morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: clear sky

After today's miles I've travelled more than 25% of the way to Katahdin. That's a pretty good feeling, and I was able to celebrate by eating lunch in town. Other than that, it was an uneventful day. The only people I saw on the trail today were a couple of sobos (south-bound hikers), and I wouldn't call it "on the trail." They were finishing their 2010 attempt, and I bumped into them by the highway in Atkins, VA.After leaving Atkins, there was a lot of hiking through farms and fields. It was mostly privately owned land, and signs instructed me not to stray from the trail. I wish I could have prevented doing so, but there was an area where I really couldn't find a white blaze. I searched all around, in every direction. Finally, I followed what looked like it could have been the trail, due to footprints in the mud, but that wasn't it. After 30 minutes or so, I went back to where the blazes ended. It appeared that the tree with the vital blaze had fallen down, and the only way to see the white blaze was to come from someone's privately owned farm. That aggravated me incredibly, as I was just over 2 miles from the shelter I'm currently at. It delayed me for over 30 minutes at the end of my day, when all I wanted was to sit down.I got to the shelter, and to my surprise, another sobo was already there. When I returned from getting my water, another guy was sitting in the shelter. The entire day I had seen next to nobody, and when I got to the shelter there was company. This made me very happy. At the end of a long day of hiking alone, I kind of need someone to talk to in order to preserve what's left of my sanity. Luck gave me that tonight, and from what I hear, there are four other nobos within a day of here. I'll try for 33 tomorrow and 30 the following day in order to catch some people and get to Wood's Hole Hostel by Thursday evening. But 33 will take an early start, so it's about time for bed.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 33.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I started off slower than usual this morning. This kind of got me down, but I was able to pick up my speed in the afternoon. Otherwise, I wouldn't have done 33 miles before dark. I'm fairly proud of how quickly I did it. 12 hours including breaks. Not too bad for a slow start.I am cranking out the miles, but I have found my weakness. Hiking alone all day is fine, but when I don't see anyone at the shelters it¢s pretty rough, especially when I go all day without a conversation with someone other than myself. The past three days, I've seen more deer than people, more hawks than people, more turkey than people, and almost as many snakes as people. Hopefully, I can catch some other thru hikers and stick with them for a while.Trash on the trail is usually of a small variety. There is typically just food trash or beer cans, but today I saw the weirdest litter yet. There were six pairs of red, child sized boxer briefs scattered along a 100 yard section of the trail. I spent the next hour wondering why they were there. I came to the conclusion that this is one of those mysteries I'll never solve.After the curious undergarments, I "hiked" along a dirt road for half a mile. This led to about a mile of hiking on a road that eventually went over the interstate. It was just so beautiful, so I understand why the ATC decided to route the trail that way. I mean seeing an American interstate and smelling gas fumes and the burnt rubber from trucks breaking on the way down a steep hill was just marvelous. I don't think the fresh mountain air and views that stretch for miles are going to cut it after this. But seriously, how is there not a fast food restaurant close to the trail in this spot. I crossed the interstate and spent a mile and a half or so on a road, but no fast food. What a bummer.Well, I did 33 miles and I feel alright. Hopefully I can say the same thing when I wake up tomorrow. If that's the case, I'll be able to make it to Woods Hole and see some people. At this point, some decent conversation is more appealing than fast food.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 30.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I feel incredibly lucky to have made it to Woods Hole. Not because I did over 63 miles in two days, but because I could have just as easily spent the night in a hospital bed. As I was hiking along and daydreaming as usual, I failed to see a Copperhead sunning itself until I was within 10 feet of it. It was just past noon, and I was cruising over a flat area with plenty of leaves, and had I decided to look at a view or my watch, rather than the ground, I very well could have stepped right on that snake. And this was no baby little snake, this was a big, mean Copperhead, around 5 feet long if not more. Luck was certainly on my side, because had I stepped on it, best case scenario would have been some significant time in a hospital followed by a flight home.Other than the Copperhead, I had a wonderful day. Once again, the weather was near perfect (still a little hot, but I'm adjusting). I even saw two separate thru hikers before the hostel, whom I talked to for a while. That got me to the hostel just before 7, but dinner wasn't until 7:30. That gave me enough time to get the stink off before dinner. I'm sure everyone was thankful for that. Dinner, as well as breakfast, made my stay at Woods Hole incredible. Both meals were home cooked, full of meat, vegetables, fat, and flavor. Everything a scrawny little thru hiker needs. I'm pretty sure I got at least a stick of butter in me between the two meals.During my stay, I also connected with 3 thru hikers, named Mike, Iceman, and Viking, as well as a long section and former thru hiker named Ed. Mike and Ed were planning on catching up to Parkside, a thru hiker just a day ahead. The plan is about 80 miles in 3 days, ending at a hostel with a shuttle to an all you can eat buffet. Obviously, I'm in. So the catch Parkside challenge begins.
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 29.7
Weather: few clouds

Staying for breakfast at Woods Hole was well worth it, but it gave me a 9 am start. I also needed to resupply 10 or so miles ahead in Pearisburg. Plus, with the catch Parkside challenge, I wanted to do a big day. So I cranked into Pearisburg just after noon, successfully hitchhiked the mile and a half to the supermarket, and resupplied really quickly. I even ate a super sub before getting picked up on the return hitch to the trail. I was back on the trail just past one. It really wouldn't have been possible to have done the resupply much faster. I even made it up the ridge before Ed caught up to me (he did start about an hour or so after me, but he's real fast). We hiked together for the remainder of the day. Our paces are very similar, so it worked well. I really enjoyed the company, and was more than willing to take fewer breaks than usual to keep up. We got to the shelter a little after 7, hiking through light thunderstorms for the final few miles. Overall, the day worked out well though, because I half expected to arrive after dark. But now it's time to sleep because I'm gonna try and crank out another big day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 30.9
Weather: light rain

So another 30. At this point they're starting to become the norm. I guess I'm lucky though, because I got to hike with both Mike and Ed almost all day long. This certainly beats the hell out of being alone. Another beautiful day, but hot yet again. The terrain wasn't very interesting, but we did catch Parkside when we reached the shelter. That completes the first part of the challenge. All that's left is the 17 miles to Four Pines Hostel. From there we will be shuttled to the Home Place, which is an all you can eat restaurant. I'm happy tomorrow will be shorter (the rest should be helpful), and it's nice to have someone else to hike with.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

The highlight of today's hiking was the Dragon's Tooth. It's a larger rock/cliff type structure with an incredible view. This was spectacular looking, but the real highlight of the day was the Home Place restaurant. We were given as much fried chicken, roast beef, biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, cherry cobbler, and ice cream as we could eat. This made the catch Parkside challenge a huge success.I spent the day hiking with Parkside. Part of the appeal of hiking the trail was meeting new people, and I've found it hard to pass up on the opportunity. So we got to know each other on this short day, and then we enjoyed the food. Now we're sitting in the hostel, just hanging out. I'm just content to be full for the first time in a while.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: few clouds

One third of the way to Katahdin. It's hard to really think I've done that much, but I guess I'm having so much fun that the trail is just flying by. Parkside, Mike, Ed, and I left the hostel this morning and made our way down to get breakfast. It was a warm, cloudy morning, and we all we're hoping it would clear. As we sat on the curb eating breakfast sandwiches and pastries, and enjoying the luxury of coffee, we watched the clouds clear. Obviously, with McAfee Knob a few miles out, we wanted a clear day.Our group departed around 9 and simply enjoyed the day. The late start set the pace for a late finish, but with an overwhelmingly blue sky and warm temperatures, I wanted to spend the entire day outside. We reached McAfee Knob in the early afternoon and just enjoyed it. I've been pushing for a while, so it was nice to be able to sit on this beautiful ledge and view the scenery. We spent close to an hour there, then headed down towards Daleville.The descent into Daleville took a little while, but we got in just past 7. All four of us checked into a hotel, resupplied, then headed to a mexican restaurant. All I can say is mexican food after a long day makes life good. It's great that I have some guys to hike with, because excellent views and mexican food are better when shared. I'm sure I'll always remember today, and its amazing views, so I'm happy it was so incredibly enjoyable.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

We got a late start today, because we had some tasks to do in town. Parkside had to bring Nutty (the abandoned dog he found a few weeks ago) to the vet for some shots this morning, and we were a little slow to get going afterwards. We did eventually leave Daleville, at sometime around 10:30, and as we did we said goodbye to Ed. He will be flying home later this week, so we departed without him.It was a hot day. The sun heated it up to about 80 in the mid afternoon. I knew it was sucking the life out of me, so when we arrived at a shelter in the middle of the day, I suggested we take a break. Mike and Parkside seemed to agree, and we remained at the shelter for a while. We decided to take it easy today, due to the heat, and for that reason tomorrow will be a bigger day. We plan on waking early to do some big miles, so I'm going to get to bed.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was pretty lame. We started out early looking for big miles, but somewhere after Cove Mountain Shelter, around 8 miles into the day, Nutty ran off. Parkside and I figured he was further up with Mike, because we called for him, and he didn't come back. We soon realized he had disappeared, so Parkside searched for him for a few hours.Mike and I were surprised when he didn't return with Nutty. But we had to keep going. Parkside alerted a man who was doing trail maintenance, and gave him his phone number. We also talked to several southbound section hikers who may see Nutty, and they seemed willing to help if they could. When we took a break, Parkside had a message saying Nutty was spotted going southbound, so we're optimistic about someone finding him eventually. He's a very friendly dog so he'll likely come across a group of people. In case anyone sees him, he's small and white, with brown spots. He looks more like a Jack Russell Terrier than anything else. Please notify me via my guestbook if you do.We didn't do all the miles we had hoped, because what happened wasted hours and exhausted us. We stopped at Thunder Knob Shelter, and luckily stayed dry through a storm because of it. I guess I'll just make up the miles tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 36.4

Morale was greatly improved today. After losing Nutty, I had been a bit depressed. That's never a fun attitude for hiking. Luckily, when I awoke this morning, I viewed the day as a challenge. So even though I hiked in the rain for a while, I was able to push on tenaciously. I took off just after 7 this morning. Late start for a 36 mile day, but hey, that's life. I gave myself 12 hours to finish, and I pulled it off. I felt incredible all day, and just pushed the pace until I reached the road. Things couldn't have worked out better.When I did finish my day, I was picked up by George, a friend of my dad's from his college days. Once again, things couldn't have worked out better. George took me to the supermarket for a resupply, then back to his house. I got a shower, got laundry done, and most importantly, ate a home cooked meal. At this point, I couldn't be more content. I'd hike 36 miles everyday if this is how I could spend each evening.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Buena Vista

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

I awoke to pancakes that George had cooked for me. That's always a great way to start the morning. He then took me to the post office to deal with my bounce box, and afterwards dropped me off at the trail. I am incredibly thankful for the hospitality he and his family displayed. I got back on the trail resupplied, clean, and with a full stomach.I reached a major decision today. I decided I'd rather hike a little slower to hike with people than to hike fast alone. I made this decision easily when I thought of my first priority out here: to enjoy myself. After a few days with Mike and Parkside, I know the trail is more enjoyable with friends.Also, Parkside and Nutty were reunited some time yesterday. I don't know the details at this point, but I am very happy about it. Needless to say, Nutty will be on a leash from now until Maine.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

I slept in until about 10 this morning. That was one hell of a luxury. 10 is the latest I've woken up since I started my thru hike. I ate breakfast at a very leisurely pace, and didn't end up leaving until 11. I continued this day of leisure enjoying some of the best weather I've had thus far. The only better weather was probably yesterday, as it was slightly colder. But I haven't seen a cloud since Thursday, so I'm not complaining.Knowing I had nowhere to be in a hurry, I took my time all day long. Any spot I came across with a nice view, I rested for at least 15 minutes. When I got within 2 miles of the shelter, I spent about an hour on a rock that gave an amazing view. I just hope the pictures aren't too bad, because the sun was shining right at the lens.Pretty uneventful evening though. I made a fire and got situated, then ate dinner and read some more of the Hobbit. I'm just excited that I'll be in Waynesboro tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day in the mountains. I did happen to see a cloud, but it would still pass for a summer day in New England. The leaves were finally out on most of the trees, and because I spent a lot of time at a lower elevation, many flowers were blossoming. The trail was also very well maintained, so it seemed like I was walking through a garden in the forest. Now that the leaves and flowers are coming out, I'm starting to enjoy the viewless trails a little more. Just the feeling of summer can put me in a wonderful mood.Once I came off the trail, I got a ride into Waynesboro and then was treated to a wonderful dinner by Shakedown Cruise and his wife Cynthia. They were incredibly nice people and needless to say, I was spoiled. It was cool to meet a couple so interested and influenced by the Appalachian Trail. I enjoyed their company and the wonderful meal they provided.After dinner, I went back to the hotel room, read some more of the Hobbit, and fell asleep.
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero DayI awoke late today and enjoyed having nearly nothing to do. I read for a while in the morning, and eventually made it to the hardware store next to the hotel to get some fuel. On the way back, I grabbed a cup of coffee and got back to my book. Other than interruptions for my food resupply and meals, that's almost all I did. I even bought the Fellowship of the Ring, because I knew I'd finish the Hobbit.For lunch, I went to an all you can eat buffet at a Chinese restaurant. I spent over an hour there. Honestly, I've never taken that long to get full at a buffet. It felt more like work than eating. But I was incredibly happy to be full.Shakedown Cruise and Cynthia treated me to dinner again. I cannot thank them enough for their kindness. This is the best trail magic I've had yet. Dinner was once again wonderful, although I ate less today because I had burned far fewer calories than yesterday. After dinner, Parkside and Nutty joined me at the hotel. We hung out for a while, and before going to sleep, we went to go get milkshakes. A milkshake is something I wouldn't mind having more often. Overall, this was an incredibly relaxing zero day, but I am ready to get back on the trail.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Another ZeroSo we woke up this morning with the intention of leaving Waynesboro, but it didn't work out that way. Nutty was limping in the morning, so Parkside took him to the vet. They weren't sure exactly what was wrong, but it could be some sort of tick illness. This meant that he needs a few days of rest. Luckily, Parkside's parents drove down to pick Nutty up. So we spent the day kickin' it in Waynesboro, and enjoying the end of Nutty's company.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We finally left Waynesboro today. It felt good to get moving again, even though the terrain was incredibly flat. The weather was nice (or at least what I'd call nice). It stayed at or below 50 degrees, with a bit of a breeze. As I've said before, I'd rather be cold than hot. Believe it or not, there were some snow flurries. Parkside and I enjoyed a fairly easy day, as well as our first in the Shenandoahs. We got to the shelter fairly early, which gave us the opportunity to get a fire going. Afterwards, we ate dinner and spent the rest of the night around it. I'm not bothered by the fact that it'll get cold while I'm sleeping, but the morning will be rough. There's really nothing worse than getting out of a warm sleeping bag and embracing the morning cold.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

As predicted, it was a cold morning. Cold enough that I didn't want to leave my sleeping bag. So I didn't until the sun raised the temperature a bit. I spent a while sitting in my sleeping bag, just reading. Parkside did the same, so we got a later start than usual. Not that it mattered, because the terrain in the Shenandoahs is similar to the terrain of a sidewalk in Boston.We left the shelter just before 10. It certainly wasn't an exciting day, but we made some good conversation. There were some good views of the Skyline Drive, too. That kinda went well with the sidewalk feel, as the AT in the Shenandoahs is basically a glorified sidewalk for the Skyline Drive. Don't get me wrong, there are some good views, but the road takes away from that wilderness feel.When we got to the shelter, we celebrated ladies night. It was quite the celebration, and a success as well. I think there will be a lot more ladies nights between here and Maine.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: broken clouds

We had another typical morning in the Shenandoahs. Nothing really worth writing about. What I find worth retelling happened in the afternoon. Parkside and I had planned to stop for dinner at Big Meadow Wayside. This is where the Shenandoahs became awesome for us. We hiked a short distance off trail, to the Skyline Drive, and made our way to the restaurant.This was far more marvelous than either of us expected. It may not have been cheap, but it was worth it. I got a full dinner and then bought some snacks to take with me to the shelter. We didn't get to the shelter until just after dark, but this gave us an amazing view of the sunset. Seeing a beautiful view with a full stomach makes it much more enjoyable. I'm really starting to like the Shenandoahs, and the Skyline Drive is less irritating when I get to go to a restaurant on it. Tomorrow is going to be even better, too. We're going to get breakfast and dinner at a restaurant.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Took off fairly early this morning in order to get breakfast. Full buffet with coffee, fresh fruit, eggs, home fries, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, french toast, blackberry syrup, and outrageous amounts of butter to be exact.From there we had some decent views early and took our time. We expected a wayside with dinner not too far from the shelter, because the guide book says it opens in early April. I would call the 14th past then, but I guess Elkwallow wayside would disagree. That was kind of demoralizing, and we were late arriving at the shelter because of it. No big feast to give a rush of energy can really slow you down. Luckily, it was a nice enough evening.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Excellent Shelter
Miles today: 18.6

This morning we woke up to incredibly warm temperatures, but clouds moved in and kept it a little cooler until noon or so. Parkside and I got out of the Shenandoahs and into Front Royal in time for a late lunch. By the time we were out of the park it got uncomfortably warm. Both north and south of Front Royal, we saw two very cool shelters.After our resupply we made it to the best one yet. We stopped at what our guide book called an "excellent shelter," Jim & Molly Denton Shelter. This meant a solar shower, spring fed water faucet, gazebo with picnic table and fire pit, and large porch with chairs. The shower was necessary, but cold. I felt much better after. And the left over calzone reheated on the fire was excellent too. Tomorrow will be a hot day, though. I expect that will make things challenging.