morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Partnership Shelter 

To: Chatfield Shelter 
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had another restless night. Big Country told everyone that he snored before everyone settled in the shelter. He wasn't joking. Critter left early to do a section he had skipped yesterday. Medic and Big Country were taking a zero day at the shelter. I visit the Mount Rodgers Visitor Center. While visiting, I run into Kris and Dave, the couple that gave Squish and I a ride yesterday. Squish and I started hiking around 9:25 AM. I meet Rambo on the trail but he passes me a short time later. I did get to see a coyote early this morning. Despite feeling sluggish, I make decent time to Chatfield Memorial Shelter. I am also dealing with a sore back after a fall a few days ago. Squish arrives at the shelter. He is dealing with a sore knee and we both decide to have a short day and stay at the shelter. While sitting at the shelter, K-train arrives (real name Katie or Kellie). She is from New Hampshire. Nice girl. She is dealing with shin splints. After a while two more hikers arrive. Tigger, an 18 year old, and Critter. Yes. The same Critter that went southbound early this morning. They leave for Atkins. Within minutes, three other hikers arrive: Rabbit, Blues Brother and Who-Dat. The same Who-Dat that I hiked with in February. He had to take some time off but is back and going strong. After the three off them are rested, they head to Atkins.
Date: 2016-03-31
From: Chatfield Shelter 

To: Atkins 
Miles today: 4.5

Had a very windy night. Stayed warm but still couldn't sleep much after midnight. Squish and I got up early with a plan to make it to Atkins, Virginia and rest a little more and avoid some bad storms that are forecasted. I start hiking at 8 AM. There are dark clouds in the distance. The trail is mostly downhill to Atkins. On the way to Atkins, I am seeing more signs of spring. It was nice to see the spring colors pepper the country side. Squish and I share the price for a room at the Relax Inn. It is right next to the ATT. While eating lunch at The Barn, I meet Going Postal and Mostly. Yes, the same Mostly I hiked with in February. It was great catching up on some stories with Mostly.Hope to start making some more miles soon. I haven't been able to post any recent pictures but I hope to post some soon. Sorry for the delay.
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Atkins 

To: Knot Maul Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

Squish and I have breakfast at The Barn. Afterwards, we set out for the day. Initially, the terrain isn't bad and we are able to keep a good pace. After about 6 miles, we have a 900 foot climb that wasn't as bad as I expected. Squish and I meet off and on during the day. After a rest around the 7.5 mile mark, there are several climbs up small mountains with wide open fields. Very nice views. The clouds get darker as the day goes on. I make it to Virginia highway 42 and waited on Squish. Shortly after he arrived, a hard rain started. I thought I saw a flash of light and Squish asked me, "Was that thunder?". My response, "You mean lightening?". Then we both heard a loud clap of thunder and both of us say simultaneously, "Yes it was!". We take cover and wait for the storm to pass. After the rain lightens up, we head up Brushy Mountain. Brushy Mountain was steep. Once on the ridgeline, there were a lot of ups and downs. Made it Knot Maul Shelter where K-train (nursing shin splints), Sky (and his dog Brownie), and Compost are already setup. There is room in the shelter so Squish and I grab a spot. Later in the afternoon, Rocket arrives. Everyone has a nice chat, eats and prepares for the night.
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Knot Maul Shelter 

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a late start. Started hiking around 9:15 AM. First mile was an easy downhill. Next came a climb of over 600 feet in a little over a mile. Steep most of the way. From the I hike onto a gravel road and take a break. After the break, I start the climb to Chestnut Knob Shelter. The climb is almost 2100 feet over 4.5 miles. Most of the elevation gain is in the first 2.5 miles. Steep in sections. I meet a few weekend hikers. Some preparing for a through hike next year with Warren Doyle group. Spoke with Arlene from California during the hike. Once I made it to Chestnut Ridge, there were sections with wide open views. The temperature was in the 50's and the sky was clear but it was very windy. Made it to Chestnut Knob Shelter at 2:30 PM. The shelter is a four sided stone wall shelter with a door.. Good thing too. The winds were getting worse. Everyone that comes to or by the shelter talks about how strong the wind is. Some of the other hikers staying at the shelter are: Medic, Speedy and Squish. There are others but I did not get their names. The forecast is for a cold (20's) and very windy night ( 60 mph).
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter 

To: Jenkins Shelter 
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

It was cold last night. But the wind was the big story. It roared all night. At times the roof would creek while the wind was blowing. Squish and I head out at 8:55 AM. I felt sluggish from the very beginning. Did not particularly enjoy today. There weren't many views but there were a lot of short steep climbs and descents. Made it to Jenkins Shelter around 3 PM. We decided to stay. While there we meet other hikers as they arrive. First there was Captain Underpants ( he doesn't wear pants while hiking. Just underpants.) 38- he turned 38 while hiking this year. Tinder who cooks with a small wood burning stove. And Simon, he is from Quebec, Canada.
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Jenkins Shelter 

To: Bland, Virginia 
Miles today: 11.3

Had a good night. Heard some coyotes during the night. Everyone started getting up around 7:15 AM. Squish and I hit the trail at 8:30. Had an immediate climb over 600 feet. Felt good. Made it to a ridgeline where the hiking was smooth. Made it to Laurel Creek around 10:20. Had a quick snack, took a few pictures and then moved on. Another 600-700 foot climb and then gradual trail with an occasional steep climb. Made it to Highway 52 and caught a ride into Bland. Squish and I share a room at Big Walker Motel. We cleanup and get a bite to eat. Later in the day, a family friend of Squish's takes us out for dinner and to the store to resupply. Many thanks to John Newberry. This was a good day.
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Bland, Virginia 

To: Jenny Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Squish and I get a lift to the AT from a friend of John Newberry and Squish. Jerry was very surprised to see Squish. We hit the trail at 9:15 AM. It was 25 degrees. After an hour or more of hiking we take a break. Just before we restart we meet Slo-Mo again. He is slackpacking today. Later in the day I notice I am having discomfort with my boots. I change my insoles. We make it to Jenny Knob Shelter at 3:30PM. Not many views today. Thankfully the temperature did warm up to the 40's.
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Jenny Knob Shelter 

To: Wapiti Shelter 
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

The morning was a cold one. Temperatures in nearby towns was 34 degrees but it felt colder than that. My heels are sore from yesterday. Squish and I start hiking at 8:25 AM. There are a few nice views. There was a nice decline to start the day then a nearly 600 foot gain. Portions of the trail were rocky but we were still able to make it to Virginia highway 606 by 11:15. We catch a ride to Trent's Grocery, where I had a mail drop waiting. The guy that gave us a ride also gave another hiker a ride, Big Country. Squish and I didn't realize Big Country was in the front of the truck until we saw his gear in the back. We looked up and saw Big Country waving through the window. While at Trent's I get my mail and the three of us get something to eat. Afterwards, Squish and I catch a ride back to the trail. Then I realized I had left my trekking poles at Trent's. So I walk back to the store, get my poles and walk back. A driver does give me a ride for the last 100 yards. Once we get back hiking, we start with a climb then go through a section with a lot of roots and rocks. We make it to Wapiti Shelter around 4:25PM. We set up in the shelter and prepare for the evening. No other hikers are here and we haven't seen any during the last few hours of hiking.
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Wapiti Shelter 

To: Doc's Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained for several hours during the night. I didn't sleep much after midnight. We started hiking at 8:50 AM. There was a 1200 foot climb in the first 2 miles. Portions of the climb were steep. After we finished the climb we had a ridge walk for a few miles. The winds started to pick up and it looked like it was going to storm. We picked up our pace for a while. The rest of the day had a lot of up and down hiking. What made it difficult was the trail was covered with rocks. My heels started hurting again. It would sleet off and on but only briefly. We made it to Doc's Knob Shelter around 1:45PM. We avoided any major rain. At the shelter we meet Sky and his dog Brownie again. He is slack packing to Woods Hole Hostel. Later we meet Wallet. Everyone that has stayed at the hostel seems to be impressed with it. Harsh weather is forecasted for Friday and Saturday. ( snow storm ). Later in the afternoon, other hikers arrive. First is Andy Buys Beer, Scrappy, Pace and Delightful. Then Fisherman. Late in the afternoon/evening we get sleet and snow mixture.
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Doc's Knob Shelter 

To: Pearisburg, Virginia 
Miles today: 9.5

It was a cold night. Morning temperature was around the high 20's to low 30's. Squish and I head out at 8:25 AM. We made good time and paused to take some pictures at some vistas. Made it to Pearisburg before 1PM. I get a motel room. Squish will be staying with some of his relatives. We eat at a Mexican restaurant (Barranca Mexican Grill). We met Slo-Mo again today. The three of us will slack pack together starting Sunday. I get a few things done and relax for the rest of the day.
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Pearisburg 

To: Pearisburg (Virginia highway 632)
Miles today: 12.2

Slack pack day number 1. Slo-Mo, Squish and I initially had planned to go from Stony Creek Valley to Pearisburg but we took a wrong turn and ended up going north. We started with 26 degree temperature. Snow still on the ground. We meet some other day/section hikers and trail maintainers during the day. We took a break at Bailey Gap Shelter and we needed that break. There was a steep climb getting there. The next few miles are covered with rocks and snow. Some nice views at Wind Rock. Ended our day at Virginia highway 632.
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Pearisburg (Virginia highway 632)

To: Pearisburg 
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Slack pack day#2. Slo-Mo, Squish and I left Virginia highway 635 (Stony Creek Valley) around 7;50 AM and headed south. We made good time going up the initial climb (a 1300 foot climb over the first 3-4 miles). Once we made it to the ridgeline, we had good views. Views of Virginia on one side, views of West Virginia on the other. Later in the day we had a long descent from Rice Field Shelter into Pearisburg. All three of us were tired over the last three miles. And it was a warm afternoon. By the time we finished, we were all ready to get something to eat and get off of our feet. It was a good overall.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Pearisburg 

To: Pearisburg 
Miles today: 7.5

Slack pack day #3. Everyone is still a little tired and sore from yesterday. We get shuttled to Virginia highway 42 and hike south, starting at 8:50AM. It was cloudy as we started. Rain forecasted. The hike starts in a field with plenty of view. We climb up about 1500 feet for nearly 4 miles. I was feeling fatigued. Made it to Kelly Knob and enjoyed the views. Clouds were dark earlier but clearing now. Unfortunately, it started to get cold as the wind started blowing harder. Had a quick lunch, then continued on. Had a steep decline over the last few miles. Finished around 1:35PM. Thankfully we avoided the rain as the day ended bright, clear and sunny. It wasn't a long day but I think it was just right after yesterday.
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Pearisburg 

To: Pearisburg 
Miles today: 11.5

Slo-Mo didn't make today's hike. He is going home. It was nice meeting him and talking with him. He is a guy. Squish and I enjoyed his company. Squish and I are shuttled to Virginia highway 42 and we head north. We make it to Keiffer Oak (the largest oak tree on the AT in the south, over 18 feet around and over 300 years old). We take a few pictures. We meet several other hikers in the morning. Also had some good views and good weather. We made it to Virginia highway 621 around 3PM. Get shuttled back to Pearisburg where I meet Slo-Mo and he and I have pizza before he heads home. Back on the trail tomorrow with a full pack.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Pearisburg 

To: Pickle Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Today Squish, Seth (Squish's nephew) and I hike together. Seth's dad, Gregg, has been very good to Squish and I this week. He has shuttled us all week. I am very grateful for all of his help. Squish, Seth and I head out from Virginia highway 621 around 9:10AM. We start with a 1500 foot climb within the first 3-4 miles. Took a break near the top on a bench. After the break, we visited the Audie Murphy Monument. We continued on shortly afterwards but took our time. Made it to Pickle Branch Shelter at 3:30PM. Later in the afternoon, Wallet (from New York) joins us and then K-train arrives. She appears to be recovering well from her shin splints.
Date: 2016-04-15
From: Pickle Branch Shelter 

To: Catawba Shelter 
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Had a nice night. Seth, Squish and the hit the trail at 8:20AM. Had a long climb up Cove Mountain (1100 feet over 4.2 miles). Then we visited the Dragons Tooth (stone monolith) around 10:50. We take some pictures and drink water. Then our day gets interesting. The climb down from the Dragons Tooth on the north side was awful. We literally had to climb or crawl in sections for the first mile. I've done the Mahoosuc Notch before. The hike down,Dragons Tooth was worse than the notch. I actually enjoyed the notched. I did not enjoy coming down from the Dragons Tooth. After a mile or so from the Dragons Tooth the trail leveled out some but the trail was very rocky and the footing was poor in sections. We finally made it to Newport Road and took a side trip for hamburgers, fries and drinks. We return to the trail. We all seem to struggle during the last part of the day. I know my feet were hurting. We make it to Catawba Shelter around 7PM. A quick dinner, setup in the shelter and ready for an early night.
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Catawba Shelter 

To: Lambert Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 8.4

Had a long night. Didn't rest as well as I had hoped. Thankfully, we all agreed not to get up early. Seth headed out first, then myself at around 9:10AM and Squish left later. I passed Seth as we were ascending the mountain. We were all tired from yesterday. Made it to the top of McAfee Knob. Reportedly the most photographed spot on the AT. Had clear and excellent views. Plenty of visitors too. Several hikers reported seeing a wedding on McAfee Knob later in the day. After we took our pictures we headed on. Seth and Squish picked up the pace and I slumbered along. I met back up with Squish and he and I struggled our way up to the Tinker Cliffs. More excellent views. We made it to Lamber Meadows Shelter. Seth had continued on to Daleville. Squish and I stayed at the shelter. There we meet several other section and through hikers. One of them was Meatwagon. He is a section hiker from Virginia. He and Squish had a conversation about various sections of Virginia.
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Lambert Meadows Shelter

To: Daleville, Virginia
Miles today: 9.4

Restless night. We got started hiking around 8:40AM. Cool morning but it warmed up quickly. Had a few nice views. Made it to Daleville, Virginia around 1:10PM. Got a room, cleaned up, ate and washed clothes. Planning on the next session. Later in the evening Seth takes Squish and I out to ear. Three little pigs restaraunt. Good food.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early breakfast this morning and hit the trail at 8 AM. Had a moderate climb during the morning, 1300 feet in the first 5 miles. Most of the climb was in miles 2-5. It started to warm up mid-morning. There were a few steep inclines and declines. Made it to Wilson Creek Shelter at 1:20 PM. Had lunch and rested. Met Patch (from Atlanta), Seam and Mantis just before we headed out. There were more short steep climbs. Very few declines in the afternoon. It got really warm during the day. I was told the temperature was in the mid 80's. I arrived at Bobblets Gap Shelter at 5:45 PM. Very tired. I didn't drink enough water during the afternoon and started to cramp up just before arriving at the shelter. Drank a lot of water at the shelter. I start to relax and settle into camp. Squish, Mantis, NASCAR and I are the only ones at the shelter site. Long day but glad we made some miles today.
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter 

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Squish and I start hiking at 8:35AM. Crossed over the Blue Ridge Parkway several times in the first few miles. I saw 4 deer during that time also. We made it to Cove Mountain Shelter a little after 11. We had lunch. I have developed some blisters under my left foot and left heel. Switched out insoles. Then we head out again. Met some trail maintainers during the day. Nice group. We make it to Jennings Creek and we soak our feet in the water. Then we have a steep climb out of Jennings Creek. Takes about 50 minutes to make the climb. Then we descend to Bryant Ridge Shelter. Very nice shelter. There we meet several other hikers. We relax during the afternoon and prepare for the evening and next day. Good day overall.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter 

To: Thunder Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Let me just summarize today by saying it wasn't a good day. When I got up this morning, my stomach wasn't feeling good. I was slightly nauseated at times. Anyway, I do my normal routine and we head out at 8:35AM. We have an immediate 2400 foot climb in the first 2-3 miles. After 20-30 minutes of hiking I start feeling really bad. Got light headed a few times. Nausea would come and go. I began to feel weak. I struggle during the entire section. We make our initial climb only to have a few small declines followed by long and steep inclines. I get worse as we hike. We reach Cornelius Creek Shelter around 11:50. I lay down in the shelter to rest. I initially thought my day was over. After resting, I eat and drink. I still don't feel good but the forecast has rain and lightening for tomorrow. A little more rest and I feel a little better, but not much better. Squish and I head out around 1:30PM. We take frequent breaks. We make it to Apple Orchard Mountain (another 1100 foot climb)and see the FAA tower. Later on the decline, we see the Guillotine. I still feel bad but stop to take pictures. We make it to Thunder Hill Shelter around 4:45PM. Poor water source but it will do. We eat dinner after resting. Several other hikers arrive,,Magic(from Ohio), Atticus/ Das Machine (from Germany), and two brothers Sonic and Goose (from Tennessee).
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Thunder Hill Shelter 

To: Matts Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Comfortable night. Windy at times. The other 4 hikers head out around 7:30 AM. Squish and I leave at 8:15. I still feel some residual fatigue and weakness from yesterday. Mostly downhill for the first 4-5 miles then a steep 600 plus foot climb. The remaining portion of the day is mostly downhill. It did rain on us but no major lightening. We make it to Matt's Creek Shelter at 2:05PM. We decide to stay and take it easy. We meet Fiber, from Orlando. Nice guy.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Matts Creek Shelter 

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: few clouds

It was a little cooler than I expected last night but no rain. It's a short day for Squish and I. Fiber heads out at 8:30AM while Squish and I leave at 9AM. The hike is easy. I still feel some residual weakness but I am better. We cross the James River footbridge. It is the longest foot-use-only bridge on the AT. Immediately after the bridge is US highway 501/ VA 130. We have a little difficulty hitching a ride but finally get a ride into Glasgow. After we arrive, we have lunch at Scotto's Pizza and Subs. Very good food. The town has setup a free pavilion as a shelter, free tent sites and an outdoor shower. The town is really working to attract hikers. Squish and I set up our tents, cleanup, wash clothes, chat with other hikers and relax. More hikers arrive as the day goes on. By the evening there are about 15 other hikers at the site.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Punchbowl Shelter 
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

We got a shuttle to the AT by Gary Serra and his wife. There are about 9 hikers starting out this morning. Squish and I start out first but we are quickly passed by everyone else. The first 4-5 miles are uphill. The first mile was gradual but the following miles had some really steep sections. We gained 2300 feet after during this section. Most of that came from miles 2-5. After a short decline we have an 800 foot climb over one and a half miles to the Bluff Mountain summit. Thankfully the views we excellent. Almost 360 degree views. Several of us (Babbit, Crash, Squish and I) take a break and just enjoy the views. Afterwards, Squish and I make our way to Punchbowl Shelter. Shortly after we arrive, Lightening stops by for a brief rest. After Lightening leaves, I notice a bird repeatedly flying close to the shelter. I look around and discover it has a nest inside the shelter. There are some eggs in the nest. We leave it alone. Some other hikers arrive for the evening: 5-weeks (she is from Maryland and is doing a section hike for 5 weeks), Bushwack and Ghost. Squish, Bushwack get a fire started and everyone enjoys a relaxing fire prior to going to sleep.
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Punchbowl Shelter 

To: Brown Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 9.5

I didn't sleep well last night. I finally fall asleep around 3-4 AM and wake up at 6:30AM. Hit the trail at 9. Felt very sluggish. We didn't push the pace today. Stopped and relaxed on several occasions. Tomorrow will be my last hiking day for a week or two. I'm going to visit family out in Oklahoma. Anyway, we make it to Brown Creek Shelter at 2PM and rest for the remaining part of the day.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Brown Creek Shelter 

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 1.8

It rained a good portion of the night. Got up a little later than usual but started hiking at 9AM. We made it to US highway 60 and hitched a ride into Buena Vista. Got a hamburger. Squish started having some trouble a few days ago and decided to take some time off also. Later in the morning, his wife picks us up. They drop me off in Waynesboro,VA where I will finalize my traveling plans to Oklahoma. I will not be posting until I am getting ready to restart my hike. Hope all other hikers have safe travels.