morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Shannon Farms

To: Hog Camp
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

There was heavy wind and rain last night which again I missed since I was in a house. Up at 7:15. Breakfast of yogurt, banana, and tea. Finished packing up. Weighed myself at 144 which is 3 lbs heavier. Left the house at 9:30 getting to the Route 60 trailhead at 10:30. Blue Dog Art Caf© was dropping off some hikers and 2 were getting rides into town.On the trail at 11 for our slow long climb up the mountain. The trail was smooth but rain washed. We ended up taking the tent off Susan and having Rebecca carry it to even out the weight. Took many rest stops on the way up the mountain. Arrived at the summit at 1 and Cow Camp Shelter trailhead at 1:25. Had lunch on the trail since the shelter was a distance off the trail. Had my usual summer sausage sandwich and an orange. Fresh fruit tastes so good. We passed a nice rock view point which would have been a better lunch stop. The trail then went down before climbing Cold Mt.   We arrived at Cow Camp at 3:15. There was another thru hiker, Just Jerry, who was already set up there. He was from Kingsport, TN which happens to be where we have our 5K National racewalk championship. The water was .3 mile down hill and was a slow running stream. We actually used Rebecca's pump since it was easier..   5 o'clock made dinner and visited with Just Jerry. Some hikers were passing by on to the next area.It was a short day for me but a good first day for new section hikers especially with the climb.My new shoes feel good with no foot pain. It was interesting comparing my new ones with the old ones. The old ones were really worn down.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Hog Camp

To: The Priest
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 7:15. Susan and Rebecca already up. Breakfast of cheerios and bagel. Left at 8:30. We had a moderate climb of 400' in a mile but the trail was smooth and gradual. We kept a steady pace up the hill. Arrived at Seely Woodworth shelter at 12:40. Got water and had lunch of 2 summer sausage sandwiches. Visited with Brotherman and Stormin who were also having lunch. Took a long lunch break till 2:10 Weather was cool in the 60s with overcast skies. Good hiking weather.Arrived at Spy Rock at 3:30. We were going to camp here but Rebecca suggested going on since this was Friday and there may be kids up here partying. We scramble to the top of the rocks for the view. And headed up the trail 4 more miles to the shelter. The first 3 miles were easy then we had a 600' climb in 1 mile. Arrived at the Priest at 6:10. Lots of people camping at the junction of the trail and the trail to the shelter. Decided to check out the shelter since it was down hill and near the water source. No one was at the shelter when we arrived so we had a choice of tent sites. Then other hikers started to arrive. Got water again not a great stream. Had dinner at 7:15 of sausage, ramen and Spanish rice. Very tasty.Rebecca really enjoyed visiting with the other hikers.In my tent at 9 to journal. A good day. My feet are feeling good. Susan's feet especially her toes are hurting. We had a good day going further than expected.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: The Priest

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Slept well in my tights and long sleeve shirt but also in my bag. Still not sure I want to it up. Up at 7:45. Breakfast of bagel orange and cheerios. Heard there would be a trail magic lunch at the bottom of the Priest downhill. Left at 9:10. Missed the views since I miss ready the guide but there were already weekend hikers there.At about the 1 mile mark we realized Susan had lost her hat off the top of her pack. A couple of hikers said they saw it and put it on a tree. So Susan headed back to get it. After a few minutes I thought I could get to it quicker but by the time I caught her she was at the hat. This took about 1/2 hour but was important to do.The descent down was very slow and moderately steep. We arrived at VA 56 and the Tye River about Noon to see Milo, a 2011 thru hiker, cooking lunch. He had beer, sodas, cookies, slaw, baked beans and BBQ. He's from Richmond but he's been doing this every year. He camps by the river and serves lunch, dinner, breakfast and a second lunch. There were about 10 other hikers already there enjoy the trail magic.Refilled our water and headed up the next 1000' in 1.7 mile climb. It was rocky in places but steady. Passed many day hikers including a very determined scout group. Ran into a day hiker who asked where I was going. When I told him Maupin Field, he said that's 3 miles off the trail but there was another one .8 mile on the trail. I was a little confused but it got cleared up later.When we got to the junction of the AT and Mau-Har trail it became clear. The AT continued to the next shelter .8 mile away. The Mau-Har trail was a blue blaze trail to the Maupin Field shelter 3 miles. The AT was 7 miles to the Maupin Field Shelter. I didn't know what the trail was like but it was 4 miles shorter and we knew the AT trail had a 2000' climb in 4 miles. So I sent the girls on the Mau-Har Trail while I continued on the AT.The climb up 3 Ridges was very difficulty with rocky terrain and steep. Slow going and it took me over 2 hours to do the 4 miles. Visited with some weekend hikers on the way up. Great views from the top of the summit.Arrived at the shelter at 6:20. The girls had been there about 45 minutes. They had picked out good tent sites although there were many sites at this shelter. They told me their trail had a nice waterfall but was equally difficult as mine with steep rocky areas including some with hand holds.Again the water source wasn't great so we used Rebecca's pump. Lots of hikers here getting ready to push to Waynesboro. Had my dehydrated shrimp pasta with bacon bits and my olive oil. Got some more trail magic. 2 weekend hikers from Virginia Beach had a 500ml box of wine. No one at the shelter wanted it so I took to the girls who were very appreciative.We decide to do a short day tomorrow to the campsite at 845 mile marker which would be 8-9 miles. A good day with difficult and hard climbs. But the trail magic made the day. Rebecca is going to be in contact with Milo about helping next year. Met with some great thru hikers, unfortunately I never can remember names.In bed by 9.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: 845 campsite
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

Up at 7:30. Slow start but no worry we have a short day. Had my cheerios and bagel breakfast with an apple. Everyone had left by the time we were getting up. Left at 10. Had an initial climb on some rocks to Reeds Gap. Dumped my trash at the 3 ridges overlook.The trail became quite rocky so we weren't moving quickly. Got to a major stream and decided to fill up on water since the campsite will not have water. It took about 25 mins to fill all our bottles.We had a long lunch at Cedar Cliff arriving at 1. Great views of the valley which Rebecca pointed out the landmarks. Weather was in the 60s and sunny. Left at 2:20 for the final climb. Filled up with more water at Dripping rock. A lady stopped by to chat. She said a bear came into a wedding reception down the mountain.The weather was changing with increased clouds and the wind was picking up. I hustle up the hill to get my tent set up so if it did rain we could get our packs in the dry tent. Arrived at 4:10 set up my tent, they arrived shortly after. A great view from the rocks at the campsite. Rebecca pointed out the winery where she works. Made dinner at 5 of Tuna, velvetta and Ramen.We had some sprinkles but the winds was quite strong. Even though it was only 6 it wasn't enjoyable on the rocks. We could see Wintergreen ski resort in the distance.In tent at 7 to call home and journalA reasonable day with some rocky areas and short climbs. Hoping the weather holds off with the rain but we're in our tents.
Date: 2014-06-09
From: 845 campsite

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

No rain last night but strong winds. Calm morning. I was up at 7 but Rebecca had seen the sunrise. Had breakfast of apple, bagel and granola. Clearer view of the resort across the valley. A section hiker passed by and said she encounter a bear soon after Dripping Rock. Talked with her about the waysides and restocking options in the park.We left at 9:30. They decided to head all the way to Waynesboro rather than staying at the shelter. This was fine with me and the trail appeared good without any major uphills. Started the day with a small uphill but the trail was smooth and went down to the Paul Wolfe shelter. We arrived at 12:30. There was a granite memorial bench for a thru hiker who died in snow storm on the PCT. Had lunch of tuna sandwiches. Susan went in the creek to cool off as did Rebecca. Took our time and got more water. Headed into town at 1:50About a mile down the trail, I hear Susan scream. She had an encounter with a rattlesnake. It actually crossed the trail between Rebecca and Susan and was on the right side of the trail. We all waited while it crossed the trail to the left. It appeared to be about 3 feet long. This slowed us down directly. I called the hostel to check on availability. We arrived at Rockfish Gap at 3:50. We made great time on the downhill smooth trail. We visited with a gentleman who does shuttles while waiting for our ride. The kettle corn trailer was not open. We headed into town. Stopped by the outfitters to get a new squeeze bladder since mine seems to be leaking.Dinner at Ming's Chinese buffet. I ate well and enjoyed the seafood. Did not try the Sushi but everyone else did and said it was very good. Stopped at Kroger to get fruit and bread. Then they took me to Stanimal's Hostel. It was a ways out of town in a residential neighborhood. Got there around 6. Unloaded the car, got my restock items and packed up my final weather gear to go home. Decided to keep my sleeping bag. Since my poles/tips had not arrived I'm having Rebecca sent them to my friend in Frederick where I will be staying. Stan arrived soon after and showed me around. It's a really nice house with a sun porch with a lap top, coffee maker. Bathroom and a separate shower area. Washer dryer, refrig with snacks, and the bunk room with dvds and tv and 6 bunk spaces possibly more. I'm the only here tonight.Spent the rest of the night on the computer checking email, updating my journal, and checking out my schedule for the next week.I had contacted a friend of my wife who may hike with me or give me lunch. I will probably met up with him next week since he will be away this weekend.The hostel is very pleasant and great deal.Bed time was very late due to journaling.
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Waynesboro

To: Calf Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: broken clouds

Late nite on the computer updating etc. on till 2 AM. Awoke at 7 to finish computer work. Stan gave me the option of leaving at 9:30 or noon. Opted for noon which gave me more time. Breakfast of bagels and coffee. Spent the morning on the computer updating journal and downloading pictures.. Pack up my large quantity of food. I to actually had to get a second bag to put the food in. Lunch of Tuna sandwich with ice cream. Stan returned at 1 and we headed to the store for one item then to the trail at Rockfish Gap.Back on the trail at 1:30. Got to the self registration area for hikers to find lots of completed forms but at first no unfilled out ones. Found one form at the very bottom. Started a gradual uphill with some rocks. First mile was slow but then it smoothed out so I could increase my pace. Trail went into the woods then thru high grass. Crested Bears Den Mt at 4 with lots of communication towers.Arrived at Calf Mt Shelter at 5:10. Lots of people who I had camped with early. They asked how my friends were doing. Found a decent tent spot and set up. Dinner of rice ramen and tuna. Visited with the others. Difficulty bear bagging on the bear pole. The pole was heavy, my food was heavy and it was very high. Misty Pony helped me get my food up. Called some friends and bed by 8:30
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Calf Mt. Shelter

To: Loft Mt. Campground
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Crazy nite last nite. About 1:30 a major thunderstorm came in with lots of rain and very close lightning as well as loud thunder. I kept dry but it was disturbing. Awoke at 6:45. No rain but a wet tent. Slow moving this morning. Breakfast of bagel and cheerios. Ended up leaving at 8:40. Humid but cool day. Some areas on the trail did not appear like it had rained. Made good time due to the flat smooth trail. Some minor climbs up Turk Mt. but got to Black Rock Hut at 1:40 - 13 miles in 5 hr. Lots of hikers at the shelter. Some lunching, some staying. Lunch of sausage sandwich and refilled my water. Left at 2:40 Moderate climb to Black Rock. Major rock pile which I scramble up to check the view. When I returned to the trail, it actually went in front of the rock pile with the same view.Got to Rt. 880. When I came out of the woods I couldn't find the trail on the other side of the road and no blazes. I continued up the road to the Jones Run parking lot. There were some PATC maintainers there who pointed out the trail. So I backtracked to the road and returned.The trail remained smooth and flat. I arrived at the first trail to the Loft Mt Campground at 5:10. 8 1/2 hr for 19 miles with a 1 hr lunch break. Met the host who pointed out the tent ares I passed coming in. So I took the one closest to the trail. Went to pay at the ranger station and to charge my phone and go to the store. I had my camera and cable but not the plug. So I got water and returned to camp to get the plug. When to the store about 6:30. Got some ice cream and beer. Finished my call to my wife. Got back at 7. Put my pack in the bear storage locker.Started dinner of pasta. It started to rain then the rain increased. I ended up just putting every thing in the tent. Somehow I did not do something in the tent set up and the water got between the tent and the footprint. Mopped up the best I could and ended up have beer and ice cream for dinner.Took my leftover and trash to the bear storage. Got my sleeping bad even tho it was warm. Changed out of the rain gear into my tights and long sleeve shirt. Brought my shoes in the tent to stay dry. Journaled. Rain continued to fall but let up on occasion.Anticipating a wet night and morning. Not sure how quickly I will be leaving. Bed by 10
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Loft Mt. Campground

To: High Top Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Major storm last nite with high winds, thunder, and rain. Everything is really wet. Up at 6 drying sleeping pad and bottom of tent. Tried to dry the tent but everything is wet. First experience with a wet tent in the morning.Long walk to the bathroom since I didn't have a map and there was a thick fog. Packed up, went to dumpster with trash and laundramat to dry my clothes. Finally got started at 8:55. Initially I was in tights, short sleeve shirt and rain jacket but the jacket came off quickly. Very humid and foggy. Deer was by the trail but rain off quickly. Trail was flat and smooth. Decided to take the first Frazier trail to the wayside since the guide said it was only .3 miles. It was actually .5 and downhill and steep and rocky. Had breakfast of eggs, toast, sausage and hash browns. Charged my watch. I got there at 10. Changed into my shorts and left at 11:15 and on the trail at 11:30.Initially I missed the trail and was next to the road but I quickly got going right. Once on the main trail it was smooth and flat with occasional ups and downs. Got to Skyline Drive 72.5 at 12:45. Had lunch and dried out my tent. Very good spot since there was a stone wall to lay out my tent. After a while the fog rolled in as I was leaving. The trail went up some then arrived at the Pinefield shelter but I didn't stop since it was .1 mile off trail. Had a short uphill at Weaver Mt. then down to Simmons Gap. Got water at the ranger station that was 1/4 mile away. Another short climb then down to Powell Gap. I was expecting to get to High Top Shelter around 5:15 or 5:30 but the last climb slowed me down. At 5:30 on my way to the shelter, the skies opened up in a tremendous downpour. The trail was like a creek with ankle deep water. I wasn't totally prepared but I did have my pack cover on. Arrived at the shelter at 5:45.There were 4 ladies having dinner who were doing a short section hike. There were tenting. There was no one in the shelter so I decide to stay dry tonight in the shelter. Changed out of my wet clothes into my rain gear. The rain stopped about 6:15. Affirmed rolled in wet. He had spent 2 hours at the last shelter. There were also 2 other hikers in tents. Set up for dinner. Got my spot in the shelter. Had ramen and red Beans and rice and sausage. Attempted to bear pole but unsuccessful when it started to rain. So I tried later. Cool rainy night. Nice to be in the shelter.Generally a miserable day with a wet tent then missing the shelter by 15-20 minutes to stay dry. Kind of a waste of time going to the Wayside due to the distance and time spent. Bed by 9. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2014-06-13
From: High Top Shelter

To: Lewis Mt Campground
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Slept well in shelter with rain last nite. Up at 7 but stayed in bed till 7:45. Breakfast of Apple, Cheerios and bagel. Took my time drying clothes. Affirmed left at 8:15. I finally left at 9:10. Trail was muddy but still flat and smooth. Had a 400' climb then down to Swift Run Gap. Affirmed was at the bridge drying his shoes. I decide to switch to my wet clothes and they dried quickly.Pace was good today. Did 3.3 miles in 1 1/2 hours. Had a moderate climb of 900' but the trail was gradual. Weather was muggy but cool. Had on final climb up Baldface Mt of 800'. Did 10 miles in 4 hours.Arrived at Lewis Mt. Campground at 1:30 and went to the camp store for a soda. Was deciding to head to the next shelter since it looked like rain after lunch. As I was getting my pack ready to leave, Affirmed arrived. The campground had a hiker cabin with 4 bunks. Affirmed agreed to share a spot. Bought more lunch items including 2 beers and potato chips. Took our things to the cabin and then came back for laundry.Legs, Flatlander, and Chevy Chase came in out of the rain. Offered the cabin to them but they were waiting on Lt. Dan and a girl who was hiking with them. Had dinner of my dehydrated tuna and pasta. Called home about my next mail drop. Went to the camp store to dry some things. Ran into Lt. Dan and the girl. Offered again for them to come to the cabin, since it has raining all night.Packed up and got ready for the morning.Good decision to dry out in the cabin.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Lewis Mt Campground

To: Byrd's Nest 3 Hut
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Slept well but mice got into my ceral and my M&Ms. I had left them on a shelf and they got into them. Up at 6:15. Had bagels and orange. Packed slowly. Due to the cool temps used my sleeping bag to stay warm.Left at 7:45. Again the trail was excellent for a good pace. Affirmed passed me. He was going to the wayside. I got to the wayside road at 10:25 but did not go to the wayside since it was too far. Passed lots of day and weekend hikers. Met 2 trail maintainers cutting weeds.Got to a nice rock overlook so I decided to have lunch with a view. Had a tuna sandwich with extra tuna. Arrived at noon and left at 12:45. Didn't go to Rock Spring shelter since it was 1/4 mile off trail. The trail turned rocky at that point. There were some gradual uphills. Met a section hiker doing 700 miles. Stopped for water at the last stream on the map. Very slow source. Got to Pinnacle Picnic area to discover a faucet. Filled up my water since the shelter's source is .4 miles away. Arrived at Byrd's Nest 4 shelter at 5:45. 10 hours 23 miles.There were a lot of tent sites. The shelter had a huge platform for sleeping. There was only on section hiker. Set up my tent. Affirmed arrived about 1/2 hour later. He missed the first trail to the wayside so it took him longer to get to the wayside.Made dinner of ramen, tuna and peanut butter. Also had tea and an orange. Made some phone calls. Weather today was excellent with cool temps and light breeze. Still cool at night. Glad I still have my sleeping bag.Plan for tomorrow is up early, breakfast at Pass Mt. and lunch at Elkwallow.Lots of hikers on the trail today.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Byrd's Nest 3 Hut

To: Gravel Springs Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Up at 6. Out of bed by 6:45. Soon after I left the shelter I found the spot where some people said was a tent spot near a rock overlook. This would have been a great sunset spot, I just didn't go far enough.Trail was flat and smooth to rocky but still was holding a good pace of 2 1/2 mph. Arrived at Pass Mt Hut at 10 for breakfast of sausage bagel. Got water and used the privy. Left at 10:55. Slightly uphill then rolling ups and downs. Arrived at Elkwallow wayside at 2. Affirmed and many others there having lunch and visiting with the tourists. The wayside was very crowded with day visitors. Long line for food and a long wait. I got BBQ and sweet potato fries in addition to potato chips and soda. Resupplied with cookies and M & Ms.Had lunch with 3 weekend hikers I had met on the trail coming in. Talked about the trail and what it is like. Left at 3:15. Met 2 more trail maintainer and visited with them about their work and the trail. The trail went up to the Matt Arm Campground.Called the Mountain Home Cabbin in Front Royal to make a reservation. She said she won't be there but her husband will be there about 7:30 tomorrow. A town shuttle would have to be on Tues. I am planning to meet our friend Steve at Rt 50 past Front Royal.Arrived at Gravel Springs at 5:40. Shelter was full with section hikers. Affirmed and 7 others were already at the shelter. Found a non level tent site up the hill. Very good water source next to the shelter.Dinner of rice and tuna with hot tea at 7. A photographer doing a school project showed up to take pictures of hikers. She brought a bag of snickers and apples. She took everyone's pictures at various spots around the shelter.Got water and visited with others and in tent by 8:45. Good day doing 17 1/2 miles in 10 hours with a 2 hour lunch break. Wayside food was a good change but pricey. Weather was good with cool temps. Will probably miss the hiker fest at the Bear's Den by a couple of days