morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-14
From: campsite 1.1 miles north of Jerry Knob shelter

To: campsite next to a levee
Miles today: 12.8

Happy Mothers Day MOM,New Day,MOM inlaw and all Mothers,also a special Happy Mothers Day to future Mom Cathy.   The first five miles today we climbed Bushy Mtn.and the rest was a great hike,small ups and downs.When we got to Va 606 we saw in wingfoots book that there was a store 0.4 to the left,so we were off to the store.After a great cheeseburger and ff's and a cold drink we were able to call our MOM's.   After getting back to the trail almost 3 hrs later,a thunderstorm came flying thru,we hiked in the rain for about a hr. the rest of the day was nice,just flat and small up's.I'm loving Va.                              Old SchoolNOW FOR NEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-15
From: campsite next to a levee

To: campsite outside of town
Miles today: 17.4

Record day for us.We started hiking at about 9:30 and got to Pearisburg at 7:30.   The hike started with us crossing a branch of the Dismal Creek a couple of times.We walked past Wapiti Shelter,after crossing the creek one more time the trail climbed 800 ft over the next 1.8 miles,there was a view point at a rocky outcrop (nice) as we hiked up the trail we passed a couple of old woods roads.We went down thru Sugar Run Gap.We walkd pass Doc's Knob shelter,then it was time to climb Pearis Mtn.,past Pearis Mtn. at 3600' was a viewpoint at a rock ledge(WOW).Later we came to Angels Rest and we took a little break.Coming down out of the Mtns. into town we passed an old logging rd. become crossing Va.634 and walking on into Pearisburg..                              Old SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-16
From: campsite outside of town

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Getting into town the nite before and finding no rooms at any of the motels,we had to head back to the trail to camp.   But New Day needed that time for a hot bath and a call home to the kids to ease her mind.So this 'morning we headed back up to town and were able to find a room.After washing clothes and getting that hot bath New Day was able to talk to the kids.Feeling better I'm sure she was able to get a good nites sleep........................                                    Old SchoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Pearisburg

To: campsite
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: 0

My pack was heavy as I slung it over my shoulder.We started our walk back to the trail stopping at hardee's for breakfast,our last town food for 5 or more days.   Heading out of town he trail crossed the New River on the Senator Shumate Bridge,finally heading back into the woods and back up into the Mtns.For the next 3 miles or so we climb,when New Day,having a problem with one of her legs has me worried.So finding a good campsite we call it a day after 3.4 miles.   But we have a good time just hanging around camp having a good time just chilling......                              Old SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-18
From: campsite

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: 0

Today I walked more than I have ever walked in one day,19 miles.   As we hiked today we passed a deer standing just off the trail,it just stood there looking at us as we just stood there looking at it till we walked on.We pased the Alleghrny Trail whice leads to Pennsylvania and the Goundhog Trail that leads to West Va.We crossed a river using a fallen tree to cross.The last 1.5 miles were straight up to Bailey Gap shelter.I didn't think that I would ever get there but finally I saw it thru the trees.I set the tent up in the dark while New dAY boiled some water to make dinner.I'm tired                              Old SchoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: 0

It was cold this 'morning.We stayed in our bags till after 9:00.   New Day made her coffee while I packed up the tent.After breakfast we were off on todays hike.   It was a rock scramble for most of the day.Days like today I miss my boots.   We're camped next to Laurel Creek shelter,we hiked in about 30 mins.before dark.Four of the last 5 miles were a hard climb,and the last mile was a hard down.It sure seened like a long way down from Kelly's Knob.   But now all of the camp chores are done and its chill time in the tent....BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP.....                                 Old SchoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Laurel Creek shelter

To: Niday shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: 0

Starting today's hike I felt good.My legs felt good,feet felt good and my pack didn't feel too heavy.I was in the zone.   As I was hiking along I felt like we could really walk to Maine.Sometimes it just doesn't seen possible.Its so far,how can we do it.I try to break it down.Just get to Harpers Ferry,if that seems too far I think just get to the next town,if that doesn't work,I think just make the next mile.Sometimes even the next mile seems so far.Then I just have to BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!!!!!!                                 Old School NEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Niday shelter

To: campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: 0

Today was a long hard 17.5 miles,seemed like mostly rock climbing. After the first 9 miles we stopped for lunch at about 1:00.Then we headed for Va 624 another 8 miles or so. But not paying attention to our water we ran out.And you know it would happen when the temps get into the 90's and a hard 5 mile up and an even harder 2.5 mile down,up and over the Dragon's Tooth.Hiking all afternoon over hard terrain with no water really beat me down.   But after making it to the store I'm starting to feel a little better.We climbed the first hill up from the road and set up camp in the dark!!!!A BAD DAY ON THE TRAIL IS STILL A DAY ON THE TRAIL                                 OLd SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-22
From: campsite

To: Campbell shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: 0

On the way to doing our 9.4 miles today we left our campsite and crossed a stream on a footbridge,after crossing Va 785 we walked across Catawba Creek.After about 5 miles we came to Va 311 were we had to go to the PO.While waiting for it to reopen we enjoyed some great hotdags and cold drinks from the country store next door.After getting back on the trail it was time to start the 3.5 mile climb up to Mcafee Knob.The Knob was...WOW!!Then walking down to Campbell shelter we're camped in a great spot.   The weather is starting to warm up......                                    Old SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Campbell shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: 0

We started hiking before daylight.Starting up the trail with our headlamps on it was cold and windy.It was 4 or so miles up to Tinker Cliffs.When we reached them it was another WOW!!   The trail ran along the edge for about .5 mile.After passing the Cliffs we hiked pass natural rock formations with names like The Wall,Lunch Box Rock,Hay Rock.Today some sections of the trail was more like rock climbing than hiking.But wow I've seen things out here that I could never see unless I'm..WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!!!!!!!                              Old SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Today in Daleville Va.,after talking to family about son Zack,New Day has done the only thing that a MOM can do.She left the trail.But not before doing over 700 miles of the AT.Thats no small feat,I'm so proud of you New Day!You not only lived outside with me for almost 3 months,thru the cold,the wet,snow,ice,sleet,mud,and over the the rocks,roots,and thru the rivers,up,over and down the Mountains,the endless Mountains,Baby you hiked over 700 miles.I love you and I KNOW you love me..                           Old SchoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Daleville

To: Fullhardt Knob shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: 0

They say that the hardest mile on the AT is thru the Mahoosue Notch.But the hardest mile that I have or ever will hike was the first mile leaving Daleville,leaving New Day behind as she watched us walk up the trail,she was crying,and I cried for the next 5 miles.   My heart was heavy and I felt sick to my stomach.Hiking the AT is hard enough,How can I do it without New DAY here with me.It just doesn't feel right.But New DAy has hiked her hike.Can I find the courage to keep going.   I will keep heading North,one day,one mile,one step at a time....We miss you New Day                                    Old SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Fullhardt Knob shelter

To: campsite next to the Parkway
Miles today: 9.4

It rained in the early morning hrs.Stayed in my tent till after 9:00.We got packed up and started walking back to the trail about 10:15.   As I was walking away from the campsite it hit me again..New Day's not here,which brought back the tears.I half assed hiked today,but with New Day filling my thoughts,I decided to call it a day after 9.4 miles.   Sitting in my tent now with the rain pouring down outside I so miss my New Day.   But I will,I MUST find the will to push on.Only 1445.9 miles to go'                                 Old SchoolNOW FOR A WORD FROM NEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-27
From: campsite next to the Parkway

To: campsite at picnic area
Miles today: 13.7

Started hiking a little after 8:00 this morning.Our only real real climb of the day was a 500 ft hike up Cove Mtn.The temps were hot today.I was wet with sweat 30 mins into the hike.Water has been a real problem in this part of Va.Long miles between water sources,so we're forced to carry more water.But I would rather carry the ex weight than have another day like the one we had coming over Dragon's Tooth.   I'm coming to terms with New Day having to go home,but she'll be in my thoughts every step of the way to Maine!!!BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!!                           Old School New Day says>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-28
From: campsite at picnic area

To: thunderhill shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: 0

We got up early to beat the heat.But it was hot 30 mins after we started our 14 mile 10 hr. day hiking the torture that is the AT.   We started the 1st of our 6 big climbs today heading up to the summit of Fork Mtn.The last climb today was up Apple Orchard Mtn. at 4225'.   In between the two Mtns.we passed hugh rock outcroppings,a side trail to Va 714,we stopped for a break at Bryant Ridge Shelter,we Passed 3 groups of day hikers,stopped at the Cornelius Creek shelter for lunch.After an hr break we headed into our last 5 mile section for today,.06 mile from Thunder Hill shelter we find some hikers from last year feeding the thru hikers.These nice people had KFC,chips and cold drinks,Wow what a great way to end todays hike.                           Old SchoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-29
From: thunderhill shelter

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: 0

14.6 Hot miles into town today.It was a good walk,only about 3 big climbs.But oh my god its hot!WE took little breaks through out the day to cool down a little.My hair,shirt,shorts stayed soaked with wet.Not as many places to get water as there has been.Kinda funny,when it was cold we were passing water all day,now when its hot as hell we could go 10 or more miles without water being anywhere.But when we get to it,its always nice and cold,for a little while.   After 5 hot and sweathy days on the trail we dipped into Glasgow to resuppy and get a shower.                                 Old SchoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Glasgow

To: campsite
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: 0

Wakeing up in town I'm always ready to get back to the trail.We had arranged a shuttle when we checked into Mom and Pops,and he was outside waiting when we walked out.After a long 5.9 miles down a country rd we were back at the James River were we stopped hiking the day before.It was hot,we started up the trail,our packs once again heavy with our resupply.20 mins up the trail I'm soaked with sweat,so much for the shower.We started at 735',after climbing up to 2430' we came to a vistas with one of the best views of the trip.Looking down and seeing the James River flowing thru the valley and I'm surrounded with the Blue Ridge Mtns.,WOW,we made camp..TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE FLOWERS...                           oLD sCHOOLNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-31
From: campsite

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 18.0

We climbed up to Bluff Mtn. today.After getting to the top it was almost all down hill or level for the rest of our 18 mile day.As we were hiking we met Flash and Hot flash GA-ME '87.They pulled 2 cold drinks from their day packs and ask us if we could enjoy a cold drink,well hell yes!Then Hot Flash offered up some apple turnovers.WOW,It made our day..ITS THE LITTLE THINGS.                  Old SchoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Buena Vista

To: Seeley-Woodworth shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: 0

Today was a little cooler than the past few days,but still hot,about the mid 80's.   B-rad has a box at the PO in Waynesboro,he said he could get there before they close at 11:00 Sat. so he's hiking ahead.I probably will not catch him until I walk into town late Sat. afternoon.for the first time on the hike I'll be hiking alone   I was hiking across Bald Knob when a thunderstorm rolled over.Not much rain,but a lot of thunder and lighting.Then a 2nd one roared thru as I walked the days last mile.I set the tent up in the rain,made dinner,now I'm dry and warm in the tent.                              Old SchoolNewDAy>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Seeley-Woodworth shelter

To: Harpers Creek shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: 0

14.3 miles,hard miles today.Some big climbs and big downs.After passing the Priest shelter I had a 3000' drop down to the Tye River.Then the trail climbs up for 3000'.I got about half way up and camped close to Harpers Creek shelter.   I cooked dinner and hung out with a few other hikers for awhile before climbing into my tent right before the rain came.                  Old SchoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Harpers Creek shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 27.3
Weather: 0

I hiked 27.3miles today.My 1st 20! Starting at 6:30 I finished up the 3000'climb early.It was cool and I felt good.After looking thru my food bag I knew I only had food for today,I needed to get to Waynesboro,over 27 miles.My best day to date was 19,and that took me til 9:00 at nite.I kept a good pace on the way to Maupin Field Shelter.After a short break I started the 16.1 miles to Paul Wolf Shelter.Getting there at 5:00,I made some dinner and rested til 6:00.I made the last 5 miles to Rock Fish Gapin 2 hours.After catching a ride into town I found B-Rad camped by the river behind the YMCA with a cooler full of cold drinks waiting.LIFE IS GOOD!Old schoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-06-06
From: ymca

To: Calf Mtn. shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: 0

We got out of Waynesboro and back to the trail at about noon.Two of the 3 nites in town we camped at a nice campground provided free by the YMCA,even free showers,pretty nice.We camped close to the first sheter up the trail from town. Just 1 mile short of the southern boundary of the Shenandoah Natl. Park. We're looking forward to hiking the almost 100 miles of the park.We hear its suppose to be awsome. But then again the whole trail has been awsome so far. Only 1319.2 miles to go!!                        Old School
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Calf Mtn. shelter

To: Loft.Mtn. campground
Miles today: 20.4

When we broke camp a around 7:00 this morning we planned on about a 14 mile day,but we ended up with my 2th 20 mile day of the trip.   After getting to Blackrock Hut 13 miles into todays hike we had some lunch.We rested there for about 2 hrs before deciding to push on for 1 or 2 more miles with plans to find a campsite.But instead we just kept on walking until we reached Loft Mtn. campground.   On todays hike we ran into some of Shenandoahs "wildlife".The deer that we saw today let us walk right up to them,its the coolest thing that I have ever seen.Still no bear sighting.               Old School
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Loft.Mtn. campground

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: 0

Our camp was raided by a Racoon last night.I was in my tent,almost ready to call it a nite.I heard something walk from the woods into our campsite,after hearing it knock over somethings we had on the picnic table,I got out of the tent,hoping it wasn't a bear.Shining my headlamp in the direction of all the noise I got a quick look at a Racoon tail as it took our Gatorade bottle into the brush.I walked toward it clicking my poles to scare it away,but it just walked back into the open and slowly walked up the trail.It looked like it had been eating well,it was a fat Racoon.But I did get my gatorade bottle back...with a hole in it.After eating breakfast and lunch at a wayside,we got to hiking around noon.5.8 miles up the trail we reached Pinefield Hut.We called it a day and camped.sitting here in my tent listening to the rain. Old School...
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Campsite next to Lewis mtn campground
Miles today: 19.9

We hiked 19.9 miles from Pinefield Hut to a campsite next to Lewis Mtn.campground.As we walked today we crossed Skyline drive 3 times.We climbed Weaver Mtn,Little Roundtop Mtn,Hightop Mtn,Saddleback Mtn,and Baldface Mtn.I saw deer 6 times,not as they crashed thru the woods getting away from us as they did south of here.I was walking up the trail this morning when I saw a deer walking south on the trail,I got within 10 feet,and instead of running off this deer just stepped off the trail a few feet as if to let us by.After we passed the deer got back on the trail heading south.The wildlife here is truly amazing.B-rad is having a problem with his leg. He is starting to talk about maybe going home.We'll see how he's doing on the hike tomarrow.BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP Old School
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Campsite next to Lewis mtn campground

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today hike was taking a few steps up the trail and seeing that B-rad has hiked his hike.I couldn't let him continue,I knew he had to go home at least for awhile.Hopefully he'll be able to come back.To say that I'll miss him is an understatement.I'ts a real blow,another one .Losing B-Rad my hiking partner,he was always there for me.He's done so much for me out here.Someone you could really count on.(So long as you wern't climbing Dragons Tooth)B-Rad you did great,you hiked over 900 miles of the AT!That's no small feat.Party of 3-2.Now I'll keep heading north,theres still 1273.1 miles to the end of this.I'll take one mile at a time until the day I walk that last mile!BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!P.S.New Day looked Great..WOW Old School.........
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Lewis Campground

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: 0

12.2 miles today.A few nice easy ones,and as always,climbs ,climbs.I saw my first bear today,A Mom & 2 cubs.They were about 20 feet off the trail.When I saw it was a Mom with cubs it scared me a little.I backed off hoping she would move off,but she stayed put.She would look at her cubs & then look at me,she never really took her eyes off of me.I eased on back took a couple of pictures and hurried on up the trail with my heart beating a little fast..WOW!I'm sitting here in my tent camped next to Rock Spring Hut.I can here deer walking all around the woods around my tent...I Hope they're deer Old School
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn.Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: 0

Hiked 15.3 miles today starting at about 11:30.It rained all nite and part of the morning.When it stopped I packed up my wet tent and headed up the trail.I took alot of breaks and enjoyed the many overlooks,along the trail.Because of my slow pace today I rolled into camp at 9:00.Had to pitch my tent using my headlamp .I ate some peanutbutter on bread,hung my food bag and now I'm calling it a day.I'm tired,my feet hurt,and my back hurts too!Till next time Old School.......
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Pass Mtn.Hut

To: Gravel Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 13.1

Walked 13.1 miles today.I stopped at Elkwallow Wayside for lunch,and picked up some easy cheese,crackers & a couple of candy bars.I really enjoyed my hike today,taking long breaks at the many overlooksI saw four more bears today.A Mom & 2 cubs and later a big one about 50 feet off the trail with it's head down making snorting noises,this one I quickly walked by.This part of the park is nice.They call it the backcountry But its not.There are people & stores everywhere.I'm looking forward to leaving the park in the morning.By sunday I'll be in Harpers Ferry where New Day is meeting me,and bringing our other son to maybe do the second half of the hike with me.Old School.........
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Gravel Mtn. Hut

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: 0

Got an early start today and was out of the Shenandoah National Park at about noon.The park was great,more climbing than I would have thought,but hey,I'm on the AT.Now it's on to Harpers Ferry,and out of Virginia.New Day is meeting me in Harpers Ferry and our other son Zack is comming out to hike with me for awhile.Did 14.4 miles today,when I reached US 522 at Chester gap,I hitched the 4 miles into Front Royal,to get resupplied and to wash my stinky body & clothes!Old School........
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Front Royal

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: 0

A little late getting to the trail this morning.It was hot!The trail had alot of up and alot of rocks today.After 10.7 miles,and 966.2 for the trip I called it a day.I'm camped next to the trail that leads to Manassas Gap Shelter.Nice little spot.I did all the camp chores and now I'm ready to go to sleep.I'm so tired!But...A BAD DAY ON THE TRAIL IS STILL A DAY ON THE TRAIL! Old School
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: 0

From my campsite this morning I hiked to Sam Moore Shelter,19.7 miles.The first 12 miles were easy,only a couple little climbsI crossed a number of streams.I came to and passed Dick's Dome shelter and Rod Hollow Shelter.At one point I walked up on a wooden park bench right on the AT,next to the trail that leads to Sky Meadow State Park.So I took off my pack and had me a nice little break there on that park bench.After about 30 minutes I started on up the trail.Then I hit the Rollar Coaster!I got over five of the steep climbs before stopping and pitching my tent next to Sam Moore Shelter.I'm tired,nite.Old School........
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Black Burn AT Center
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: 0

I completed the Roller Coaster today.By the time I started today's 2nd climb I was soaked in sweat.It's Hot!My brother lives in Winchester,Va. and he was able to meet me today at Snickers Gap.Pretty cool,I haven't seen him in years.I finally got to meet his 2 new babies.The boy looks just like him,It was also the first time I've met his wife Cindy.He has a great looking family.After lunch with my brother and his family I hiked to the Black Burn AT Center and called it a day.I had a spagetti dinner with salad and a cold drink and now I'm ready for bed.I get to see New Day in Harpers Ferry,only 12.6 miles.Old School
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Black Burn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: 0

Happy Fathers Day to me!got to talk to Eric,and New Day and the other kids are meeting me in Harpers Ferry.I hiked into town at about 3:00 and went to the ATC and signed in,and got my picture taken.I'm #396 this year.WOW I made it to Harpers Ferry.Only 1165.8miles to go! Old School...
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Resting And Playing with the family.Old School.....New Day It is wonderful being with Old School again.He sure looks alot different.The drive up from Va. was hard but it has been worth it!I can't wait for this to be over so he can come home!That which does not kill you makes you stronger!New Day.