morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Niday Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 16.8

We heard a terrific scream in the middle of the night; found out later that a mouse bit Olde English's ear.Made breakfast this morning with Rooster, Dozer and Funyuns, and Cricket, Roscoe the dog, Ye Blaze, and their brother. I guess Olde English was up and out before we were even up.Awesome climb up to the Audie Murphy Monument, mostly since it was so well graded. The descent was equally nice. We formed a train behind Ye Blaze and talked a little as we hiked. Took a nice break by Trout Creek. Then we hiked on toward Dragon's Tooth. I figured we must have gone over Dragon's Tooth about a dozen times, instead finding a sequence of rocky false summits. The real Dragon's Tooth was unmistakable for the masses of day hikers it attracts. I was in low spirits by the time we went over it and nearly sprinted down the rock scramble. Now my legs are tired. Spider was patient, as ever, and we were both glad to get to the road that lead 0.3 mi to 4 Pines Hostel.The hostel is a former three-car garage that is filled with sofas, cots, and other sleeping surfaces. We claimed the sole bed and waited for Dozer, Funyuns, and Rooster to show up so we could all go to The Homeplace. They arrived and we waited another minute for Ground Pounder--and then we went to get a table.Well, we put our names on the list and waited two hours for that table. It was worth it, and we stuffed our faces--except for poor Olde English, who was full after one plate. We came home in our food comas and quickly fell asleep. Many thanks to Joe, who runs 4 Pines Hostel on donations, for his generosity, even lending us his truck to drive to the restaurant.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3

We woke gradually to gray skies and light rain. Spider and I barely made it back to the trail; Olde English decided to slackpack with Chapinlara, and Dozer and Funyuns decided to slackpack, too, after Joe told them he'd buy pizza and beer if they'd stay another night. We could not be pursuaded.It was like walking through a cloud all day. We missed the famed views from McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. It was quiet on the trail, barely a soul hiking. We did meet ChinStrap, another hiker doing a southbound slackpack since his family lives in the area. Rooster got to the shelter later. We are all excited to get to Daleville tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: US 52 (Daleville)
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Near-O!A gentle nine miles to town this morning. I got annoyed on Tinker Ridge that I could hear all the traffic below but still be dealing with rocks underfoot and uneven terrain. I'll be glad for a rest.Spider and I went to 3 Lil Pigs BBQ for lunch and were treated to two pitchers of beer by a local hiking enthusiast. Good thing Rooster showed up and helped us polish off the second pitcher. The restaurant also offers free banana pudding to thru-hikers; thanks! It was delicious.Stopped by the outfitter to pick up packages and new shoes, then did our resupply and got our room for the night. Then: relaxing, delivery pizza, bad TV shows.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: US 52 (Daleville)

To: US 52 (Daleville)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We decided to take a rest day today, so I slipped out early to pay for another night at the motel. We saw BB Clif & Loogie in the lobby; BB has an infected blister, so they're resting here for a few days.There are a ton of hikers in town. We went to the Chinese buffet for lunch, the coffee shop after for drinks, and then the outfitter for a few small things. We caught another ride across the scary intersection and hung out for a few hours doing chores. Got some Italian for dinner. A very restful day.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: US 52 (Daleville)

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hard to get out of town today. We packed up and left the motel at 9am and got on the trail... and after hiking two miles, I realized the boots were hurting my feet. We hitched a ride back to the outfitter and quickly bought new boots. I sent the other ones back to Baltimore so they could be returned.Then, both of us a little weary, we got lunch at the coffee shop. We seriously considered staying another night in a motel and resting our bodies. However, we couldn't quite justify it. We hiked on.The weather quickly cleared up and I was glad we were on the trail. Still, Spider especially needed more rest. At the first shelter, we decided to make camp. It gave us a long afternoon of down time. We made a fire, ate dinner, and read a while before going to bed as the sun set.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up just after sunrise, slipped out of the sleeping bag, and took in the bright sky and radiant greenery that has exploded in just the last few days. All the buds I cooed over a week ago have expanded, unfurled, and now are heightened by the first true sunshine we've seen in days.Spider and I made oatmeal, each in our own bowl (a change since Daleville), and set to packing up. It was less than an hour from waking to walking.I noticed quickly that Spider was going slowly; it seems like a Lyme flare up, the whole of the tiredness for the past few days. We're monitoring it.Nice break with good water and Curry Creek. Lots of sweet streams. The trail is solid, has been since Daleville; thanks, RATC! We took a longer break at Wilson Creek Shelter, nice breeze in a stand of young, green trees. We only have one more push in us, so, after a mid-hike break on some rocks beside the Blue Ridge Parkway, we make camp at Bobblets Gap Shelter. The terrain wasn't bad, and the views beyond the Parkway are lovely, but our bodies are weary. Short days feel so luxurious. We make a fire and have dinner; Shipwright shows up later, as we are reading. At dusk, Not A Bear, Rash, and Camaro show up; at dark, it's Wild Rain and Tin Man; even later, Tarzan, Pack Rat, and Nickelodeon. Very full shelter since there aren't many campsites here.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

First ones up, first ones out. Spider thinks he lost his hat; it seems to have disappeared in the night. Mice ate through part of mine.Beautiful, crisp morning. Hiked around the BRP then into the hills: up to Cove Mountain, not a bad climb, with great views of the valley below. Took a short break for snacks at Cove Mountain Shelter, then descended to Jennings Creek. 1000 ft climb up and down Fork Mountain. Lunch at the towering, attractive Bryant Ridge Shelter, so spacious. Spider has cramps and gas. I took a minute to put my legs up the wall to drain blood out of my feet, felt so good.Long but do-able four mile, 2000ft climb to Floyd Mountain wore me out. I could have stayed put at Cornelius Creek Shelter, but we pushed on, over Apple Orchard Mountain. Made it through the Guillotine to the shelter, where we're tenting. Tarzan, Easy, Cricket, and her dog Roscoe here with us tonight.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

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

Our alarm went off at 6am; Spider woke up immediately but I took forever. It was cold, hard to get out of the sleeping bag. In the morning, mist blanketed the forest, everything moist. My sweet Barking Spider brought me breakfast in bed (!) and gave me some space to wake up and get moving.We were on the trail around 7:30am. Almost fifteen miles downhill ,save a few small climbs. My toes are jamming into the new boots, even going numb. Hmm. I fell once, when my boots didn't connect with a rock, and bruised my shin but was otherwise OK.Happily, the sun came out as morning progressed. We had lunch at Matts Creek Shelter and took stock of our light food bags--it's rationing time. I sent a text message to Fresh Ground to see if we could resupply with him, since he goes to town everyday (otherwise, we would resupply beforehand, in Buena Vista). He's like a trail dad, or an uncle--he said he could take us. So great (thanks, Fresh Ground!).Past Matts Creek, we walked along the mighty James River and over the Foot Bridge. Saw a huge painter turtle. Also saw a cooler, usually a sight that promises trail magic--but there was nothing inside, only a bag of empty bottle next to it. That was a little sad.Nearly stepped on four snakes sunning themselves on the trail, all in a pile. Their home was in the rocks under the trail and they stuck their heads out to see that we left. Then a long, unforgiving climb to Big Rocky Row, rocks and wind and steeeeep. Another, better-graded climb up Bluff Mountain--then we coasted downhill to the shelter. Our feet ache after such a long day. We have a goal: getting to Harper's Ferry by the 17th to catch a ride up to New York City to see a play my sister has been working on (and sneak in a long visit with her!). It help to have something to motivate us. The prospect of seeing Alex is keeping me on pace.We're here at Punchbowl with Olde English and Chapinlara, Ye Blazer, Rocky, McGuyver & Dr. Salt, and Tarzan, who built another nice fire. We're tenting, partly to dry out the tent from last night's moisture, partly because we hear the shelter might be haunted. Saw a big barn owl fly around and later heard its call. Looking forward to seeing Fresh Ground tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: moderate rain

Woke early, packed up efficiently despite the rain. Fresh Ground was MIA bet we got coffee going and started cranking out eggs, pancakes, and everyone slowly gathered. When he came back, we had food under control, so he started doing shuttles.It was fun and we felt like lingering, but at 10am we hit the trail. It was like walking through a cloud, wet, windy even, but thankfully not too cold. The terrain was blessedly even. We passed the first shelter without stopping, both of us eager to keep hiking. We climbed The Priest (not much of a climb NOBO), stopping for a short break at the its shelter, just snacks and ibuprofen. We saw Hurry and Owaja arrive and start setting up, and we left soon after to get the last 7.6mi in before dark. It was cold and wet in that shelter anyway. On the descent, which wasn't bad at all, I even started drying out. The forest was green, sparkling, vibrant. It was beautiful. We saw bright orange salamanders in the middle of the trail and nudges them off so they wouldn't get smooshed by hikers. Cripple Creek was rushing and full. So was Tye River. Both so clear and fresh. The final 2.7mi push included 1000ft elevation gain--but it was so joyful a walk. I felt so full of gratitude to be able to live in the woods and experience the clear washings of rain, the sweet soothing greenery, the gentle hum of forest life. The rain on my face, my strong legs, Spider behind me--wonderful.The rain picked up in the last ten minutes of our hike, soaking us as we picked up the blue blaze trail to the shelter. Oh, well. We're dry enough now, and the rain beckons us to sleep.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Three Ridges Overlook, BRP 13.1
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Rained all night. We got up early in anticipation of a 27mi day to Waynesboro. Just about everything was wet, including parts of my sleeping bag. We were not excited about another wet, cold night in a shelter, so we needed to push to town today. The rocks we hopped to the shelter were covered with water, so we walked over a slippery log upstream. Wouldn't have mattered if we had forded the river, though; our feet and shoes were soaked within the hour. Hard climb up Three Ridges Mountain in a steady, cool rain.I started feeling sick soon after, cold and stomachache and all. At Reeds Gap I began hoping we could get a ride into town. Half a mile later, I was sure I couldn't do 27 miles today; we should try to get into town by car. We called Nomad, a wonderful hiker and trail angel, for a ride, since we knew he was in Waynesboro. He came and picked us up. Coffee Pot and Camaro said I looked nearly hypothermic when I got to the hotel, I couldn't stop shivering and shaking. Spider was worried and got a warm shower going for me immediately. I started to feel better, started to warm up. I curled up in bed all afternoon while Spider (bless his heart) did our laundry. We tried to go out for dinner but I couldn't eat much.So grateful for a warm, dry place to spend the night.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Three Ridges Overlook, BRP 13.1

To: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro)
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

Although we slept in the hotel last night, we have every intention of finishing the miles between Three Ridges Overlook and Rockfish Gap. So, we called one of the many trail angels in Waynesboro and got a shuttle back to Three Ridges Gap. Jim (Mister Gizmo) drove us up (thank you!) and we slackpacked back to town, leaving our bags in our room since we would stay there tonight, too.It felt great to slackpack. It always does. Despite the rain. We even ran down some of the hills. We forded a raging Mill Creek and covered the last five miles with soaking boots and shoes. Spider says it's liberating to have soaked footwear. His shoes aren't GoreTex.All the streams were gushing madly; the trail was part river. Even so, we made it back to Waynesboro in five hours. Tonight we rest and resupply and eat as much food as possible. We have a shuttle back to the trail tomorrow morning from Cindy (Miss Lady) (thank you!). Another warm, dry night. Grateful.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro)

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: haze

On trail around 9:30am, wasn't sure if it was going to rain or what. Turned out to be a blue sky day! It was even kind of hot--yeah, just in time for a long stretch without water. And the bugs are out. Hooray.We cruised over the friendly terrain. We saw a 5ft long black rat snake--I stepped right over it without realizing, until Spider pointed it out to me. Had lunch at mile 10; otherwise, we hiked all day.There's a big crew here tonight. We hear norovirus is going around again, that a few people were sick in Waynesboro. We're both hoping we avoided it--time will tell.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 33.8
Weather: light rain

Our longest day yet. We woke at 5:30am, packed and ate breakfast quietly, and were the first ones out of camp. Just a few miles out, we saw a mama bear and a cub. Spider moves in to take pictures until I spotted the cub climbing up a tree; mama crept back and so we bushwacked around to give them space. I think I have poison ivy.It was a hot, drudging morning. We stopped in to Pinefield Hut around noon for lunch and woke up Rooster! We all decided to do 20 miles more. Rooster promised us milkshakes from the wayside if we'd do it. It was fun hiking with him--we pulled a 3mph pace (unusual for me). We stopped for food at Hightop Hut and Spider and I left first--didn't see Rooster again all day.It started to cloud over so Spider grabbed the tent from my pack and started to cruise so we could set up before the rain came. People have been sick again, so we hope to avoid the shelters (although we've been sleeping in them, hmm). I hiked those six miles alone, saw two brave deer. Started running down hills when I heard thunder and it started to drizzle. I caught up with Spider about 2.5 miles from the hut. My feet started killing me all of a sudden; we were pooped. We got to the hut just before dark--and happily, just before it started to rain hard. We missed the downpour completely and ate our dinner under the shelter of the hut, dry and happy. We hiked at 3mph all afternoon. We're sleeping in the shelter tonight, no setting up of tents for us. Raider, Taco, Smooth, Drips, Collin, and much later Rooster all in tonight.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Byrds Nest Shelter #3
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: light rain

Whole shelter woke up before 6am. It felt like I got to sleep in and still get going early. Even Rooster was awake, promising to get out of camp quickly, motivated by the promise of food at the wayside.We all made breakfast and headed to Big Meadows. Spider and I got there for breakfast and stayed through lunch, Rooster joining us less than an hour after we arrived. Had pancakes and coffee, then the promised milkshakes (thanks, Rooster!) and fried chicken. We bought a little extra food at the camp store, too.A pleasant jaunt to the next wayside, Skyland--saw another bear scramble down a tree and into the woods. We were fortunate to miss a downpour when we were in the taproom--and the rain stopped by the time we left. Good thing we had all those beers, burgers, and wings.Cruised to the hut and got in just as it was getting to be dark. Did it! A section hiker set up his tent in the shelter. Made me laugh. We tented, letting Not It (who we finally caught up with) sleep in the shelter with his alone.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Byrds Nest Shelter #3

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 28.0

Cold morning. We snoozed until 7; Spider knew I needed rest. We talked with Rooster a bit, him all snuggled up in his hammock. The shelter-tenter and his buddies totally ignored Not It sleeping in the corner, almost sitting on his sleeping bag.We hiked out 4.4mi to Pass Mountain Hut with its gushing piped spring and two privies. We ate oatmeal and decided to do a long day. Spider and I hiked at our own pace from there to Elkwallow Wayside. He's a faster hiker. He left flowers for me along the trail, so sweet. He ordered burgers and shakes for us and was walking out with them exactly as I arrived. We ate on a grassy knoll under cheerful skies. We also decided to do our final resupply before Harper's Ferry here, at the wayside campstore, instead of going in to Front Royal. Saw Bean at the wayside--haven't seen him since Gatlinburg. Also met Snow Frog, Mot, and Hoosier. We tried to call our Moms, but my phone had no reception and then its battery died, and the pay phone we found was broken. So, Mom: Happy Mother's Day!We set out to cover the remaining 16 miles of the day at 1:30pm. It was a pretty hike, lots of pleasant vistas and gentle, smooth trail. Lots of day-hikers out, but it was manageable. We took a snack break around North marshall Mountain and I was mistaken for a bear by some day-hikers and we met Heavyweight. Then we cruised right out of the Shenendoahs. The trail became suddenly rocky and rough--back to the A.T. we know and love. We're tenting tonight, supposed to be cold. Taco's here, and Waldo, a section hiker from Germany, and we finally met Paranoid.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 18.1

Slept in laaate... barely up before 10am. Cold, autumnal morning. Spider was up and had already eaten all the honey buns and muffins from the wayside; he was bursting with sugar energy. We got out of camp around 10:45.Pretty gentle terrain and gorgeous green surroundings. Stopped at Denton Shelter for first lunch, met Punkin Pie. Lots of section hikers out, and everyone mistakes me for a bear as I pass them.We hitched to Apple House Restaurant in Linden, VA, for second lunch--excellent doughnuts, sandwiches, and very sweet folks there. They gave us a dozen doughnuts to take with us when we left. Yum! We hitched back, and our ride gave us snack bars and papaya when we got back to the trailhead.Then, with warmer weather, a really pleasant afternoon/evening, we walked to Dick's Dome. We're here tonight with Raider. Lovely spot. Good, restful day. We are ready to get to Harper's Ferry on Wednesday.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3

We took our time packing up, and once on the trail, kept a slow but steady pace. The terrain was about to get challenging, sort of: we were nearing the start of the Rollercoaster.I've done this section before, and it's not that bad. The Rollercoaster is a series of steep ascents and descents in rapid succession. It sounds worse than it is. There are even switchbacks in the Rollercoaster. It might make ya sweat a little, but it's good for you!Still, it was a tedious day. We aimed for Bear's Den Hostel, a luxury for us since we're about to take a week-long break to visit my family in Baltimore. We deliberated all day about whether we should allow ourselves to stay in a hostel or push on a few miles more to camp, maybe crossing the 1000 mile mark.Well. We decided to stay at the hostel. We were feeling weary, Spider especially, and there's no reason to push ourselves over-much right now. It was a good choice; we arranged a slackpack for the next day and got a free dinner, leftovers from a college group. And, the caretakers at Bear's Den are from Hampden! They know my mom and step-dad and told us a hilarious story about my mom chasing John away with a hammer when he was an AT&T salesman. Dozer and Funyuns showed up; they finish their thru-hike tomorrow, in Harper's Ferry. Glad we got to see them again before they're done.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry (ATC)
Miles today: 19.7

After a leisurely morning and a full breakfast of pancakes and coffee, Spider and I dropped off our packs by Raider's in the living room and headed out for our slackpack to Harper's Ferry.The weather was lovely and cooperative, even a little hot. We walked over the last miles of the rollercoaster without incident. Then, the terrain leveled out. We were really putting the miles behind us. Spider observed that he knew he really needed a prolonged rest period when even slackpacking was hard. Still, we knew we needed to get to Harper's Ferry as soon as possible to meet Dad and get whisked away to Baltimore.And we did. We got to the ATC sometime mid-afternoon, gave Dad big hugs, drank a few cold sodas, and had our picture taken. We went out for celebratory burgers and beers, walked around trying to find an ice cream place (all were closed!), and finally headed back to Dad and Sara's house. We'll be staying there for a week, a deep rest that will get us ready to cruise through the rest of the Mid Atlantic.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Baltimore

To: Dahlgren Campground
Miles today: 17.9

We got back on the trail today after our long break in Baltimore. Dad dropped us off back at the ATC, where we saw Foxi again for the first time since Georgia and then Northern for the first time since Tennessee. It's fun to see familiar faces again.The trail was waiting for us. Maryland is a gentle and sweet reintroduction to hiking; there are rocks, sure, and small climbs, but there are also parks and public restrooms nearly everyday, water from pumps you don't have to purify. Today was a beautiful day with bright clear skies, a steady breeze, and no bugs. The temperature was cool and the trail was largely flat. We walked a few miles along the old C&O Canal towpath before climbing into the woods. The rocks slowed our pace a little, but the hiking was pleasant.Even after a long rest, our bodies are achy. My feet and hips hurt; Spider's knee and the balls of his feet are bothering him. We took a long lunch break at Ed Garvey Shelter, a very nice shelter about seven miles in, and took time to stretch and rest. Another break at the War Correspondents Memorial, dropping our packs in the grass and, unencumbered, visiting the museum and reading all the historical signs. This area has such a deep and bloody history.We pulled in to Dahlgren, a campground with a restroom and showers, early and decided to call it a day.