morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Campsite at mile 650.7
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

We dried out last night after the pouring rain. It was a nice evening in the shelter. Our sobo friends were ready to hike down to Pearisburg. Gap said he was looking forward to the AYCE at Pizza Plus in Pearisburg. The clouds and fog burned off and we had a great view on the trail just past the Rice Field Shelter. We thought we would hike to the Pine Swamp Branch shelter but by the time we got packed and on the trail it was a bit later than we had thought. We hiked along the ridge and met a lot of hikers. I can remember one guy named Clean. As the time passed and it was after 5PM we decided to camp at the campsite at mile 650.7. Gap showed us videos he took of the zipline at the Captain's Place. I am not sure about that. Pretty close to the water from what I could see. There's no water at the campsite but I filled up at the spring we passed at mile 643.6 so we have enough water for the evening. Once we start out tomorrow we will be at a water source before too long. It sounds like there might be a good chance of thunderstorms and severe weather tomorrow. We're planning to stop at Bailey Gap Shelter before the sections over 4,000 feet where lightning might be hazardous. I had enough of that last year on Kinsman Mountain in NH. We'll find out tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Campsite at mile 650.7

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

Our campsite on the ridge was nice except for no water. We had been hearing about the severe storms further south and today we heard they would be closing in on us. We had a taste of getting to Rice Field Shelter in the pouring torrential rain and were not enthusiastic about another such hike. So we packed up and were on the trail by 8:30. After passing the junction with the Allegheny Trail (which is a 300 mile trail I didn't know about), we descended to the Pine Swamp Branch shelter and replenished our water supply. Then continued the descent until we got to the stream crossing for the Captain's Place. I was thinking that the water was very high and the zip line to cross was pretty low. I did not want a water park experience so we passed by. We met two more SOBO hikers, Nicorette, and Committed. Committed told us that he started hiking June 2, 2016. We kept hearing different predictions as to the arrival of the storms so began the 1000 foot climb to Bailey Gap Shelter. It turned out we were the only ones there. Tomorrow Allan will be hiking back down the mountain and getting a ride back from the Captain's Place to where he's parked his car and then back to DC. He said he's had a good time.
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We were glad to be at Bailey Gap Shelter. During the night the rain started and it poured. When morning came, it was pouring. Allan packed up and said goodbye since he had to start back to meet his ride at the Captain's Place. He now knows what it's like to live the AT life. I hesitated as the rain continued and considered a zero at the shelter. But as I heard more about possible snow and 25 degree overnight temperatures and snow (thank you AT Weather), I decided I had to head to War Spur shelter and get to a lower elevation. I finally got on the trail around 11:30. I had to move to get to War Spur which was 8.8 miles away. There were high wind warnings on the Weather Channel. I got out to the exposed summit of Wind Rock (4096 feet) and the wind was very strong. I was wearing my patagonia undershirt and my rain gear. The rain that came was more like sleet and snow and was bouncing off. I got to War Spur Shelter just after 6:30pm. Another hiker, Butter Feet, from northern Virginia, is there with me. I'm glad to be sleeping down off the ridge tonight. I've now hiked over 100 miles since I started at Possum Creek.
Date: 2017-04-07
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

After a cold night last night at War Spur, I took time getting up. I knew Friday would be cold as well. There was a dusting of snow. So much for spring. Butter Feet had done 25 miles the previous day but was off to go quickly again. I chatted up other hikers going by. It was good to see Sky Man. He's the hiker from Zurich I met while I was close to crossing I-77 at Bland VA. His trail name comes from his love of para-gliding from high places back in Switzerland. After shooting the breeze too long I started out after noon. I got down to John's Creek and crossed the bridge. I stopped to get water at a gushing stream on the way to Rocky Gap. Then a climb to the ridge and hiked through snow (though not much on the trail) to Kelly Knob. It was cold looking out over the mountains with visible snow. Three hikers passed me and were heading to Laurel Creek Shelter. Then a fourth passed. He was from the UK with the trail name English Detective. I was beginnng to be afraid I would not be able to fit into the shelter. But when I got down there just around 7PM I found I could fit after all. I just fit in. Got water. Rejoicing over food. Now we've put up our storm tarps to keep the wind out. It's pretty cozy tonight on the Trail. I need to get going earlier tomorrow. Rock me mama in the wind and the hale/ rock me mama on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a cold night. Getting tired of snow. But the shelter wasn't too bad since we had the entrance blocked off with tarps. Got up and the clouds burned off and I could see it would be way better than yesterday. I got moving around 10:30 and made it to the creek and VA 42 road crossing. Met quite a few day hikers heading up to Kelly's Knob, that forbidding place I passed over yesterday. Once I emerged from the woods, it was nice to hike through fields in the early spring. I met a hiker/author named Hazel who was finishing up the work on her soon-to-be-published trail guide to day hikes from the AT. She offered me a hot shower and a meal but it was early and I thought I should push on. Got to the Keefer Oak. This tree is awesome. Let's hope it's here in another 300 years. The 1200 foot climb to the ridge was pretty brutal. I met up with Grandpa and three other hikers who were also on the way to Sarver Hollow Shelter. I got to the shelter around 6pm after a steep down climb from the ridge. But all the other hikers are in their hammocks and I have the shelter to muyself. And it's a real palace! I hear that tomorrow will be beautiful with a high of 70. Two nobos just showed up. Don Quixote from Granada Spain and Not Gadget. They just did 20 miles.
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

I enjoyed Sarver Hollow Shelter. Had a nice chat with Don Quixote. He is keeping extensive notes of his hike and planning to write a book like Bryson's Walk in the Woods, except in Spanish and intended for the Spanish-speaking world. I met a lot of hikers from Spain and Latin America so I hope his book does well and it inspires hikers from that part of the world to hike the AT. Also, Lucky Charms showed up last night. I guess it's his favorite cereal. I got on the trail around 10:30AM. Absolutely beautiful day. But the ridge was rocky and my feet were feeling a bit sore as I rolled into Niday Shelter so I decided to stop here. Peevy and Upchuck are here. They are only hiking past Mcafee Knob. Now a hiker with a dog just arrived. Pacer has also pulled in after a 28 mile day. Not for me. Hike your own hike. I may take an extra day getting to Four Pines. Good thing I had an extra freeze dried dinner when I checked.
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Niday Shelter

To: Trout Creek Campsite
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: broken clouds

I had a choice corner spot at Niday Shelter to put my sleeping bag since I had arrived early yesterday. I got up to a nice day today and packed up to go. After I got to the road crossing at Craig's Creek I went a bit further and found trail magic! A cooler with ice and cold Coca Cola. What a treat! I've been on trail food so long. There was a long 1500 foot climb back to the ridge. When I got there I found a bench. How thoughtful. The trail followed what was like a carriage road at first and I could make good time. But after Brushy Mountain, it was back to the rocks. As I was approaching Trout Creek, I was passed by a swarm of hikers all heading to Pickle Branch Shelter. I had a sinking feeling that I would not be getting a corner spot or any spot if I hiked through to the Shelter. So I am stopping at Trout Creek tonight.
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Trout Creek Campsite

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The Trout Creek campsite was not the greatest. Too close to the road. I am hoping my water filter worked well with creek water. Got up and packed for a long climb back up to the ridge. Good views. As I approached Dragon's Tooth the ascent was rocky and steep. It was also very hot. Hard to imagine when I was freezing 3 days ago. Some German student day hikers offered me some water and it was appreciated. Another Virginia Tech student offrered me a burrito from their food service at VT. Very tasty! I finally made it to the hostel just as it was getting dark. Most ofb the hikers I met at Niday Shelter are here. Even Peevy and Upchuck! Too bad it was too late for the grill at the grocery store. Iam taking a zero tomorrow and will get to the grill then.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Four Pines
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a restful zero day at Four Pines. The van took me to two stores for resupply. I was able to get my supply box that was mailed there. I had a nice burger at the local market. Beautiful day to sit out front of the hostel (sort of like a garage with lots of comfy furniture out front). Now I am wondering when to send my colder weather gear back. Maybe I'll wait 2 more weeks. Not sure if I'm hiking on or taking another zero tomorrow. Then again I am not sure about being on McAfee on Saturday. I keep hearing about the mobs up there on weekends.
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Four Pines

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took another zero at Four Pines. Nice to be sitting out front on a warm day. You can see how big it is inside from my photo. Today I got shuttled to the Homeplace restaurant with another NOBO hiker Penguin. It was awesome. AYCE. Great fried chicken. Pinto beans. Gallons of sweet tea. This is a hiker must. Looking forward to possible trail magic on the way to McAfee Knob tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: John's Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

I enjoyed my zeros at Four Pines Hostel but it was time to be moving on down the line. I heard from Reddit that there might be trail magic between Wind Rock and McAfee Knob this weekend. Then again, there was another Reddit rumor that Richard Simmons hiked the AT back in the 70's. Sketchy. But when I got to the road crossing I found two groups dispensing trail magic. So I had a burger and a soda. I got to the Shelter around 5:30 and decided to stop. I plan a short hike tomorrow over McAfee Knob and then staying at Campbell Shelter. I've just got to get one of those iconic photos! I find I've had to run into the woods with my trowel more often today if you know what I mean. I hope it's not the big G. Maybe even a filter isn't always enough.
Date: 2017-04-15
From: John's Spring Shelter

To: John's Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a difficult night at John's Spring Shelter. My dysentery is worse. I had to go running for the woods too early. Then a few more times. I was not in a good place. I decided just to stay here for the day and see if I would get over it. Unlike last year, I did not have imodium or any other anti-diarrhea med. But I don't want to leave the trail. So I decided to wait it out. I began to feel more like a human being again around 4pm. And it rained so I didn't think it would be a good idea to start out to McAfee Knob today. So I think I am on the mend at this point and that it's not Giardia. I will hike on to the summit tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: John's Spring Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: broken clouds

After my sick day yesterday, I felt better this morning and decided to hike on but only as far as Campbell Shelter. I wanted to enjoy McAfee Knob and the incredible views. It was a significant climb from John's Spring Shelter but it didn't feel as steep as I had expected. I got up there and it did not disappoint. Quite a few others. Once I explained about the iconic photo of the AT everyone up there wanted their own so I got drafted into camera duty. Then a couple decided (the guy did anyway) to actually pose "the question" to his girlfriend (she said yes) so I got drafted into more camera duty. After spending a lot of time up there I headed down to Campbell Shelter where once again I was the only one staying in the shelter. That is, until five NOBOs showed up around 7:30. Oh well.
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Lambert Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 6.0

Despite the late arrival of the five NOBO's last night it seemed like we managed to fit in Campbell Shelter ok. Had a nice conversation. I awoke to a beautiful morning. People were heading back up Kelly Knob to catch early sun. I felt much recovered since that bout of dysentery. I got underway but had been warned that rain would be arriving. Sure enough it began raining around noon. But it was light and my rain hat seemed to deal with the worst of it. The rain tapered off and I was able to get a decent view from Tinker Cliffs. I got to Lambert Meadow Shelter just before 5PM. I had the place to myself. The dreaded bear did not show up. Maybe he knows that he has no opportunity to get my food from the bear barrel that was installed in 2016. Hikers arrived a bit later. I had a good conversation with a hiker from Paris and shared my experience hiking the GR 65 (Chemin) in France and the various marked trails in Paris. Another hiker was from Munich, Germany. Always a small world on the AT.
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Lambert Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

I had a great time in conversation with the hikers last night at Lambert Meadow. Got up earlier this morning and headed out before 9:30. You could say it was downhill but it did take all day for me to get to Daleville. the contrast of the AT in the mountains and sudden reentry to civilization at US220 was drastic. One minute the woods the next a busy strip. I checked into Howard Johnson Express and hit Pizza Hut across the street after a nice hot shower. I have a few chores to do tomorrow but will head north on the AT on Thursday.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I had a comfortable night at the Howard Johnson Express. Got up and had the complementary breakfast. I forgot to mention yesterday that I met a hiker from PA as I was close to US 220 at Daleville. He was Will da Beast and he has a popular journal at TrailJournals. We had a conversation about where to stay in Daleville and he ended up staying where I was at the Howard Johnson Express. He said that what he wanted most was a bottomless glass of Pepsi so I think he also ended up at the Pizza Hut where I had dinner. Anyway, I had some chores to do and supplies to buy. My trail pants were shot and a major seam has ripped open so I got new pants at the outfitter. I already went down several sizes. Thanks AT diet. I also stocked up on freeze dried dinners. Eventually I cycled around to Krogers to get a few more supplies and came upon Will da Beast devouring a rotisserie chicken in front of the store. I went to Three Little Pigs and it was very good. Tomorrow time to hike on
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well I lied about starting out early today on the trail. I almost slept through the HoJo complementary breakfast. But I did make it before 9am. I decided I still had to mail things back home and hit the supermarket (Krogers) so I decided to do another zero. I had a great lunch at Three Little Pigs and one of the owners picked me up on rt US220 and gave me a ride back to HoJo and I am very appreciative. I have taken care of all the chores now and will be heading out on the trail tomorrow, rain or shine. I did s little reading about the haunted Sarver Hollow Shelter where I stayed. The ghost is supposedly sensitive to when you oversleep and wakes you up. I don't recall any ghost waking me up when I was there but I am sorry I didn't know the story. It would have been great for Don Quixote to put in his upcoming book about the AT for Latin America.
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Daleville, VA

To: Back to NY (temporarily)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was ready to hike on north of Daleville but at the last minute decided I needed a few days off to take care of some logistical issues. It was easy to get a bus from Daleville. I have been struggling with pack weight. It's all the winter gear. Nuptse down jacket, winter sleeping bag, heavy Asolo boots, etc. This is slowing me down. I have the warm weather gear but it's hard to arrange a resupply to swap this out without going home. Also, the glass lens on my InReach satellite communication unit has cracked. I didn't drop it but it must have squashed against something hard in my pack. I contacted Garmin and I have to mail it back to them in Kansas. So I am briefly off the trail and will resume once I get InReach back. I sent it FedEx and Garmin promised 3-5 days so we'll see. I depend on it to communicate with family since AT&T is so spotty on the AT. I may return to Daleville and start where I left off but I am also considering flip flopping and starting further north. I have several AMC hut reservations starting in July and will definitely keep those. If I need to finish some mid-Atlantic trail after Maine during the fall, that's what I'll do. I think I have to reconsider how I've been supplying food. I rely on freeze dried trail food but these are for two people and the weight and expense adds up. I need to come up with a better system for carrying less food and yet not starving. Suggestions from readers would be most welcome.
Date: 2017-05-15
From: Egremont-Sheffield Road

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

My 3 day break and resupply turned into 3 weeks. I decided to fill in the section from Egremont Road to North Adams, MA that I had not completed last year. I expect to finish this in a week or so and resume hiking further south.My dad dropped me off and I got underway around 10:30AM. It was still cold and had just rained but mercifully the rain cleared up. It was really windy and not yet very warm. I keep hearing it will be better tomorrow and for days after that. As soon as I got out of the car, I met Tank who started from Springer in February. I met a few other hikers throughout the day including a guy from Australia. The weather gradually improved and I had nice view from ledges on the way to the Tom Leonard Shelter. I reached the shelter just before 7PM. Nobody else so I'll take it even if I reputedly snore. Great to have a bear box. One good thing about all the rain lately is that all the springs and creeks are gushing. No water availability problems.
Date: 2016-07-18
To: Oh Happy Day!
Miles today: 0.0

I purposely posted this note under "preparation" because, just like that, I have a potential hiking partner for fall 2017. Yep; it's my nephew Jason, who is a true adventurer and mountaineer. He has climbed hills in S. America, been to the Himalaya, been through an avalanche (just a bloodied face, thankfully), and gone all over the planet looking for fun and adventure. He hiked the Milford Trek in NZ a few years ago. So why not stay local and see what the AT has to offer? He thinks he might be able to get 2 weeks a year from this fall. We'll start at route 17 in Maine and head south so he'll get to finish the southern Maine hills and traipse across the whites. And I get my hiking companion. Well I am just perfectly stoked!!AND I'm working on my stepson to join me next March for a trip someplace on the southern AT for a week or so. How can this get more perfect?? Now I'll have to begin another AT hiking page in the journal: 2017 AT. To celebrate, Jason, my daughter Ariel, and Ariel's fiance Ryan will go up Mt. Washington this coming Friday. We have space reserved at Lakes of the Clouds and, despite the forecast of fog and rain, we'll have a blast. I'm a happy hiker.
Date: 2017-01-06
To: '17
Miles today: 0.0

Well the calendar has done it again and we face another year. YAY!! I think '17 is gonna be a good year. And all of this despite catching a rotten cold that soon became rotten bronchitis. I've been out of the woods for over a week at this point and starting to feel restless. I've heard from my favorite adventuers - Bear Belle is in love and has found her man has the adventure gene too. They have kayaked the Missouri from the headwaters down to Missouri and will pick up the paddle again soon this spring as she seeks to sell her house and follow her dreams. Mrs. Joy is thinking about a thru and has invited me to join her as I am able. Maybe this year or maybe next year - to be determined. Last fall I applied for a grant to map the hiking trails in our neck of the woods - the Wendell State Forest - and haven't heard back yet. In preparation for that award I'm learning the ins-outs of the Gaia GPS app. That project should keep me busy this winter, assuming I survive this virus! My husband broke his ankle this past fall and has been on crutches for 6 weeks now. To top it off I seem to have infected him with my cold. Now that's love. This month I begin to train slowly and progressively for what I hope is a series of hikes on the AT in NH and Maine this year. I'm hoping for maybe monthly week long stints. That should make it easy on me, what with my grandson due in April and my harvest duties in July and the needs of my "dog and pony" (literally) show. I won't go north until at least June. If Mrs. Joy starts her thru this year I'll try to start in May, maybe late April too. We'll see. Lots of movin' and shakin' and I feel the excitement. I have to make some alterations to my tent - have all of the materials now - in order to have it perfect, so this winter I have plenty of things to keep me occupied. Feelin' pretty happy!