference so I suggested we eat at both of them. We decided to start at the Canal House. There was one problem, no beer. The waiter said we could BYOB and there was a place a block or two away. Rocket Man and I went for beer and Princess and PJ ordered appatizers. We were all sitting outside on the pattio when River Rocks joined us. I think we stayed for a couple of hours. We paid our bills and started walking the two blocks back and stopped one block short at the Anvil restaurant for Dinner. I had another full meal and left a clean plate. When we got back to the hostel, there were a few more hikers there. We socialized a bit and then went to bed on some clean fresh sheets. What a treat.