morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Jenny Knob

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Good nite sleep and up at 6:45. Still no appetite. Packed up and headed out by 9 before the rest of the crowd. Had a minor 800' climb but the trail was smooth and gradual. Kept a steady pace and didn't stop. Trail was very typical with ups and downs. Weather was sunny but not hot.Arrived at Trent's Grocery at 11:35. Had their double cheeseburger and chocolate Milk. Lots of the hikers came into have lunch, resupply, and do laundry. Headed back on the trail at 1. Took the side trail to Dismal Falls but didn't try swimming. It seemed cold.Once on the trail there were many stream crossing and lots of foot bridges.Got to the shelter at 4:10 but the shelter was full. Lots of tent spots which was good because there were 9-10 tenters and 4 hammock hikers. Had some ginger tea for dinner. I carried too much food out of Atkins even if I was eating it. Back is really sore from the broken pack. Look at my mileage for the last month. I've done 6 20 mile days and 3 19 miles.Still not feeling well. Hopefully resting at Woods Hole will help. Will try to leave early to beat the crowd to Woods Hole.Bed by 9.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 6 and on the trail by 6:40. Trail was down hill but had some rocky sections. Arrived at Woods Hole Hostel at 10. All the private rooms were taken but I got a good bunk spot. My mail drop and pack had arrived.Repacked my new pack. Went thru my mail drop and decided on what to send home. Will be returning half the food, my pack and some winter items. Had one of their great smoothies, got my laundry done and just relaxed. This hostel is the greatest. Sodas and snacks, computer use, Great meals and comfortable beds.Dinner was salad and stir fry. Only ended up eating some of the stir fry since my appetite wasn't good. This was one of their busier nites with 39 people for dinner. Bed by 8. Very comfortable
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 7. Took Shower and had breakfast. Still couldn't eat but breakfast was scrambled eggs, peach cobbler with grains, and fruit. Talked with Neville who suggested I take the shuttle to town to the clinic to get checked. So I went to Pearisburg with 4 others and got seen at the clinic. Service was quick and I was in and out in 1 hour. Got antibiotics then headed to Walmart to get the prescription filled. While waiting ran into Neville,so I had my ride back. Picked up some food and other items and got back at 1.Spent the rest of the day relaxing.Dinner was salad and lasagna. Which I eat quite a bit. Maybe I'm feeling better.Tonight there were only 32 people.Bed by 10
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Glad I was in the Hostel since at 1 am the rains came hard. Up at 7 but no appetite. Had some tea and yogurt. Decided to stay another day to let my body recover. Took a nap and just relaxed the whole day.Had some homemade bread for lunch. and a smoothie. Help a German Hiker determine how to get to Harpers Ferry by public transportation. Songbird and Bypass and their relatives arrived today.Had Mexican for dinner. Tortilla, beans, meat, rice and peppers. Ate it all and had Peach ice cream for desertFeeling better. Worth the extra day rest.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Rice Field
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Had a rough nite. I think the beans and peppers for dinner gave me stomach bloating. Bad stomach cramps and couldn't sleep. Finally got to sleep at 2 but up at 7:30. Feeling better but still not ready for a big breakfast. Had tea, peanut butter and bread. Visited with Songbird and Bypass and Neville. Neville took over the hostel in 2010.I was ready to leave at 9 but my Garmin was low on battery. I had accidently turned it on when I went to town. Spend 1 1/2 hours waiting for a charge. This was a great stay since I'm feeling better, rested, and stronger. Worry about the water access today.Left at 10:30 and on the trail at 10:40. The trail was uphill but rocky. Felt strong going up. Pack felt better with less low back pressure. Some Rhododendrum in bloom on the climb up. Got to Doc Knob at 11:30. Water source was not the best so I continued on. Eating my gorp for energy. Got to the power line with great views of the valley. Had lunch at 1 of tuna sandwich.   Called home since I finally had reception.There were campsites past the powerline including one at Angel Rest. The trail then became rocky. Arrived at Lane St in Pearisburg at 4:10. Lost the trail but headed to the intersection to see if I could get water. There was a Ford dealer there which let me fill up my water bottles and gave me directions to the trail. From exiting the woods you turn left then cut across the yard. It then winds into the wood on a very overgrown path. You exit the woods then cross the New River on a major bridge before going down under the bridge. This is an area they are going to be rerouting. Got momentarily lost after crossing a gravel road before entering the woods on a rocky trail.Again I've been hiking all day alone without anyone around. At 5:30 started the climb up Brush Mountain? Did not find the stream or water source. I was running out of water. Crested the hill at 6:30 out of water but the next shelter was close. The trail was then grassy field. Arrived at shelter at 7:30 Only one other hiker, Aloha long sleeves. Set up tent, got water down the hill and made dinner. Did not eat much. Watched the great sunset. Bed by 9. Affirmed arrived shortly after. A good day with one major uphill which I handled well. Pack feels better. Surprised I didn't see anyone on the trail or at the shelter.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Rice Field

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 7 but stayed in my bag till 8:45. Was not too cold last evening. Had breakfast of granola and up the trail at 9:45. Affirmed came in last nite later so there were only 3 at this shelter. Trail crossed the open field. Stopped at the campsite 1 1/2 mile away to get 3 liters of water.Trail was flat and smooth so I could keep a good pace. Had lunch at 1 of 2 tuna sandwiches. Found a nice rock to rest on and relax. Pack is improved without discomfort just heavy. Trail was mostly in the trees but with an occasional view of West Virginia.Uphill from Dickerson Gap then the very steep descent to Pine Swamp Shelter. Passed many sections and weekend hikers on the trail. Affirmed and 2 ladies from Canada were at the shelter. There was a sign about a hiker breakfast at VA 635 tommorrow from 4-7. I will miss this event by 1 day.There was nice campsites at the Stony Creek Bridge. Then it was slow going up the mountain. Filled my water .2 miles from the shelter. Arrived at Bailey Gap shelter at 6:20. Not many tent spots, really only 2-3. A section hiker came in to have dinner and stay. Set up my tent, bear bagged and starting cooking. Ran out of fuel but the section hiker let me use his stove. Ramen with tuna, very good. Affirmed arrived and set up his tent.Many of the hikers I was with previously are now 1-2 days ahead of me. Still mostly hiking alone. Strange being at shelter/campsites with so few people. In bed by 9. Feeling better and getting my appetite back.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 7:45, breakfast of granola and on the trail at 9:20. Slow going this morning. As usual the trail was smooth then turned rocky.   Arrived at Wind Rock at 11:45. Nice campsites with great view of the valley. Did not see any water sources but I had enough to get to the shelter.Got to War Spur shelter at 1 and had lunch of 3 tuna sandwiches. Appetite definitely improving. Left at 2:20 - long lunch and rest before the long climb. Hard Head stopped for lunch. He is getting off in Newport for a zero.Trail from the shelter was flat and downhill until Johns Creek. The trail then started up but was gradual until the last 1/2 mile when it climbed very steeply. Crested the mountain at 4. The downhill was very steep but I thought I could still make Sarver Hollow shelter. It was very rocky and had many large trees to climb over. Arrived at Bailey Gap at 5:10.Affirmed and Forester were there. Got water and decided to stay. I was tired and sore. Limited tent sites but found a good one and set up. Mad dinner of cheese, ramen, and tuna. Bushwacker and Safety First stopped by on the way to Newport. They were off the trail in Hampton for 3 days to recover.Campsite filling up with 3 in the shelter and 7-8 tents. Feeling good but a little disappointed with only doing 14 but felt good about stopping. In tent by 8. Seeing more hikers but new ones.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Up at 6:45 but stayed in bed till 7:45 Last to leave the shelter as usual. Trail was smooth in the woods until it went into farmland and pastures. Past a mule deer in the brush. Got 2 ticks on my socks which I took off.Did a timed photo at Keffer Oak. Trail continued on up the pasture to the powerline when it went up the hill.   Bruiser Knob had many formed rock piles which was not random. Got to Sarver Hollow shelter but realized it was .4 mile off trail down a steep hill. Started to go get water but figured it was not worth it. Had lunch of tuna. Call home. and left at 1. The trail then turned interesting. It was on the ridgeline with hugh boulder to negotiate. Had miscalculated my distance and was running out of water. Arrived at the shelter at 3:35. Got water and drank 1 1/2 bottles. Made dinner of Ramen and hickory smoked rice. Ate it all. Wasn't sure what to do. I'd only done 12 miles but I decided I was tired and needed more water. Affirmed and Forester were also here. I've been meeting them at the shelter but been hiking alone. Bushwacker and Safety First stopped by for dinner and headed out. Was a warm night so I kept the tent flaps up. Had a decent day but tired quickly. Was a warm day again maybe in the 80s. Would have liked to go further but campsites and water sources are quetionable.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Niday Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Slow start again. Up at 6 but not on the trail till 8. Filter my water for the day ahead. Got trail magic at Va 621 of gatorade and chocolate chip cookies. Then started the ascent of Brush Mountain 1400' in 2.4 miles. The trail was gradual and so what easy. Arrived at the summit at 10 to be met by Sprout, a 2011 thru hiker, who had cokes, cookies and delicious breakfast burritos. Had 3 and a coke. Boardman from Chicago arrived to also get his trail magic. What a treat.The trail was then a flat forest service road. Took the side trail to the Audie Murphy Memorial. The trail turned rocky but was smooth. Got to Trout Creek. Boardman was already there. Got water then started a gradual climb. Stopped for lunch then the trail became challenging for .3 mile to Dragon's tooth. Big rocks and rocky trail. Arrived at Dragon's tooth at 3:05. There were 5 section hikers there. Took my picture then started down.This was the most difficult part of the trail. Hand holds on the rocks with major descents. Very slow going.Arrived at Va 624 at 4:50 and headed to 4 Pines Hostel. An interesting place. A 3 car gargage with cots, shower, sofas, table and all. The hostel appeared full so I ended up tenting. Got the shuttle to the local convenience store with 7 others. Had 1/4 pizza, bbq, 2 hot dogs and Ice tea. Have my appetite back. Long wait to return since everyone was ordering pizza.Called home. Wife is having difficulty due to an infestation of ants in the shop.Sat and watch others playing Cornhole.Bed by 10. but not to sleep till midnight due to music and talking.Virginia has been interesting the trail had up and down but is not flat. There seemed to be lots of rocks especially at higher elevations. There are flat sections but not as many as people have described
Date: 2014-05-29
From: HoJo Express Daleville

To: HoJo Express
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 7 and decide to stay another nite since I had to resupply, do laundry and check at the outfitters.Got laundry started while eating breakfast. Called my South Carolina friend who will be meeting me in Buena Vista. Discussed our meeting up and when and where. Finished laundry. Sorted out my pack and repacked since I was going to the outfitters to check the fit.Wife called about my next mail drop. Discussed what I needed and what I don't. She also told me about an updated article in the latest local paper.Headed down the road to the grocery store and outfitters. Had my pack checked which actually is the right fit. Without food and water it weighted 25#. They didn't have the pack I was interested in but he showed me some other ones but it didn't feel right. We then went thru my pack and decide what I needed and didn't. He recommended losing my fleece shirt and sleeping bag. Which I will probably do in 2 weeks. This will save me 3-4 pounds.Resupplied at the grocery with lots of snacks and some lunch items. Returned to room to have my left over slaw and ribs and tea. Updated my journal and relaxed. Ate at Pizza Hut tonight having a BBQ pizza and head out tomorrow.Probably good to rest today plus it looked like it rained in the mountain.Have 5-6 days to get to Buena Vista then will be slowing the pace with friends only doing about 55 miles in 6 days. But will start out with a big climb
Date: 2014-05-30
From: HoJo Express

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Good nite rest up at 7:15. Breakfast of bannanas and left over pizza. Checked out and ran into Songbird and Bypass who had just arrived. Left at 10. Weather was cooler in the 70s. Trail wandered into the woods next to the major highways eventually going under I80. Arrived at Fullhardt Shelter at noon, very fast pace today.Had lunch and got water leaving at 12:50. Trail was again smooth and flat. Stopped at Curry Creek to get more water. Stopped at Wilson Creek for a snack and decided to continue to Bobbletts Creek. It was 6 miles and it was only 3:30.The trail turned into a forest service type road that ran next to the Blue Ridge parkway. There were some minor climbs but kept up the pace. Weather was breezy but no rain. Got to Bobblets Gap Shelter at 6:20. 18 mile day in 8 1/2 hours. Shelter was .2 mile downhill from the trail. Limited tent spots but I found one. There were probably 12-14 others there. Made dinner and bed by 9. Good day. Meet up with lots of hikers I haven't seen in a while. Weather is still very good.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke at 7 but stayed in my tent till 8:45. Everyone at the shelter was leaving but I wasn't anxious to leave. Plus I was only going to do 11 miles today. Had a good breakfast of bagel and cream cheese and rice krispies.Finally left the shelter at 10:20. Slow start for the day. The trail was flat and smooth and ran next to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The weather was a little cooler and overcast but humid. Arrived at Bearwallow gap at 11:30. I met 4 hikers who were returning from Buchanan. One of the hikers recognized me. We met near Franklin, NC in March during my practice hike. He had been off the trail for a couple of weeks. All of us then headed up the hill to Cove Mt. Didn't stop at Cove Mt Shelter since there was no water. The trail then descent to Jenning Creek where I had lunch of Sausage sandwiches at 1. Refilled my water. This was a very popular spot with many people swimming, and camping on both sides of the river.Continued on to Byran Ridge Shelter. Slowpoke was there for the night. Very large shelter with 3 levels of sleeping areas, porch and hooks for backpacks. I then started the 2nd long climb of the day - 3000' in 3 miles. Actually the trail was not that bad with some flat areas on the route. Arrived at Cornelius Creek Shelter at 6. Got water on the way to the shelter. Lots of the same hikers who were at the shelter last night were here. Found a good tent spot. Wild Turkey was here. Bear bagged and made dinner. Nora V came in. Everyone was leaving early tomorrow to do a 20 miler so they could be in Buena Vista in 2 days. I'm not in that hurry since I have 3 days to meet my ride. I'm one day ahead if I only do 17 miles.In my tent by 8 to journal. Weather continues to be good still a little warm but no rain
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Cornelius Creek

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: few clouds

The night got cool again last night. Cool morning in the 50s. Up at 7 but stayed in bag till 7:45. Packed up and had breakfast of cereal and bagel. Was ready to leave at 9 when Pyro and Who came in to have breakfast. While we were visiting a gentleman and his dog came around the corner of the shelter. It was the guy from the Daleville Outfitter who helped me with my pack. He and his wife were day hiking and happened to bring sausage biscuits which each of us got.Finally got on the trail at 10. Trail had some rocks but overall was smooth so I made good time to Apple Orchard Mt. Right foot a little sore from the rocks but okay. Summited Apple Orchard at 11:50 then went thru major rock structures including one called the Guilotine. Downhill went quickly and arrived at Thunder hill Shelter at 12:20. Got water and had lunch. Used the privy which was very nice. Cement floor, fully enclosed with windows and railing around the entire inside. The trail then went up steeply with lots of rocks. Weather was still sunny and 60s. Had a long 1.8 mile section of flat smooth trail where I really picked up the pace to 16 min pace. Then I climbed up to Marble Spring. 2 miles from the shelter the trail turned steep and rocky. Arrived at the Matts Creek shelter at 6:10 8 1/4 hours for 17.7 miles.At the time there was no one else in the shelter. I set up my tent, bear bagged and started dinner. Bliss arrived at 8. She is feeling better after spending 3 days in Pearisburg with the stomach issues.Bed by 9 to journal. May be a warm night, Still glad I haven't given up my sleeping bag.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night 3 other hikers came in around 10. Up at 7. Packed up quicker. Breakfast of bagel and cream cheese. Got water. Bliss left at 7:45. I was ready to leave when 2 hikers were getting ready to cross the creek and they stop. There was a snake in the water. Not sure if it was a copperhead or not. I ended up leaving at 9. Trail was flat and went along the river.Got to the longest only bridge to cross the James River. Very impressive bring. Then the trail went into the woods but along a major stream. Got to Johns Hollow shelter for a water break and snack at 10:30. Then started my 1st uphill of 1400' in 2 miles. Lots of switchback and gradually uphill with an occasional rocky section. No views just trees. Lunch at the view rocks at 12:15. Warm, sunny and great vistas. Had 2 tuna sandwiches and an apple. Decide that fresh fruit is worth its weight. Great treat. The trail then went up and down to Saddle Gap. Trail had some rocks but not bad. Got to Saddle gap at 1:55 then had the final climb of the day. Great view from the top also passed the Ottie Powell Memorial. This marked the spot where a small girl was found after being missing. Arrived at Punchbowl Shelter at 3:40 No one here. Small shelter but lots of tent spots. Aloha Longsleeves arrived at 4:30. Bliss arrived at 4:45. She had taken a wrong trail and arrived after me. There were lots of other hikers coming in for dinner then heading out including Affirmed.It was another warm 80s day but good day. There were 5 at this shelter - 1 in the shelter, 2 hammocks and 2 tents. The water source at this shelter was not the greatest.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: US 60
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't sleep well. Just couldn't get comfortable. Up at 6:45 Quickly packed. Breakfast of bagel with peanut butter and cream cheese. Headed out at 7:45. Weather was overcast and cool. The trail was smooth and ran next to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Got to the overlook and dumped my trash.Summited Rice Mountain at 9:10 then headed down a moderate steep trail. Got to Reservoir Road at 9:35. The trail then went next to the reservoir, stopped at a major steam to get water. The trail then ran next to the stream thru an area farmed by freed slaves. It is interesting that last week we were going 5-8 miles between water and here was a section where you could get water every .1 mile. Arrived at the Brown Mt Shelter at 11:45. There were some campers next to the creek but no one at the shelter.Arrived at Rt. 60 at 12:30. Weather was overcast with some sprinkles. Put my pack under the Kiosk. Dried my wet clothes on the picnic table. Called my friend Susan who was running late and wouldn't be here till 3:30. I almost went into Buena Vista to wait for her but I ended up making lunch and working on my Journal. Another Hiker showed up and immediately got a ride into town. But I had my stove set up for lunch so I just stayed.Sorted my pack. 3 thru hikers came thru for lunch and 2 section hikers also came by. We visited and discussed the trail. Susan arrived about 4 and we drove to our other friend's house in Afton arriving about 5. A great house similar to many hostel. 3-4 bedrooms, kitchen, bath and a large open space.Had venison stew, BBQ, slaw, beans for dinner. One of Rebecca's neighbors was a thru hiker.Went thru my mail drop delivery. Lots of food but I can also use it from Waynesboro. Will be going into Waynesboro for laundry, internet, and some resupply. Sorted paperwork, deciding what will be sent home. Got my new trail shoes. Compared to the ones I was wearing I can see how much they wore down in 600 miles. Bed by midnight.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: US 60

To: Shannon Farms
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 7 for a breakfast of beans and BBQ. Headed to Waynesboro with Susan to laundry, resupply, and have lunch. Went to Dollar General while the clothes were washing. Limited items at the Dollar stores. Went to the bank to cash some travelers checks. Interestingly Wells Fargo will not cash travelers checks. Headed to Kroger to finish resupplying. Got my Olive Oil in a plastic bottle to add to my meals. Finished the trip at Ming Chinese Buffet. Excellent selection and lots of food. Did not pig out though.Spent the next couple of hours at the library using the computer. Did call Mountainsmith about my poles. Found out the ones I have been using are not really designed for AT hiking but they are sending me replacement parts. Had dinner at a local brewery. Excellent brisket and root beer to drink since I was on my last day of antibiotics.Sorted my food for the next 4 days and also what I will need out of Waynesboro from my mail delivery. Also went thru Susan's pack to see if she had anything she didn't need. Only eliminated a few items.Bed by 10.