morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Near Harrison Spring

To: S of Bluff Mt
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Prior to starting our AT hike we found a good resource: atweather.orgThis site lists the shelters by state and gives a 7 day weather forecast. We have found that it is fairly accurate for the next 24-48 hours. When we can get a signal we usually check it out and when we can't we just shrug and say 'weather, it is what it is'.We can't change it and for the most part we are going to hike on. Lately 'it is what it is' has been a lot of nightly rain. Last night was no different.   Soon after we got set up it started to rain. It poured off and on through the night.   The wind was blowing hard again but for the most part we stayed dry and warm.By hiking time it was still raining so we delayed our start but it just kept raining, so eventually we had to suck it up, put on the rain gear and head out into the cold morning. It didn't take long until the sun was shining and we were shedding layers.Most of our morning was spent in a long descent down to the James River. We had some nice views of the river from the ridgeline on both the north and south side. It was one of those days where the weather couldn't decide what it wanted to do. We were in and out of our rain gear 6 or 7 times.We were continually trying to guess our next move and usually we were wrong. If we put our gear on, the rain stopped. If we waited to see if it would continue to rain before putting on our gear then we got wet and cold. If we left our rain gear on we got hot on the climbs. It seemed like we couldn't get it right today. We had some nice hiking along Rocky Creek before we began the ascent up to Little Rocky Row. On the way up we got caught in a hailstorm. The sky to the east had darkened over the next ridgeline. The sky was a beautiful indigo in color.As we approached Big Rocky Row dark clouds formed behind us and loud claps of Thunder resounded over our heads. That sealed our fate. We stopped short of Bluff Mt and called it a day. We didn't want to chance getting caught in a storm on top of Bluff. We were hoping to get past Punchbowl Shelter but it wasn't to be. The weather is what it is and today we had to know when to fold em.The sky is still dark the thunder has passed but we are out of water so it is a dry camp tonight. No dinner, just some snacks. Hoping for a truly dry night for a changeWill
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Tye River

To: Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is Sunday, and that may account for it, but it seems like we saw a lot of trail runners and a lot of dogs to accompany them. I think we saw 10 or 12 but part of them appeared to be some sort of running club.We climbed for 6 miles and did 3,000 feet of elevation gain in that 6 miles. You are either hiking up or down on this trail, but you like a little down with your up if you can get it.At our third break, where the trail was surrounded by pricey homes and a roadway we got to encounter a little bit of wild life. Just as we walked away from break Will spotted a little black and white critter known commonly as a skunk. It was right on the trail and laying down at a sort of odd angle.   It appeared that it might be injured. We weren't sure, but Will said he'd already been sprayed once by a skunk and that was enough for one life time.We looked at our options for steering clear and then skirted wide to the left. The skunk moved his head a bit but never got up and showed a stuck up tail to us. For some reason that very old song ' There's a Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road' got stuck in my head. So I looked up the lyrics.Crossing the highway late last nightHe shoulda looked left and he shoulda looked rightHe didn't see the station wagon carThe skunk got squashed and there you areYou got your dead skunk in the middle of the roadDead skunk in the middle of the roadDead skunk in the middle of the roadStinking to high heavenTake a whiff on me, that ain't no roseRoll up your window and hold your noseYou don't have to look and you don't have to see'Cause you can feel it in your olfactoryYou got your dead skunk in the middle of the roadDead skunk in the middle of the roadDead skunk in the road.... Well, you get the picture except I only knew the chorus and I changed it to 'dead skunk in the middle of the trail '.It's interesting, we keep passing these old, long loose rock fences. Will thinks they are a remnant of the civil war. I need to look that up. We saw many more rock walls that were more complete.   They are never very high, just under waist high I would estimate. I picture confederate soldiers lying behind them in ambush as the union men advance up the hill. Watch out for the evil roots! I tell them. Well, it is MY imagination so I guess I can tell them that if I want to.We had some nice views today along the way and near the Hump Back Mountain. We have the town scene on our mind, so we were both willing to hike a bit longer today to get closer to Waynesboro, VA where we plan to take a full zero. Much needed I will add. So it will be no surprise if I tell you we made it to our destination at the camping area near the Wolfe Shelter in our headlamps.   There's a great spot here, flat and off to the side of a bubbly creek which will be a nice white noise for sleeping tonight. I'm sure our dreams will all be of the calorie laden town food that we are soon to be having. So I'd better hurry off to bed to see what I'm having tomorrow! Catch you later!Road Runner
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, Va.
Miles today: 5.0

We slept great next to the babbling creek. It was so great to wake up and put on our hiking clothes and actually feel warm. We are grateful for the little things that we usually take for granted. Warmth, sunlight.We climbed a couple of hundred feet. My body had already shut down and was in rest mode. We had a very easy 5 miles to the road where we could catch a ride in to Waynesboro. We shed a few layers on the way in and were down to our hiking shirts. RR had us to the road in no time.One of the cool things about Waynesboro is that there is a list of townspeople who offer AT hikers free shuttles. We tried a couple from the road but either no answer or no availability today. That is when Lynn pulled up in her stripped down van. She had been out hiking a section of the AT with her cousin. She asked if we were OK. We told her no problem, we were just trying to get a ride in to town. She offered us a ride if we didn't mind riding in her van. There were no seats in back. RR hopped in the front seat and I laid down in the back on her makeshift bed which consisted of a couple of Neoairs and a sleeping bag. She drove us to the Quality Inn and then on to the laundromat. Once again a huge thanks to Lynn for going out of her way to help. Call it what you will, karma or you reap what you sow, or Jungian synchronicity or the Universe provides or a graced life, but it has happened to us far too many times to be purely coincidence. When we are in need on the trail, an answer comes from some kind hearted soul. Oftentimes before we can even ask. It is magical and that is why we call it Trail Magic.We picked up a piza for lunch and hunkered down for a much needed rest. Both RR and I are running on empty, RR more so than me. The cold nights, rainy mornings and blustery days have tapped out our reserves. We are considering a full zero tomorrow on top of today's nero. We have some business to take care of, we want to catch up on our journal and most of all we want to give RR's leg a chance to heal before heading to Shenandoah NP. We don't want to feel rushed, so we are going to eat and sleep and rest and then rest some more. We will see you back on trail in another couple of daysWill
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Waynesboro, Va.

To: Waynesboro, Va.
Miles today: 0.0

Today we took a full zero day!That means no hiking at all. Zero. So I didn't think you would mind if I slipped in this very cute picture of our one and only grandson. William Tyler. He goes by Will for short sometimes. He calls me Nana and he calls his grandpa Will 'Bahpa'. Close enough when you are only 1 1/2 right? He is so darn cute! And we already have plans to take him backpacking when he gets old enough of course. But back to today. I went to the outfitter to get some insoles for my shoes. I was driven by a very kind trail angel from Waynesboro.   Which I very much appreciated. We went out to eat twice, we worked on strategies for our hike. I lounged around and even took a nap! It has been a true Zero day and I not only loved it. I really needed it. So I think I'll be ready and rearing to go tomorrow. Catch you later! Road Runner
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Waynesboro, Va.

To: N of Browns Gap
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: broken clouds

We had a restful stay in Waynesboro.   Our day started inauspiciously. We had arranged a shuttle ride back to the trail but our driver never showed. By the time we figured out our problem, it was a later start to our day than we had hoped for. We headed out to the road to hitch back to the trail.   A local carpenter who was heading out for a day's work in Charlottesville gave us a ride to the trail.   He had hiked a few sections with his two teenage sons.We got our permit for Shenandoah NP at the self registration kiosk and we were on our way. We climbed about 1200 feet to some communication towers. Spring hasn't arrived at the park yet. The oaks and hardwoods were bare, they had just started to bud. Most of our day was spent in the forest, every once in awhile we would walk through some pines for a nice change of scenery.The terrain was fairly easy and the tread was sweet. There was a relative paucity of rocks jutting out on the trail and those evil roots that RR has been ranting about were not a problem.   It was nice to be able to stride out and take in the views without having to worry about tripping. Blue skies and shortsleeve temps made for a real good day of hiking. We intersected and crossed Skyline drive a number of times today. Being that it was midweek, we didn't see many hikers.We cooked our dinner at Blackrock Hut which had a nice spring gushing from a pipe and then headed up and around Blackrock Summit. I had a little trouble navigating around this area as I got us going down a side trail for about a hundred yards. The light powder blue blazes looked white to my color blind eyes. RR got us straightened out but not before I argued that we were on the AT.   Disaster averted.We bumped into Christmas Tree at the hut, he survived a very cold night at the Priest shelter, but he said that he was cold all night. We hiked past Browns Gap and bumped into Tenderfoot a thruhiker that we hadn't seen before.We found a nice flat spot, called it a day and set up camp as the sun was setting. All in all, a pretty good start to our hike in Shenandoah Will
Date: 2016-04-14
From: N of Browns Gap

To: N of Pocosin Cabin
Miles today: 29.0

It was nice to wake up this morning, we were perhaps a bit chilly but not frozen like little popsicles. This was a refreshing change. AND it wasn't raining or snowing either, so that was a real plus.Nature provided quite a Symphony as we walked along.   The woodpeckers played the percussion, the bigger the log, the deeper the sound. The songbirds added the woodwinds, with multiple different melodies being played by them simultaneously.   The owls got involved too, and I guess it was a song by 'The Who' because they kept bringing them up. If the pack of coyotes that I heard last night had stuck around until this morning, they could have added their howling great harmonies.And sometimes, this beautiful harmony of nature is joined by the graceful dance moves of the leaves. I love to watch this!   The large oak leaves are lying on the forest floor and then a swirling wind comes along and scoops up 40 or 50 leaves and they dance around and around in a circle, going ever higher until the wind loses it's breath and they are once again settled gently on the forest floor.It's pretty cool being serenaded by wildlife. It just seems to burst out of them in a sort of joi de vivre. They don't need anyone to stoke their egos, tell them how wonderful they are or go to their concerts to make them feel good about themselves.   They just sing because they love to sing.I've spent so much time talking about my wild nature concert that I'm going to just give you a quick synopsis of our hiking day. We did a short climb and then traversed around the Loft Mountain Campground. After which we dropped down to Ivy Creek where we picked up some water.   Then we climbed up to Weaver Mountain and we dropped down to Simmons Gap. We wanted to hit a campground for dinner but accidentally blew by it. A hiker named Turtle came by as we ate by the side of the trail. Throughout the day we crossed Skyline Drive 5 or 6 different times. At the end of our day we grabbed water by the Pocosin cabin.   And now we have found a campsite nearby and have settled in for the night. Catch you later! Road Runner
Date: 2016-04-15
From: N of Pocosin Cabin

To: N of US 211
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We stayed warm, slept great and awakened to clear skies and a beautiful sunrise. We had another great day for hiking, cool in the morning and warming in the afternoon but it never got too hot. If we started to warm, we climbed a bit, the temp cooled and we caught a nice breeze. We couldn't ask for better weather the past 3 days. And to think we were freezing and almost blown off the mountain a few days ago.This morning we hiked past the Lewis Mt Campground on undulating terrain. We ran into the N Virginia Hiker's Club as they were out celebrating one of their members 70th birthday.We had easy hiking all morning. The highlight of the morning was breakfast at Big Meadows Wayside. A wayside is basically a restaurant, gift shop and campstore. We both had a big stack of pancakes with blackberry syrup which provided plenty of fuel for the afternoon hike. We picked up some food and we were on our way.In the afternoon we made our way past the Franklin Cliffs and Stony Man Cliffs which both offered great views to the valley below and the same farm we have been seeing for the last 300 miles. The drop rivaled those back at Tinker Cliffs and McAfee Knob minus the ledges.We had dinner at the Pinnacles Picnic area and then hiked over the Pinnacle and around Mary Rock Overlook. We started a long downclimb but couldn't find a decent campsite until we crossed US 211.Another great day of hiking. Not much spring like activity in the park yet but it won't be long before the trees start leafing out with these temps and the abundant sunshine. We have seen plenty of deer. We didn't meet any thruhikers today. Tomorrow we will hit another wayside and then try to get as close to Front Royal where we plan on a quick in and out of town resupply. Will
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: S Boundary Sky Meadows State Park
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

We set up our tent below the shelter last night.   It was a quiet night but when I went to get our food bags from the bear pole this morning in the dark, I could hear the snoring at 25 yards. This is just one of the many reasons we don't sleep in the shelters. We had a quick and easy 3 miles to US 522 where we hitched in to Front Royal. The first car that came along picked us up. It was none other than Smokey an AT and PCT veteran. He was heading out for his golf game.   He quit smoking cold turkey on the first day of his 94 AT hike, thus the name Smokey.He dropped us off at the Food Lion where we picked up a couple of days of food to get us to Harper's Ferry.   We then headed over to the Front Royal Diner where we had a big breakfast and then it was a hitch back to the trail.   It was a relatively quick resupply but from trail to trail, I would estimate that we were off trail 3 hours. That could mean anywhere from 6-10 miles depending on the terrain. As we hiked along the creek less than a mile from the road, we saw our first bear. It saw us first and left the creek running up the hillside. We hiked to the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter where we took an extended break. The Potomac AT was out refurbishing the shelter.   Great job gang and once again a huge thanks to the many volunteers who maintain the trail.   Very well marked.RR hopped in the solar shower for a sponge bath while I relaxed and supervised the workers. The Potomac ATC has some of the best, cleanest and most nicely maintained shelters that we have seen. We left Shenandoah NP yesterday.   It was probably the easiest stretch of hiking on the AT so far. We also noted today that as we descended to lower elevation that spring has once again taken hold. The oaks and maples are leafing out. The Dogwoods and Redbuds are in bloom. And there is a plethora of wildflowers, white, yellow and purple, lining the trail.It was another perfect day for hiking: cool morning, warm afternoon, blue skies, nice breeze.We have had great weather since we left Waynesboro.   I have especially enjoyed hiking in the late afternoon to early evening. The light is golden. I seem to catch a second wind and I feel strong. There are nights when I feel like I could just keep going but eventually I stop due to darkness or as the case may be tonight, the State Park boundary sign which prohibits camping outside the campground.So that's it for today. We are cowboy camping under a nearly full moon south of the boundary marker for Sky Meadows SP. The moonlight is really bright. Something we wouldn't notice in the artificial light of the city. I have to cover my eyes or wear my sunglasses to fall asleep. Warmer temps tonight. Should make for a comfortable night of sleep.Will
Date: 2016-04-18
From: S Boundary Sky Meadows SP

To: N of Raven Rocks
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning got off to a rather rough, and therefore later start. I went to bed last night with what I thought was a sinus headache and was awakened at around 2am with a raging migraine headache. I lay there struggling with it for a while, and then decided I might as well hike in pain as lay there in pain. Will offered to carry my food bag to reduce my pack weight and I gratefully let himBut it was 7:15am before we got on the trail which is late by our standards.   We went through the Sky Meadows State Park. The tread was nice and the grade was gentle which worked for me.After we left the state land we were met with a sign that said 'Warning, you are now entering the Roller Coaster section of the AT. Enter at your own risk'No, it didn't really say enter at your own risk, I just added that for effect. But we have been hearing about this section of trail like it was something to fear. There were a lot of ups and downs, but also some traverse and on the flat. Maybe because we have our trail legs it wasn't horrible.   Although the heat made it tougher, it was supposed to get up to 80* today. So as the summer heats up I can see how the Roller Coaster section could be brutal.We passed a tree that had a wooden sign that read "1,000". Pretty cool! We have hiked 1,000 miles! We each had our picture taken by the tree with the sign.We kept our eyes peeled for the sign to the Bears Den Hostel.   This hostel is quite famous on the trail. Also known as the rock castle. It is owned by the ATC. It was formerly owned by a Dr. and donated by his family after the parents passed. It is a super cool hostel with lots of history, built in 1933; it is all geared for through hikers.We hoped to take a much needed shower and wash our clothes, also much needed.   Well, we got the shower, so 1 out of 2 ain't bad. We also got a frozen pizza and some ice cream. There was a computer, tv, movies. It was just a really great vibe. If you're hiking the AT and you want to give a hostel a pass, it should not be this one. Once we finished up there, we hiked on. We wanted to make Harper's Ferry by tomorrow so we needed some more miles.   Around 7:30 pm we started looking for somewhere to pitch our tent. Well, Will found a spot on a rock ledge. Great view.   Can't pitch our tent, it's rock, so we are cowboy camping. It's finally warm enough to do that.Made it through this migraine day but I'm glad to be tucking in for the night.   Going to bed now. Catch you later! Road Runner
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Warner Gap Hollow

To: US 16 Waynesboro, Pa.
Miles today: 8.6

The trail has changed for us over the last week as we approached Harpers Ferry.   We had a great deal of solitude and had seen relatively few hikers. As we got closer to HF we started to see some SoBo flip floppers and then the last couple of days we began meeting the NoBo flipfloppers. Last weekend there was a flip flop party at the ATC. About 40 hikers attended.We met the Wanna Bs a day or two ago. They are from Texas and we only chatted for a short time. I like their name.   Bottom line, we are all wanna Bs.Further up the trail I met a young lady who appeared to be a bit exasperated by the rocky tread. I didn't have the heart to tell her that this is some of the easiest terrain that we have encountered.   I tried to encourage her to keep going at her own pace and that if she stuck with it, her hike would get better.Later in the day I came up on a guy who was obviously struggling; out of shape with a pack that was too heavy. I tried to strike up a conversation but the first thing he said was that unless Maine got a lot closer, he would never make it by winter. It made me feel a bit sad. He seemed already defeated.The flip floppers have only been on trail for a few days. I feel for them. The reality of what a thruhike entails can be a bit overwhelming initially . For some, their dreams have already come crashing down; crushed by weighty packs, gnarly tread and aching feet. I remember early on in Georgia on a few of the long steep climbs, my immediate goal was to make it to the next white blaze, just keep going to the next white blaze, blaze to blaze. Eventually if you are a wanna B, it all starts to come together: body, mind, spirit. Fusion. In that process, we move from wanna B to affirmation.   I can, I will. Hike On.Today we hiked to US 16 and hitched into Waynesboro Pa.In a short period of time we have moved through Virginia to West Virginia to Maryland and across the Mason Dixon line to Pennsylvania. We are ready for a rest day. I have gone from having absolutely no feet issues for 1000 miles to my feet are at times killing me over the last two days. Not sure if it the heat causing my feet to swell, the rocks, or my orthotics going bad or all of the above but I need a rest. Looking forward to a day off. Back on trail sometime tomorrow. I'll close tonight with something I saw on a poster at the ATC.   I liked it and it kind of sums up what this hike is all about.'The journey is the destination'.Will