morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: light rain

May 30The rain did come last night. There was some thunder and lightning, but not a big deal. We were staying at Thunder Hill shelter, so it was quite fitting. It was just Skittles and Slim with me in the shelter. I slept well. This morning the rain had stopped but we were in a cloud. We were at 4,000 feet so it was quite cool. Everything was wet, so even though the rain had stopped our feet were soaked within the first 10 minutes of walking. Slim is scheduled to meet his wife at the James River at noon and that is 14.6 miles up the trail. We were hiking about 6:30 and kept a great pace all morning. The trail is real quiet, seems like a big bubble of hikers behind us. There were two small climbs but a lot of downhill this morning. We saw just 2 NOBOs. They got to the parking lot just after us and quickly got a hitch into town. As I am typing this we are in the parking lot at the James River footbridge. I have 10.5 more miles to my shelter, so a 25 mile day planned. I had planned to stick around till about 1. We did not have cell coverage so no way to contact Mrs Slim for a status update. I joked with Slim the she would show up 5 minutes after I left. Turns out that is exactly what happened. Not only did I not get to meet her, but she also had brought a bunch of food to share with hungry hikers. Big bummer on both counts. Slim came to my rescue though. I had not brought enough food with me. I could make it to the next food resupply, but would be marginal. Slim had quite a bit and since he was off trail for the next day and a half, he set me up with lots of goodies, thanks Slim!I continued on. Once again the afternoon brought lots of climbing. Tomorrow will bring the same as well. I did pass Sherpa, the only NOBO sighting this afternoon. We discussed how we are in this little void with few hikers around. I walk into the Punchbowl shelter and its like a mini tent village, 8 all together. It was fun see someone else out here. With everything so wet and a chance of rain I coose to sleep in the shelter. I am the only one. This is the first time I have had a shelter to myself. As I am typing this the spring peepers are making a huge racquet. This is a beautiful spot with some open area and a pond in front of the shelter. So far the bugs aren't too bad. We are still in the clouds, kind of eerie.Well, it's 8:40 and the tents went quiet a while ago. Time for bed. A relatively short day tomorrow, under 18 miles, to a hostel. I will get a shower, more food, do laundry and get to sleep in a bed. What more could you ask for.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap, Three Springs Hostel
Miles today: 17.6

May 31I had the shelter to myself last night. It was nice not having any noises and waking up not having to be concerned about bothering others. Having done 2 big mile days in row, and knowing I "only" had 17.6 for today I got a slow start. Last night there was no data so wasn't able to post yesterday's journal. For some reason this morning there was coverage. As I walked up the approach trail back to the AT I noticed a couple tents were gone. It was above 7:30 and the sun was trying its hardest to burn off the fog. I had worn my dry socks and was hoping to keep dry feet for the day. It did work out that way. My clothes were still soaked from yesterday. The humidity is still very high so lots if sweating. Mid morning I stopped at a stream and rinced off my shirt and took a sponge bath.This morning I passed the 800 mile mark. In a couple days the big climbs will be behind us till we reach Vermont. At a road crossing I had marginal cell service, so called Elizabeth. She was jealous reading Slims journal as he met up with his wife yesterday. Hopefully Elizabeth will visit soon.After the road, I had to complete the almost 3,000 foot climb. Thats 3 days in a row with big climbs after lunch. I had call the Three Springs hostel and confirmed everything for tonight. Turns out Marcia was waiting for me at the trailhead. Great service. This is a brand new hostel and unfortunately did not make it in this year's guide book. They have a great spot and are wonderful people. I hope they do well. I got here just after 3. It has been nice to kick back and relax. Dinner is almost ready, so going to run.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Hog Camp Gap, Three Springs Hostel

To: Harpers Creek shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

June 1I really enjoyed the Three Springs hostel. I was the only customer. Oma and Marcia were great, I'd highly recommend the place to anyone passing through. After a wonderful omelet Marcia brought me up the hill to the trailhead at 8am. Hog Camp gap was hopping. The 7 or so hikers that were tented the night before at Punchbowl were here as was another group out for the weekend. Mother Earth left the same time I did. We walked together for a couple minutes but I soon got ahead. A couple miles up the trail I came upon 2 coolers. The trash bags with them were empty which is a great sign. Sure enough, one cooler was full with a variety of drinks and the other was full of all kinds of snacks. Thanks to Gorman (AT 2012) and his wife for the generous trail magic. I think I forgot to mention that I got some magic yesterday morning as well. Love starting the morning out with food and non water that I did not have to carry.Lots of SOBO section hikers this morning. I bet there were about 15. The trail was great for cruising. We had a bit of a climb to the top of the Priest, I think the last 4,000 foot peak till NH. I stopped for lunch at a shelter near the top. Uncle Buck was there just finishing his lunch. He is also headed to the same shelter this evening. On the way down I found a spot with cell coverage. Was able to talk with my son who is taking care of my business. All is good there. Unfortunately I missed Elizabeth. I did get and leave messages for her. Lots going on between our house and one of our rental properties. A huge thank you to her for taking care of everything while I am out here hanging out in the woods.I arrived at Harpers Creek shelter a little after 5. Flinch and I Believe were already here. I enjoyed talking with them while preparing my dinner. They are both on trail journals as well. Always enjoy meeting new people out here. Uncle Buck rolled in as well. Regina, the ridgerunner stopped by to disinfect the shelter. She had stopped by the Thunderhill shelter a few nights ago when we were there. She is out on the trail 3 months at a time making sure everything is OK.Going to bed early tonight. I am in my tent. I actually am tenting right next to a beautiful stream. I'll have the sound of running water all night. There is a shelter 22 miles from here. If all goes well and I am up for it I may go the last 5 miles to Waynesboro. That will be my longest day yet if it works out. I'll let you know tomorrow how it goes.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Harpers Creek shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 27.0

June 2It was great sleeping by the babbling brook. Inside my tent there were no bug problems. There were about 10 tents and again no one in the shelter. I was out on the trail at 6:30, hopeful that I could do the 27 miles the Waynesboro. Not only is it a lot of miles, but it starts with a 2,000 foot rocky ascent of the 3 ridges. Then a rocky descent. The first 22 miles were rocky, which is tough on the feet and slows you down. I was feeling good and ready for the challenge. Shortly after starting I came to an overlook and had cell reception, so posted yesterdays entry.The AT does not always follow the shortest route. Yesterday I came to an intersection that listed the Maulpin hut as 3 miles. Following the AT is was 7.5 miles and the big climb. I stood at that sign for several minutes. If I took the shortcut today would have been about 20 miles. I stayed true and followed the white blazes of the AT.After 7 miles I reached the BRP (Blue Ridge Parkway). Someone had left sodas and snacks for us. Third day in a row. Turns out this was the first of 3 places with drinks and snacks today. It is really cool how the hiking community works. The terrain levels out through this stretch but still very rocky. I passed Owl Bear. We saw each other several times during the day. About noon I stopped at an overlook and made some business calls as well as talking with my good friend Frank. He is going bowling tonight. Turns out several hikers at the hotel here are bowling tonight and invited me to tag along. Well, obviously I made it the 27 miles to town. I completed the 22 to a shelter at 4:05 and took a 25 minute rest. I was surprised how well I felt. The terrain was easy, but I still did the final 5.1 miles in 90 minutes. Waynesboro has a trail angel list. When you reach the road crossing there is a list of names and nubers stapled to a post. I called Tom for a ride the 4 miles down to town. No problem, 5 minutes later he pulls up and dropped me at the hotel. He will bring me back up to the trail tomorrow as well.Tomorrow is the start of Shenandoah National park. I plan to be hiking after lunch.Happy to report ABear has had a good past 4 days and is now past the 800 mile marker. Slim is back on trail after visiting with his wife. I think he is about 30 miles behind me.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Waynesboro

To: random campsite
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

June 3The trail is full of all kinds of experiences, not just walking through the woods in search of the next white blaze. I basically am forcing myself to rest this morning, which is difficult for me to sit still. As I am writing this I am waiting for Ming Garden Buffet to open. This may be the most talked about restaurant along the entire AT. I already have a ride at noon to bring me up to the trail. I have my food resupply all set, so here I sit on a bench in front of the grocery store watching the flow of small town America. At home I could never sit still on a bench for an hour, but on the trail, the pace of life is very different. I feel no ill effects from the 27 miles yesterday. I thought I would do a short afternoon but the first shelter in only 6 miles in, the next is 21. We are going through a National park so lots more rules on camping. There is also rain in the forecast, so we will see what happens. Side note here. Normally I write these entries in camp at night. Slim writes his like this, during the day in multiple seatings. The tenses may be a bit screwy, but we'll give it a go. OK, laying in my tent finishing the recap of today. No reception here, so will post as soon as I can. I walked over to Mings and in the parking lot a car honks it's horn at me. Turns out to be Uncle Buck, who I had met yesterday. His parents had picked him up this morning. Not only did I join them for lunch but his dad insisted on paying for my meal. After lunch they brought me to the trailhead. Another fun trail story. As I get out of the car Skittles walks up. He was skipping town. He did stop for a short break so I was out ahead of him. It was close to 1pm, so no real shot at the second shelter.The terrain was fairly easy, some rocks, but overall no serious climbing. Very little water though. I got 3 liters at a spring since it has to get me 12 miles and an overnight. I also chugged a liter before leaving the spring. It is difficult for me to be motivated when I do not have a specific destination. I would have to walk till 9 to get to the shelter. I basically told myself the first good camp spot after 7 would be home for the night. About 6:30 I startled a bear. He ran a short distance and stopped. I stopped and talked to him hoping he was not a she with a baby nearby. With no other noises I walked on. He was only about 50 feet away.Shortly after 7 I came upon a reasonable place to tent. I was thinking this will be my first time tenting totally alone when Skittles shows up. He had seen 2 bears today. I ended up doing 18.5 miles this afternoon. Skittles did over 31 today.Lots of critter sightings today. I saw the youngest fawn I have ever seen. The little guy could hardly walk and was about a foot tall. I think I got a good picture which hopefully will be on my site this weekend. It is well after 9, so time for bed.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: random campsite

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: overcast clouds

June 4The tenting spot last night worked out great. I was hiking about 6:30, Skittles was right behind me. He is a super fast hiking so it was not ling before he went zooming by. We both stopped 3 miles in at the Blackrock shelter to get water. There were 5 or 6 through hikers who had spent the night there just getting going. The day was surprisingly tough. There were no big climbs, but very little flat terrain. About 10 miles in was the Loft Mountain Wayside. This is a restaurant. It is a bit off the trail, but worth it. I got a cheeseburger, sweet potato fries and ice cream for dessert. I spoke with a couple people who were very interested in my hike. They both were familiar with through hiking and asked good questions. Again there was very little water this afternoon. The trail seems very quiet. I did see Digger coming into the Wayside as I was leaving, but he was the only thru hiker I saw all day.The afternoon kind of dragged. I was a bit off my game today. I arrived at the Hightop shelter a bit after 5. There was a section hiking couple here, but that was it. After 6 Digger showed up as well as Drew and another guy. The forecast is for storms tonight so I chose to stay in the shelter. Everyone else is tenting even though it is raining. I'm not sure where Skittles ended up today. I never saw him after we left Blackrock.
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 20.5

June 05It poured last night, glad I chose the shelter. The first round came through about 10pm. It was very loud on the metal roof. I slept through the second round of storms. Digger told me about it in the morning. His tent leaked a bit, but no big deal.I decided to shoot for a Tuesday arrival into Harpers Ferry. It is kind of tough when you have a set overnight spot. I could do 24 mile days and get there Monday, but decided to go the easier route and shoot for Tuesday. Today I hiked 20.5 to the Big Meadows Lodge. Yesterday I think I mentioned was a tough day for me, just not quite going on all cylinders. Today was back to feeling good. I completed 11+ to a camp store by 11. Met a female German through hiker. She did the whole trail with her husband two years ago. She is back this year going solo. The second half of the day went very quickly as I arrived about 3. It worked out great as I had to go to the nearby campground to do laundry. There were four of us thru hikers hanging out doing laundry. Layton was the caretaker (he also sold ice and firewood). Snickers was one of the other hikers. I have been reading his journal entries for a month now. It was fun to finally meet him. Layton really wants to hike the AT someday. He has 5 kids at home 3 to 17, so not happening soon. His wife is a waitress at the restaurant where I am staying, so I requested her at dinner. She had talked to Layton and he had said I would be requesting her. Another fun sidelight to this trip, meeting local people. I continue to really enjoy Virginia and the people here.When I was checking in I saw Digger. He was not feeling well. He said Drew hitch hiked into town to see a doctor. Hope its not contagious since I ate dinner with the two of them last night. I wish them both a speedy recovery.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Big Meadows

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

June 6It was nice to do laundry shower and sleep in a bed. I had a great meal last night, prime rib and baked potato. This morning was quite chilly. The temperature was in the upper 40s, great for hiking. It was 8 miles to Skyland Resort. I had planned to stop there for lunch. I missed the turn, but realized my mistake soon enough. When I got there Chance was already here. Bagger showed up 5 minutes later. These are the two guys I met doing laundry yesterday. We had all walked the 8 miles at the same pace and didn't see each other till we stopped. Just as we sat down, Digger and Jesse James arrived. Digger is still feeling the affects of his food poisoning. He is sure it is from food he eat, not the norovirus that keeps popping up on the trail. The five of enjoyed a nice lunch looking out over the Shenandoah River Valley. We are at a resort with elecricity and people so none of us is in a hurry to leave. We have 11 miles to the shelter, so less than 5 hours. Chance says he is waiting till 3 to leave, then he can show up and set up his tent and go to sleep. I am leaving before 1:30, but do plan a short side trip to the summit of Stony Man.The side trip to the summit of Stony Man turned out to be almost a mile total. Just as I arrived back to the AT Digger showed up. We walked together for a short while then I moved on. About 4 miles from Skyland we came to a wonderful picnic area. There was a picnic table in the shade with clean water only 50 feet away. I had cell reception so called home and took care of a few minor business issues. Just as I was about to move on Digger shows up. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we had plenty of daylight so I stayed. Not too much later in comes Jesse James, Bagger and Chance. I ended up staying at the picnic table for close to an hour. We still had almost 7 miles to go and it was almost 4pm, so I took off.We had a 1,200 foot descent that turned out to be quite rocky which made it very tough. Fortunately the last mile to the shelter was easy. I was the first of the group to arrive. About a hundred yards from the shelter I saw a momma bear and her cub. There are tons of bears around. I also saw over 10 deer today as well. Global Leader was at the shelter when I got here. He is a nice guy, really enjoyed chatting with him. Over the next hour Chance, Bagger, Jesse James and Digger showed up as did Snickers. It was 9pm before I got in my tent with all the socializing. Tomorrow I hope to hike 23 miles to a hostel. Great weather today, hopefully it stays for a while. Sure is nice hiking with dry feet.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 22.7

June 7Everyone was up and moving this morning, but I was the first one out just before 7. We all planned yo do the 7 miles to the Elkwallow Wayside, the last food opportunity in the park. I got there by 9:30 and sure enough Chance, Global Leader, Jesse James, Bagger and Digger all showed up over the next 30 minutes. Not sure where Ssnickers ended up.Oh, a Skittles update. He and I camped together my first night in the park. He had done 31 miles to get there. He had a food drop coming in up the trail and wanted to get it Sat before the post office closed. He signed a shelter journal and was well on his way. I had hiked a 25 and a 20 mile days, and was 15 miles behind him. He sure can fly.My bear count is at 5. I am writing this 7 miles from the north boundary, so that may be it. I will finish this tonight, want to get this last 7 done. Pizza and ice cream are waiting at the hostel.The last 7 seemed to drag. It was a 22.7 mile day. No more bears, so final count of 5. The hostel is a house withbthe basement set up as a bunkroom. It is full with all new faces, excep Global Leader and his dog Marley. Marley was abandoned as a pup, similar story to our Moose.Short post today, not much to report. If all goes well I will be in Harpers Ferry on Tuesday.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Dicks Dome shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

June 8The hostel was full last night, 12 in bunks and 3 in the living area. Most are section hiking. One woman, Chuckles is a second grade teacher from Alaska. She has been doing 200 mile sections for the past few years. She is from a town north of Nome. Her husband competes in the Iditarod every year and was 2nd once. Yes, she knows the Peavey family. She had slack packed south to the hostel, so she is actually ahead of me on the trail. I should see her tomorrow at Bears Den.Today was a fairly easy day. I did 19 and was done by 3. When I got to the shelter, Valley Girl and her chocolate lab service dog Jake were already here. Jake is a seizure alert dog. They are from the LA area, so big difference being out here on the trail. Part way through the day Dragonfly, a 2013 thru hiker was putting out trail magic. His wife and dog were assisting. Always love the surprise treats while on the trail. Thanks Dragonfly.It is 4pm as I am writing this. The forecast is for big storms tonight, so I am staying in the shelter tonight. There is a wonderful stream 50 feet in front, so we will have the sounds of water all night long. This shelter may be the smallest on the trail, only fitting 4 people. Valley Girl and I are inside. There are two section hikers tenting. Global Leader said he was coming here, but haven't seen him yet.It's now after 8. Enjoyed conversations with Kevin (section hiker I've seen the past couple days) and Valley Girl. Viking stopped by but moved on. It is now raining with lots of thunder and lightning. Glad I chose to stay here. Valley Girl shared some of her sausage for dinner. I am low on food, so much appreciated.I heard a bear today, but the forest was so thick I never saw him. I did see a few more deer. We hiked by a huge facility that is part of the National Zoo. It was a military training area years ago. It is not open to the public. The entire area has a chain link fence around it.
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Dicks Dome shelter

To: Bears Den
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

June 09Today was cloudy, but everything was very wet. It rained hard for quite a while last night. The little stream in front of the shelter was a good sized river this morning. It was tricky getting across to get back to the trail.The first 9 miles were very easy. I finished it in 3 hours and also stopped at a road crossing to post yesterday's journal. I was thinking I would go past the Bears Den and do a 26 mile day to have a shorter day tomorrow. Then came the roller coaster. It is a 14 mile stretch of trail with lots of ups and downs. Today all the rocks were wet and slippery, so tough going. The next 9 took me almost 5 hours. The plus side was there was lots of water today. We never had to worry about running out.I also screwed up on food, meaning I did not have enough. There is a restaurant just past the BD, but it is closed on Monday. Just as I was approaching the turn the Bears Den it started to rain. Even though it was only 3 I called it a day. A shower, laundry and a bed were too tempting. The biggest draw though is a stay here includes dinner and breakfast. At 5pm a hiker store opens as well to get food for tomorrow. Got my pizza and pint of Ben and Jerrys. We have a pancake breakfast in the morning, then the completion of the Roller Coaster awaits. There is only about 4 miles of it left, then a fairly easy cruise to Harpers Ferry. Somebody just said more rain tomorrow, but that's OK, I am staying at another hostel.Tomorrow will be an easier hiking day even though it is a couple miles longer. I will take Wednesday morning in Harpers Ferry to get everything set for the next leg of my journey. I get new shoes tomorrow as well as new socks. I am looking forward to both items. BTW - the math is slightly off on the total. I think I corrected it, but my total miles hiked as of now are 999.1. Early tomorrow I will go past the 1,000 mile mark.