morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-25
From: VA 606

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Cool this morning, but no rain.  Walked up to the trailhead and it quickly became apparent that today will be extremely wet walking.  Although there was no rain, the brush was very wet and with the wind, it was almost as bad as rain.  Much of the trail had flowing water because of last night's downpour which meant my boots would remain soaked another day.  There were 2 rain swollen creeks with knee deep water that had to be crossed and decided to do it with boots on since they were wet anyway. Arrived at Woods Hole Hostel and after checking in, set up my bunk and took a shower.  The weather turned cool, so a group of is hung out in the common area of the bunk house for conversation and tales of tbe trail.  We headed over to the main house for dinner- on the menu tonight was mountain gumbo and it was basically AYCE.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Sugar Run Gap

To: Cross Avenue, Pearisburg 
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Had breakfast at the hostel this morning before hading out.  There were still many sections of the trail with flowing water and of course mud.  It was cool this morning, but the sun was peaking out.  The "green tunnel " was very apparent today  since much of the trail went through Rhododendron thickets.  Up high, the leaves on the trees are full so that cuts down on the views.  However,  there were several good overlooks of the valley and of Pearisburg. Arranged for a motel room again tonight so washed clothes and showered.  Afterwards,  hit the Chinese AYCE buffet and resupplied at Food Lion.  The sun had been out today, so was able to dry my boots a bit.
Date: 2017-05-27
From: Cross Avenue, Pearisburg 

To: Stony Creek
Miles today: 20.7

Slept well in the motel last night, then caught a ride to the trailhead with trail angel Bill.  He and his wife Sally were out the previous day handing out supplies and providing shuttles.  Their son did a thru hike in 2013.Crossed the New River on the bridge and headed uphill.  The trail was in good shape despite all the recent rain, plus there weren't many rocks!  Severe thunderstorms were possible, but we were very fortunate that they did not occur.  Most of the day was spent ridge running with nice trails, until the very end when the dreaded rocks reappeared.  There were notices of a hiker feed at the Stony Creek footbridge, so many of us were heading in that direction.  It was a great spread with burgers,  dogs, pasta salad, and of course the junk food/sugar that hikers crave.  It was put together by the local Sierra Club and they were very hospitable. Diciple, Fancy, Giggles,  Skallywag, White and Perigren were there as well.  We helped the club pack up, then we actually made camp at that spot.
Date: 2017-05-28
From: Stony Creek

To: Laurel Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Uphill section to begin with today, then the dreaded rocks kicked in.  They were the big chunky ones that are hard to avoid and add to making your feet sore.  Ate lunch at Wind Rock, great view.  Saw my first rattlesnake today, about 4 feet off the trail.  The rattles were extremely loud, so there was plenty of warning.Got to War Spur shelter and a big group there eating lunch, then we all headed to Kelly Knob.  We had some rain on the way up, but it had stopped by the top.  Good view from the top, but not great.  Got to the shelter, and tented since no rain was expected.
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Laurel Creek Shelter 

To: Mile 690.7, Audie Murphy Memorial 
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: mist

Up and out about 8 am.  Slept well last night, best since resuming hike on May 21st.  Mostly downhill with good trail tread to start.  Climbed to ridgeline and there was good hiking to start, but rocks at the end especially at the overlooks.  Some hand over hand climbing was required. Loaded up with extra water at mile 687.5.  I usually do a 3 day running plan on where I will camp and when I saw the Audie Murphy Memorial in the guidebook, my goal became to reach that for camping on Memorial Day (hence the extra water since it is a dry camp).  On the climb up Brush Mountain,  I really reflected on how fortunate I am to live in a country with freedoms to thru hike across this wonderful land.  It would not be possible without the sacrifices of many men and women who have served and currently serve in the military.  On this Memorial Day,  I especially was thankful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Got to the memorial and it was quite moving since other mementos have been left including dog tags, patches, etc.  I also thought of my own father who was a WWII vet.Diciple showed up and we both tented down the hill from the memorial.  This was a great day.
Date: 2017-05-30
From: Mile 690.7, Audie Murphy Memorial 

To: VA 624, Newport Road
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Another good night of sleep and was on the trail at 7:30 am.  Easy downhill to VA 620 then loaded up with water at small feeder creek.  Started the climb to Dragons Tooth where the uphill section was not bad, but the dreaded rocks were along the ridge.  There are some nice overlooks along the way and the weather was vert cooperative!Got to Dragons Tooth and did the photo ops and ate lunch.  Diciple is here as well.  Climb down is extremely challenging due to steep rock drops; there were a couple of places where steel rod foot/hand holds are in the stone.  Got to the road and Diciple and I walked the short distance to 4 pines hostel.  There was a good group at the hostel, many hikers I have met before.  Joe and Donna (owners) are very nice and accomodating.  Took a shower and had some clothes washed,  then Diciple and I took the shuttle to Catawba Grocery.  Did a small resupply and had a burger with fries...plus took a pint of ice cream back to hostel.  Life is good.
Date: 2017-05-31
From: VA 624, Newport Road

To: Lamberts Meadow
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

Up early at the hostel and hiking by 7 am.  Nice trail to begin with and passed Diciple who was doing a Sobo slack pack waiting for a package to come in about 10 am.  About 1 mile passed that point,  I saw my second bear running very fast away from me (no photo op).Got to VA 311 about 10 am and started towards McAfee Knob.  There were many day hikers going the same direction,  but that was expected.  Arrived at the top and had someone take the traditional photo.  Ate lunch, then headed to Tinker Cliffs.  Looked like a storm was coming in,  but had some wind and a tad of rain,  then cleared up.  Along the way, my right pinky toe was really bothering me since it was banged up from the day before.  At the cliffs, the weather was now perfect and the views were outstanding.Headed to Lamberts Meadow to camp and met Hot Sauce and Ziplock, 2 fellow South Carolinians and Clemson graduates.  Set up tent and Diciple, Swiss Miss and Hook did the same.  Swiss Miss and Hook are Army veterans taking part in the Warrior Expeditions/Warrior Hike.  It started to rain, so we all headed to our respective tents.
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Lamberts Meadow

To: Daleville, US 220
Miles today: 9.1

The weather was clear this morning, but the tent still damp due to the rain last night.  Diciple, Swiss Miss, Hook and myself started out.  The trail was up and down into Daleville with some short, but tough climbs.  There were some rocky areas with a few boulder hops.  There were some good view points on the way down.We were making good time; the idea of eating some Bojangles chicken for lunch helped facilitate that .  It was very surreal to turn a corner on the trail and US 220 was right in front of us.  We headed down for lunch, then visited the local outfitter which was close by.  After that, checked in to the Howard Johnson's Express where many other hikers were staying.  Diciple convinced me to do a zero tomorrow and with my pinky toe still hurting, it was not difficult to convince me.  Took a shower and several of us met at the hotel and headed to 3 Li'l Pigs BBQ for food with free banana pudding.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast at the hotel this morning, then did laundry.  Later in the morning, Diciple and I went back to the shopping area where we had lunch at the Coffee Shop, then visited the outfitter again.  I decided to purchase a new belt pouch.  Kroger was next as a small resupply was needed, then before heading back to the hotel, hit Wendy's for a frosty.A church in Suffolk, Va was in town to shuttle hikers to the hiker feed in Troutville for their trail days and they picked is up at the hotel.  The food was great and AYCE with everyone being friendly and welcoming.  Took the shuttle back where I packed my gear.  Tomorrow we will hike to Troutville for the pancake breakfast before continuing up the trail.
Date: 2017-06-03
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

Started out from motel about 7 am heading to Troutville for the pancake breakfast.  The stretch between Daleville and Troutville is almost "city park" trail where it appears to be mowed on a regular basis.Once we hit Highway 11,  we were fortunate that Jerry, the shuttle driver from yesterday, came along at the right time to give Diciple and I a ride to town hall.  Pancakes were great, but it was time to continue hiking, so Jerry took us back to the trailhead.  Jerry and his church did an outstanding job helping hikers this weekend as part of their ministry.Trail overall was very nice today.  The uphill sections had good switchbacks and the tread was mostly rock free,  with some exceptions of course.Ate lunch at Curry Creek with Diciple.  Bushy and Sparks showed up (they are also doing a trailjournal.com) along with Ziplock and Hot Sauce.  Diciple and I continued hiking and hit some milestones: one third of the AT complete and half way through Virginia. We also hit our first section of the Blue Ridge parkway which we will follow for a while.Got to the shelter and it was full of section hikers and there were not many places to camp, so we headed back up and found a decent place about a quarter mile up the trail.  Speedy from Brazil is also here.  Ate dinner and in tent by 8 pm.  I have a cell signal at camp, which is rare, but appreciated!
Date: 2017-06-04
From: Bobblets Gap 

To: 763.2 Campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

Up about 6 am.  Bear Magnet, a long distance section hiker, passed by early.  In the small world category, I first met Bear Magnet in April at Fontana.  He is a teacher and was doing a section during spring break.  Then I saw him again last night at the shelter where he reminded me we had met.  With summer break going on, he is doing a multi week section (4+ weeks).Started out hiking with Diciple where our goal was to eat lunch at Middle Creek campground.  We got to Jennings Creek about noon and Yogied a ride to the campground from Dos Equis, a past thru hiker.  Avalanche also caught a ride with us.  Had a bacon cheeseburger,  onion rings,  coke and milk shake for lunch.  Did a small resupply and Dos Equis and Daniel gave the 3 of us a ride back to the trailhead.  Saw Ziplock and Hot Sauce at the parking area where they planned to stay the night at a cabin in the campground. Had plenty of energy for hiking thanks to big lunch where Diciple and I made it to the campsite about 5:15 pm.  Skip also showed up.  Weather good today, but rain expected later.
Date: 2017-06-05
From: 763.2 Campsite

To: Big Cove Branch
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Started raining last night about 3 am.  Still rainy when I got up, but was lucky to get a small break in rain for me to get my tent down.  By the time Diciple and I started hiking, it was raining hard, but temperature mild so no rain coat.  Diciple was going to put in a big day today to meet his family at US 501.The 2 of us arrived at Thunder Hill shower and it was packed with people waiting for a break in the rain.  After a quick snack we started back on the trail. By now, we were both cold, so the raincoats came on.  Arrived at Petites Gap where Diciple hiked on and I took shelter under a bulletin board awning to eat lunch, a couple of bagels with tuna.  I hiked on and the rain stopped a little after 2 pm.  Got to camp, not a great site, but I was soaked to the bone and ready to eat and get dry.  In the tent by 7:30 pm where I am fortunate to have a signal.  As I write this, my feet are dry and warm.  Life is good.
Date: 2017-06-06
From: Big Cove Branch

To: Reservoir Road
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: light rain

Goal this morning was to get to Highway 501 to meet Diciple who was staying with his family.  Trail to highway was easy with the last mile along the James River.  Crossed the AT's longest footbridge and met Diciple and his wife (Halo).Out of highway 501 was a tough climb up to Big Rocky, especially the last section which was steep.  The bottom of my right foot was really sore going up and I hope it is only bruised! Gradual downhill to Salt Log Gap then fairly nice, switchbacked uphill to Bluff Mountain with good views on top.  There is a sad memorial on top to a 4 year old who died there in the 1890's.  Downhill was difficult because of my sore foot.  On the way down, met Diciple and his entire family.  We camped by the road where I hit the 800 mile mark by crossing the footbridge.
Date: 2017-06-07
From: Reservoir Road

To: US 60, Buena Vista
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Short day since going to US 60, then down to Buena Vista.  Diciple's daughter hiked with us and will hike with her dad some of the next few weeks.  Trail passed a historical area of an old village, then an uphill section to the highway.  Diciple's wife,  Halo, was there to meet us for a ride to Buena Vista.  It has been a pleasure to hike with Diciple the last couple of weeks.  He is undergoing some challenges and is doing a YouTube channel "Not by Sight " to document his journey.  His goal is to take viewers along with him as he hikes.  His wife does the editing along with screen comments. After lunch, checked into the hotel and did the usual, wash clothes,  dry gear and shower.  After that, took local shuttle to Food Lion to resupply, then met Peregrine for dinner.  As I make this entry, watching game 3 of the NBA finals.  Life is good.
Date: 2017-06-08
From: US 60, Buena Vista

To: Spy Rock
Miles today: 16.7

Got a ride with Diciple and Halo from motel back to trailhead.  Nice, steady climb to start with, but the grade was OK, with a few steep sections and the trail tread was nice.  The weather was hazy to start with, then cleared up.  Long dry sections of the trail today, so I started out with extra water.  Heading to Spy Rock which is dry, so loaded up with water at a stream about 2.5 miles from camp.  Camping area is nice and flat and the view from Spy Rock is outstanding even though some rock scrambling is needed.  Already cool and suppose to get colder.  I have my long sleeve shirt on for the first time in a while.
Date: 2017-06-09
From: Spy Rock

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

This was one of toughest days hiking.  I'm sure some of this is related to being around 60, but tough going.  The day started out OK with the climb up The Priest (the uphill section being acceptable), but the downhill was challenging since it was steep and rocky.  I finally decided that I needed to slow down my pace and watch my step.  A tumble there would not be good . The trail was better at the bottom and ate lunch at Cripple Creek.  However the climb up Three Ridges was also very difficult due rocks..big ones, ankle breakers, etc.  Again I slowed my pace to prevent a fall or sprain.  It turns out there is a shorter bypass around Three Ridges (listed in AWOL's guide) which frankly I would have taken if I truly knew the difficulty.  The climb to the top of Three Ridges Mountain seemed to take forever,  but I finally got there!  Got to camp later than usual with very sore feet and very hungry.
Date: 2017-06-10
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I was afraid my feet would be really sore this morning due to the beating they took the day before with the rocks, but other than my right heel, all was OK.  My right heel has been bothering me about a week, so I have been using some vitamin I to take the edge off the pain.  The trail was much better today.  There were still sections with rocks, but nothing compared to yesterday. Crossed the Blue Ridge parkway with a good view, then started up Humpback Mountain.  I carried some extra water with me since I planned to eat lunch at the overlook up top.  I was rewarded with a great view which I shared with other hikers of the thru and day variety (in other words, a lot of people).  Headed down to the shelter when I ran into 2 locals, Len and Charlie.  They were very friendly and gave me some intel on Waynesboro restaurants.  Turns out Charlie is retired Navy and spent some time in South Carolina stationed in Charleston.  They were nice folks and part of what makes the AT "The Peoples Trail".  I did spend about 20 minutes talking to them, so late into camp again.  Got to shelter where there were a lot of tents, but room in the shelter which I shared with Diciple and his family (who are visiting a few weeks).  No doubt all the hikers were planning the same thing, a short hike into Waynesboro tomorrow for a nearo.
Date: 2017-06-11
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: US 250 Waynesboro 
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

Our goal today was to get into Waynesboro to eat a late breakfast at Weasie's Kitchen.  Diciple, his daughter Pristine (trail name) and myself headed north on the AT to Rockfish Gap.  We were there by 9:15a where we met Diciple's wife and family for the drive into town.  We had heard good things about Weasie's and it did not disappoint.   After that we were off to Wal-Mart to resupply,  then the outfitter to replace some broken items.  We checked into the hotel, then later to Ming's Garden for the AYCE buffet.  Many other hikers at Ming's, including Lucky who is a retired Marine hiking with the Warrior Expedition group.  We hit Shenandoah tomorrow.
Date: 2017-06-12
From: US 250 Waynesboro 

To: Wildcat Ridge Trail
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Later start this morning so Diciple could spend some extra time with his youngest daughter on her birthday.  At hotel breakfast met Subway (thru hiker) and his wife.  The plan going through Shenandoah was to set up basecamps at the developed campgrounds and slack pack through the park.  Diciple's wife Halo would shuttle us to and from trailheads.  Diciple's oldest daughter would hike with her dad today.Typical hiking day with the big thing being the HEAT!  Doing shorter miles today because of the higher temperatures. There were not a lot of views today and we had to carry extra water since because of the scarce supplies on the trail.  Halo did have a cooler of sports drinks and a jug of water as trail magic 12 miles in for all thru hikers.  We finished the last miles when Halo picked us up and we drove to Loft Mountain campground where we would base for 3 nights.  After dinner, we all had cupcakes for the birthday girl.
Date: 2017-06-13
From: Wildcat Ridge Trail

To: Ivey Creek Overlook
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: few clouds

Up and out early today.  After a few miles of hiking, both of my pinky toes were barking at me and were ready to go wee, wee, wee all the way home.  It finally dawned on me that they were sore from my feet getting bigger, not from the rocks.  I would need to get different shoes.We did have more water options today, but still carried extra water since I was slackpacking.  We passed Grateful again who was doing a SOBO key exchange.  We had stopped to talk for the past few days and he decided to stop and eat lunch with Diciple and myself along with Abstract and 50 cent.We continued hiking and Diciple and I were both having pinky toe issues; me with boots too small and he with sliding feet causing blisters.  Halo picked us up, and we decided to stop by a wayside for a blackberry milkshake.  While there,  we determined it would be best to go back to the outfitter in Waynesboro to get our footwear corrected.  After a interesting trip back down, I ended up with new shoes, going from a 13 to 14, and Disciple got new insoles.  Fingers crossed that they will work.
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Ivey Creek Overlook

To: South River Picnic Area
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

As soon as I slipped on my new shoes this morning, I felt today would be an improvement .  My feet were still sore due to the issues the last couple of weeks, but they felt much, much better.  Halo dropped us off and after 2 miles of hiking,  felt confident that the new shoes would help.  I still need a zero in Front Royal, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Hiking was still some up and down on the ridge line with far less pain.  Passed Skip right before the 900 mile mark, then we all stopped for a break at a good overlook.  As we move north, the trail is nicer with more overlooks and less bugs.  There was a thunderstorm later in tbe day, but I missed the bulk of it.  Halo picked us up about 3:40 pm, then off for another blackberry milkshake.  Dinner back at camp and life is good.
Date: 2017-06-15
From: South River Picnic Area

To: Hawksbill Gap
Miles today: 18.7

Up and out early since we were doing bigger miles today.  We are also moving our basecamp to Big Meadows. Feet are still sore, but seem to be getting better.  Some climbing in the morning, but OK grade.  We stopped by Lewis Mountain campstore for a second breakfast.  Saw Peregrine and Nemo at campstore as well.Started back with hike and as we approached Big Meadows,  saw 4 bears in quick order, a mom with 2 cubs and a single male about 5 minutes apart. We continued past Big Meadows, then Halo picked us up and we set up camp at Big Meadows. Afterwards,  Diciple and I headed to wayside for burgers and rings and of course....blackberry milkshakes.  Life is good.
Date: 2017-06-16
From: Hawksbill Gap

To: Beahm's Gap Overlook 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Out of camp about 7:30 am for Halo to shuttle Diciple, Pristine and I to trailhead.  Fairly easy trail to start, but rocks later in the day.  Good view from Little Stony Man Cliffs since the weather was still good at that point.  Hiked on to Pinnacle where the weather alternated between partly to fully cloudy: had lunch there.  Later at Mary's Rock no view at all then the rain came in.  Hiked about 5 miles in the rain, but no raincoats since it was still warm.  Got to Beahms Gap and Halo was there to take us back to base.  Had quick dinner in the rain and started to get chilled, so raincoat on.  After dinner started walking to warm up and decided to go to the wayside to resupply and get some chocolate milk and a snack.  Saw Fancy and Bags at the wayside waiting for a shuttle into Luray to get a room to dry out.  Headed back to tent and finally started to dry out.  Life is good.
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Beahm's Gap Overlook 

To: Compton Gap Parking
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and out early since we had a long hike plus a long drive to trailhead.  Still slackpacking with Halo driving.  Got to Elkwallow Wayside quickly and had a second breakfast of eggs, sausage,  hash browns with toast.  Jones came through on his way to Harper's Ferry to complete his section/thru hike.  I originally met Jones on Spy Rock.  Great view at Hogback Mountain Overlook then the rest of the day typical for SNP north section.  Last 3 miles difficult due to sore feet so really ready for a rest at Front Royal.  Halo picked us up and the 3 of us ate dinner at the Big Meadows wayside.  I had the fried chicken dinner, then Diciple and I split a blackberry ice cream pie which was huge.  From there back to camp where I showered, then saw Santa and Turtle who I had met earlier on the trail doing a key swap.  Santa is a big Alabama football fan and he was very complimentary of my Clemson Tigers and their National Championship win against Alabama.  On to bed,  ready for Front Royal tomorrow.