morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg Va
Miles today: 10.0

Woke up before 7 as Spirit Hawk arrived after we were all asleep last night and woke us up and became the 7th person in the 6 person shelter. His air mattress was under mine and I woke up every time he moved. I had no problem making a little extra noise as I packed up and he slept this morning. Fresh, Kamikaze and I were on the trail a little past 8 in rain, fog and cold to hike the 10 miles to Pearisburg. There were no views as the fog was just too dense. Got to Pearisburg around 11 and a car stopped almost immediately and asked if we needed a ride. We got to the motel and checked into the bunkhouse and headed over to the All You Can Eat buffet at the Chinese restaurant across the street. After that we headed back to shower and do laundry and then I took a walk through Pearisburg to find a barbershop to get a haircut and just a little trim of the beard. Relaxed the rest of the afternoon and then went across the street to the Mexican restaurant for dinner and then DQ for desert. Here tonight are Stretch, Fresh, Moose, Simba, Wild Bill and another 2 hikers that I can't remember their trail names. Ran Into Goucho at DQ and said goodbye as he his finished with the section that he was hiking and also found out that Goat was in town but headed up to V Tech with some friends. Also touched base with Bacondog and he is about a week behind us. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Pearisburg Va

To: Pearisburg Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

A well deserved zero day in Pearisburg Va. Weather called for heavy rain and possible tornados so we decided to take a day off. Slept great in a bed and didn't start moving until 10 or so. DQ for breakfast and then a 2 mile walk to Walmart to resupply. Stopped at the library on the way back from Walmart to put some tunes on my MP3 player and then stopped at Pizza Hut for some more food. Spent the rest of the afternoon repacking my backpack and then met Whiskey Bill, Stretch and Fresh at the Mexican restaurant. Headed over to DQ for dinner with Sparky (now Fargo). It was good to catch up as I had not seen him since Damascus. Never rained today until 8 tonight. Forecast looks good for the next five days and we are anxious to get back on the trail. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Pearisburg Va

To: The Captains
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

Hard to believe that today marked the start of our eighth week on the trail. We took the day off yesterday due to the severe weather that was predicted. It never rained until 8 last night. When I went outside this morning - you couldn't see the shopping center across the street due to the dense fog. We got going just after 8 this morning - Stretch, Kamikaze and I and we had a 1500 ft climb out of Pearisburg. Once we got to the ridgeline the fog lifted and it turned into a nice sunny day. We stopped at the first shelter and had lunch and then continued on. Views were nice today - the trail although relatively flat could have used a little maintenance. There were trees to climb over and under and the rocks just wear on your feet. We got to The Captains (which is someone's backyard) and in order to get here you need to take a zip line over a river. We keep hearing stories of people being sick on the trail (Sole Power, Raven and Peppa are just a few that I know of) - hopefully we can avoid the illness. Here tonight are Good Times, Cupcake, Stretch, Fresh, Whiskey Bill, Kamikaze, Frogger, Energizer Bunny and a few more hikers. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-02
From: The Captains

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

The morning started off with zip lining over the river back to the trail. We started out around 8:45 and headed to the first shelter 3 miles away up about 1200 ft. There was a line for the privy as there was no privy at The Captains. The rest of the morning was spent rock hopping (or more like rock avoiding). We got to a view at Wind Rock and stopped for a break. We continued back downhill to War Spur shelter for a late lunch. After lunch it was time for a 1500 ft climb up to Kelly's Knob where we had good views again. On the way The Energizer Bunny and Frogger were doing trail magic. It was nice as it was quite a climb to get up that hill.Mostly the same crew here at the shelter. Stretch, Fresh, Whiskey Bill, Cupcake, Good Times, Bloomer, Queenie, Columbus and Fargo (formerly Sparky who we were hiking with a few weeks back). Weather was mostly sunny but cool today - a perfect day to hike. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Campsite Trout Brook
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: light rain

Left the shelter by 8:15 and headed about 3 miles to a trail magic breakfast put on by Good Company's parents. They made pancakes, eggs and sausages. There were about eight of us there for breakfast. Right after breakfast we had a 1300 ft climb. On the way we went by the Keffer Oak tree - the oldest/largest tree on the southern AT. From the top of the hill we hiked along a ridgeline that had some pretty good views. Around midday we started our descent and stopped at a shelter for lunch. Shortly after lunch we had another 1300 ft climb up Bushy Mt. At the top was a memorial for Audie Murphy whose plane had crashed nearby in 1971. He was the most decorated pilot of WW iI. After hiking the ridgeline for a couple of miles we made a steep decent down to a road with a river nearby and setup camp. The weather was warm today under mostly sunny skies. Here tonight are Cupcake, Good Company, Kamikaze, Fargo, Columbus and Queenie. Stretch and Fresh have taken a day or two off to visit VTech - they should catch up in a few days. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Campsite Trout Brook

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

This is getting repetitious - but it was another great day hiking. We left the campsite about 8:15 and had a fairly decent climb up to the Dragons Tooth - a large rock outcropping. From there it was a steep descent over boulders - some with iron imbedded for hand/foot holds. When we got to the road Blue Deer was there doing trail magic. He had come to pick up his dog who had been hiking with Peppa since Damascus. It will be the last time we see Blue Deer unless he decides to meet us the last week of June somewhere up north. After trail magic we had a six mile hike to get to an intersection where we walked 1.4 miles to an All You Can Eat restaurant called The Home Place. We had lunch with Kamikaze, Inflammable, Tinka, Whiskey Bill, Fargo and one other hiker. While we were eating The Goat showed up and was meeting his friends from VTech. We all finished lunch and The Goats friend Ryan gave us all a ride back to the trailhead. From the trailhead it was another 3.9 miles to McAfees Knob - the 2nd most photographed location on the AT. It really was amazing. We spent some time there doing photos and then headed a mile downhill to the shelter. At the shelter tonight are just the four of us - Kamikaze, Fargo, The Goat and me. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville Va
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Up and out early as we were heading to Daleville for the afternoon. It didn't take long before it started to rain. We were able to make it to Tinker Cliff which is a ridge walk with nice views. The rain held off while we were on the ridge but we could hear thunder in the distance. After the ridge we hiked to the shelter for a snack and the continued the remaining 10 miles into town. We checked into HoJos and headed to McDonalds for lunch and then resupply at Dollar General. Dinner was at Three Lil' Pigs which was good and thru-hikers get a free banana pudding for desert. At dinner was Camomile, Queen, Columbus, Fargo, Kamikaze, Whiskey Bill and me. Goat went to the Mexican restaurant as it is Cinco De Mayo - however they had just lost their liquor license so no tequila. In the room tonight are Kamikaze, Fargo, Goat and myself. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Daleville Va

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

A few thoughts on trail towns. On the way into a trail town - you always seem to hike faster as you know that very shortly you will have the four 'B's that you are deprived of while hiking (Burgers, Bed, Bath and Beer). In addition to this your pack is the lightest it has been in days as you have eaten most of your food and snacks. On the way out of town you are full from everything you have eaten and drank in town and your pack is the heaviest it will be for days with the resupply that you have done. On top of that - you almost always hike uphill to get out of town.So that is how today started - after our breakfast at HoJo's we hit the trail around 10:30. It was warm with a good breeze. We hiked about 5 miles to the first shelter and stopped for lunch - took a break at the second shelter and made it to the third shelter around 7. It was just Kamikaze and me hiking today. Fargo stayed another day in Daleville and Goat had to go to the outfitter so he didn't get to the shelter until after 8. Here tonight in addition to Goat and Kamikaze are Cupcake and three section hikers. Not much for views today - but fairly 'easy' terrain. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

On the trail a little past 9 this morning. Kamikaze decided to sleep in so Goat and I hiked. We had our first lunch at the first shelter around 11:30 and then made it to Jennings Creek where we ran into Cupcake taking a siesta by the river. Two other thru hikers (Ramen Chamin & Cheezits) recommended the Jennings Creek Campground for lunch. They will pick you up and drop you off for free. So the three of us headed to lunch. Lunch included a double bacon cheeseburger, fries, coke, Gatorade and a couple of beers. After our 2 hour lunch it was back to hiking with a significant climb. That brought us to the 2nd shelter - a really nice shelter that holds 20. We met up with Kamikaze there - but be decided to stay. Cupcake, Goat and I pressed on to the next shelter. It was only 5 miles to the shelter and a 2200 ft climb - and it was 5:45 when we started. Happy to say we made it by 7:30. Here tonight are Cupcake, Goat, Ramen Chamin, Cheezits, Icicles and one more thru hiker. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Glasgow Va
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Goat and I were the last out of the shelter around 9:15. As usual we had a hill to climb. When we got to the road we met up with Cupcake, Ramen I Shaman, Cheezits, Iceicles and Quailman. Apparently The Energizer Bunny (Frogger's dad who is supporting her section hike) left us trail magic individual baggies with our trail names on them. Thanks Energizer Bunny for all the trail magic over the past two weeks. From our break we continued up Apple Orchard Mtn where there is an FAA tower - and good views. From there we hiked a short distance to a rock formation called The Guillotine. We stopped for lunch at the next shelter and had mostly downhill except for one 'significant' uphill - which kicked our butts not only due to the steepness, but also due to the heat. It was a sunny day with highs in the upper 80sAfter that it was all downhill and we ran into Stretch and Fresh at the last shelter before Glasgow and convinced them to come to town with us. We had no cell service when we got to the road but after about 10 minutes or so a previous thru-hiker turned around and picked us up and gave us a ride six miles into town. Great dinner at the local pizza place and then a quick resupply at Dollar General and we are ready to go tomorrow. Some nice views today as the rhododendrons are beginning to bloom and we hiked through a section that had more than 50 butterflies flying around. Here tonight with Stretch, Fresh, Goat and a few section hikers that are getting off the trail tomorrow. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Glasgow Va

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Early morning as the shuttle arrived at 6:45 to bring us back to the trail. We were on the trail just after 7 with a steep hike up Bluff Mountain. The day started off cool but we warmed up quickly climbing up the mountain. After we hit the peak it was a relatively easy day - mostly downhill. I stopped at Punchbowl Shelter with Stretch and Fresh and then they continued on. I waited for Goat and had lunch. Goat and Roc Doc arrived and we just relaxed for a few hours. As we were leaving we stopped at the Blue Ridge Parkway crossing to get rid of trash - Roc Doc continued on. A car from Michigan pulled up and asked if we needed anything - and we said beer. Sure enough he had two beers and we chatted with him while we had our beer. The rest if the afternoon Goat and I just talked - the hike went by fast. When we got to the shelter we met up with Flossie & Squirrel (last time I saw them was on day 3), Stretch, Fresh, the other Gandalf, Cupcake and Kamikaze. I have my tent right next to the river so I'm sure to have a great nights sleep. Rain is in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow and it has showered off and on late today. The shelter that we are at is at 800.5 so another big day crossing the 800 mile mark - only 1384.8 to go. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

One of our earlier starts to date. Goat and I were out of the camp by7:15. It was overcast but not raining. As usual we had a big morning hike (~2700 ft). After 2 miles we came across trail magic of chocolate cupcakes and ginger ale. It was just what we needed to get us up the hill. Almost at the top and the rain started. The next few miles consisted of hiking in open fields (balds) in the rain. The terrain was fairly easy but the rain was cold and it was windy. By the time we got to the shelter the rain had stopped. We saw Stretch, Fresh, Squirrel and Flossie at the shelter. Also met a woman from Holliston Ma (Nan Malone) who was section hiking. After lunch we only had 7 miles to go to the shelter. On the way we stopped by Spy Rock which has a great 360 view - too bad it wasn't a bit nicer. We are here at Priest Shelter with about five or so section hikers - and Cheese Burger and Baggie who are thru-hikers. And yes, it is raining again. Big miles planned for tomorrow - hopefully the weather clears and we get up early enough to get them done. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-11
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: scattered clouds

First, I need to fill in one detail from last night. Since we planned to get up early this morning we were in our tents early last night. Cheeseburger yelled over and asked us if we wanted S'mores - I asked if they delivered and they chuckled. Ten minutes later she delivered us each a s'more to our tents - they were fantastic. We were up at 5:30 this morning and out by 6:45. We had a steep 5 mile descent from Priest Mtn and then a climb of ~1000 ft followed by a climb of approximately 2000 feet to the Three Ridges. The hike was tough as it was steep and the temps were warm under mostly sunny skies. We ran into the Ridge Runner on the way down from Three Ridges and she informed us that the mountain we just climbed was the last 4K foot mountain on the AT until Killington in VT. We stopped at the next shelter for a lunch snack as we were 13+ miles into or 29+ mile day. After lunch we continued on and crossed over the Blue Ridge Parkway three times. At the 2nd crossing Moose (a thru hiker we know from Indiana) and her mother were doing trail magic. Carrot Cake, banana bread, amazing sandwiches, oranges and Gatorade. Needless to say we were there for about an hour. Thanks Moose (and mom) - you made our day. After trail magic we continued another 11 or so miles to the shelter - the last hour or so with our headlamps. Got here just before 10 and Goat and I have the whole place to ourselves. Biggest mileage day so far on the AT for me - putting us less than 6 miles from Waynesboro Va A very tired Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, Va
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: broken clouds

Despite going to bed late last night, we were up by 7 and it took us to 9 to leave the shelter. We were just slow and knew that we only had five miles to hike to get to town. Breakfast consisted of a loaf of banana bread that The Goat had taken from Moose's trail magic yesterday. It was delicious. Thru-hiker Pint Size stopped by before we left. She was doing a southbound section hike - we had met her yesterday when she was doing a northbound section. Finally got on the trail and we were at Rockfish Gap in less than 2 hours. As we were looking up phone numbers of trail angels to give us a ride to town - this guy stopped by and asked us if we needed a ride. Perfect!I got checked into the hotel and showered and then The Goat and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch. After lunch we resupplied and said our goodbyes as The Goat is "aqua-blazing" - taking a canoe for 40 miles - and then heading to a wedding out west. Hopefully we'll meet up on the trail further north. Thinking of zeroing tomorrow - but not sure yet. To Ms Repose's class - the most photographed spot on the AT is the final destination - Mt Katahdin. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Waynesboro, Va

To: Waynesboro, Va
Miles today: 0.0

A much needed zero day. Slept in this morning and had breakfast at the hotel. Called one of the trail angels and they picked me up and brought me downtown to the Parks & Recreation field where they let thru-hikers stay for free. Saw Sole Power for a few minutes and then walked to the Post Office to get a package and to send some extra stuff I don't need back home. From there walked a couple miles to the outfitter to get another filter, a pair of hiking shorts and a few other things and then walked back to town for lunch. When I got back to the tenting area Raven, Kamikaze, Cupcake (and his mom), Thin Mint, Sharp Knife, Prom Queen and Trail Wife were here. We hung around for a bit - setup tents and then headed back to town for some more food. Heading into the Shenandoahs tomorrow - hoping for decent weather. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Waynesboro, Va

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: mist

Need to do a shoutout to Bob and Myra Constanza. Bob picked us up on Monday from Rockfish Gap and he and his wife gave us a ride back to Rockfish Gap this morning. On the way Myra insisted on buying us a coffee and a sandwich. Thanks so much guys - you rock! This morning it was Thin Mint (from Herman Me) and myself on the trail. The trail was great all day with no real big ascents or descents as we weaved around and over Skyline Drive. Weather was foggy all day but didn't rain. Absolutely no views today and the only animal we saw was a deer at the hut. Here at the hut are Reset, Napolean, Sis, Key Lime, Ranger, Angry Phil, Trail Wife, Prom Queen and Thin Mint. A lot of new hikers that I hadn't met before. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Well it was a long night. Lots of snoring and Napolean was sick during the night. Hope I don't get it. For the first time since I've started I hiked by myself all day. Today was like yesterday - hiking over and next to Skyline Drive and foggy and cloudy all day. Was happy to have my iPod for tunes - thanks Elena. Stopped for lunch at the first shelter that was 13 miles from where I had started. Big lunch and back on the trail. Around 3 the skies opened and it poured - complete with thunder and lightning. Made it to the Hilltop Hut around 4.30 - still raining. There is a guided group of about six people plus a father and son team - the son has thru-hiked twice before (82 & 84). Angry Phil is the only thruhiker here. A couple good things to note: - We are at mile 899.5 - cross over 900 miles first thing tomorrow. - I have covered 100 miles in the past 6 days - including a zero day and a nero day (5.1 miles)Hoping it clears tomorrow so I get at least one nice day in the Shenandoahs. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: light rain

Wow - did rain it rain last night - someone said it was five inches of rain. Everything was damp this morning and I just put on my wet socks from yesterday - as I knew they would be wet soon anyway. I left the hut around 7:30 under cloudy skies and partial fog. I made good time to a cabin for lunch - although the trail was like a river in many areas. My plan was to make it to a Wayside restaurant on Skyline Drive which was 18 miles from my starting point to have an early dinner. I was there before 4 and ran into Squirrel and Tree Frog on their way out and also ran into Shiver and Tree Beard (two south bounders). Had a great dinner of bacon cheeseburger, fries and three Pepsi's. I had a blackberry cobbler for desert which could have fed three people, but since I was by myself I ate it all. After eating it was a quick 4 miles to the campsite. The afternoon cleared and for the 1st time in three days I had some views. Here tonight are Tree Frog, Squirrel, Angry Phil and a bunch of section hikers. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 28.9
Weather: clear sky

Early morning today as I was on the trail before 7. Cool morning but warmed up nicely. I wish all days could be like this on the AT. I hiked five miles and an All You Can Eat breakfast at Sky Meadows and then hiked 18 miles to the next wayside for a burger and ice cream. Met up with Stretch and Geared Up and we were slack packed 4 miles from the Wayside leaving a mile to hike with the packs. The only problem was that we heard from someone that there was a bear about a mile away - and that's where our packs were stashed. When we got to the packs - sure enough the bear was directly across Skyline Drive from us. The packs had not been touched. The remainder of the one mile was quiet. Here at the hut along with the three of us are Moose and Topo plus tons of section hikers. Adding .5 miles to today's hike as I shorted myself .5 yesterday Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Hostel
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

A quick 10 mile hike into the hostel. A nice cool sunny day with some nice views. Left the shelter at 7:45 and was at the hostel by 11:30. Checked in, showered and had a pizza for lunch. Mike shuttled us to town to resupply and had my second lunch (Philly cheesesteak and carrot cake along with a couple beers) at a local pub. I then headed over to KFC to meet the shuttle and decided to get some take out for dinner. A couple hours later - pizza was ordered and found some room for that as well. Here with Moose, Stretch, Stretch's dad, Geared Up, Squirrel, Tree Frog, Midnight Sparkle, Rambo, Scooter, Mama Bear and a few other thru hikers. Plan is to get to Post Office tomorrow and pick up my new gaitors and to start heading north to Harper's Ferry - hopefully there by Wednesday. Gandalf