morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Dickey Gap Troutdale

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

6 May 2011 Day 52Today's miles 14.7Partnership ShelterLeft the hostel a little after 7 and headed down to the restaurant to have breakfast and catch the shuttle back to the trail and stated walking at 8.15. Took a short break at Trimpi Shelter and headed out again. The trail today was for the most part what I imagined Virginia to be like with good underfoot conditions and for the last 2 miles into the Shelter there was a long green tunnel of rhododendron not in bloom yet. Arrived into the shelter around 3 and got a place in the shelter and then headed to the visitors centre to order pizza which arrived about half an hour later. Just hung around the shelter and campfire for the evening, about 30 people around the area for the night. This is a really nice shelter with water from a tap and a solar powered shower and toilet paper in the privy, the most luxurious outdoor accommodation so far, not sure it'll be surpassed.
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

7 May 2011 Day 53Today's miles 11.4Atkins Relax InnThe snoring in the shelter last reached an all time record last night, I had the ear plugs in but for the first time they couldn't block out the noise of the buzz saw snoring that was coming from all direction so I got up as soon as the first person stirred at half six. Hit the trail around 7.30 over a nice little climb up Locust Mtn and took a break after 4 miles where most of the other people who stayed at the shelter last night caught up to me. Headed for the Chatfield Shelter and took a quick break. Arrived into Atkins around 1.30 and did the usual laundry, shower  and resupply, couldn't get any fuel for my stove but I think I have enough to get me to the next resupply, might have to skip the hot chocolate after dinner some evening. Heading out again the morning for what looks like being a wet day but the forecast hasn't exactly been very reliable so we'll see in the morning.
Date: 2011-05-08
From: Atkins

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

8 May 2011 Day 54Today's miles 14.1Knot Maul Branch ShelterUp and left the motel at 7.30 and stopped for coffee and muffin at petrol station. Got to the trail leaving town at 8 dressed in full wet gear as it was raining for most of the night and morning but eased off as I started and by the time I got to the woods it had stopped so off came the wet gear. Today had good underfoot conditions except for one rocky descent and there was three nice climbs during the day. Got to the shelter at 3.00 and decided to stay in the shelter hoping the snoring won't be too bad, I want to try and get an early start tomorrow as I want to attempt a 19 mile day.
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

9 May 2011 Day 55Today's miles 19.0Jenkins ShelterI can only describe today a tough, two climbs followed by a long rocky ridge walk and descent. I managed to get on the trail this morning at 7.15 and headed for the first climb of the day up Lynn camp Mtn, this was followed by a short descent and then a 4 mile climb onto chestnut ridge. This was followed with a pretty boring and rocky up and down ridge walk. I managed to complete the 19 miles and get into the shelter by 5.30. My longest day yet with a full pack, I don't feel too bad but the feet are sore after the rocky section, got to wait till tomorrow to find out the full side effects of the day. I decided to tent tonight instead of the shelter to try and avoid the snoring. This shelter wins the award for most primitive privy so far basically it is just a platform with the throne in the middle of it, no wall or roof. Taking it handy tomorrow only going as far as the next shelter.
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

10 May 2011 Day 56Todays miles 14.0Helveys Mill ShelterHit the trail around 8 and headed straight into the first climb of the day up Brushy Mtn and then a 3 mile of reasonably flat walk on a old mountain pass. The trail continued up and down over good underfoot condition until we got to a road leading into Bland, I decided to keep going to the next shelter which had a nice climb up to it. I got to the shelter just after 2.30 after a sweaty day in the heat. I am now sitting in the tent pretty tired listening to the thunder slowly getting closer so I imagine it's going to get wet during the night. I have my food in the tent as I did last night as well, other have hung bear bags so hopefully it will okay.
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Trent's Grocery & Camping
Miles today: 16.2

11 May 2011 Day 57Today's miles 16.2Trent's grocery & CampingExperienced so very close lightening and thunder last night around 11 pm, didn't seen the flash but the thunder that followed shook the place then came the heavy rain. The tent held up once again. I left camp around 7.45, it takes me about an hour to get things organised in the morning, I must try to get quicker than that. Today was another warm and sticky day but more overcast and foggy in the morning. I managed to have the 16 miles done by 3.30 and walked the extra half mile to this campsite which leaves a lot to be desired. The cheese burger at the grocery store was good. The trail today ran over good underfoot conditions with only a couple of rocky patches, but the constant pounding leaves the feet sore come evening time also my Achilles tendon on my left leg was a little feely today. Hoping to do another 16 miles again tomorrow to leave a shorter run into Perisburg on Friday, will have to see how that goes as there is a big climb after lunch. So far over the last few days I have climbed Brushy mountain three times, they keep the same name over and over, go figure!
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Trent's Grocery & Camping

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

12 May 2011 Day 58Today's miles 16.2Docs Knob ShelterUp and packed this morning in 40 minutes, stopped in Trent's for coffee before getting a lift back to the trail head in the back of a pick up with a german couple. Started walking and made it to the next shelter in before 11 over very easy ground after the initial climb up from the road. Had a quick break in the shelter before starting the big climb of the day, stopped along the way to book a room in Perisburg when I got some mobile coverage. I got to Sugar Run Gap at 3 and instead of going to the hostel I decided to push on the next 2 miles to this shelter thus shortening the run to town in the morning. As I was climbing here I could here thunder rumbling in the distance but it has cleared up now into a fine evening. I got to the shelter about 4 pm and it is now nearly 7 and it appears that might have it to myself for the night, so first night alone in the woods. I knew this would happen at sometime but not as early as this in the trail. Most people have either stopped at the hostel or made the push to Perisburg to get a lift back to Damascus for trail days. Let you know tomorrow how I survived the night.
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

13 May 2011 Day 59Today's miles 8.3PearisburgWell I survived my first solo night in the woods, slept okay until woken around 2 am by the rain and thunder storm. I was up and on the trail by 7.15 and headed for town which involved climbing up to Angels rest where I stopped for a break listening to wind chimes that someone had hung up there. Then came a long steep descent to town arriving about 11, checked into motel and went to pick up packages from PO. Thanks Anne, Eileen, Ev and the boys for sending the letters, paper and treats. I sat for awhile enjoying them, then went to the laundry and read the Irish Examiner while waiting for clothes to wash and dry, simple pleasures I know. Then on to the job of buying food for the next 5 days so leaving tomorrow with heavy food bag. Another thunder storm blew up again this evening and I think that is the forecast for the next few days, so looks like I'll be getting wet over the next few days. Hopefully I won't be on any exposed ridges during thunder storms, I'm not enamoured with walking during these storms but have to make the decision when to walk and when to seek cover as they blow up. It'll be interesting tomorrow to see how many are on the trail and how many have gone back to Damascus for trail days. Not sure what time I'll head out tomorrow  may leave it later in the day to let the heat die down, will wait and see how warm it is tomorrow, the plan is to head to the next shelter 6 miles out.
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Pearisburg

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

14 May 2011 Day 60Today's miles 6.7Rice Field ShelterVery slow to get moving today, found it hard to leave town as the day was very overcast and looked like rain. Eventually got going around noon and headed back to the trail. Started the long slow climb out of town with heavy pack full of food on my back. I took one break along the way and got into the shelter at 3.30. The water source was another half mile round trip down a hill. This is actually quite a nice shelter with a good overhang and a open space in front of it, I was hoping to seeing a sunset but  8 pm now and the thunder storm has started with heavy rain so probably mucky trail to look forward to tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-15
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

15 May 2011 Day 61Today's miles 16.4Bailey Gap ShelterRained most of the night and woke to a damp foggy morning with showers still falling. Found it hard to leave the dry shelter but eventually got on the way at 8 am. The showers continued on and off for the whole day and I spent the morning walking in the wet gear as I got sick of stopping and putting it on and off so just left it on. It helped keep me warm on the down hills and flat when I tend to cool down, totally different story going up hill. I got to the next shelter 12.4 miles on at 1.30pm and stopped for lunch, this left only 3.8 miles to where I am now  so I took my time as it was pretty mucky in parts and a 1000ft climb to the shelter. I got here around 4pm after stopping just before the shelter for water as otherwise I would have had to back track for it. The evening turned out okay between the showers but I don't think my boots and socks will dry out much overnight. On a plus side it never got too warm at any stage today which made of easier walking for me.
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

16 May 2011 Day 62Today's miles 14.6Laurel Creek ShelterUp and on the trail at 8am and straight into the rest of the climb that began yesterday. Stopped 4 miles in at wind rock to enjoy the view and then onto War Spur Shelter for lunch. Then began a 1300 ft climb up to kelly Knob with more views and on to this shelter for the night. Had thought about moving on a little further but had enough of the rocks for one day. I got into here at 4 pm and cooked some noodles with peanut butter for dinner. The weather today was overcast all day but the rain held off, sleeping in the shelter again just in case there is rain overnight and I'll wont have to pack out s wet tent. Not sure how far I'll go tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

17 May 2011 Day 63Today's miles 12.4Niday ShelterA short day today mainly because I didn't want to do the 10 miles to the next shelter and also it has been raining pretty heavy on and off all day with some thunder. The trail today was like two different trails, the first 6 miles to the Savers Hollow shelter were nice and easy with one climb the second 6 to here were no joke with some section over sheer rock face which was nice and slippery from the wet. I took one slip here mainly because a clap of thunder frightened the shite out of me, that made me move a quick as possible to get back down off the ridge fast. Got into this shelter at 2.30pm drowned wet so went and got water before changing out of wet clothes. Cooked something to eat and got into sleeping bag to get warm. Four of us in the shelter for the night and everyone was giving out about the rock face on the ridge.
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Niday Shelter

To: Lost Spectacles Gap
Miles today: 15.2

18 May 2011 Day 64Today's miles 15.2Lost Spectacles GapLeft the shelter around 8 this morning after the joy of putting on wet socks and boots, weather was dry but overcast and foggy. First obstacle this morning was crossing part of the trail that was flooded between two foot bridges, managed to do it without getting the boots any wetter that they were. Next came the 1500ft climb up to the audie murphy monument, this wasn't too bad just long because of the switchbacks. Stopped for water before the next shelter and skipped going to it as it was off the trail. Now came the climb up to the Dragons tooth this was also okay but a little rocky in places, then started the descent from hell over rocks. This wasn't a very long section just 0.8miles but it involved clambering down the side of the hill sometimes on my arse over large rocks. A few of these had metal steps inserted into them to aid climbing more than descending. This took a while to negotiate so by the time I arrived here I'd had enough for the day. I thought this would be my first night camping by my self in the woods but another hiker has decided to camp here also even though there is no water here. it has been raining on and off all day and every thing I own except for my night clothes in sopping wet and stinks. I don't know if my boots will ever dry out, I can't say that I mind too much walking in the rain as it keeps the temperatures down but it would be nice to get some sun in the evenings to try and dry things out. I tried to dry one pair of socks last night by keeping them in my sleeping bag but I had to throw them out as I couldn't stand the stench off them. Time now is 7 pm and I'm holed up in the sleeping bag after changing into dry night clothes.
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Lost Spectacles Gap

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

19 May 2011 Day 65Today's miles 17.9Lamberts Meadow ShelterThe rain seemed to have held off overnight and the tent was reasonably dry when I packed it up. Hit the trail at 7.30 and walked the mile and a half down to the road and the 0.4 miles to a grocery store where I got some resupply and coffee, was back on the trail after 9am. I had no set plan on how far I'd go today just get as close to town as possible, it would all depend on how difficult the terrain was. There were 3 climbs today, the first wasn't too bad and made easier by the coffee I has at the grocery, the second was up to McAfee knob and was well switch backed as it gets a lot of sightseers, the view was amazing up there, the last one up to tinker cliffs I found pretty tough but again it provided great views.  Overall today was a really good day, the miles came pretty easy and the only down side was the wet socks and boots have taken their toll on my toes some of them have become skinned in top, hopefully they won't be too much of a problem, will tape them tomorrow for the descent into town and if there is no rain the boots might dry out a bit along  the way. Looking forward to the shower and clean clothes tomorrow, happy days. Also today I passed the 700 mile mark.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

20 May 2011 Day 66Today's miles 9.4DalevilleHad the shelter to myself last night a couple of others here were camping. Up and on the trail by 7.30 after my best night sleep on the trail, didn't wake once during the night. I got to town at noon and checked into the Howard Johnson Inn, definitely the best accommodation so far of the trip. Did the usual laundry, shower, resupply and went for BBQ food. I then updated this journal as I haven't had wifi in a long time and caught up with some people at home and chilled out in the room for the night.
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

21 May 2011 Day 67Today's miles 11.3Wilson Creek ShelterThe biggest thing I did today was change my back pack, I got a slightly smaller but 2 pounds lighter granite gear back pack. I eventually left town at 2 pm with the intension of just doing the 5 miles to the nearest shelter but I got there before 4.30pm and since the weather was good I decided to push for the next 6 or so miles to this shelter. I got in here at 7.30 pm after stopping a half mile before the shelter to load up with water as it is 0.3m to the water source, I didn't need to cook dinner as I ate before leaving town. Decided to camp here as the weather is good and at the moment it is almost 10 pm and I can hear the snoring from a group of guys cowboy camping near the shelter so a night for the ear plugs I think. The new pack felt good on the 11 miles today definitely lighter and not as bulky as the osprey pack I had which went to Goodwill as it would cost too much to ship home. Time for sleep now I think.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek Campsite
Miles today: 16.9

22 May 2011 Day 68Today's miles 16.9Jennings Creek campsitesUp and out of camp this morning around 7.30 with a dry tent as the rain kept away from us overnight, lets hope it'll be the same tonight although there are a few claps of thunder about. The walking today was more like what I expected Virginia to be like, a lot of rolling hills and we crossed the blue ridge parkway road a few times as view points. There wad one 500 ft climb up Cove mountain but there was trail magic at the bottom of it, lemonade, cookies and strawberries so this helped fuel the climb. Got to here just before 4 and had a little trouble finding the campsites but eventually found them and am now set up for the night. Last night was very warm and looks like tonight will be the same as we are back down at only 900 ft above sea level, the lowest I have been at in awhile, which can only mean big climbs tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Jennings Creek Campsite

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

23 May 2011 Day 69Today's miles 14.1Thunder hill shelterBig thunder storm last night, started with lightening flashed around 9pm so much so I thought it was someone outside with a flash lamp, then the thunder started followed by heavy rain for the next 3 hours. I got up at 6 this morning but only managed to leave camp just before 8, a slow start to the day. A long tough day it was too with 3 big climbs involved, first off a 1000ft straight from camp to Fork Mtn, then drop down again and up 2000ft climb to Floyd Mtn and at the end of the another 900ft to bring us back up above 4000ft, it's been awhile since we were at that height. I made it into the shelter at 4.30 and manage to get my tent dried out after carrying it all day, made dinner and got water for the morning. I'm going to go into the town of Glasgow tomorrow I think.
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

24 May 2011 Day 70Todays miles 14.5GlasgowStayed in the shelter and was up and on the trail by 7, takes less time than when camping. The trail was okay today with only 2 short climbs and a long descent to the James River which is crossed by the longest foot bridge on the AT. Got to the parking lot at the end of it and hitched a ride into town with a guy called Mike from California, got a lift after about 45 mins from a local man in a pick up, he gave us a tour of the town after we arrives here and said he would be passing Bach again in the morning at 7 if we needed a lift back. This town is small and the guide book said that there was a shelter with showers here but it's a pavillion with a hose so that's home for night. In a gas store now charging my phone after eating fried chicken in the deli. Today I saw not one but two snakes on the trail, the first one I was walking by When I heard something move and there it was on the side of the trail, it could have been a rattle snake but I didn't stay around to investigate too much, the next one I saw was later on on the trail and was moving around this one was a black rat snake harmless apparently but I don't want to see any more of them. Update we actually found the shelter with the shower 7.30pm now, got towel form dollar general and heading for shower.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Glasgow

To: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: few clouds

25 May 2011 Day 71Today's miles 20.2Brown Mtn Creek ShelterUp and out of the shelter this morning by 6.30, stopped for coffee and roll at the gas station. I got a lift back to the trail from the ridge runner called Regina. Started back on the trail shortly after 7 and made my way up to the first shelter a couple of miles out of town  where I met the ridge runner again and chatted for a while. Then I started up the big climb of the day which was ok as there were views on the way up and at the top. I stopped at the next shelter for lunch at 1pm and decided to push for the next shelter 9.5 miles further hence my longest day yet carrying the full pack. I got to this shelter at 5.30 not too bad after the long miles and got the last place in the shelter, it's been awhile since I was in a full shelter for the night. I saw another snake today and don't care if I never see another one, this was another black snake. The hot weather seem to bring them out. The fact that I did a long day it leaves me with a few 15 milers and a short day into town on Sunday, I'm not going to make town before the PO closes on Saturday so I'll go in Sunday and zero Monday which is a bank holiday so I'll go get my mail before I head out on Tuesday. Time for the cot now.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter

To: Seeker Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

26 May 2011 Day 72Today's miles 15.8Seeley-Woodworth ShelterHad a slow start out of the shelter, was ready to go when I discovered that all the water had leaked out of my water bladder. I initially thought that it had burst but when I emptied my ruck sack the inside was dry so it was the stop valve had opened and leaked. I had to go sterilise more water so it was after 8 by the time I left and started the big climb if the day 3000ft. It was a long slow slog up to Cold Mtn in the heat, I don't think I've ever sweated as much in my life. The rest of the day was a series of small ups and downs to the shelter where I am now. The bugs were terrible when I arrived at 4.30pm but a campfire seems to have chased most of them away. Today I passed the 800 mile mark!