morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 32. Another nice day and started by hiking to Laurel Falls. Ghetto took a picture of me by the falls and then it was up and over a mountain to Watauga Lake. I spent about 1-2 hours hanging out by the lake eating and laying on the grass. It was sunny and beautiful and I didn't want to leave....but miles to go. Of course it was up, up, up from the lake after crossing the dam. You hike along a ridge overlooking Watauga Lake and can see how big it is. Also, saw an eagle carrying a stick! Turkey vultures were playing in the thermals. Met Mountain Squid doing trail magic at Tn 91. Thank you kind Sir! Had a beautiful sunset and great fire at the shelter overlooking the lake. Growler, Seminole, Santa, Legs, Thin Mint, Ghetto, Flood and Violet all here.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Campsite at mile 465.3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 33. This turned out to be an epic day! The mileage listed is correct. Hiked the most I have ever hiked in one day....30.8 miles!!!! Started fairly early and started walking. Beautiful day and I was really enjoying it. Took several breaks to eat and am getting my hiker hunger, which means I'm hungry often. Snacking throughout the day too. Thin Mint, Growler, Seminole, Legs and Santa also hiking. So, after taking a break at Double Springs Shelter I thought, wonder if I can hike a marathon? Decided to try. Got to Abdington Gap Shelter at 6pm, filled up water (.3 mile down and then back up) and kept going. I got to the Tn/Va state line just as it was getting dark. I put on my headlamp and kept going. I made it to a campsite at mile mark 465.3 about 8:30 and set up camp. I was just 2 miles outside of Damascus and hiked 30.8 miles, night hiked alone, set a personal best and made it to the fourth state...Virginia! Legs/Seminole and Santa came walking up and pushed on into Damascus. Awesome day and tenting alone and ready for bed and real food tomorrow! Photo was from Smokey's not today. Still trying to figure out photo posting.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Campsite at mile 465.3

To: Hikers Inn
Miles today: 2.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 34. Nero day today in Damascus. Hiked in early and got breakfast at Dairy King, local spot. Got a bunk at Hikers Inn. Paul has a great place here. Very clean, friendly and a best rating by me! That you Paul! Ate most of the day and had a few beers. Weighed myself and am astonished that I've lost 20 lbs! Need to eat more! Resupplied for push to Atkins, Va. Rain forecast for tomorrow turning to snow with a low in town of 22 expected. Lower up on elevation for sure. Brrr! Oh well. Great town must stay location. Raining currently and I don't want to leave!
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Hikers Inn

To: lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: moderate rain

Day 35. It is hard to leave town especially when it is cold and raining. Woke up to rain and didn't want to leave but I forced myself. It was a light rain, but as I went up the mountain it turned to sleet. Further up it was snowing. They are calling for 22 degrees in town tonight...greeeeeat! Myself, Goat, Thin Mint, Sticks, Ghetto and Hawk were the only ones here at Lost Mountain Shelter. A lot of others were in town and they were smart staying where it was warm and dry. Everyone got into their sleeping bags at 7:00 because it was so cold already. Turns out it went down to about 15-18 degrees per my thermometer in the morning. Probably the coldest so far and a shock considering the beautiful weather we've had the last four days. Santa showed up late and tented. Hiked 15.6 miles.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 36. Brrrrr! Cold start after 15-18 degree temps. Today's hiked went over Mt. Rogers and the Grayson Highlands. Saw the wild ponies, but didn't give the any food. The food I carry probably wouldn't be good for them. Hiked to Wise Shelter. A guy named Seth was providing trail magic at the shelter. 3 hotdogs, cheesy mixed vegetables and dark rum to warm! Thank you Seth! Also, trail magic of sodas, fruit and candy at a road crossing at Va 600 Elk Garden. Pretty tough hike due to cold, ice and a lot of rocks on the trail. Another cold night this evening. Also a meteor shower supposed to be happening, but not sure I'll be awake for it.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 37. Started out cool, but turned out to be an excellent day of hiking. Coming down Stone Mountain their was a parking lot with a restroom. It was one of those without water, but has a toilet and TP. It's the small things we take for granted that make you happy while on the trail. No woods today! Water coming directly out of springs from the ground is delicious! Got a banana from a section hiker named Cowboy. Thanks! Did an even 20 miles today to Trimpi Shelter. Met Bean Dip and her Mom from Australia. This shelter has a nice fireplace and Gandalf, Santa, Ghetto, Sticks, Goat got a fire going and kept it going all night. Wasn't too cold tonight, but the fire sure was nice! Grasshopper was here too along with Ranger, Rocketman and his wife.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Atkins, Va
Miles today: 22.2

Day 38. Knocked out 11 miles before noon and made it to Partnership Gap and the Mount Rogers Visitors Center. You can actually have a pizza delivered to you here as it is close to Marion, Va. I chose not to get a pizza and continued hiking to make it to Atkins, Va. In order to get the one pound burger at The Barn Restaurant. As I came down close to Atkins I stopped at the old schoolhouse, Lindamood School, where the pastor of West End United Methodist Church in Wytheville was handing out trail magic with his wife. This was in the form of Dr Pepper, snack cakes, candy bars, beef sticks etc. they also had all kinds of other things in a big box. Got a comb, little scissors and a new toothbrush too! Very awesome folks! Their son did 1700 miles of the trail last year. I then made it to Atkins and to the Relax Inn for a shower, laundry, room for two nights and my resupply box that my wife sent. Oh, and got the one pound burger! 22.2 miles for the day. Hung out with Grasshopper, Santa, Gandalf, Goat and Raven for a while and then to bed.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Atkins, Va

To: Atkins, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 39. Zero day. Eating as much restaurant food as I can. My friends "Z Man" and his wife Nancy just so happen to be in the area so I visited with them as they traveled through back to Tx. Z Man thru hiked the AT last year and has been a lot of help logistically. Nancy made a box full of Easter cupcakes and I ate as many as I could and shared the rest with the other thru hikers that came through the Relax Inn. Z Man also fixed me up with beer. They drove me to Marion for pizza and a couple if other stops. Thank you very much and it was great seeing you guys!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Atkins, Va

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 40. So I had one more town breakfast and hit the trail with a full belly. It was a beautiful day for hiking and I was soon sweating. Lots of water drinking today. As I hiked along the trail this Easter Day, I noticed many plastic eggs along the trail. They all had been opened. My thoughts of what May have been inside had me wanting candy. Luckily my family sent me peanut butter Reese Egg. Mmmm! As I crossed Va 660 I saw a basket on the other side of the fence. After traversing the stile, steep one at that, I was treated to Easter Trail Magic. I was the first hiker to the basket which was full of snacks and drinks on ice! I had a bottle of Starbucks Vanilla Frapo, an orange, carrots, celery with garlic humus dip....mmmm good! That you Angels! I planned to only do about 17 miles today. Instead I hiked 23 miles to Chestnut Knob Shelter which is a fully enclosed shelter and is beautiful! Only no water here so if your coming here be sure to hike in water from the source about 1.5 miles before the shelter. Luckily I saw that in the guide and had been warned by others. Raven, Thin Mint, Monkey, Swiper, Cloudwalker, Bean Dip and her Mom are all here. Long uphill hike at the end, but flat hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 41. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Started hiking about 8:00am. Water is key from here so fill up at the first source at the bottom if you didn't bring up enough the night before. Several folks didn't and were very thirsty. Raven was parched and moving slowly, so I gave him half a liter. The trail goes along a real rocky ridge. Hard on the legs and feet. It finally descends towards Jenkins Shelter and there was a nice spring at mile 574 even though it wasn't in the guide. Had lunch at Jenkins and decided to push on to the next shelter which will make for another long day. Made it to Helveys Mill Shelter beat tired and then had .3 down to water and .3miles back up. Plus the shelter was 1/4 a mile from the trail. Sketchy water source as I found a worm or mosquito larvae moving in one of my water bottles. I had been using only Aqua Mira, but decided to use my Sawyer Mini for the first time! Was trying to wait until freeze chances were gone. Thin Mint and a family of 3 from Ma. Are here along with a guy from Clarksville, Tn. Also Shy Bear and Trix. It was really hot today so I drank a lot of water. My shirt has a ton of salt stains on it! Yuck! New shirt for tomorrow. Can hear interstate traffic noise from up here.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

Day 42. The elevation profile shows generally easy hiking to start today. Sure enough I hiked 10 miles before noon. Ate lunch at Jenny Knob Shelter and got water there. Decided to push to the next shelter 14 miles away. Made it for a total of 24 miles even, but my left shin was hurting. 3 days of over 20 miles is taking its toll. Only 18 miles left to Pearisburg. We will see how I feel ma±ana. Here at Wapiti Shelter with Rock Fish, Flipper and a father/son duo. The son is Facts. This section is hard to follow in the guide. The shelter is clearly marked, don't make the mistake and take the blue blaze at like mile 611 like I did. Bugs and bees out doing sorties around me today. Lots of creeks in the area and generally real beautiful. Little sprinkle of rain on and off a couple of times, but minimal.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 17.6

Day 43. Cold air blew in overnight. It made for perfect hiking. My shin is swollen and hurts when I walk. I think the tendons need a break! Still had to hike to Pearisburg so tried to take it easy. Uphill is better than downhill. Luckily the trail wasn't too difficult except the steep downhill to town. Fortunately a Dairy Queen was at the bottom and that was motivation enough. 17.6 miles today. Ate a Spam tortilla wrap with mustard and a Nutella wrap for lunch. Surprisingly good I might add. Breakfast was pop tarts and a OS turkey stick. Snacks were snickers kangaroo jerky and luna bars. Yep, kangaroo! Excellent. Thanks Pat. 1st dinner DQ. 2nd dinner....not sure yet.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 46. Hiking was hard today due to ankle so I slowed way down and took a lot of breaks. This seemed to work very well. Left early and hiked til about 8:00 pm. Didn't want to do go too far, but unfortunately the water situation is tough in this area so ended up doing too much at 19.3 miles. Only going 13 tomorrow so that breaks it up a bit. Met Hyperbole who is from the same area in NY that I grew up in. Interesting talking about the area. Also met Sassafras, Elusive and Redwood. Staying at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, but tenting it as the shelter is full. Got tent set up and then it was dark. Cooked a rather excellent Thai Chili Noodles with a packet of chicken. Mmmm! Off to sleep.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 47. Had an early steep climb today and the ridge walks. Went by the Captains place which is where you can camp in Captain's yard and you zip line across a brook to get there. It seems the trees are getting green at lower elevations and slowly working their way upwards as Spring takes a grip on the mountains. Made it to War Spur Shelter after a hot hiking day and cooled in the stream a bit. Rocky trails along the ridges makes for slow going. One of the hikers saw two bears today. None yet for me. Maybe I'm too loud. Took some nice breaks and while at one spring I watched a military plan cut through the valley and he was below me.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Day 48. Today's highlight was getting to see Keffer Oak. Largest oak tree on the AT in the south. 18 foot circumference and over 300 yrs old. The pictures don't do it justice, the scale of this tree is tremendous. There was some on and off showers today which makes for slick hiking. Especially going over the slick granite ridges on this section. Didn't get too wet and made it to Niday Shelter for an 18.2 miles. I got the last spot in the shelter so I unloaded, set up and started cooking and the the rain came! Close one. One guy named Elusive actually slept under the shelter as his tarp leaks. A group of Canadian students came in and set up in the rain and all were laughing and upbeat. Redwood set up his hammock in the rain after coming into camp. It rained pretty much all night and was still raining when I woke up.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Day 49. I absolutely did not want to leave the shelter in the rain! I did anyway. Oh, and it was cold too! At first you start hiking and trying to avoid puddles. This lasts about 15 minutes and your feet are wet. Then you just try to avoid full submersion. The highlight was seeing the Audie Murphy memorial near where he was killed in an airplane crash. The rain was cold, which made me cold so when I reached the shelter, Pickle Branch, I decided to stay and get warm. Only 10.1 miles, but dry and warm now. A hot cup of tea, tuna/tortilla with pepperoni, salmon/tortilla with pepperoni, lemon pie and a cookie helped a lot. Here with Thin Mint, Bean Dip and her Mom. A section hiker is here zeroing. I'm staying put as it is still raining. Almost forgot to mention the trail magic in the form of a Dr Pepper at Trout Creek! Thank you whoever left the cooler there. I got the last soda.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.7

Day 50. Dragons Tooth lies ahead this morning and it was raining. I wasn't prepared mentally for how hard this section was going to be. The rain slowed and it became a fine mist. Perfect for making the rocks slippery as snot. Dragons Tooth trail was clearly designed by a Sadist. There were cliffs, ledges and scrambles to go down. Metal ladder rungs are drilled into the rock walls to assist in the descent. Slow going here! Then you get down and have to go right back up and over more slippery rock. This was by far the hardest section so far and it was raining. Made it alive and only hiked 6.7 miles because when I got to the store at Newport Rd. I met the owner of Four Pines Hostel who convinced me to stay. Cool hostel! It is a converted 3 car garage and there were like 20 people staying here. Some zeroed to avoid the rain. Not what I planned for the day, but it worked out well.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Lambert Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 51. What a beautiful morning this was! The start today was about a mile or two through a long meadow with a stream. The birds were out, it was sunny and the smell of the plants and flowers was amazing here. Then it was over some farmers fields and slowly you went up into the mountains. The treat for today was McAfee Knob! Giant rock formation jutting out that is one of the most photographed places on the AT. Finally a nice day at one if the view areas. Hiked with Grasshopper a good part of the day. This was the most I actually hiked with someone so far. Similar hiking speed. Made it to McAfee and took the required photo. Chef came up and actually cooked steak fajitas right there on the knob! Then it was over to Tinker Cliffs about 6 miles away. A straight up hike, but another awesome view on more rock formations. Made it to the Lambert Meadow shelter, but decided to camp a little further down the trail. Nice camping spot with a stream, picnic table and fire ring. Grasshopper and I got a nice fire going and chilled! 16.6 miles today.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Lambert Meadow Campsite

To: Daleville, Va
Miles today: 9.1

Day 52. Only 9.1 miles to the town of Daleville. Everyone has been talking about barbecue. Three Lil Pigs barbecue was ground zero for all the hikers coming to town today. Good time and food. The hike was rather easy coming over some mountain ridges, but fairly mellow most of the day. Laundry, shower, resupply food, fuel and eating....yea town! Good to see everyone, some zeroed here, others neroed. Hiked with Grasshopper again today. Stayed at Ho Jo's. Good trail town with most things needed within easy walking distance. Another beautiful day!
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Daleville, Va

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

Day 53. Full pack of food makes for a heavy pack! Luckily the trail out of Daleville was pretty nice. A couple of good climbs. I made it to the Blue Ridge Pkwy where the trail crosses back a forth a few times. At one of the crossings there was a couple providing trail magic in the form of a pastrami and swiss sandwich, cola, chips, pudding and a bottled water! This was in a great spot as it was towards the end of the day close to the shelter so it made for first supper. Thank you folks! Ended up doing 18.5 miles and stayed at Bobblets Gap Shelter. Grasshopper, G, Redwood, Indiana, Squirrel, Tree Frog and a southbounder were all here. Nice spot with a good campfire. Definitely getting warmer out and everything is greening up quick.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 54. Trail magic of a cheeseburger, hot dog, donut, chips and beer was at mile 10 today courtesy of Jen and Hardtack. They were doing this at Jennings Creek mile 752. We ended up staying there for a while until they were out of food and beer. They provided for about 10 of us. Hardtack thru'd last year. A good climb out of the road on a full belly. Staying the night at Bryant Ridge Shelter which is huge. Sleeps at least 20. It is post and beam construction and solidly built. Aanother hot day today, so hiked 13.5 miles. Grasshopper and Facts are here too.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 55. Hiked with Grasshopper today and it started out overcast. Nice cool day to hike. The forests have exploded with life. The Trillium was popping out everywhere. All kinds of wildflowers, trees, bushes are flowering or turning green. Made it back up to the Blue Ridge Pkwy where there are trash cans. You try to get rid of trash at every opportunity so you don't have to carry it and this was no exception. We stopped for a lunch and the sky was looking ominous. Sure enough a blast of wind brought cold air and rain. Starting to get cold....time to move. The sandwich bread bags work great for this kind of rain you just put them over your hands if they are cold. Saw a Lunar Moth...pretty cool. It must have just gotten out of its cocoon as it couldn't fly yet. The rain soon stopped so then it was trying to figure the right clothes combination. Made it all the way to Matts Creek Shelter about a 22 mile day. Took lots of breaks and got into camp just before dark. Ate and then to bed in the shelter as we got the last two spots. Photo is of the Guillotine.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 56. Blue sky this morning. It was shaping up to be a hot day. A big climb out of over 2500 feet, but the trail was nice with switchbacks in most areas. Still you were climbing up most of the morning. Hiked with Grasshopper. It got real hot in the sun and I was covered in sweat most of the day until we got to the Pedlar River Bridge. Into the Pedlar river for my first swim of the trip. Ahhh! Clothes and all too, shorts and T-shirt. Nice to get all of the salt off and outta the hiking clothes. Ended the day at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter after not finding the camping area we were looking for. Apparently the guide says they are there, but Forest Service Signs say No camping! Bummer too because the site was right on a lake. Gram Cracker and Short Stop here too.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Buena Vista, Va
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 57. Short Stop and Gram Cracker at the shelter again last night. Very nice and knowledgable. Both former Thru Hikers and Short Stop shooting for number 2. They are a wealth of knowledge and gave me good info for down the trail. Hiked a Nero of two miles and Yogied a ride into Buena Vista. A Yogi is when you do like the bear and drop hints or ask outright for food or a ride. Got the ride from a couple of sections hikers who were at the roadside where the trail crosses. They dropped Grasshopper and I off right at the Bluedogart Cafe and hostel. Ate breakfast at the cafe, the shower and sink were broken in the hostel so I told the owner what to get and I cleaned the drain on the sink, replaced the shower head and got the bathroom operational much to the delight of Dinosaur and Sysifus who are also staying here. My stay was free due to my plumbing skills. Really nice folks and I recommend stopping here. They even drove us to resupply at the big grocery store and a breakfast sandwich was included. Ate at Todd's BBQ too.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Buena Vista, Va

To: Porters Field Campsite
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 58. Heat wave! Hot hiking today and there were little black BITING flys that drive you crazy when you stop. They are about the size of gnats, but can draw blood! Hiked up and over Bald knob and Cold Mountain. Cold Mountain as in the movie. Bald Knob where there are no trees and the sun beats down on you. Got a little sunburn, but not too bad. Hiked 15.1 miles to Porters Field campsite. It was a tough hike to start as I had resupplied with food, so more weight. In addition, there was a 2000 ft climb to start right off the bat. Hiked with Grasshopper and saw the Piney River north fork where we wanted to go for a swim to cool off but the Piney River north fork is only a little stream. I used my water scoop and poured water over me to cool off. Did this quickly to keep from being eaten by the flies. Water sources were tough on this section, so planning was important. Tented at the Porters Field campsite and spring. Real nice spot and made a fire to keep bugs away. I put on long pants and long sleeves to keep from being bitten. Dinosaur, Sysifus, Gram Cracker and Short Stop camped here too up the hill from us.