morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-26
From: View to West campsite

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

1. Date: Moonsday, Forelithe 6 (May 26)2. Day 396-103. Morning temp: 624. Weather: overcast, calm5. Time start: 06356. Time stop and miles: 1635/14.87. End point: Jenny Knob ShelterLog:My shoulder hurt a lot during the night, but I got my sleep. Visions of a hot breakfast got me out of the hammock at 0645 and I went about packing up and still made my coffee.I headed out and did the three short miles to the store. I went in and ordered some breakfast and a sandwich for later amd was able to resupply for the rest of the push. It was delicious.I hung out charging my electronics and was able to clean up my inbox and sent LoGear a text. I checked the radar and saw a storm was approaching. After waiting awhile it was only sprinkling and the forecast looked like it wouldn't be too heavy, so I headed out.After some road walking the trail re-entered the woods and started climbing. As I made my way up the rain came down harder and soon I was soaked. A shelter was close by so I headed there to wring out and wait out the heavy stuff. When I got there, there were two people there. When I introduced myself, they asked if I was Coast Guard. Thay had heard of me from someone. They were Snoboat and Grey Goose. Snoboat was retired CG too and Grey Goose was the sister of a guy I had workes with in DC.We talked until the rain slowed down then hit the trail. The rest of the day was walking through a dripping forest with wet feet. I saw several Red Efts along the way. I guess they like to come out when it rains.I met another guy from Denmark who passed me and a couple came by as I moved along.I got water just before the shelter. There were several people there already, but I found a nice spot quickly and set up.I ate at the table and talked a bit with the others. When I said my name another lady knew I was from Pittsburgh. It seems someone was mentioning me to others.I'm hoping tomorrow isn't as wet and my feet stay dry as I get closer to the end of this push I'm not sure if I will walk down to Trents tomorrow.Flora: purple flowers Fauna: Red Efts, ToadsHigh: Breakfast at Brushy Mtn OutpostLow: Wet feetHope: No rain tomorrow
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Watipi Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Treesday, Forelithe 7 (May 27)2. Day 397-113. Morning temp: 654. Weather: overcast, calm5. Time start: 07116. Time stop and miles: 1640/14.67. End point: Wapiti ShelterLog:Once again my shoulder was painful at night, but I got my sleep and rolled out just berfoe 06 again. The shelter area was pretty crowded last night. I counted eight tents in the area and came upon a few more down the trail some.I ate, packed up and was out just after 07. The day looked like it would be a good one and it was. The morning walk was over easy terrain, so I just took my time. I wasn't in any hurry. The day was only going to be 14 some miles with a couple of detours for food and a waterfall. I came upon Snoboat and Grey Goose a ways down the trail and talked a bit before moving on.When I got to the road to the store I started down the road the .5 miles. The sun was out and it was a beautiful day.I ordered a pizza and got some other things to snack on and drink and dried out some of my clothes in the sun.There was a cute dog hanging out that must get fed a lot as she seemed to know what she was doing. Of course I gave her some.The store was ok, but I'm glad I didn't need any resupply. The pickins seemed slim. If I had wanted to stay there, I'm not sure there were any good trees to hang from. I'm glad I shifted everything forward and didn't need to stay there.I ate half my pizza and packed the rest out for dinner. Back down the road and into the woods. I moved along towards the next feature. Dismal falls. I wanted to soak my feet and change my socks. I don't think the toe socks are working for my anymore. They seem to aggravate my little toe. .3 down a side trail was the falls. They were nice and the water was chilly. I did my soak and put on different socks and all was good the rest of the day.Another few miles and I was turning to the shelter. There was only Fungi and Scraps there when I came in, but others showed up later. Mostly new faces.I had some good roaming signal so I was able to text LoGear and call the Motel in Pearisburg to make a reservation.We talked around the table as a few sprinkles would fall from time to time. I'm not sure if a storm is coming or it is just scattered stuff coming through. We shall see.Tomorrow I just need to get near the road to town so I can nero in, get my chores done, eat some town food and relax. Fauna: Deer, dogSmell: pizzaSound: VeeryHigh: PizzaLow: Toe socks causing problemsHope: That I can get close to town.
Date: 2018-05-28
From: Watipi Shelter

To: Campsite near Spring
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Skysday, Forelithe 8 (May 28)2. Day 398-123. Morning temp: 624. Weather: drippy, calm5. Time start: 07106. Time stop and miles: 1535/15.47. End point: campsite near springLog:The night went as usual with the exception of a surprise visitor. It was around 0300 and I had gotten up to pee and my shoulder was making falling back to sleep hard. The moon was out and keeping things visible. I open my eyes and see a mouse climbing up my bugnet. I give him a smack and he falls to the bottom of the net. One more hit and he was gone. The hazards of sleeping near a shelter I guess.It had rained off and on overnight with some thunder and lightning thrown in, but had ended by morning. I had my coffee and packed up. I noticed a lot of little inch worms around. A precursor of what was coming. The morning stroll was pleasant in the drippy woods with a pretty mellow climb up the mountain. It rolled around up top then descended into Sugar Run Gap where the Woods Hole Hostel is.I made my way to Docs Knob shelter for lunch. There was a maintenance crew there and they had sodas and apples for us. I enjoyed both as we had some nice conversation about the trail.I hung out for an hour and started on the last six miles to the spot I wanted to get to so I could have a short nero in the morning.As I made my way up the last mountain before the turn off, the weather turned dark. Clouds were rolling in and rain was imminent. I was getting close and trying to hurry along the sometimes rocky trail and of course I slid again and my shoulder gave a painful reminder that it isn't right. After the pain subsided some, I move on and turned down the side trail. There were two hikers already here who had told me they were coming there, Calves and Goldilocks, another Dane. I found a good spot aand started setting up, but not before picking off about a thousand inch worms that were everywhere. On my hat and shirt and pants. My pack and everything else. They were everywhere.After noticing them in the morning, we had been seeing them all day. Hanging in front of you as you walked along. Sitting on the bushes next to the trail. You could see that they were feasting on the bushes.I picked them off until I couldn't see any more, but more keep showing up. They are harmless, but gross. I'm sure I will be finding them for several days.So I got set up and debugged and the rain started. My feet had gotten pretty wet at the end of the day as the teail had a lot of water running in it from last night's storm. I laid in my hammock and had a cold dinner of mayo bacon bits and cheese spread on a tortilla. It was pretty good.I hope to get up and out in the morning and head back to the matrix where a hot breakfast and many other things await me. I'm looking forward to a shower, laundry and more food with a full day in town. Fauna: deer, dogsHigh: Trail magic at lunchLow: Sliding again and hurting shoulderHope: A smooth walk into town with so much to do.
Date: 2018-05-30
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch 
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

1. Date: Earthsday, Forelithe 10 (May 30)2. Day 400-143. Morning temp: 70 4. Weather: overcast5. Time start: 07256. Time stop and miles: 1735/20.47. End point: Near Pine Swamp Branch ShelterLog:I slept like shit on that motel bed last night. I'm going to stop mentioning what was the culprit (shoulder). Oh well.I still was able to get up before 06. I took another shower and ate the avocado I bought yesterday. It was pretty ripe, so I had put it in the fridge, but it had been turned way down so the avocado was a little frozen.I packed up and headed to Hardees for breakfast. After that, I headed back up the road to the trail. The going was pretty easy for awhile, with some road walking to cross a river. Soon I passed the factory that is the main industry of Pearisburg. I was told they make the material for cigarette filters.When I was back in the woods, I passed a deer feeding up the hill. She basically ignored me. I continued up and came to some signs. This was the place where they are putting in a mountain valley pipeline. I had read some about it, but don't remember the details. I remembered that there are protesters sitting up a pole somewhere nearby. I saw a sign to that effect saying it was a 45 min walk to visit them. Good luck fella.I went up to Rice Field shelter for lunch. It is at the top of the mountain next to a field. I thought there wouldn't be a view due to the fog, but I had a pretty nice one looking down into the valley. I went a little further and stopped to get water. I saw a hiker pass me as I came back up. Not too much later Calves caught me and I hiked with him for awhile. The terrain was was pretty good and we made good time. There were some rocks from time to time, but not too bad. Eventually, we came to a steep climb and I fell behind. That was ok. I didn't have too far to go and my feet were demanding some attention from time to time.I got to the shelter area and found a spot. Not too long after I set up, another two hikers came in. The day had been pretty good all day. After dinner when I had retired to my hammock a little rain came through. This was my first 20 miler of this PhaseTomorrow I hope to do another long day, which will set me up to finish this push in six days.Flora: lots of blooming Mtn LaurelFauna: Deer, Gypsie mothsVOD: Rice Field ShelterHigh: Doing 20 plus todayLow: That one steep climbHope: I can do 18 plus tomorrow
Date: 2018-05-31
From: Pine Swamp Branch 

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

1. Date: Starsday, Forelithe 11 (May 31)2. Day 401-153. Morning temp: 684. Weather: some clouds, calm5. Time start: 07056. Time stop and miles: 1835/18.57. End point: Laurel Creek ShelterLog:I slept pretty good, so you would think the day would go well too, right? Wrong! Today sucked. I ate bfast, packed up and headed out just after 07. At first it was ok, just strolling through the woods, but my energy seemed low. Then came a climb that was straight up that kicked my ass. Next, in a rocky section, I slipped and fell and broke my pole. The day wasn't going well at all.I packed the broken pole away and asked the trail to provide me a temporary walking stick. About 30 minutes later a branch was laying across the trail. I broke off an appropriately sized piece and continued on. It was wet and muddy, but I cleaned it off at the next stream and scraped off the bark where my hand held it and it worked quite well.I kept trying to send a text to LoGear for her birthday, but signal was nonexistent. Even at the highest points of the day.After a lunch at Wind Rock, I took a break at the next shelter and was contemplating stopping early at a campsite up the hill. But first I had to climb that hill. It totally kicked my ass, but one good thing was I got some signal halfway up and was able to text LoGear. I needed inspiration getting up the hill so I imagined LoGear up ahead of me and I kept working to get to her.When I got to the top I was determined to finish the 18.5 day. I sat down and wrung the sweat out if my shirt, drank some water.I made it, but it was hard. Tomorrow, I plan on taking it easy and hiking a shorter day. They say don't quit on a bad day. Today was a bad day, but I didn't quit.Flora: mushroomsVOD: Wind RockHigh: Finally being able to send a text to my bride on her bday Low: Breaking my poleHope: An easier day tomorrow
Date: 2018-06-01
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: VA 621 Campsite
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Sunsday, Forelithe 12 (Jun 1)2. Day 402-163. Morning temp: 704. Weather: clear, breezy5. Time start: 07556. Time stop and miles: 1805/13.97. End point: VA 621 campsite by riverLog:Slept good and wasn't in a hurry to get up since it was a short day. I rolled out at 0630 and took my time getting ready.The morning stroll was nice until the climb started. The trails here go straight up it seems. They really tire me out, but the only way to get them done is one foot in front of the other. That's what I did. I took lots of breaks and after awhile I was on top.So it's all easy from there right? No, now lets run the trail along the large rocks. Hikers like that. Not! But the trail is the trail and I walk where it goes. Complaining doesn't change anything, but I do it anyway.I needed water at the next shelter and it was .3 straight down. Well they had switchbacks, but it was a climb.After more rock walking, I crossed the eastern continental divide and started descending to Niday shelter.This was my original destination for the day, but I decided to move on a mile or two where there were supposed to be some camps. But first, I put up my hammock and lazed around a bit, then ate dinner before moving on.I headed down the pretty nice trail and crossed a road. I came to the first camp and all the people I have been leap frogging with were there. I found a spot and set up. Tomorrow will only be 15 something to 4 pines hostel.I plan to be up and out early. The sound of the river is nice and I was able to wade in and clean up a bit after I set up.Flora: Indian paintbrushFauna: lizard, deer, squirrel, black snakeVOD: mile 682.6High: Resting in hammock before walking some more.Low: Today's long climbHope: I can hang a hammock at 4 pines.
Date: 2018-06-02
From: VA 621 Campsite

To: VA 624 - 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 15.3

1. Date: Moonsday, Forelithe (Jun 2)2. Day 403-173. Morning temp: 704. Weather: rain5. Time start: 07006. Time stop and miles: 1640/15.7. End point: 4 Pines HostelLog:It started raining right at 06, but I rolled out anyway and started getting ready. I got everything done under the tarp, including coffee and grits and was on the trial at 07, just as the rain was letting up.I started my morning stroll and saw that the camp I was planning to stay at would have been really nice. I started up the morning's climb and it was pretty nice. A gentle climb with lots of switchbacks. It wasn't long until I was at the top and taking a seat on a bench. I figured the trail is so nice because I was nearing the Audie Murphy memorial at the top of the mountain. I paid my respects and moved on. The trail followed a ridge road then descended to another road and a creek. I stopped for lunch, filled my water and moved on. The second half of the day wouldn't be so easy. As I made my way up Cove Mtn, the trail did a lot of rock walking. The pinnacle of the climb was Dragon's Tooth which was stunning. Just as I started heading down, the rain started. Coming down from the tooth gets Very technical. At first I was enjoying it for the challenge it was, but I almost twisted my ankle in a moment if lapsed concentration. I was happy to see the sign that I thought indicated the end of the rock climb, but the trail kept going over pretty challenging stuff and after awhile, I wanted it to be done.Well, the only way to get it done is to keep putting one foot in front if the other and that is what I did.Finally I was at the road and I headed to the famous 4 Pines Hostel. I met Joe the owner and was pointed to the barn where I could hang my hammock. Outside the garage (Hostel) there was a barrel that had a bunch of trekking poles and parts. I looked inside and there sat the exact piece that I had broken. My pole was back in business and is now named Frankenpole.I set up then went down to hang out in the Hostel (garage) and four of us went to the Homeplace for dinner. It was amazing. Home style dinner with so much food.We came back, stopping at the Grocery for some short term resupply.I took a quick shower and am done for the night. Tomorrow I hope to get close to Daleville, where Push 12 will come to an end.Fauna: chickens, ginny fowlVOD: severalHigh: Coming down from Dragon's ToothLow: All rock walkingHope: Less rock walking.
Date: 2018-06-03
From: VA 624 - 4 Pines Hostel

To: Lambert Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: few clouds

1. Date: Treesday, Forelithe 14 (Jun 3)2. Day 404-183. Morning temp: 65 4. Weather: overcast5. Time start: 07006. Time stop and miles: 1650/16.37. End point: Lambert Meadows shelterLog:The rooster sent out his first call at 0445. It was far away, down the hill, so it didn't bother me. I eventually rolled out around 0545. Cruze Control amd Tent Cents were already up and moved out early. I packed up and went down to the Hostel to use the privy and I was heading out at 07. The walk down the road was a nice warm up. I turned onto the trail and started the first climb if the day. It wasn't too bad at all, with lots of switchbacks.The first six miles were a mixture of forest and pasture. I only saw a couple other hikers and passed a few sleeping tents. Before long I was at the 311 parking lot.It was Sunday and the lot already had a lot of cars in it. After a break I started up to McAfee Knob. The going wasn't too hard, but it is a climb. I got up just in time for lunch. Two hikers I had passed on the way up came up and I asked Down Hill to take my photo on the Knob. He is hiking with White Sands.I continued on, not going fast, just hiking along. After more miles and another long climb, I was at Tinker Cliffs. I met three guys from Ohio there who were out for a three day loop. The day had become beautuful and I enjoyed taking a break there and talking with the guys.But the day isn't done until the miles are walked, so on I went to Lamberts Meadow Shelter. I arrived at 1650 and found a spot for my hammock. LoGear and I had stayed here five years ago. I don't think I'm in the same spot, but I am in the same area near the creek.Tomorrow Push 12 comes to an end and I will be taking a zero day just to rest up for the final Push of this Phase. Push 13 will be the longest one yet of Phase III.Fauna: squirrelsVOD: McAfee Knob and Tinker CliffsSound: roosterHigh: Tinker Cliffs breakLow: The climbsHope: A nice walk into town
Date: 2018-06-04
From: Lambert Meadows Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

1. Date: Skysday, Forelithe 15 (Jun 4)2. Day 405-193. Morning temp: 554. Weather: clear, calm5. Time start: 07036. Time stop and miles: 1130 / 9.47. End point: Daleville, VALog:Early in the night the sky let loose a short heavy rain. By morning my tarp was almost dry. I was up and moving before 06 and on the trail just after 07.When I'm heading into a town, there is always a spring in my step and a pep in my pace and today was like that.The terrain was pretty nice and I moved along quickly as it rolled along the ridges then descended into town. I recalled a few of the places from when we hiked here in 2013 and the day's hike went quickly, with no drama.I found myself coming to the busy road right at 1130. I saw across the street a smoker going and crossed to go catch a whiff of what was cooking. I went inside and bought some lunch, then hung out at their picnic tables for an hour. I crossed the street again and went into the Howard Johnsons and checked in.Shower, laundry and pack explosion followed and it all felt so good. I called LoGear to catch up and started planning the last Push of Phase III.This will be the longest Push of the Phase and I'm hoping to do it without having to resupply, but that may be a challenge.I went for a swim in the pool, then had dinner at Pizza Hut, changing it up with pasta and wings instead of pizza.I watched a couple of shows on my phone and hit the hay. Tomorrow, I will head to Kroger to buy the last of my food and will spend the day relaxing as much as possible.Fauna: toadVOD: multiple powerlinesSound: HighwayHigh: Getting to town Low: There are no lows on town days Hope: To relax and prepare
Date: 2018-06-06
From: Daleville, VA

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

1. Date: Earthsday, Forelithe 17 (Jun 6)2. Day 407-213. Morning temp: 684. Weather: partly cloudy 5. Time start: 06506. Time stop and miles: 1613 / 18.57. End point: Bobblets Gap ShelterLog:My shoulder hurt a lot during night. Motel beds just aren't the same as the hammock. I was up before 06 and started getting packed. I went down to breakfast and then was back on the trail early. It was really nice trail today and I was still full of town food energy, so the 18.5 went by pretty easy. It also helped that the trail was switchbacked very nicely.I had lunch at a shelter where I met Frolic. Later, eWolf and Handstand came by and I would leapfrog with them throughout the day. After a couple of rest breaks at the many overlooks I was passing, I came to the last overlook and there was trail magic. It was Freight Train's wife and sister and they had some cold sodas, cookies and fruit which perfectly hit the spot.  The shelter for the night was down hill about .3 or so, but I wanted the privy, table and water that was there. Luckily I was able to set up in the one place a hammock could and had a decent hang over a lot of rocks.  Tomorrow will start three days of not too long mileage as I gear up for the last long pushes to the end of this Phase.  Flora:Fauna: rabbit, deer, squirrelVOD: overlooksSmell: pooSound: Road noiseHigh: Trail magic Low: Hang site not idealHope: Another great day like today
Date: 2018-06-07
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Hilltop campsite
Miles today: 14.6

1. Date: Starsday, Forelithe 18 (Jun 7)2. Day 408-223. Morning temp: 524. Weather: some clouds5. Time start: 07036. Time stop and miles: 1520 - 14.67. End point: Hilltop Log:I was up before 06 and out just after 07. At first it seemed I would be alone at the shelter, but others came in including a small group of girl scouts. After the steep walk back up to the trail I saw the others who had camped up top. The first part of the day was nice as the trail undulated up and down, with no steep climbs or descents. When I took a break at a shelter, there was a doe hanging out nearby. Not afraid of us at all.  I ate lunch at Jennings Creek that had a nice swimming hole where people were hanging out, but I didn't swim. After lunch was the big climb of the day. It was, as usual, an ass kicker. I slowly made my way up it as usual.I arrived at Bryant Ridge Shelter, which was my original goal of the day. It is a huge shelter, but there are no good hanging spots around it. The terrain is rather steep and the forest is young, with all smaller trees. After a break where I was able to hang my hammock in the shelter for a bit, I packed up and started up the hill.  After going about .9, I found a established campsite at the top of one of the hills. There were some good trees here, so I set up. I had good signal here and called LoGear to catch up. I watched as a bunch of hikers passed by, trying to get this climb done. I would wait to finish in the morning.  After I had set up, I saw something behind the camping spot. It was a deuce of spades. A light, but expensive cat hole digger. I had looked at them with envy before, but there was no way I was going to pay $20 for a hole digger. The trail provided me one for free. I was excited to try it out in the morning.Fauna: lizards, deerVOD: overlookHigh: Having signal to call LoGearLow: The climb after lunchHope: Rain holds off