morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-05-15
From: Stealth 

To: Angels Rest 
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: clear sky

We were nestled deep in the rhododendrons all by our lonesome last night. It's kind of a creepy area to sleep in with its multiple trunks, thick roots, and green tunnel like maze. But there wasn't a lot of stealth site options so we settled in and I made a small fire which help keep the bugs at bay.We both agree that the Rhododendrons are like the mangroves in Florida only thing that is different is that the Rhododendrons produce a beautiful pink flower. We broke camp early and made it down the VERY steep descent into Pearisburg and then road walked the rest of the way to Angel's Rest Hostel for a quick resupply, laundry, shower and a comfy bed. Already to hit the trail morning...
Date: 2021-05-16
From: Angels Rest 

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We enjoyed our short stay at Angel's Rest Hostel. Much to short for how nice it was. On the trail at 10:15, heading North.  Spring has certainly sprung as the ground is overgrown with a narrow trail to walk in. While we we're in Bland, we sprayed our clothes with Petmitherin to help prevent Tics. We have heard horror stories, and want to try and protect ourselves as best as possible.Another day with only 1 water source prior to camp. Luckily the campsite had water so we will have coffee in the morning...a must have!°
Date: 2021-05-17
From: Stealth 

To: Bailey Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The stealth site we stayed at had approximately 7 tents set up in the high weeds. Even though it wasn't the most ideal place to set up! Trail days was this weekend and Pearisburg had signs posted along trail heads saying " Fill the bus to Damascus for Trail days" Trail Days is a big hiker gathering every year! Previous thru hikers and current thru hikers come together and party and celebrate. Like a reunion of sorts. They also have hiking company vendors set up to promote there latest and greatest gear. We obviously didn't attend as we wanted to keep moving forward, perhaps next year but ALOT of hikers went and so when we were hiking today we saw atleast a dozen hikers slack packing sobo(southbound) doing 20 miles with tiny day packs trying to make up for the days they were at Trail Days. I must admit we became a bit frustrated as we kept seeing them one after another zooming down the mountain while we huffed and puffed up. Nevertheless we kept pushing on. No matter how you slice it 20 miles with a full pack or a day pack is HARD and by 11 am the rain came in and dumped on ALL of us the rest of the hike. No slack pack can help that°
Date: 2021-05-18
From: Bailey Gap Shelter 

To: Laurel Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Yep, today is my Birthday.  51. Cindy is making me breakfast in bag, Sleeping bag that is.  We have a Scottish tradition that you get your nose buttered for your birthday. This year Cindy used Vanilla Cream instead. I'm sure there was butter in the cream. Today we did 14.6 miles which started with a challenging rock scramble. While deep in the forest we saw the prettiest red bird, soo vibrantly red was the body but the wings were black. Cindy said she had wished for a sign from the heavens above for a little blessing today and by golly there she was in the name of Scarlet Tanager°Still not many people on the trail, which is fine by us. The long day ended with a pleasant surprise...Trail Magic. Super Dave from Virginia came out to share some hot dogs, chips, and soda. Such a great gift on a long hot day. Thank you SUPER DAVE, you ROCK!
Date: 2021-05-19
From: Laurel Creek Shelter 

To: Niday Shelter 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We did something a little different this morning, we decided to have morning coffee and breakfast in our chairs which is our luxury item, they weigh only 1pound each but they are worth there weight in gold! Especially because they help support our tired backs after a long hard day of hiking. Now we come into camp and put our feet up like we're reclining in the woods, ahh the simple life°After we enjoyed our unusual leisure breakfast we stopped by the creek to refill our water as today was forecasted for hot and low water supply opportunities. Summer has seemed to arrive early and the humidity is right by its side as we walked thru an open pasture the sweat was pouring off of us! Fortunately, when we came out of the pasture and into a cross road we were greeted by a fella named Long Horn who had done the trail in 1992 and he was handing out trail magic of ice cold drinks of Gatorade and sodas and boy they hit the spot! We were so grateful of his generosity and he told us about a 300 plus year old oak tree that we would walk right past and that it's 18 feet around.. WOW, I couldn't wait to hug it!
Date: 2021-05-20
From: Niday Shelter 

To: VA 621
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: clear sky

Today is a nero day. That means we do less miles then our daily average. Usually you attach it to a resupply day in town and that's what we're doing today and tomorrow will be a zero day, for rest Suzanne's birthday celebrations!The shuttle driver picked us up at the trail head and we checked in at the Motel and then dropped us at the diner by 10 a.m. and hungry was an understatement! After we refueled we were ready to do all of our town chores plus head to the outfitters so I could buy a new pair of hiking shoes to replace my boots. Fingers crossed I'll be able to break them in without any issues!
Date: 2021-05-22
From: VA 621

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

So we thought we didn't wanted to be rushed getting back onto the trail, turns out we were chomping on the bit. Our ride was scheduled for 9:30 AM, we were ready by 8AM.Wolverine was our shuttle driver, he was a 2019 thru hiker from Boston that actually got hurt on the trail in this area. Now he calls it home and who can blame him. The heat is here, and water is scarce. Not a good combination. Hiking in the heat with our tempers short, we agreed we need to be on the trail early. The heat just sucks everything out of you. The joy you saw from spring flowers is gone. The pause you took to look at vista's is fast forwarded to find shade. The humidity is high. Wasn't this why we left Florida? Tomorrow will be better. Ps...the campfire was our bug repellant.
Date: 2021-05-23
From: Stealth site

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

Today we were up and at it by 630am and heading towards Dragons Tooth!It's a stone monolith! This area the youngsters try and do the triple crown which includes Dragons tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinkers cliff all in one shot which is over 20 miles! But us older and wiser Dames are breaking it down in sections! Otherwise we'd die..haha! The climb down Dragons tooth proved challenging and we loved it but we were totally wiped out by the time we made it to the Catawba Shelter, pretty much set up, did our camp chores and then fell into the tent!
Date: 2021-05-24
From: Catawba Shelter 

To: Daleville 
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

Neither one of us slept worth crap last night so we just surrendered with our boots strapped on by 630 a.m. and headed towards the most iconic and photographed spot on the A.T. , McAfee Knob for sunrise! We were so syched and hoped to be the first up to step on the ledge that morning! I can't express my enthusiasm of this moment, it's something I've been thinking about for years especially when I'd see previous hikers poses and often think one day that will be us! Today that thought became my reality and we rode that high all day long into Daleville, our longest day yet!
Date: 2021-05-25
From: Daleville 

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Something super rare happened to us today. It was one of those events we'll often reflect upon as a wilderness gift. Suz and I just left a creek where we replenished our water, cooled our core down, and then we headed up out of a gap(valley). Suz was up ahead as we climbed a windy side of a mountain when she turned around to say something to me. Just then I could see something running on the trail heading straight towards us. At first I thought it was a dog but when I focused my eyes as it came closer, I realized it was a very small speckled fawn that wasn't slowing down or getting off the trail! Suz turned and said to the frightened deer, "it's okay, its okay honey" a deer whisperer she's not! I said you better turn and back off the trail or she'll take your knees out and just like that she zoomed past both of us, down the trail, and out of sight! We wondered what had spooked her as we continued our climb and worried that she would get separated from her mama and then as we rounded the bend we heard a loud snort, it was mama on the ridge, heading towards the wayward fawn. Two worlds collided, if just for a moment...
Date: 2021-05-26
From: Stealth site

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Rain was forecasted today and you could tell by the heavy humidity, it made for a pretty sticky day! We meet a couple new hikers they're a husband and wife team. Her trail name is slow poke and her husband's name was Stick, and you guessed it, he's tall°Today's milestone was crossing the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway and if you've never been there you should put that on your bucket list! At 469 miles it traversed and winds along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Let me tell you it doesn't disappoint, the views are endless with so many pull off spots to just look out, breath in and wonder at some of the oldest Mountains in the world! Our crossing was pretty dramatic as a strong thunder storm blew in and over us and was gone as fast as it came in. Thunder is amazing as it echos off the mountains but lightening is a whole different story!
Date: 2021-05-27
From: Stealth site

To: Middle Creek campground 
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

A short day was planned as we headed towards Jenny's creek. From there we'd get a quick 1.5 mile shuttle into Middle creek campground in Buchanan, Virginia. Talk on the trail was that they had great burgers and we were about to find out! The pick up truck came barreling down the dirt road towards us, swerved into the pull off and abruptly stopped! The driver, an older gray haired women yelled out, "pile in the back of the truck" from her down window. So us and a few other hikers did as we were told and quickly climbed in. No sooner did our butts hit the metal of bed of the truck, off she went like a bat out of hell towards the campground! She obviously knows the road as she shuttles stinky hikers several times a day but WE DIDN'T . It kinda felt like an amusement park ride as we lean into the turns, bumping off one another, our gear shifting and sliding as I felt Suz's hand grabbing onto the back of my shirt... Yehaw we're headed to the campground!!!° It's certainly an adventure!
Date: 2021-05-31
From: Stealth site

To: Harrison Grounds springs stealth 
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

You may have noticed that the last entry was from Thursday, May 27. That's because we secretly planned a surprise visit to my great niece's graduation party in Columbus, Ohio. So we shuttle from the campground to Roanoke Airport, rented a car and drove 6 hours to Columbus. We were beyond excited to see our family and the surprise was icing on the cake! Really, for us it's the first time since Covid that we were ALL together as a family! The weather was drab that holiday weekend but we didn't care because there was enough smiles (w/o the mask) laughter, hugging and just finally connecting with love one's after a long dark year for all of us! It was a whirlwind weekend but we were grateful that everything worked out and we were able to get off the trail for a few days and see what matters most in our lives, FAMILY! We hit the trail rejuvenate and ready for the next adventure...
Date: 2021-06-01
From: Stealth site

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Lately water is getting harder to find on the trail. Sources have been dry so we have to go longer between refills or carry extra which is never fun! We have the AWOL data book and the GUTHOOKS app on our phones that we constantly reference for how far the next water source is, to stealth sites, next towns, elevation changes, etc. We are so thankful for these useful and helpful tools! So our stealth site last nite was by a spring that several hikers had passed up because it was a stagnant source. But I went up an overgrown path and actually found the spring! It was flowing slowly but it met our needs. We set up our chairs for the evening and started to filter the water in preparation for dinner when we heard off in the distance "who cooks for you, who cooks for you, who cooks for yooou". The familiar sound of a Barred Owl. A sound we frequently hear in the forest. So Suz open her Merlin bird app and proceeded to call back to our dinner guest. We waited and sure enough he responded back. This went on for a bit when all of a sudden a swoop over head with a wing span as long as we are tall flew over us. It was him, Mr. Barred Owl sitting on a limb directly above us, maybe 20' at the most. He was close! We called him in, curiosity got the best of him as he stared down at us with those enormously piercing eyes that looked right thru us. I mean his eyes were big, kind mean but beautiful. We felt if we looked at him too long he'd come down and gouge your eyes out. I think he was saying to himself "I'm a wise Owl and you guys are wise Ass's" then off he flew...
Date: 2021-06-03
From: Stealth 

To: Buena Vista 
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today part of our trail experience sent us back in time as we hiked through Brown Mountain Creek, remains of an abandoned freed slave community from the early 1900's. We solemnly traversed for a 1.4 miles along a creek where only stone walls and one large chimney remained of this. community. Sacred grounds left us wondering what life was like back then for those freed slaves. Truly unfortunate that it wasn't more preserved.
Date: 2021-06-04
From: Buena Vista 

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up feeling like I was getting sick. Thought it was allergies with all the high weeds and grass we've been hiking in but soon realized it's more like an upper respiratory infection. Hopefully I can nip it in the bud before it gets too serious.We meet a new hiker named Mileage today. She's around our age and is hiking solo. The day was pretty uneventful as we broke camp in some high grass. Something we're not too comfortable with because of all the ticks that are associated with the overgrowth. We have to have faith that the permithern we've sprayed on our clothes and gear as well as picaridin on our skin will be enough protection from those tiny problematic pest! Sure don't want to get Lyme dease any other health issues from them.
Date: 2021-06-05
From: Stealth 

To: Harper's creek shelter 
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got an early start, hiking by 7AM.  Lots of day hikers and weekend warrior's on the trail today. It is frustrating when some folks are consumed in thier own conversations and don't say hi or anything. Several times we were climbing uphill with our backpacks on and they were coming downhill consumed in thier own world and not stepping over to let us pass. A first world problem I suspect. We ran into a Ridge Runner today and got our official 2021 AT Tag. Thru hikers hang the tag on thier backpacks to identify themselves as AT Thru Hikers to other hikers and the hiking community. Later that day we got some awesome trail Magic from 'Certain", a prior year Thru Hiker. Also got to soak our tired feet in the Tye River.
Date: 2021-06-06
From: Stealth 

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was rough on me. My cough kept me up most of the night while I tossed and turned trying to sleep. I knew we had a hard climb to the top of Three Ridges Mt in the morning and that was on the back of my mind. It was so humid as we broke camp and started our long ascent up. Suz was up ahead as I struggled, the sweat just poured off of me with every switch back we took I repeated "switch back give me strength" anything to get me up this mountain! Exhausted, we finally made it to the top. I realized how hard it is to hike when your sick and sleep deprived. I told Suz that we need to get a shuttle at Reeds Gap, I needed a hotel to collapse in. Truly one of my hardest day's on the trail...
Date: 2021-06-09
To: Hotel
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

We took a zero on the 7th and was able to get an antibiotic to help speed up my infection. We decided the 8th and 9th to try some slack packing. Wearing just a pack with snacks and water, we were able to get some miles in without over taxing our bodies. This way we were kinda resting while kinda making progress towards Maine.Mid morning on the 9th, we were hiking along and chatting like we always do when we heard this noise over to our right. We both look over, then back at each other. Our eyes wide open we mouth to each other...." A Bear"!!  Let's assume the Bear was a "He". While we were only 20 Feet away we didn't move in for a closer look to confirm. He, Mr. Bear, was in a tree busy eating berries. He knew we were there, but was totally consumed with getting to the berries. Suzanne was able to get some good video of Mr Bear without distracting him from his berries. After a few minutes, we decided to move on and not overstay our welcome. Finally, a good pic of a Bear!!
Date: 2021-06-10
From: Waynesboro 

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Today we enter "The Shanny's". We have been told the first 8 miles of The Shanny's are hard, but then it gets easy.  The first 8 miles WERE hard, and the miles after that were NOT exactly easy. Yes there were flat sections, but the climbs were still steep.  Water was available the first part of the day, but not the second. Luckily the local hostile put out a water cache for hikers about 13 miles into the hike so we had water for dinner and the next day. We shared a stealth site with Tennessee Walker, another solo hiker from....you guessed it, he's from Tennessee!
Date: 2021-06-11
From: Stealth 

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Rained last night, and rain forecasted for today. Started hiking with rain gear on, and eventually shed the jackets. About 11, we reached Dundo Picnic Area, one of the many picnic spots and decided to make ourselves some coffee to wake us up more on this dreary wet morning.  Late afternoon we hit Loft Mountain Camp Store. The mountain fog was so thick we couldn't see the camp store and had to use the GPS on our phones to be sure we were heading the right direction.  Thankfully, we found the store, then preseaded to eat. Hungry for whatever is on the menu, we got sandwiches, beer, chips and ice cream.  In The Shanny's, we walk past several resupply and/or restaurants so we don't need to carry much food. Another great treat, in more ways than one.
Date: 2021-06-12
To: Stealth 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Another day of rain. We didn't go by any restaurants or resupply today, but we did get some Trail Magic. Sunshine (2018 Thru Hiker) and her Mom Lisa had a spread of hot dog, beer, pasta salad and donuts. It was a little celebration after we passed the 900mile milestone!
Date: 2021-06-13
From: Stealth 

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Today's goal....laundry, shower, and resupply. We were on the trail by 7AM with 8 miles between us and a shower.  We were cruzing and made it to the camp store earlier than planned. We want to get in and out quickly, here is the plan Suz layed out...start laundry, then showers, then eat, then shop, then pack clean laundry. We were able to get it all done within 2 hours.As we were eating lunch we read up on Big Meadows Lodge. They have a Tap Room. We checked into it, and they have rooms available.  Hmm, should we go for it? Yes, so we booked the room, then took off again, destination Big Meadows Lodge. Made it there by 5:30, plenty of time to shower and have a good dinner and libations.
Date: 2021-06-14
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Pinnacle picnic area
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Waking up in a soft bed was nice, but we both were still tired and achie from the prior day's sprints.  The weather was beautiful, temperatures were low 60s and breezy.We needed to eat a good breakfast,.but they didn't start serving until 7:30. This gave us enough time to put up our tent outside and let it dry off.  Hit the trail by 9 AM, hit a Waystation by 1PM for a Hamburger and ice cream pie. Our pace was much slower today, we were both tired. Made it to Pinnacle Picnic area where we decided to stealth camp. Suzanne's foot was soar, so we didn't want to push on another 2.3 to the Shelter.  They don't want you camping at the picnics areas so we tried to put our tent up out of site. Hopefully Ranger Rick won't wake us up to ask us to move along.An unexpected storm came in about 11PM. Started to rain REALLY hard. At Midnight, one of the tent stakes came loose, then a pole. We had a breech in tent, water was flowing in like an open spigot.  We had to wake up quickly and get the pole back in place!! Got it, but the tent floor has water on it, and our sleeping bags are wet. Using our handkerchiefs, we dried them off as best we could. Somehow we got back to sleep, rain stopped about 1AM. Woke up about 6AM. Ranger Rick never spotted us.
Date: 2021-06-15
From: Pinnacle picnic area

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

While we were in Waynesboro Suz purchased her 3rd pair of hiking shoes at the Rockfish Gap Outfitters. About 20 miles into the Shenandoahs she noticed that stitching on both toes were coming undone, arrgh! Besides that she's noticed her feet have been aching more than normal. When you slow down and think about it it's not too surprising as we are on our feet for up to 9hrs a day 7 days a week and quickly approaching 1000 miles of continuous walking. We're not machines and our 50 plus year old bodies let us know that from time to time. But nothing takes your mind off your aching feet like a beer and a famous black berry shake from the Shenandoah's wayside! Your spoiling us Shanny's...
Date: 2021-06-16
From: Stealth 

To: Front Royal 
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Time is all you have when you start a long day of hiking. We wake daily around 5:15a.m. to the sound of the birds chirping and singing in a new day. Honestly you can set your watch to their consistency. A sound that I will cherish and often reflect upon once I'm off the trail. A bad morning is not in the birdies vocabulary, a lesson from nurturing nature.Everyday when we leave our tent site we always give thanks to the Lord for keeping us safe and pray he keeps us under his wing of protection during the day. Our plan for the day was to tent by a spring that was about 4 miles from Front Royal but at lunch time with 9 miles to Front Royal we decided to go all in and set our sites towards town. It proved to be a long grueling day for us as Suzanne's feet were really bothering her and if anyone knows Suzanne then you know she has an incredible pain tolerance. It was about 515pm by the time we hiked out of the green tunnel into the bright and blinding late afternoon noon sun while walking parallel along a vast field of hay and the mountain vista's looming in the background. We watched as workers were harvesting the cut grass. Hay bales peppered thru out the field, workers were on foot throwing the bales towards the tractor pulling a trailer, while others grabbed the bale by the twine and heaved it up towards the moving target. A long grueling day for them as well...