morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Marion, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Shy Bear and I hitched out of town after resupplying at Wal Mart, and we both struggled to find energy as we hit the trail. He eventually caught a stride and pressed onward, but I was lagging and decided a nap was in order. I usually enjoy mid-day naps while hiking thoroughly, but this was the first one I'd had since leaving Franklin a month ago.The nap improved my physical motivation, but my mind was still somewhere else. I hiked on and stumbled into some nice trail magic in an old schoolhouse from the 1800's. As I was leaving the schoolhouse I heard the wonderful (or creepy?) sound of ice cream truck music.What seemed like the perfect setting for a horror movie murder scene ended up being a double shot of trail magic. The ice cream truck was driven by a nice lady, not a blood thirsty clown, and was full of delicious ice cream, not machetes and butcher knives.I was feeling remotely better after this, and when I stumbled across the Relax Inn in Atkins, I realized what I really needed. I had not spent a night to myself since leaving Maine on March 4th, and decided this would be glorious. It was!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Atkins, VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

I awoke completely refreshed, despite the completely sketchy room I had slept in the night before. The weather was beautiful and I had absolutely no clue where I would hike to, so I set out without consulting my book and hiked til I was hungry.At one of the road crossings I ran across some Easter trail magic... Cheez-its, hummus, soda, and apples! I finished my hike pushing on just past Knot Maul Branch Shelter to a campsite by a stream, where I ended up spending my first solo night on the trail. It was a little sketchy at first, like Jenny told me, but I quickly fell asleep and was comfortable with my surroundings.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

Hiked out rather early today in anticipation of potential rain. The rain began immediately as I reached the church on Rt. 52 where section hiker Coach was waiting for a ride from his wife. He offered me a ride to Bland, where I really had no business other than using the library or eating a big hot meal while waiting out the storm. Clearly I accepted his offer!The rain passed while I was eating lunch at a convenience store, and I found an easy hitch back to the trail to continue my day. I spent the afternoon listening to Bill Hicks and Louis C.K. which had me laughing all the way to Jenny Knob Shelter.I found a tentsite below the shelter, and set up just before dark. I got to call Jenny and we had a good laugh about the shelter name, and then quickly fell asleep.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

I was awoken from a deep sleep around 2AM to the most horrid sound I've ever heard. It had a scream bloody gore meets a cat hissing tone to it... making me think it was a mountain lion even though I knew there were none on the east coast. The sound was coming from what seemed to be 20 yards from my tent, so although I figured I would die in seconds, I decided to make some noise and shine my headlamp for dramatic affect. The creature apparently found this scary enough to back off, and it headed away continuing the horrific scream/growl.I was revisited by the kitty at 4AM and again at 5AM, when I finally realized I was in its path and should pack up and leave. I moved on without breakfast, and hiked to Trent's Grocery store about 7 miles away.The nice lady cooked me breakfast while I opened my two packages; one from my mom and one from Jenny. They both featured great meals and surprises, including Easter candy and whiskey!I then proceeded to hike out unsure of where I was to stay for the evening. I decided upon Woods Hole Hostel at the last minute, intrigued by the description in my guide book. Somehow Jenny knew I would be staying here as well, because when I arrived I was told there was trail magic waiting for me inside.Neville explained to me that Jenny had called earlier, and covered the expenses of my stay, my meals, and even a whirlpool bath and a 90 minute massage! This was amazing news, especially since I instantly fell in love with the hostel and would not mind spending a zero day here.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

What a wonderful day at Woodshole Hostel! It all started with a delicious breakfast, group yoga, and then a hot shower. After my shower I started laundry, and proceeded to have the most amazing massage ever. Thanks Neville!After the massage, I offered my services in the kitchen to prepare dinner. Neville thanked me, but I was more appreciative to get to play in a kitchen again. We prepared Mexican lasagna with no recipe, and everyone agreed that it turned out excellent! Homemade blueberry ice cream for desert was a nice finish to a great day of relaxing.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

As sad as I was to leave the hostel, it was time to continue my journey north. As soon as I headed back towards the trail the sky clouded over, and as I passed my first white blaze it began to rain. Luckily I only had a few miles to Pearisburg where I coudld dry off and resupply.As I approached the end of the ridge at Angels Rest, thunder and lightening surrounded me. I know there's not much to do as far as avoiding lightening strikes, but I know and exposed ridge is not the best location to find yourself in the situation. I was glad to finally head downhill after some close encounters with lightening strikes, and the storm calmed down as I approached town.I headed to Hardee's for lunch, and then DQ for desert where I met up with Sassafras and Hyperbole. I went to the gas station to resupply (they had nothing, so I left) and when I came out I was greeted with a dozen DD donuts! Meanwhile Squirrel and Listen were texting me from the trail, and apparently were in rough shape due to marathon drinking the day before. I promised a couple cans of soda, and after leaving Food Lion with my resupply I headed towards their location.I came upon their tent in the most depressing of situations. They made it all of a mile out of town and decided to set up tent and nap the afternoon away. This normally would be completely acceptable (I fully condone naps for any occasion), however I did not approve of the location. They were surrounded by a construction zone, a polluting factory, and an access road to the town landfill. I was glad to surprise them with donuts, soda, and helped them escape to a better location. We hiked about 5 miles up the trail, and although we could still hear the construction and smell the factory, it was starting to feel a bit more like home.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Campsite

To: The Captain's
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

We had a relatively late start leaving the campsite this morning, but were all feeling better about being back on the trail. Today's hike featured a beautiful ridge and we took a couple extended breaks to enjoy the view and the weather. I was sad to miss it, but Squirrel and Listen got to see a bear cub crossing the trail.Our original destination was Pine Swamp Branch shelter, but we arrived there and found out there was no tenting opportunities. We enjoyed the Twix and Gatorade provided by local section hikers and proceeded to the Captain's. We had a fun cruise over the zipline where we met Rabbit and the 4 barking dogs. There was a plethora of free soda of all varieties, so we each tried a few and then went to sleep full of sugar. Bizarre dreams commenced.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: The Captain's

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

This morning we had to say goodbye to our friend Rabbit, who decided to get off the trail for financial purposes. He will hopefully rejoin us further north once he saves some money, and I would love to hike with him again.After saying goodbye we headed back on the trail, much later than we wanted. It ended up being a very hot day so the breaks were long and frequent, and the hiking was a bit of a struggle. I always have a hard time adjusting to summer from winter/spring, and down south the transition seems to be more abrupt. We ended up at Laurel Creek Shelter which had to be the most crowded campsite I'd seen on the trail. The shelter was completely full, and there were already about 8-10 tents setup, totaling about 20 hikers not including the 3 of us. We found some cozy spots to pitch tents, and enjoyed the company of a few hikers I'd met at Woodshole before retiring.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: light rain

Luckily we got a much earlier start today than yesterday, especially considering the weather forecast for heavy rain. About midday my backpack began splitting down the middle, which was frustrating on many levels, but mostly since it had just began raining. Thanks to Senator and H2O's recommendation, I was able to make a shoelace-style repair which worked as a temp fix. My wonderful sister got on the horn with REI and arranged a replacement pack for me to be sent to Daleville.I was also running out of food at the time my backpack started to break, so this and the heavy rain tempted me to head to Daleville early and return to this section refreshed. I arranged for a shuttle to bring me to the hostel, from where I could get a ride to Daleville in the AM and everything would be better. After waiting for over an hour in the rain (drinking free soda with my friend Dino), I realized my shuttle would not be arriving and I headed to Pickle Branch Shelter for the night.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up in the pouring rain, and packed up early to try and make it to town as I had originally planned. Had an epic climb over Dragon's Tooth, which had some very steep and rocky terrain and was even more exciting thanks to the rain! I arrived at the hostel, was offered free beer, and waited for Joe to return from town. When he got there he apologized for last night's mishap (apparently a hiker hopped in his truck and he assumed it was me...) and brought me into town for free.I grabbed a room at the HoJo's and reunited with Gentle Spirit whom I hadn't seen since Hot Springs! I then grabbed lunch, showered, and relaxed for the evening. Nice to be dry!
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Daleville, VA

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

Spent all day in the shopping center bouncing around the UPS store, the outfitter, the coffee shop, the 3 Lil Pigs BBQ, and Krogers. Great food at the BBQ restaurant, including free banana pudding!! I was tempted to hike southbound back to the hostel since I got my backpack and resupply, but stayed in town due to the forecast for extreme thunderstorms which never hit.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Daleville, VA

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hopped in the shuttle back to Catawba and hit the trail refreshed, resupplied, and with my new pack! Today I got to see McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs which are regarded as the nicest places in VA, other than Grayson Highlands. I cooked up steak fajitas on McAfee Knob and enjoyed beautiful views, then proceeded to the cliffs where I stopped for snack and enjoyed even more beautiful views. I'm glad I got to see this section in nice weather!I arrived at Lamberts Meadow Shelter, and was tempted to push the extra 9.6 into town but realized it would be best to save it for morning. Enjoyed listening to Moxie play guitar, and would have joined in on percussion had I not been so tired! Found a great spot to tent next to the stream and crashed out quickly.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Curry Creek
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Had a super early start this morning and made it to town before 10am. I picked up my extra food bag at the motel, which I had to leave there since I purchased too much food and couldn't fit it all in my backpack! I planned to skip town all together, but was tempted by friends to have lunch at 3 Lil Pigs. Great food again, but definitely time to leave town before I spend more money!I hit the trail and stopped at Fullhardt Knob Shelter for afternoon snack. Minutes later Shy Bear showed up, who I hadn't seen for almost 200 miles! I was very happy to see him and we caught up as we hiked town to Curry Creek, where we found a sweet spot to camp for the night.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Curry Creek

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: clear sky

Shy Bear and I got an early start, as we were determined to catch Squirrel and Listen on their way to Waynesboro. Today we crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway several times and had nice views along the way. Pushed big miles and ended up at Bryant Ridge Shelter just as the sun set. It was nice to see Corduroy and his wife, a very nice German couple we hadn't seen since Franklin. Seems like ages ago!
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: clear sky

Shy Bear and I took off early today, and ran into our friend Moose at Cornelius Creek Shelter. He had apparently spent all afternoon and evening there, and enjoyed the shelter to himself. We hiked on with him and had a beautiful day of ridges and climbing up Apple Orchard mtn.Ironically, the trail magic we ran into was apple themed as well... cider and apples! I lost some steam in the afternoon and trailed behind the two, and when I reached Matt's Creek I was given a message. They pushed on to Glasgow to resupply, but I was all set and decided to stay. There was a nice couple with their 3 kids (one of which was 8 months old!) and their friend who I enjoyed dinner with. They fed me some delicious boxed wine and some rice, and we chatted until dark when I crawled into my tent. The wine hit me good!
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: U.S. Route 60
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: few clouds

After crossing the James River today, I reunited with Gentle Spirit yet again! He had just come from Glasgow with West, Violet, and Moose. Shy Bear was still in town with Trix and they were finalizing plans to get a rental car for Trail days in a couple weeks.We hiked on towards Rocky Row, where it started to rain heavily. We waited out the rain in Punchbowl Shelter, and I pressed on. Later down the trail Indiana and G caught up with me and suggested we go into town to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Mexican food happens to be my favorite, so I couldn't pass this up. We raced towards U.S. 60 to find a hitch before dark.Not 5 minutes after getting to the gap, a hammerhead (i.e. drunk driver) picks us up and brings us 10 miles down the mountain to Buena Vista. Glad to survive the trip, we thanked him ("I'll never forget you guys" he said) and ran into the Mexican restaurant. Obviously the place was packed for the holiday, but we were given a seat instantly and enjoyed a feast of fajitas and margaritas!Found another easy hitch back to town at the gas station, even though it was late at night and our chances were unlikely. We got back to the trail around 10pm, and were too tired to hike on so we decided to camp in the parking lot.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: U.S. Route 60

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

We were awoken early in the morning to the tongues and tales of two very friendly (and wet) dogs. After cuddling with them and trying to go back to sleep, we decided to call the owners and demanded breakfast or drinks as ransom for their dogs. He brought Dr. Pepper, which was just fine for us!We headed on the trail, and I noticed my body was a little fatigued from pushing big days in the heat the last few days. Since I was getting off the trail to visit Jenny in a couple days, I decided to grab a hitch from Montebello and finish this section after my break.I was quickly picked up by a couple painters who had just finished painting a cabin down the road. They told me I would never find a ride to Waynesboro on this road, but luckily the driver was heading in that direction and was nice enough to bring me to town... he also bought me a beer for the road!I got into town and checked into the motel. Still a little fatigued but feeling better, I headed to the Chinese Buffet for dinner and crashed out for the night.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a nice zero day in Waynesboro. Ran into G, Indiana, and Redwood who apparently hiked all day and night to get to town this morning... over 55 miles!I spent some time at the library updating journals, and crashed in G and Redwood's room on the floor. Ate more Chinese food and enjoyed a couple beers; very relaxing!
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had amazing burritos at the Taco truck in town with Redwood, then he and G hit the trail and I made my way to the hotel where Jenny and I would be staying. Got a hitch relatively easy, and checked in around 4pm.After showering and getting laundry done (trying to tidy up for Jenny!), I headed to Outback for dinner. Talked to a couple locals and some truckers about my trip... apparently this side of town isn't as familiar with the trail and they were all amazed people wanted to hike this far! I heard live music when I left the restaurant, so I went next door to the Mexican Restaurant where there was a very good band playing. It's great to be hearing live music after being on the trail; definitely something I'm starting to miss.After they finished I went back to the hotel and patiently waited for Jenny to come in after her long drive from NJ. Very excited to see her!
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Grayson Highlands
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Jenny and I woke up and enjoyed first and second breakfast at the hotel, then ventured out towards the Grayson Highlands. This is an area she's always wanted to visit, and since it's been my favorite section of the trail I would love to go back! We grabbed food at Wal Mart and were on our way.It was great being back at the Highlands, and even though the weather was overcast it was just as beautiful as I remembered. There were even more ponies this time, and they were more friendly than when I was there last month. We headed to Thomas Knob Shelter, and although we planned to tent, the rain and wind chose the shelter for us.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Grayson Highlands

To: Winston-Salem, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Had a beautiful hike out of the Highlands this morning, and headed to Damascus for breakfast at the Blue Blaze. There was a town-wide yard sale extravaganza going on so it was a bit crowded. After breakfast we ran into Sweet Meat, a friend from the trail I hadn't seen since Unicoi Gap in GA on day 6!Our plans for the weekend had altered, and we decided to surprise my mother with a visit on mother's day. She was in Pinehurst, NC visiting my grandmother so we headed south from Damascus to be close to Pinehurst the next day. I got to drive from Damascus to Winston-Salem, and it was very nice to be behind the wheel again!
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Winston-Salem, NC

To: Danville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My mom was thoroughly surprised to see me today! We had a great visit with her and my grandmother, and after a few hours we decided to head north back to VA. We landed in Danville, and had delicious mexican food for dinner. I got to do some more driving which was fun for me, and Jenny didn't mind taking a break since she had driven over 6 hours to see me.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Danville, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Today we visited my friends David and Diane, and their 4 lovely dogs. We had a great lunch with them and headed back to Waynesboro for the night before Jenny has to go back to NJ and I continue on the trail. We had dinner at Ming Garden with Squirrel, Listen, and Listen's brother... then went bowling! I embarrassed myself twice by failing to break 100 both games, but we had a blast either way!
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

It was hard to say goodbye to Jenny, but very nice to be back on the trail at the same time. She will be down Memorial Day weekend so luckily I will see her again soon.I had a nice hike this afternoon over Spy Rock and The Priest, and ran into Gandalf at Tye River where he was drinking beers and swimming with some locals. I hung out there for a while and headed to Harpers Creek Shelter, where I showed up late and found one of the few remaining tent spots to sleep on.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a strange day! Other than the brother and sister I talked to for breakfast, and again during my break at Maupin Field Shelter, I saw absolutely no one on the trail for 10 hours. There was also very little visibility today due to thick fog, so it was a very unusual day. Luckily there were some people at Paul C. Wolfe Shelter, since the day was starting to pick up an Apocalyptic vibe towards the end.
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 5.0

Threw down a bagel with PB and headed off early to resupply in Waynesboro with intentions of not sticking around considering how much down time I've had lately...Unfortunately my shuttle driver informed me of the torrential rain forcasted for the afternoon and overnight, so I opted to stay in town. Luckily there was a live band playing across the street tonight so I got to enjoy music. The Spot is a cool venue with local art displayed everywhere... reminded me of Portland ME!
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Campsite

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 9.3

After a solid 3 hours of drunken sleep on the side of the trail, Cow Girl and I decided to pack up camp and move on. She had her heart set on staying in a motel room, and made reservations to confirm it.Today was beautiful, particularly the hike through the boardwalk and footbridge. NJ has had some of the best hiking since VA! We enjoyed donuts at Heaven Hill Farm, which are possibly the best donuts in the world. A local offered us a ride to the motel, where we ordered pizza and I instantly crashed into a solid nap.Ramen Shaman, Cheez-It, and Sheila showed up and we had a full house with a doggie party! I'm glad to be around canines again, and it makes me more excited to bring Victor on the trail in NH and ME!
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Grabbed a half dozen donuts at Heaven Hill Farm to share with Cow Girl, Ramen Shaman, and Cheez-It before hitting the trail this morning. Today would be full of hot sun and steep climbs so I thought donuts would help; they did.The terrain is very similar to New England, with short and steep climbs and much less switchbacks than we'd seen in the south. After readjusting to the difference, I'm glad to be facing more challenges again. New Jersey has been beautiful, and entering New York was just as pretty until I noticed the increase of trash and broken glass.Met Paddy-O at the Wildcat shelter and was given a tasty bottle of Gatorade. He's a past thru-hiker and now provides trail magic as he hikes sections through the season.