morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was one of the better hikes on the trail. Destination, Pickle Branch Shelter.  Hooked up with Not Worthy again and we ate lunch at the top of Brush Mtn. Total miles hiked today around 16. Climbed a ridge full of rocks with nothing on either side. Definitely would have been a problem if would have been raining! A turtle was on this ridge and I figured if he could do it, I could.  Ate a snack at Niday Shelter around 9:30am and a young button head deer was my company. He got as close as 10 feet! Pretty hot today so decided to hop in Trout Creek to cool off which was right before Pickle Branch Shelter.  Chose to set up tent because skies were clear.  Good day!
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Rd, Va. 311
Miles today: 12.6

Hiked 13 plus today to Va. 311. Met Amanda and the kids and headed to the Super 8! Crazy difficult and hot trek which included scaling rocks at Dragons Tooth and the temperature topped out at 90 degrees, but also had great views most of the day. I didn't see Not Worthy today besides this morning before I left camp. Got to Va. 311 at 1:30pm right after Amanda pulled up...again great timing! Going to do my first zero tomorrow, my body could use it!
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Catawba Rd, Va. 311

To: Catawba Rd, Va. 311
Miles today: 0.0

Great zero and needed! I've eaten so much and don't think I have gained 1 lb! Stayed at the Super 8, very nice actually...recently renovated. Good family time. First time I've seen Roan since he broke his arm. I don't think he's complained once, but that is probably because of the meds he's on. Emory (my daughter) just got back from her girl's trip to Weeki Wachee Springs with the in-laws and said it was more fun than Disney World...hmmm. Saw Not Worthy walking down the road while we were at Pizza Hut. Gave him a ride to Walmart since he lost his Thermarest on the trail so he could get a new sleeping mat. Afterwards, took the family for ice cream and saw Highgear in the Kroger parking lot and found out he was staying at the hotel across the road. I Will be a week ahead of him but I'm sure we will meet up again. Relaxing day, body feels good! On the trail again tomorrow...already missing Amanda and the kids!! Over 700 miles hiked...
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Catawba Rd, Va. 311

To: US. 220, Daleville Va
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got dropped off back on the trail at Va. 311. Hiked close to 20 miles to Daleville, VA. Hooked up with a hiker I met in Atkins, Forever Sunshine. We Decided to split the motel cost at the Howard Johnson Express. Great hike. Clear skies and hot! Ran out of water a half mile before we got to town. Great views off Mckafee Knob. Hiker reunion at the Howard Johnson. Highgear, Oak, Metrix, and sticks are all staying here. Look forward to the free Hot Breakfast buffet tomorrow morning!
Date: 2012-05-29
From: US. 220, Daleville Va

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

Woke up this morning, got my stuff packed, and headed out. Forever Sunrise was still asleep so I decided not to wake him. Went straight for the free hot buffet. Man was I disappointed! The buffet was a waffle cooker, cereal, and donuts. I was expecting eggs, biscuits, sausage, bacon, buttered toast, the works...oh well. Hiked along the Blue Ridge Pkwy today. The trail runs 100 miles along it and I will cross it many times in the next few days. Nice views, but very HOT.  Ran out of water 2 miles before the shelter. It was the longest 2 miles ever! Made it to the Bobblets Gap Shelter at around 4:30. Thunderstorm started right after dinner. Slim Pilgrim, Mark (a section hiker), and Dingo are here. 18 miles plus hiked today.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter 

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked close to 19 miles today to Cornelius Creek Shelter. Another great day! Started with a copperhead eating a mouse right on the trail.  Five minutes later, I came up on a rattlesnake right behind a rock on the trail. Moved both snakes off the trail so any hikers after me wouldn't be surprised. The rattlesnake was in a spot where something bad could have happened! Further up the trail,  hit a creek and jumped in! Another hot day. When I got to the shelter, I went on a privey search and spotted a deer who just gave birth...cool! A group of boys arrived about an hour after I did and invited me to dinner...awesome! The group was from the Discovery School which is a place that helps kids cope with whatever issues they have.  Great group of guys! Good end to a great day.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

5/31Hiked 21 miles plus to Johns Hollow Shelter. Took lots of pictures today.  Been hiking solo again and the trail has been really quiet.  Walked up on several hikers jumping off the James River Foot Bridge.  One hiker offered me a beer if I'd jump. I told him I would do it for a coke, but he didn't have any so I moved on.  Just figured out why I was having such hard time adjusting my backpack the last several days, my internal frame broke. Will hit a town tomorrow to get my Dropbox and then will need to check out new backpacks at the closest outfitter. Hope I can manage until then!
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: US 60
Miles today: 20.1

Hiked 20 miles to US 60 and got a ride with a couple of section hikers to Lexington VA. Went to the outfitter there and got a new backpack. The guy working there took me to the Bestwestern where I am staying for the night. I will get a ride back to the trailhead tomorrow. Fast hike today in the rain. Bad weather hit and I heard a tornado may have touched down in Glascow, very close to where I left this morning. Right at 800 miles hiked!
Date: 2012-06-02
From: US 60

To: Seeley Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Stayed up until 2:00am in the morning messing with my new pack. It's an Osprey Atmos 50 and only weighs a little over 3 lbs. Got a ride back to the trail around 10:30am from a man that charges $2 per mile...sometimes convenience is better! Got his number from my AT Companion Book. Spent most of the hike adjusting new pack. I already like it a hundred times better. Great views off Cold Mountain. Had lunch at the top and enjoyed the views on both sides...could see for miles in either direction! Mr. Breeze, a hiker I've ran into a few times, took a picture of me on top of Cold Mtn with my iPhone.  Hiked 14 miles to Seeley Woodworth Shelter and put up my tent. Oak, Knief, and Blue Skies arrived later. It was good seeing Knief again. Hopefully, we all can get on the same schedule!
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Seeley Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: light rain

Tough getting out of sleeping bag this morning...very cold. Hiked around 20 plus miles to Maupin Field Shelter. Been able to tent the last 2 days and it's been great.  Really enjoying my new backpack. Very rough climbing today! Right before the shelter was a 6 mile trek up Chimney Rocks and Three Ridges, a 2000 plus ft climb and it was rocky. I would put today's hike up there at one of the toughest on the trail. More great views.  It seems every time I'm at a spot with a view, someone is always there to take a picture of me with my iPhone...works for me. Oak, Knief, Blue Skies, and Johnny Rocket are camped here as well.  Sat around the fire and talked about our experiences on the trail and shared  pics with a few other section hikers that were at the shelter. Good day.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: US 250, I-64
Miles today: 20.8

Hiked to US 250 and got a ride to the Super 8 to stay for the night. My body and knees are really soar. I feel a zero coming soon, maybe at Harpers Ferry. The last few sections were more strenuous with very long and rocky ups and downs! Went to Wal-Mart and stocked up on some protein packs. Lost a lot of body fat and body is more defined! I'm eating as much as I can especially at towns I come into trying to keep my weight up. I'm really curious to how much I weigh now. I haven't had a chance to weigh myself since Woods Hole Hostel...155 lbs which is 12 lbs less than when I started. Will be entering Shenandoah National Park tomorrow and closing in on 900 miles of AT!
Date: 2012-06-05
From: US 250, I-64

To: Blackrock Hut 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Called a trail angel named Cindy to take me back to the trailhead. Hiked 20 miles to Blackrock Hut in the rain which was off and on all day. The Shelters are called Huts in the S.N.P.  Had a really scarey moment when I walked up on a huge bear about 15 feet beside me on the trail.  We were both staring at each other. I went for my camera and the bear charged! I threw up my hiking sticks and started yelling "WHOA BEAR" along with making loud growl sounds. The bear charged within 10 feet of me and stopped.  I kept yelling and waiving my sticks while backing up about 20 yards. The bear walked right up to the trail and started eating from a dead tree. A few seconds after that 2 bear cubs climbed down from a tree about 15 feet behind the bear. I waited about 20 minutes and the bear finally moved away from the trail to the same spot that I saw it to begin with.  I decided to hike on by and the bear stared me down as I passed. I kept looking behind me to make sure it wasn't following. Wow...thought I was goner! This bear made the stuffed ones at Cabelas or Bass Pro Shops look small! Met a thru-hiker named Animal today that was hiking with a 5 gallon bucket full of food supplies in one hand and a hiking stick in the other...whatever works!
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Blackrock Hut 

To: Hightop Shelter
Miles today: 21.4

No drama today. Rained some this morning but cleared up by afternoon. Hiked to Hightop Shelter, about 21 miles. Nice views on Blackrock.  Several hikers here from the last shelter...Bush Goggles, Atlas (plays a guitar), and Juggles to name a few.  Ate so much tonight that I almost made myself sick. Expecting a dropbox tomorrow at Lewis Mtn Campground and I was trying to eat as much food as I could before I get it.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Hightop Shelter

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

Seems my bear story has made it down the trail. Oak, Knief, Blue Skies, and Johnny Rocket had already heard about it when they caught up with me today at Lewis Mtn Campground where I picked up my Dropbox and resupplied.  Hiked around 12 miles to Bearfence Mtn Hut.  Took a shower and did laundry while I was at the campground which cost me $2.50. Got good rest today because the plan is to hike close to 27 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 26.8
Weather: clear sky

Hiked closed to 27 miles today. Great day, good weather, and great company. Hiked with Knief and Blue Skies for several miles today. The day started off with a stop for breakfast at Big Meadows Wayside.  Next was lunch at Skyline Lodge. The Blackberry ice cream there was ridiculous! Both restaurants were not far off the trail.  Then, before the final stretch to Pass Mtn Hut, we hit some trail magic that included sodas, watermelon, and cantaloupe slices. S.N.P has been enjoyable. Lots of views and wildlife!
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: SNP Kiosk
Miles today: 22.7

Hiked 22 plus miles to Terrapin Station Hostel about 0.5 miles off the trail. Helped a section hiker named Data get to the Hostel as well. We actually missed our turn and hiked about another half mile out of the way until I stopped and read my AT Companion. The Hostel is the basement of a man's house. Warmed up some frozen pizzas and grabbed some chips for dinner, plus a couple of sodas. Will leave the Shenandoah tomorrow and will be in Harpers Ferry soon where I'm planning to take a zero. Closing in on 1000 miles!
Date: 2012-06-10
From: SNP Kiosk

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked 19 miles to Dick's Dome Shelter. Dropped by the Jim and Molley Denton Shelter for a snack along the way. Pretty nice shelter with a shower, deck, and pavilion. Very hot today.  I'm finding it a challenge to keep hydrated.  I drank 5 liters after I got to Dick's Dome! Decided to tent without the fly since the weather was good. Saw a bear cub and a few deer as I was leaving the Shenandoah.  No doubt will make plans to bring the family back one day. Slept good last night at Terapin Station Hostel. Haven't had good sleep in a while.  Lots of lightning  bugs outside my tent...pretty cool!  Looking forward  to the Bears Den hostel tomorrow.  Heard lots of good things about it.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept horribly last night. Campsite was unlevel so I kept sliding to one side of my tent the whole night. Hike started off pretty easy today then got really tough at a section of the trail called the "roller coaster", over 13 miles of rocky up and downs. Total for today was around 18 miles to the Bears Den Hostel. The place was really cool. Got snacks, a full pizza, drink, and pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream plus shower and laundry.  Also had a second dinner from a few ladies who wanted to cook for the hikers and will be cooking more free dinners all week long. Glad I scheduled this stop. Great place and recommended!
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: moderate rain

Hiked close to 20 miles today to the ATC Headquarters with a hiker called Tater Tot. Crossed into West Virginia a few miles into our hike. Rained until we got within a few miles of the ATC Headquarters. Stopped at the Blackburn Center to take a break from the rain and have a snack before the final 12 miles. Walked across a bridge over the Shenandoah River going into Harpers Ferry and proceeded to ATC Headquarters to have my picture taken for the register. Decided to stay at the Teahorse Hostel for the night. I will take my zero in Charles Town at a hotel near a super Walmart and a Chinese buffet! Over 1000 miles of AT in the books! Oak, Knief, and Johnny Rocket are here.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Charlestown, WV
Miles today: 0.0

The owner of the hostel started cooking waffles at 7:00 this morning. They were huge. I ate 2! Afterwards, grabbed my gear and went back to the ATC Headquarters for a ride into Charlestown. The shuttle never came so I went into town with LB and Oak for lunch. Walked back up to the shuttle pickup spot and the shuttle still didn't show. Ended up getting a ride from Blue Skies parents who were in town visiting. He has the nicest parents! Got to the Northgate Inn, resupplied at Walmart, ate at the Chinese buffet, and chilled the rest of the day. Weighed myself at the Teahorse and I'm keeping steady at 155lbs.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Charlestown, WV

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Always hard getting out of a real bed, but I did and got a ride back to Harpers Ferry. Got back on the trail and hiked around 18 miles to Dahlgren Backpack Campground. Stopped at the Edward Garvey Memorial Shelter to get a picture since I read his book which mentally prepared me for this hike. Decided to start doing light days with a full pack. Partnered up with Blue Skies part of the way today. Took a warm shower at the campground and afterwards had dinner at the Old South Mt. Inn Restaurant. Ordered the Wasabe Salmon and it was awesome but pricey which is something that should've been mentioned in my AT Companion book! I'm going to get an updated book the next chance I get. I have the 2010 and it's not as accurate and does not have as much detail as the 2012 AWOL Hiker Book. Mud Bug, a hiker I haven't seen since NC, is camped here.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Pen Mar Rd
Miles today: 23.8

Hiked around 24 miles to a spot a little further past Pen Mar Rd. Found a nice camp area right before a foot bridge over a creek. Maryland didn't last long but did give me a workout before I entered Pensylvania! Lots of rocks...and my feet were feeling it. May need my other pair of shoes shipped to me soon. I'm hoping I can get a few hundred more miles out of my current trail shoes. The Washington Monument was pretty cool. Great view at the top of the stairs! Closing in on the halfway point...
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Pen Mar Rd

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked 20 miles to Quarry Gap Shelters. Good day for a hike. A lot of day hikers on the trail. Hiked with a local couple for a few miles. Read in my AT data book that there was a Pool at Caledonia State Park so I decided to go swimming. I got there around 1:45pm and stayed until 3:30pm. The pool had a grill so I had lunch there as well. Afterwards, hiked to the shelter which was only 2 or so more miles up the trail. Great day!
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: James Fry ( Tagg Run) Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked close to 25 miles today...a few of those miles with a hiker I met at the last shelter named Hippity Hop. Sadly at Pine Grove Furnace store, I didn't do the half gallon challenge but I did eat ice cream! Oak and the guys did do the challenge...each got a tiny wooden ice cream spoon for their great accomplishments! Still had 8 miles to go and I didn't think all that ice cream would sit well.  Passed the midpoint marker. Over 1100 miles of AT in the books. Camped in an area by a creek right across the trail from the James Fry Shelter. The Shelter was 0.2 miles east from the trail and I didn't feel like doing the extra mileage!
Date: 2012-06-18
From: James Fry ( Tagg Run) Shelter

To: US 11 Footbridge
Miles today: 20.0

Hiked 20 miles to the US 11 footbridge. Delicious blackberries along the trail! Crossed lots of farmland into Boiling Springs. Ate lunch at Anile's there then moved on. Lots of hikers stayed at the Allenberry Inn and Playhouse in Boiling Springs. I Decided to stay at the Days Inn 8 miles further up which was 0.5 off the trail. Rained today till noon. Had to drop the sticks for the first time to climb up some rocks in the rain. I have a feeling I'll be doing that a lot soon. Headed to Duncannon tomorrow to resupply and to pick up my mail drop. Shoes are starting to come apart but I'm going to hold out as long as I can before I get Amanda to ship me my new ones...
Date: 2012-06-19
From: US 11 Footbridge

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked 22 miles to the Clarks Ferry Shelter. The Days Inn was nice. Walked up the road and ate at the Flying J's Truck stop then stopped at the Dunkin Donuts and got a shake...mmmm good! Slept good. Got up this morning and got back on the trail. Nice view from the mountain before Duncannon. Arrived there early and ate at The Doyle Hotel, picked up my mail drop, resupplied and then moved on. A lot of hikers stayed at the Doyle. Lots of rocks into Duncannon and I was sliding all over the place because the tread on the bottom of my shoes are worn out. Called Amanda to get my new trail shoes shipped to me. Tenting without the fly tonight. Hot today...in the 90's. Saw a bear that crossed 15 feet in front of me then it headed up the trail and disappeared...the kind of bear experience I prefer!
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: few clouds

Hiked around 25 miles to a campsite beside a creek near the Rausch Gap Shelter. Nice day but very HOT! Ran up on some trail magic next to a creek. The guy there actually had a menu for me to choose from. I chose the turkey pasta with deviled eggs and a cup of pears. For desert I had a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter icing. All this with a Gatorade and a Pepsi! It  was awesome timing because I was  low on water, very hungry,  and very hot. Afterwards, I cooled off by jumping in the creek.  Hipity Hop, Thirsty, and Bush Goggles were there and are camped here as well.  Haven't seen Oak, Blue Skies, Johnny Rocket, and Knief in a while. I know there right behind me and may catch up with me tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Hiked around 18 miles to the 501 shelter. Still hot...around 98 degrees and very humid. Missed a turn today and ended up walking around 2 miles out of the way...4 miles round trip. I was ambushed by a swarm of mosquitos and got distracted, missed the white blaze where I was supposed to turn.  These mosquitos were relentless and were even biting when I was on the move!  Shoes are really worn and feet took more of a beating on the rocks today. Can't wait till I get my new shoes sent to me which won't be until next week. For dinner, had delivery from a local Italian restaurant...a stromboli, 10 chicken wings, a milkshake and cherry chiller picked up from McDonald's, and a coke! Oak, Blue Skies, Johnny Rocket, and Knief are here.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: 501 shelter

To: Port Clinton 
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked down probably one of the steepest drops on the trail into Port Clinton today. About 22 miles total for the day. Today started cloudy but then cleared up...HOT AND HUMID! Met a few new northbounders today. Hiked with a guy called Mercury who started in May and is moving fast to be done before his school starts back August 9th. Also hiked with two guys who are brothers; Dollar and Trips Alot. Trips Alot is staying on the trail and started in Harpers Ferry. His brother's journey ends in Port Clinton. My Feet are really soar from the rocks. Decided to stay at the motel here to get some good rest and may even sleep in tomorrow!
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Port Clinton 

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

I slept in till 8 this morning, checkout was at 9am. Had to see the owner of the motel to get my $10 key deposit back. The motel was actually kind of crappy. When I entered my room the air condition unit was in the floor by the corner and the room was as hot as a sauna! I had decided to get my money back until Trips Alot told me that his unit was in the closet and had spoken to the owner about it. Basically the owner said to install it into the window and turn it on ourselves. I got Trips Alot to help me put mine in then I was good to go...pretty crazy! Do not recommend the Port Clinton Motel! Few boulders to climb today but not to difficult. Nice view from Pulpit Rock. Weather was cooler today which made today's hike more pleasant. Hiked 16 miles to the Elkville Shelter. Met a family today section hiking from Jasper GA which is pretty close to my hometown. They ended up staying at the shelter as well. Trips Alot who I met a couple of days ago, made it here to. I think we will be hiking partners for a while. After dinner the owner of the shelter which is located right behind his house, gave us some watermelon and icy pops...that was cool! Good day.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Pa. 873, Lehigh Gap
Miles today: 24.8

Hiked close to 25 miles to Lehigh Gap in Slatington, PA. Probably the coolest stop on the trail so far. Decided to stay at Fine Lodgings where the owner picked us up at the trailhead. Neat town and everything is located within blocks so didn't have far to walk. Ate at the shack...good food and recommended! Trail was tough today and so far had the most rocks to hike on. Trips Alot hiked with me and our feet are feeling it! Trips Alot is from NC. Won't get my new shoes till Tuesday and we'll be almost out of Pensylvania by then. Will do laundry in the morning, then will head out. Tomorrow is suppose to be the hardest terrain to hike south of Vermont. Looking foward to it!