morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-14
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a good start and kept up a good pace for the day. We reached the shelter about 3 PM, got water and started supper. We've been spoiled by the food at the lodges and waysides. Even though this is called a wayside, it is just a shelter and tent sites. The water was a long way from the shelter and it was all downhill going and all up coming back. It is hard to believe that we are in our tent at 6:23 PM, but we are both tired and the bugs are bad. We are finished with Shenandoah National Park. I'd like to come back and camp here some time.
Date: 2003-08-15
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: few clouds

The trail was really pretty today, butterflies everywhere! After one big up, it was pretty flat and not rocky. I was walking along when I saw the shadow of a big bird cross the trail in front of me. I knew by the rounded wing tips and shape of the wings that it might be an owl. I quickly looked up and saw the owl fly up into the trees to my left out of sight. I still wasn't positive it was an owl but decided to try something a ranger had taught me to get it to come closer. I made the squeeky mouse type noise and sure enough, out of the trees came a big brown owl who perched on a tree right beside the trail and looked at me. I talked to it for awhile and took some pictures. The owl finally turned its head around and looked toward the trees, then back and me and flew off. It was so graceful and beautiful! We got to this fantastic shelter about 3 PM . It has a big deck and a nice big wooden couch on the porch. It also has a shelter for cooking with a big fireplace and tables. It even has a solar shower, but that isn't working at the time. Baltimore Jack had left directions for getting to the small store in Linden, VA, so we followed them to get some food for supper and resupply. It was a bit of a hike but without the packs not too bad. We even got a short hitch on the way there and back. We brought hot dogs and beer back with us and cooked the hot dogs over the fire. Yummm. It has been a really nice day.
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

The plan was to hike to Max Patch and camp.The weather was sunny and mild until Deep Gap, then it start to sleet/snow, stop put on Rain Gear. Pass two Female Thru-Hiker on the start of Max Patch Climb. Stop at the FAA Tower, take some pictures.The climb up Max Patch was easy but it was snowing so much no view, also there went my bright idea to camp at the top. I was hoping to keep my feed dry today but they started to get wet and cold so I opt for the nearest Shelter Roaring Fork Shelter, for an easy 15 miles. They are five other Hikers four Female Thru-Hikers and a Male Section Hiker. They carry lots of stuff, Hot Dogs, pounds of food, going to be a fun night, powder puffing.It is still snowing, unlike the Shelter in the Smokies, this one does not have Tarps.Tomorrow should be an easy 18 miles to Hot Springs.Earlier today I was navigating through a dead fall, I was paying no attention to where I was putting my feet. The next thing I felt was a sharp pain to my head, I wacked right into the trunk of the tree. It was a double trunk. Moral of the story always look-up. Almost knock myself out. I was moving fast, that saved me.
Date: 2003-08-17
From: Dick's Dome

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a late start because it was a nice morning for sleeping in. The rain left the air cool and fresh early on, but by the time we got going it was hot and humid again. We made good time and got to the shelter about 3:30 PM. Three other hikers came into the shelter about 7:20 PM, Harlan, Master P, their nephew and their dog. We had met them earlier. They are headed for Harpers Ferry and then going to New Hampshire and hiking to Maine. They will finish what they haven't done in between later.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Hot Springs Laughing Heart Lodge

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up about 0700,start packing my gear. I had planned on a short easy 11 mile day.I will leave the hostel at 1000,walk the trail to the Family Diner for breakfast ( the trail runs through main street Hot Spring).Dirty Bird came to my room asking if i wanted to slack pack,a friend was giving a group of friends a ride to Allen gap to walk the 15 miles back to the hostel with just a day pack. I politely declined the offer. I leave the hostel after 1030 and took the short walk to the Diner. I asked if i could take my pack in, they said yes.Breakfast was epic.1 Orange Juice1 Apple Juice1 Glass of Water1 Chicken Fajita OmeletHash Browns and Biscuit2 PancakesFrench Toast with Strawberries.and yes I finished it all. good thing it is a short mileage day,after yesterdays feast.Chicken tenders with Honey Mustard.Patty Melt8 oz Burger with Mushrooms and Melted Cheese.Potato Fries3 Mmozzzarella Sticks in Parmesan Sauce1 Chicken plate with French Fries,Mayo and Ketchup1 Lemonade1 Glass of WaterAnd yes I finished all that too!!At the Diner I met Tennessee Joe the Section Hiker from 2 nights ago.He was with his family, so we chatted for a while. I left about 1215 and started hiking. I met a female Thru Hiker-Hiker garden gnome.she is carrying a Travelocity Gnome with her to Maine.Saw 2 of the females from the shelter,chatted a bit,again wow a real easy day. Start the climb up to Lovers Leap (maybe a suicide jump into the river), below saw 2 young boys coming, chat with them, up ahead met the parents, chat with them.Smelling the Roses today, got to the pond. I say an Hiker turned out to be the other Female from the shelter, she told me the Black Girl in the group quit, I thought she was going to quit. She had it roughed that day, I told her not to quit on a bad day (obviously the didn't take my advise). We hiked together - still Smelling the Roses. We then ran into Dirty Bird at Tanyard Gap, we chat for a while - still Smelling the Roses.Then it was the first climb, I left my hiking partner on the climb. I take it easy all the way to Shelter. It started to rain just before I arrive at the shelter.I was able to find a campsite and pitch my tent before the down pour came, so I am dry and wary in my tent listening to the rain.Another great day on the AT Smelling the Roses.So I am officially the only Black Thru-Hiker!
Date: 2003-08-18
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

We took a ride on the Virginia roller coaster, "a 13.5 mile section of trail with 10 consecutive ascents and decents." What this means is steep ups and downs with a lot of rocks. It was rough going but we still got to the Bear's Den Hostel about 4 PM. It was so great to take a shower and get our clothes clean! This is an awesome hostel! It is an old stone house with a wonderful huge living room, kitchen and dining room. There are bunks for hikers both upstairs and in the basement. They sell frozen pizza, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, candy bars, etc. We took full advantage of all this but tented out back on their big lawn instead of sleeping in a bunk. It was nice to talk with other hikers and to use the Internet to get our mail. I also made some phone calls home. Only two more days and we will be in Harper's Ferry and then come home. Part of me wants to keep hiking, and part of me wants to go home. Today when I was sweating like crazy on the steep ups, the bugs were biting me, and I had four days of trail dirt on me, I couldn't wait for Harper's Ferry. Tonight, rested, clean and well fed, I'd like to keep going.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

My Plan was for a 21 mild day to Flint Mountain. It rain yesterday evening, cleared up after midnight, the moon was out lighting up the inside of the tent.Breakfast and packed, out by 0800, only one Hiker was up in the Shelter, it appear like the Shelter was fill last night.Set a decent pace, the morning was cool, the sun was shining through the trees, clouds were forming in the nearby mountain making it appears as Pandora Floating Mountain in Avatar.I got to Little Laurel Shelter needing water, there was an Hiker who was not feeling well (taking a zero), then was time for the only big climb of the day. It was not too bad, stop once on the way up.At Firescald Ball, you can decide when to weep on the AT for a Rocky, strenuous and rewarding climb, or take a Blue Blaze (bad weather) bypass. I opt to stay on the AT and was rewarded with some great views. I stop at the top for lunch and climb down to sleet on the other side.The rest of the day was uneventful. The sun went away, had a few spot on the trail where it wasn't well blaze. Make it to the Shelter about 1640. Plan a longer day tomorrow.Trail Magic: Prelude - At the dollar General in Hot Springs, I picked up 2 can of White Chunky Chicken, want to try something different. The Tuna great great, wow - cause my sleeping bag to smell like fish-stinky fish. I looked but could not find another Gatorade Power which I use to balance my Electrolyte level. I drink a awful lot of water, hydrate or die.At the Shelter tonight is Dirty Bird, who is on 2nd Thru-Hike of the AT. A decade after her first she has over 6000 mile of hiking and complete the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I guess us Pisces cant swim so we walk.Anyway we were preparing dinner at the same time, I had my Teriyaki Noodles, sides simmering nicely (yum yum). I reached for the chicken, turn the can for the quick open lid - oops doesn't have one. Need a can opener which I don't have. Dirty Bird happened to have a P 38 military style opener which she lend me. Oops I don't know to use the thing. In my Army days MRE's come in an Aluminium lined pouch. She was kind enough to open the can for me, so I was able to have my chicken. She also give me a tip on crushing the can with a rock to make it smaller.During our dinner conversation I mentioned not having Gatorade Power, she reached into her food bag and gave me a pack of hers which I pour into my H2O bottle. When it came time for me to clean my pot I had no water, yes guess right, she shared some of her water with me. In less than 15 mins. I received 3 acts of Trail Magic.Thanks Dirty BirdThis is what the AT is all aboutP.S. today was such an uneventful day.One of Colin Powell rules came to mind Perpetual Optimism is a Force Multiplier Basically mean Be Optimistic and things will be alright.Dirty Bird think I should go for the Triple CrownAT, CDT, PCT. There is no black person on earth to Saber you have to complete the AT first.
Date: 2003-08-20
From: Blackburn Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: haze

Our last day on the trail, so many thoughts went through my mind. I was thinking about how to finish it next year and how much I would miss being out here. But I was also thinking about home and people I would be glad to see. I'm glad I still have the northern half to which I can look forward. I ran out of water just before reaching Harper's Ferry. I was tired, and my feet hurt, but the walk across the bridge over the Shenandoah River was a real high. When I got to the AT office a volunteer welcomed me with a cold drink of water and I got a chance to weigh in. I weighed 132 lbs with my boots on. Gary only weighed 150. We got our pictures taken for the hiker book in the AT office and got to look at the other pictures. We knew a lot of the hikers in the book, and it brought back great memories seeing their pictures again. It was also a good to know that they had made it this far and most were continuing their hikes to Maine.We got a ride with a trail angel to the Quality Inn, cleaned up, did our laundry, ate at the hotel AYCE buffet, and watched a little TV. One thousand seven miles, I slept good!
Date: 2013-04-03
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: clear sky

Start hiking at 0830, easy 6 miles to Erwin. Stop along the way to take pictures of the town and Rail Road Bridge across Nolichucky River. I passed the Hostel, crossed the bridge, I realized something was wrong, stop the Mailman, he point back to the bridge.A J was already there, he left before me from the Shelter. The Hostel was nearly full so we opt for a 2 bed cabin. Checked in, showered clean out pack, trash, air out Sleeping Bag. Pick up Mail Drop - thanks Sis. I was expecting a package with portable charger, it has not arrive. Hopefully today or I may have to zero tomorrow.The Shuttle to town, does not leave until 1600 so AJ and I decided to rent 2 bicycles from Uncle Johnny. We picked two of the worst bike, sets were not staying up, required more effort than normal to peddle.The town has a bike path, so we did not have to brave the traffic until we reached Main Street.First stop KFC all you can eat Buffet, it is worth all of the $8.00 cost. We ate until we was ready to pop. AJ had to resupply at Food lion. I stop at the local Barber Shop - I am Thru-Hiker Wannabee but I don't want to look like one. Actually I don't want to be taken for a Black Bear or work and get Bear Sprayed or Maze by a Female Hiker. I may come up too fast on. We got all chores done, we stopped at MC D for Dinner, which we took back with us. The ride back was easier mostly downhill. Check with Uncle Johnny (no package). I had to decide on a plan for the package. It been a fun relaxing day.It suppose to rain so a few of the Hikers are going to Slack Pack, I may zero to wait for the package.
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

Springer Mountain to Hawk Mountain Shelter - 7.6 milesToday was a beautiful day for hiking. It was warm, sunny and blue skies all afternoon. We left Amicola Lodge around 10ish. I registered at the visitor's center and weighed my pack. It was a whopping 44 POUNDS!!!! Yikes I was really hoping to keep it at 35. Oh well, rest assured I have enough food and water.Ed drove me to Springer Mountain via the fire road and then we hiked to springer. After a few pictures it was back down to the parking lot. After lots of tears and hugs and kisses Ed was gone and I was now on my way up the AT.I was greeted by Gizmo, the AT welcoming commitee who also happens to be a ridge runner for the Delaware Water Gap section.The hike was beautiful and not too bad. Although I hear I am headed for some big mountains the next couple of days.There are a lot of people at this shelter tonight. Elizabeth from S.C., Stacy and Katie from Cincinnati, Moose and Ned- those are the only names I can remember right now. I am amazed at the number of women hikers and the number of us that are doing it alone. I think we will be good support for one another.Well, it is after 7 and I am snuggled in for the night.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Dave's Place Damascus

To: White Mountain RD Campsite MM: 488.2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Host about 0800, after saying goodbye to AJ, may not see him again, it was great meeting him.The plan was to get at lest 20 miles today to put me on a 6 days hike to Pearisburg. The weather was great.Lot of Hiker out today. I stop and spike with a Gentleman heading South, He told me he is a Trail Maintainer, okay his section. I thank him for the great job, himself and other Maintainers do in maintaining the AT. I also met a Thru-Hker Smooth Sailing, he was Slack Packing, a 20 mile Section Hiker. He was on his 3rd attempt to Thru-Hike to Maine. Past two Thru-Hikers, did not stop to chat. Long climb of the day was Buzzard Rock, it was a well graded climb, 3 miles long but not hard. When i got to the top I made the decision to Camp earlier than i normally do.AT-storms was forecast for later this Afternoon. I did not want to be caught on Mount Roger. On my way to the next Shelter there was a nice Campsite after USFS 89.50, set-up tent, dinner and relax. Have a long day tomorrow.
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: somewhere 3 miles past Gooch Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Hawk Mountain Shelter to somewhere 3 miles past Gooch Gap Shelter - 10.8 milesToday was another gorgeous day. Sunny the whole time. I left Hawk Mountian Shelter around 9:30. I soon met up with Silver Lining and hiked the rest of the day with her and Nathan. We hiked two decent mountains - Sassafrass and Justes. killer. Then thoughts of real food and a shower started to get us, and we ended up hiking at least 3 miles past Gooch Gap shelter in hopes to make it to Neels Gap tomorrow night- another 12ish miles. I hiked over 10 today and felt good until the very end. My right knee hurt on the downhills and I started to feel a bit of shin splints in my left leg. I think I will be staying two nights at Neels so I can have a full zero day to rest email, laundry, and get my pack weight down. I'm so jealous of Silver Lining and Nathan both packing 25ish pounds. I guess it takes lots of practice which I will get before this trip is through.And the biggest event of the day was getting my trail name. I'm still warming up to it, but it seems to work. It's Blip. Short and sweet. I got this by saying we only have another little blip to go over before we get to the creek. The blip wasn't as little as I had hoped.Tonight we are stealth camping. In my terminology that means find a flat place and set up camp. We are on a fire road right off the AT.Time for bed, another early night. 7:30.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: White Mountain RD Campsite MM: 488.2

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 31.8
Weather: light intensity drizzle

What a night. A thunderstorm started about 2100 until about 0300. I had a great Campsite, except for the lightning and thunder everything kept dry inside the tent.In was raining when I packed up, it rained for over half of the day. The climb up Mount Rogers was soggy water was running down the trail the whole way up and down.I was only able to see 4 wild Ponies in Grayson Highland, they were hiding from wind and rain. Only a Thru-Hiker walk through that stuff. I stop briefly at Thomas Knob Shelter, A Female Section Hiker and a few Male, they had a fire inside the Shelter.As I exit Grayson the weather cleared up and warmed up. I met quite a few Section Hikers out, stop chat briefly with a few of them. I had a big mileage day planed. The going over Mount Roger and Grayson was very slow, so I had to make up some miles.The last 17 hours, it was hard but I made it to Trimpi Shelter my destination about 1930.A few Hikers were there included Blue Moon.I set up tent, dinner and bed.Now my first official 30 mile, exceeded the 500 mile mark on the AT.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: somewhere past Gooch Gap Shelter 

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Somewhere past Gooch Gap Shelter to Neel's Gap (Walasiyi Hostel) 13 milesI was on the trail by 8:30 today. I had 12+ miles to go until I hit Neel's Gap - a shower and real food!Silver Lining and Nathan were ahead of me the entire day. I was leapfrogging with a whole group of the sunday staters including Liz, Moose, Kilroy, Joyful, Michele from Canada and a few others. I was really dragging in the morning, but by 2 I felt confident that I would make it to Neel's Gap by sunset. I hiked 3 mountains and a whole lot of blips before hitting Blood Mountain, I think everything else was harder than blood. There were some incredible views, and supposedly I saw Springer Mountain from there, but I not sure which it was. And then there was the downhill, it was rough but I knew a bed was waiting and that was incentive enough to book it down there. At the hostel they were cooking up cheeseburgers and even had beer!! There were a lot of hikers here and some new faces. After a hot shower and dinner I'm off to bed.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Crawfish Campsite MM: 548.5
Miles today: 28.5
Weather: clear sky

Wow what a beautiful day for hiking, the temperature started in the 40's and stayed lower 60's all day, not a cloud in the sky.The flowers starting to bloom, trees sprouting new leaves. After seeing brown for the last 5000 miles the change in scenery is much welcomed.Today section had no major climb, so I was having an easy hike, stopping taking pictures, talking to Section Hikers. I even met another Trail Maintainer at the Railroad Tracks before the bypass. We talk for a few mins about Bears, Shenandoah Valley and AT in Virginia.As I approach the I-81 bypass I stop at the Sunoco Gas Station, purchase two Gatorade and Beef Jerky.Today funny story:I was so happy hiking I had the tunes plugged, I was singing and dancing down the trail, swinging my pole. I glance behind me and an Older Female Hiker was about to pass me - well Saber couldn't allow that to happen, so I was off like a bat out of hell. I quickly lost her.While I was at the gas station she showed up, we spoke for a few mins. She is a Thru-Hiker in her 50's, she was slack packing, she is going to be off the trail for a few days so making up miles.Across the road from the service station is a Restaurant, I decided to stop. Outside was about ten Packs. I went in order the Hiker Burger - 16 oz Burger with fries and large orange juice. That was one good Burger. Samuel Jackson Pulp Fiction Good. It was gone in less than ten mins, should have ordered two.While there I met a group of four Thru-Hikers, they were going to camp at the Davis Path Campsite, a few miles up. I thought good idea.After the food I was feeling slush. When I got there the Campsite was trash, garbage all over the site. we decide to go to Crawfish Campsite, my original destination. There was a steep short climb-up. At the top I ran out of gas, so it was slow going the last 2 miles. On the way up one of the Hikers said he heard Virginia was flat (very funny). They are about 20 Hikers tenting at Crawfish. Yep you know it's party time.Today was a good day.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Neel's Gap

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Neel's Gap - 0 milesToday was awesome. Nathan yogied a ride to Blairsville for us and Peel in the back of a pickup. His first time asking for a hitch. We ate breakfast at the Hole in the Wall Restaurant (that was its real name). And I even had grits and liked them.Then we walked around town, checked email at the library and ate lunch at an all you can eat pizza buffet at Pete's Pizza. We picked up food supplies and then had to hitch the 14 miles back to the hostel. I stood out on the side of the road trying to hitch for about a half an hour until someone stopped. This super nice lady drove us about 5 miles shy of the hostel. Then about 15 minutes later another lady picked us up and brought us the rest of the way. It's funny how many guys in pickups passed us up but two women were generous and brave enough to pick up all 3 of us. They rock. I hope we still have this kind of luck in the future.When we got back I took my pack to the store and worked with one of the guys there - Nathan, he helped me get my pack down to 29 pounds. The gear I got ride of included my therma-rest cover, trowel, matches, convertible pants, water bottle/filter, and several other small items, but in total weighed almost 4 lbs. I still need to add about 3 days of food and more water. Hopefully it won't go past 35 anymore.The hostel is packed again, the bunkhouse filled by 10am. I am sure glad I got here last night. Everyone ate pizza and watched Something About Mary. It is way too comfortable in the towns. Time to move on tomorrow. We are looking at 10+ miles to the next shelter and 36 to the next town. Keep on movin'.