morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Luther Hassinger Bridge/ VA Creeper Trail

To: Thomas Knob shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 55- April 30- Sleeping with the ponies tonight. Camping at Thomas Knob shelter. 14.2 miles today-80% uphill went from below 3000ft to over 5000ft. Saw wild(ish) ponies near shelter. They are totally socialized and let you pet and take pictures. Came right into the campsite. Wind is blowing pretty strong so should be an interesting night.also saw 1st snake for the season. Slithered across the trail in front of me. Tan with gold stripes?l
Date: 2017-05-01
From: Thomas Knob shelter

To: Old Orchard shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 56-May 1- 11.9 miles Old Orchard shelter-- high winds all night slept with earplugs because of the howling wind. High winds and rain most of the day. Made the going slow and difficult due to rocks , bolders, roots the usual.went across the Grayson Highlands ,they are supposed to be beautiful but all we saw was rain . Did see one more group of ponies as we left Wise Shelter. We got to shelter andwaited on the raIn to stop before setting up tents.had a good breeze and a short spell of sun so got things a little dry.Hopefully weather will improve tomorrow. Saw second snake same kind as before. Almost stepped on it.
Date: 2017-05-02
From: Old Orchard shelter

To: 4 miles past Trimpi shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 57-May 2 -16.6-stealth site 4 miles past Trimpi  shelter-- high winds last night but no rain. Wind continued all day sky was clear. Good hiking day. Moderate ups and downs mostly good footing. Still after >16miles I'm tired. Tomorrow short hike to Mt Rogers Recreation Hq where we will catch shuttle into Marion VA for a nero and resupply.
Date: 2017-05-03
From: 4 miles past Trimpi shelter

To: MT Rogers visitors center
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 58-May 3- short stop in Marion. Took the local bus from Trailhead to grocery store then to hotel. Got a tour of the town since the bus had many stops. After shower we walked to cafe for lunch then the laundromat .7miles each way. Got back to the hotel portioned out the groceries and repacked. By then it was time for drinks then supper. After a second shower-just cause I could- it was bedtime.
Date: 2017-05-04
From: MT Rogers visitors center

To: Davis Hallow campsite
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 59-May 4-13.2 miles to Davis Hollow campsite- after breakfast at the hotel we took a taxi back to the trailhead and continued the journey north. It was chilly and overcast to start but warmed up. The trail mostly followed the ridge so was up and down but not too bad. Once we stopped it started to rain so we quickly put up the tents.
Date: 2017-05-05
From: Davis Hallow campsite

To: Knot Maul Branch shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Day 60- May 5- 12.9 to Knot Maul Branch shelter. Stopped so we could dry out from last night and get up before tonight's rain. Again, followed the ridge so a couple of bigger ups then lots of ups and downs. They don't seem bad at first but after a few they become tiring.
Date: 2017-05-06
From: Knot Maul Branch shelter

To: Walker Gap campsite
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

Day 61-May 6- 10.9 miles to Walker Gap campsite. Woke up to rain, stopped about 30 minutes after we packed up and started hiking. So of course everything was wet. Hiked up Chestnut Knob. Once we were up there we were able to get the weather forecast. Rain on the way with cold weather to follow -possible snow. So we quickly moved down off the Mt top and set up our tents hoping to get them dry -started to rain of course so only got partially dry. Hopefully the forecast is wrong and we don't see snow. I'm looking forward to some sunny days even though I know it will get hot and sticky
Date: 2017-05-07
From: Walker Gap campsite

To:  Laurel Creek & VA 615
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Day 62-May 7- 13.6 miles at campsite Laurel Creek & VA 615- saw bear and 2 Cubs today. They saw us about the same time and took off. We backed up , made lots of noise and too gave them time to get down the hill. Cold morning but dry and no snow! Hike today followed a Ridgeline at about 4000 ft. Lots of ups, downs, rocks and boulders so pretty tiring. Made camp and dryed things out from yesterday's rain. Tomorrow we have short 7ish mile hike to pickup point for ride into Wytheville VA. We plan to take a couple of zeros and resupply.
Date: 2017-05-08
From:  Laurel Creek & VA 615

To: VA 612 parking
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 63-May 8-7.7 miles to VA 612 parking. Hiked quickly to the pick up location into Wytheville. Going was relatively easy with only a couple of small ups. Checked in, showered, had lunch, did laundry, contimplated next segment in order to begin resupply list.
Date: 2017-05-09
To: Zero Wytheville VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Note- limited web access for last few days so multiple entries just postedDay 64- May 9 zero- decided we needed to go Daleville VA for next zeros ~140 miles. Hope to make it in 9-10days. Took local transit bus ( these buss are great 50 cents 1 way and see the local sites) to Wal Mart for resupply, walked from there to Main Street had lunch and walked back to hotel (~1.7 miles on a zero day). Once back G2 dividied up the food and I washed the air mattresses.
Date: 2017-05-10
To: Zero Wytheville VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Quiet zero day. Took local shuttle to post office and walked back +~1 mile). Packed up in preparation for leaving in the morning. Made a few online purchases to replace / augment gear which will be sent to next stopping point-Daleville / Troutville VA. Weather forcast had improved so looking forward to some dryer days.
Date: 2017-05-11
From: VA 612 parking

To: Kimberling Creek campsite
Miles today: 17.5

Day May 11- 17.5 miles to Kimberling Creek campsite-got set up just as rain started-pouring now-hopefully it will slow or stop so we can have a hot supper. Miles are more than we've been doing but the trail was good today. Only a couple of short ups(1 mile or so) Mostly even footing, just one section across the ridge with rocks and boulders. And most of the last 3 miles was downhill. Had rain for a couple of hours midday then it turned nice. Started thundering the last mile so we were happy to find a campsite near water rather than going another 1.7 miles to Dismal Falls. More rain is in the forecast for the next few days so guess we'll stay wet.
Date: 2017-05-12
From: Kimberling Creek campsite

To: Just short Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: moderate rain

Day 67 May 12- Cold & wet---rained on and off all night.  Stopped when we got up but started soon after for a couple of hours. Later we got heavy rain. Made the going tough with mud , standing water,wet rocks and boulders. Was pouring when we set up the tents so everything got wet. We had cold snacks in the tent which is a real no-no when you are sleeping in the woods. But we needed to eat something and try to get warm.
Date: 2017-05-13
From: Just short Sugar Run Gap

To: Just outside Pearisburg VA stealth site
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 68 May 13-11.4 stealth site just short of Pearisburg VA -rained on and off all night. Rain finally stopped around 6:30 so we packed up everything and headed out. Seemed like everything was either wet or damp so weighed even more than normal. The trail was a real mess. Wet sloppy mud standing water along with roots, rocks and boulders. We stopped early eno byugh to get most of our stuff dry.
Date: 2017-05-14
From: Just outside Pearisburg VA stealth site

To: South of pine swamp Branch shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Day 69 May 14- 14.6 miles. Camped 5.6 miles south of Pine Swamp Branch shelter. No Rain . Cool and windy but dry. Couple of long ups today then ran the ridge. Lots of rocks & boulders but at least they were dry. Now have everything dry but the socks I wore day of the heavy Rain. But they sure don't smell to good!
Date: 2017-05-15
From: South of pine swamp Branch shelter

To: North of Wind Rock
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Day 70 May 15-14.5 today camped 1.3 miles north of wind rock another dry day -tough going on the today with lots of big rocks and boulders following another ridge and 1 vicious up, nearly 1000 ft elevation change in a mile-wondering if and when the ups will become easy. We are having to plan our stops around water points, particularly  at night.There is plenty of it but sometimes it is several miles between locations. If it's not available at the site we plan to stop we have to get it before.
Date: 2017-05-16
From: North of Wind Rock

To: Sarver Hallow shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 71 May 16-At Sarver hallow shelter. 0.4 off the trail so alone at this point. down a steep rocky path Nice shelter though. Sharing it with a nest of swallows. 16 miles big climb in the am with lots of  rocks and boulders. Passed Keffer Oak largest Oak on Southern AT. Reported to be over 18ft around and over 300 years old. Then BIG up at mile 14 up 1000ft in 1 mile. Hard day lots of boulders. Temp in the mid 80's and again you have to be careful with water locations.
Date: 2017-05-17
From: Sarver Hallow shelter

To: Trout Creek trail head
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 72- May 17-campsite at Trout Creek and VA 620-14.9 miles - we ended up with 1 other person at the shelter. Very chatty! Long climb from shelter back to trail. Hot today high 80's low 90's. Hard ridge walk today. Boulders and huge slabs of rock. Crossed the Eastern Continental Divide. Then up Brush Mt. Saw the Audy Murphy Monument. Then down the hills again.
Date: 2017-05-18
From: Trout Creek trail head

To: Trailhead at VA 624
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Day May 18 camped at Trailhead at VA 624 - between the heat, the difficult terrain and consecutive long days we hit the wall today at 7.8 miles .3rd day in the hi 80's to low 90's. Went up and over Cove Mt. Today was most technically difficult section we have done todate. Lots of severe ups and downs with Boulder climbs and me sliding down them on my butt (intentionally). Even a couple of sections with permanent hand bars. Shoes received in Erwin are falling apart. Ordered new ones for both G2 and myself today. Will receive Monday in Troutville.
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Trout Creek trail head

To: Lambert's Meadow campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: few clouds

Day 74 -May 19- 16.4 miles from Trout Creek  to Lambert's Meadow campsite. Trail was much better today even though we got hit with thunderstorm. Big up in the am to top of Cove Mt. Then down and up again to McAfee Knob which is listed as the most photographed site on the AT trail. Thunderstorm and heavy rain on  the way up. After Knob there is a an interesting hike along the Tinker Cliffs. Great views- long way down if you misstep. Tomorrow we hike to Daleville and 2 zeros.
Date: 2017-05-20
From: Lambert's Meadow campsite

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 75 May 20-9.4 miles to Daleville- Expected the hike into town to be quick and easy. Not! Lots of up and down ridge walking with rocks and boulders. Hot again as well. Once we got to the hotel it was a long shower and laundry time. The hotel is located off the Interstate, so not easy access to restaurants. But there is Uber.
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Daleville, VA

To: Zero in Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 76 May 21-zero in Daleville-Lazy day since many things are  closed today. Got through my emails and looks like the new shoes are going to FL but can't confirm since customer service is closed. Will have to sort out on Monday. Took an Uber to restaurant then walked next door to grocery store before getting ride back to hotel. We looked at next segment and decided to make the next stop in Waynesboro, VA. Hopeto make it in 9-10 days. We'll make a quick stop in Glasgow to pick up snack/ lunch food just so we don't have to carry so much weight out of town.
Date: 2017-05-22
To: Zero in Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 77 May 22- zero in Daleville- yep called and shoes were sent to FL. They are now being overnighted to hotel so we will be staying an extra day here. Took Uber to outfitter to get dehydrated meals for the next section. G2 dividied up and packaged the food getting rid of the excess weight of boxes and heavy packaging
Date: 2017-05-23
To: Zero in Daleville
Miles today: 0.0

Yeah we received our new shoes and they fit!  Shoes arrived before 10 so we had all day to goof off. Rained most of the day so was happy to not hike in it.  Rain is predicted for tomorrow though. Went to post office and sent box to Waynesboro VA, our next planned stop. Added photos to journal. Packed up and ready to head out tomorrow.
Date: 2017-05-24
From: Daleville, VA

To: Black horse GAP
Miles today: 13.6

13.6 miles. Daleville to Blackhorse Gap campsite. Wet all day-AM in the clouds then Rained last 2 miles. Got the tents up and started pouring. 3 water crossings. The stepping stones were under water so waded. 1st was calf hi. The 2nd ankle deep. The 3rd over my knees. Tucked my skirt up under waist belt to keep it dry and waded through. So new shoes got soaked. Packs are heavy with food for 9 days.
Date: 2017-05-25
From: Black horse GAP

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

14.6  at Jennings Creek campsite. Poured last night. Then again before we finished today. Everything is once again either wet or damp. This morning followed along the Blue Ridge Parkway crossing over it several times. the trail was good today, rolling hills with only a few steep areas.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunderhil shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

14.1 to Thunderhill shelter. Dry today! Couple of big climbs but felt pretty good. Floyd Mt and Apple Orchard Mt. Went through? / under? the goulitine. A boulder suspended by 2 walls of rock- Mountain Laurel and rhodadendren are in bloom now. Shelter is at nearly 4000 ft so expect it to be chilly tonight.
Date: 2017-05-27
From: Thunderhill shelter

To: John' s Hollow shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

16.3 at Johns hollow shelter-hot today- didn't look too bad in the guide book but the ups and downs were steep. Trail magic at 14.5 got me up the last hill to the campsite. 2 1/2 mountain dews went down fast. It's been years since I had one but today it was good and cold. Met Greybeard today. He is trying to be the oldest guy to complete a thru hike. 82 yo
Date: 2017-05-28
From: John' s Hollow shelter

To: Peddler River bridge
Miles today: 13.6

13.6 today.stealth camp at AT mile 800 near Peddler River bridge. 3 others are here as well. Started the day with long climb to Big Rocky Row. Then it started to rain, hard. We got soaked. I fell on wet rocks and have a nice knot on my head.2nd big climb of the day took us up Bluff Mt. Rain stopped on the way down. So we stopped at Punchbowl shelter to dry off. Then the last 2 1/2 miles it started raining again. It stopped long enough for us to set up camp and eat. We are in our tents with all our wet gear waiting for the next wave of rain.
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Peddler River bridge

To: Hog camp gap
Miles today: 13.2

13.2 today to Hog Camp Gap. Camped in meadow. No rain last night but trail was wet and slippery this am in spots. Good Trail magic again. This time we got cokes and hot dogs before going up the hill 3 miles and 2000 ft to Bald Knob. Really hit the spot!
Date: 2017-05-31
From:  Priest Shelter

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

15.5 to Reeds Gap camping in pasture. Hard day- to start 3000ft elevation change down from the Priest. Then 3000ft elevation change up to 3 ridges Mt. Both steep, both rocks and boulders. thunderstorm hit when we got to top of 3 ridges Mt, short but wet.
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Reeds Gap

To: Paul C Wolfe shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

14 miles today camping @ Paul  C Wolfe shelter. Lots of rocks and boulders today made the day long and difficult.Saw and 2 cubs today. 5 miles in am to trail head into town then zero Saturday and Sunday. Start the Shenandoah National Park on Monday.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Paul C Wolfe shelter

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Added entries and photos for last 10 days. Made good time to Trail head and quickly got a free ride to the hotel from a trail angel. Settled in the room by 11.Showered, laundry done, lunch, post office run, resupply quickly completed. Then feet up and relax.
Date: 2017-06-03
To: Zero Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

zero in Waynesboro. This is a super friendly Hiker town. They have a bunch of Trail Angels that provide free rides to Thru Hikers. We called one to take us to the outfitter on the other side of town. We stocked up on dehydrated meals and Deet. A few other items were purchased as well. Then we called for a ride back. G2 predicts we will be through the Shenandoah National Park by the end of next week. Then get to Harper's Ferry by 12th or 13th of June. We'll probably take 1 zero day there.
Date: 2017-06-05
From: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro)

To: Just short of Pip Rap overlook
Miles today: 15.0

15 miles camping just before Pip Rap overlook. Trail Angel dropping us off at Rockfish Gap parking around 8:30. Rained steady for first 6 miles so slow going on the wet rocks. After we got into the SNP the trail became less rocky and easier to make time on
Date: 2017-06-06
From: Just short of Pip Rap overlook

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

19 miles to Pinefield Hut (shelters in SNP are called huts). Couple of ups today but mostly good trail especially after dried off. The hut on the other hand was occupied by a copperhead snake with a friend or family in the firepit. No one slept in the hut! We tented 100 yard up the hill.
Date: 2017-06-07
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Loft Mt campground
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

19.8 miles to Loft Mt campground. Last 2 miles in steady rain. We are soaked and grumpy. First time in a real campground. Lots of kids and noisy. Several steep hills today and higher mileage so I'm tired.
Date: 2017-06-08
From: Loft Mt campground

To: Rockspring Hut
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

12.2 to Rockspring hut- stayed in camp late today to dry out this morning. Took a detour to Big Meadows snack bar for burgers,fries, coke and ice cream, Yeah! Saw & cub just before we got to the hut. Saw several deer today as well
Date: 2017-06-09
From: Rockspring Hut

To: Pass Mt Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

15.3 very rocky miles - tenting at Pass Mt Hut. Saw 7 bears today bringing our total bear sitting to 15. The 1st one this morning was lounging on a fallen tree about 20 ft off the trail when I came around the corner and had 3 little cubs. The second bear had 1 cub and was about 15 ft away, again rounded the corner and there they were. 1 bear ran across the trail in front of us 40ft away.
Date: 2017-06-10
From: Pass Mt Hut

To: Stealth .5 mile north Mt Marshall
Miles today: 16.2

16.2 miles- camped 1/2 mile north of Mt Marshall. Bugs are really bad so quickly got things done and into the tent. Stopped at Elkwallow wayside for lunch today. Charged up phones and battery pack while eating burgers,fries and ice cream. It's interesting hiking the trail where we have section hiked before. We've hiked most of the AT from now to Tom's Run at 1098.7.
Date: 2017-06-11
From: Stealth .5 mile north Mt Marshall

To: Jim and Molly Denton shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

15.6 to Jim and Molly Denton shelter. Lots of people here. it has a spring fed solar shower. Water was cold but I was way dirty and hot so it felt great. Hiked 10 to trail head to front Royal got taxi into town for resupply and lunch. Then taxi back to trail and 5.6 miles to shelter.fun to be hiking trail where we've been before.
Date: 2017-06-12
From: Jim and Molly Denton shelter

To: Rod Hallow shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

18.4 miles-camped at Rod Hollow shelter. High temps have started, in the low 90s today.At least there seems to be plenty of water and at regular intervals. Was good to see that parts of the trail we remember as hard were easier today.
Date: 2017-06-13
From: Rod Hallow shelter

To: Bears Den
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

9.8 miles - started the "roller coaster". The ups and downs aren't the problem, it's the rocks! And heat! Mid 90s with heat index if over ! Spassed the 1000 mile marker. Stopped at Bears Den hostel for the night. After shower and 2 cokes felt almost human. Then supper of Frozen pizza (1 whole pizza per person,2 more sodas and a pint of ice cream and a banana I was good to go.
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Bears Den hostel

To: 5 miles South of Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

16.3 miles camped 5 miles south of Harper's Ferry. Finished the"roller coaster" ROCKS! Wasn't as bad as yesterday though. The elevation change wasn't as bad and it wasn't as hot. At WV 9 we took a .3 mile detour to the gas station for water, chips, Coke and iced tea. Then .3 miles back to trail head to finish the day. Tomorrow is a short 5 miles into Harper's Ferry and 2 zeros .
Date: 2017-06-15
From: 5 miles South of Harper's Ferry

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: few clouds

4.1 miles to Harper's Ferry- additionally we did .5 to the AT Conservancy for the traditional photo op. We are thru Hikers 800 & 801 for the 2017 season. Then we were off to the outfitter for resupply. We then went to Charles Town WV for our zeros. After showers it was time for lunch then laundry and finally rest.
Date: 2017-06-16
To: Zero in Charles Town WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero in Charles Town WV. Slept in then off to grocery store for more food for the next leg of our journey. Decided a massage was the way to celebrate the 1st 1000 miles. Was able to get an appointment at Replenish Wellness and Massage Center. It felt great! Dinner was at the steak House in the casino.
Date: 2017-06-17
To: Zero in Charles Town WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Another zero in Charles Town. We walked down town to the Post office to bounce stuff forward that we didn't need right now. They were celebrating West Virginia days so had a craft fair and Farmers market set up. We walked around then back to the hotel. Washed my gear and packed up for an early start tomorrow. Our next planned stop is Duncannon, PA. We'll probably go over to Harrisburg for the zero day.
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Dahlgren campsite
Miles today: 17.2

17.2 miles to Dahlgren campsite. Popular site since it has running water, flush toilets and shower. Must be 20 people here tonight. We set up our tents, showered and walked to restaurant for dinner. But we were turned away. Turns out fathers day is a reservation only night. (Or they didn't want Hikers). Today's hike was good. This is very familiar territory for us as we hiked here often we lived in silver spring MD. It was very hot today- in the 90s so the shower felt great.
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Dahlgren campsite

To: Raven Rock shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: few clouds

18 .8 miles - camped at Raven Rock shelter. Thunderstorm got us midday when we were on a rocky ridge. Got to Ensign Cowell shelter and stopped just to ring the water out of our socks. Trail magic after the storm made the final miles a little easier. Campsite again was busy with section Hikers and a few thru hikers.
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Raven Rock shelter

To: Tumbling Run shelter
Miles today: 13.2

13.2 miles-camped at Tumbling Run shelter. Short day so we could stop here since we've been here several times before. The caretaker is great and visits the site 2x day, keeping it nice and clean. Tonight he even brought sodas! Also gave us a chance to dry things out.