morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Pine Swamp Pine Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 56 Today was another very hard day. Massive climbs and descents. I had to cross a boulder field that went on for miles. Those of you who live in Florida know of the rock jetties that are used for erosion control along Florida's coast. Well imagine walking on top of those rocks only do it with a 30 pound pack on your back and do it for miles. That will sure wear you out. That's what it was like. I came across something interesting. There is an ex-thru hiker that lives across a river from the trail. He's listed in the guide book as a place to camp. He lets hikers camp in his yard. If it's raining you can use his back porch. There is always a cooler there with ice cold cokes for free to the hikers. Also Wi-Fi is available if you need it. The challenge is he has a cable that you use to pull yourself across the river. When I came to the side trail that led to the cable I went down the trail just to see the set up. Well there was a hiker stuck in the middle. The system has two pulleys sets with line to pull yourself across. The line had over rode the pulley and was jammed. I managed to un jam the line and pulled him across. I don't know how long he would of hung there if I hadn't come along. A pretty severe lightning storm hit this afternoon. I took refuge in the next shelter which was War Spur Shelter. By the time the storm passed it was too late in the day to go further. I only did about 13 miles today.
Date: 2015-05-27
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Day 57 Well I never thought things could get any harder but I think today was the hardest physically yet. I did just over 18 miles. The climbs were so steep that only your toes would touch, not your heels. That would go on for miles. And massive boulders and rocks. The trail would turn and almost go straight up over the boulders and after awhile it would turn and go back down again only to turn and go up the same slope again. The people who designed this trail must be some sort of sadist or something. At times I felt like I needed a rope! It took almost 13 hours to do the 18 miles. I can't describe how tired I am. One really cool thing I saw today was the largest and oldest oak tree in the South. It is called the Keffer Oak. It is over 18 feet around and over 300 years old. It was beautiful! I stopped to camp near the Niday Shelter. I'm going to sleep good tonight! May need some Vitamin I. (Ibuprofen) Only 1,504 miles to go.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 58 I can't believe today was harder than yesterday! This really isn't hiking. It is mountain climbing. Doing this with a heavy pack is dangerous! I could of fallen a hundred times today which certainly would of resulted in serious injury or worse! I did actually slip and fall once but miraculously I fell into some thick brush. They had steel pins occasionally where there were long vertical (huge) rock faces with not even a crack to let yourself down. I had to do 17 miles of this because I had run out of water and had to get to the next source. I was exhausted and parched by the time I finished up. What a day... I ended at a road crossing. There is a hostel called Four Pines Hostel about 3/10ths up the road. You just camp in the farmers barn yard but he drives you to a family style all you can eat restaurant. That's why I went! It was wonderful! I wish we had a place like that at home. I slept like a baby. Only 1,487 miles to go.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Wherever There Is Water!
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 59 Today was about a 16 mile day. Lots of climbing but nothing like the past two days. Now that it's spring the forest floor has filled in with underbrush. So much so that sometimes the trail is nearly obscured. I had to pass through an area where there was "stinging nettle". These plants have a mild sawtooth edge on the leaves. Not really enough to cut you but it scratches you enough to transfer some sort of toxin that mildly stings. Very annoying on your legs, arms and hands. There is nothing you can do about it except walk through it. Luckily the stinging stops in about 20 or 30 minutes after you get out of the field. Hope I don't run into too much of that! The highlight of the day (actually two) was McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. McAfee knob is the most photographed spot on the trail. There is a huge rock that juts out over a cliff with the valley being thousands of feet down. When you have someone take your picture you are literally on the edge of this abyss. Pretty cool! Tinker Cliffs is a half mile cliff walk with the same view as McAfee only a different mountain. That was the most spectacular and grand view since I started the hike! I would have spent the night on the cliffs but I was low on water. I camped that night with my tent right next to a little brook. I enjoyed listening to the water flowing, many birds chirping, owls hooting and the wind gently blowing through the trees until I fell asleep. There wasn't a soul around. Nature can be a beautiful thing!
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Wherever There Is Water!

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 60 I got up about 5 and fixed breakfast. I have only a short 9 mile hike to Daleville, VA which is my next resupply town. It only took me about 4 hours to make the walk. After nearly two weeks of very hard hiking I'm ready for a zero day. I need the rest. I checked into my hotel, showered (ahhhh!!!), and walked to an AYCE (all you can eat) place and ate nearly my weight in food (burp), (well it seemed like it). It's going to feel good having a day off! Only 1,461 miles to go
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Daleville

To: 17 Miles Down the Trail
Miles today: 17.0

I had to go a pack & Ship and send some things home. Did a side trip to an outfitter here. Had some business issues to sort out. Consequently I got a late start leaving Daleville.I had a 19 mile hike planned. I hiked in and out of light showers all day. It kind of cooled things down. When I was about 2 miles short of my destination a horrific thunderstorm came across the mountains. I had just enough time to throw up my tent, toss my backpack and me inside as a wall of water hit. I was not in a great spot but I had to take what I could get. What a storm!I laid in my tiny tent hoping it would let up so I could finish my hike but no way. I fell asleep and woke about eleven. I fixed a bowl of cereal and went back to sleep.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: 17 Miles Down the Trail

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

It got quit cold last night. I could see my breath when I got up this morning.Everything was wet and muddy.I fixed some breakfast and started out. My destination was Bryant Ridge Shelter. It's a really fancy shelter that sleeps 20. I couldn't believe the quality of the craftsmanship. It was two story with a covered porch and sitting area. Boy if only they were all that way.I expected thunderstorms all day but they never came. I'm trying the shelter one more time because the storms are moving in...but just in case I set up my sleeping pad in the sitting area away from the bunks.About an hour after I arrived the rains finally came. Lucky me!Temperature is definitely dropping. Going to get cold again tonight.Only 1,430 miles to go
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Any Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

It rained hard all night and did not stop all day. Very steep climbs and descents. I started out with a 2200 foot vertical ascent followed by a 1500 ft vertical descent followed by a 2000 ft vertical ascent. Very tough day especially in hard rain.The temperature was dropping fast so I did an additional 7 miles down, to get to a lower altitude hoping it would be warmer.I thought I was through with winter. My winter gear has all been sent home. All I have is my wimpy summer sleeping bag which is hardly better than a sheet. No coat only a light windbreaker. One T-shirt and long sleeve shirt which I have on.By the time I had my tent up everything was wet.I had everything I had, on, including my rain jacket but couldn't get warm.The nearest road is 10 miles down the mountain and the nearest town is 10 miles down the road. I am very tired. It would be asking myself a lot to do that in the dark and in this rain. I'll lay here and if I can't control the shakes I'll have to do that. Hypothermia is not an option.Funny how things can deteriorate so quickly. I know that from my sailing days.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Any Shelter

To: James River Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

I didn't sleep much at all. The rain hasn't stopped. I did manage to stop shaking after an hour or so last night so I knew I would be ok...just not warm, dry, or comfortable. Very long night.I was actually laying in pooling water by morning. I'm not sure how that got in.I threw everything together into my pack and headed down the mountain. My destination was that road at the 10 mile mark.I crossed the James River just before the road.I got a hitch into town and was dropped off at a little motel in Buena Vista, VA.I will spend the afternoon drying things out (inside) because I have no idea when this rain will subside.I may have to rethink my equipment situation.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: James River Shelter

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I love staying in a town due to the availability of good food (not to mention Margaritas at the local Mexican restaurant). I always hike stronger after a town day. This morning I got dropped off where I left off yesterday. It was a 22 mile day to make it to the next place where I came to another cross road. I am taking advantage of towns as often as I can. My climbing ability is improving. I used to average 1 1/2 miles an hour. Now I can climb at 2 miles an hour on most ascents. At the very top of one mountain today I came to a small memorial stone. It marked the very spot a little boy was found after he had wandered away from his little school and got lost way back in 1891. He had wandered 7 miles in the thick woods and ended up on the very top of this mountain. Unfortunately he died of exposure, he probably froze to death. He was 4 years and 11 months old. It is a very sad story. I thought about poor little Ottie Cline for the rest of the day. I passed the 800 mile mark today.
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Buena Vista

To: Sky Rock Gap
Miles today: 18.0

Enjoyed another night in town. I'm now in Buena Vista, VA. The locals pronounce the city name, Boona Vista. Cute. Today I did eighteen. Nice day with no rain. Not particularly hard except the 3,000 foot vertical climb. It looks like I will be able to Hostel my way for a couple more nights till I get to Waynesboro. That will be a treat. I need to take advantage of this as often as I can. Only 1,367 miles to go
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Reeds Gap

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather report said there was little chance of rain today and they were right. It was overcast and cool. Very pleasant. Today was a 20 mile day, a long one considering the level of difficulty. I did 4800 vertical feet of ascent and 5600 vertical feet of descent. There were so many rocks and rock faces to scale. I am so exhausted! I took a pretty good fall probably trying to go too fast. I've got to stop doing that. It never ceases to amaze me how hard you can fall and not break something. I hope my luck holds out. I did the 20 miles in 9 1/2 hours. I'm getting stronger! Only 1,347 miles to goPS: Picture... Virginia's version of the St Louise Arch. See the "White Blaze"
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Next Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I hiked into Waynesboro, VA. It was about 19 miles. Parts of the hike was strenuous but others were pretty easy. I came across a really large black snake. He was pretty feisty! He didn't want to let me by! I arrived literally minutes before a rain storm started. I ran to a roadside popcorn stand at the edge of town for cover. Overall it was a good day. That's 134 miles in 7 days. I'm really exhausted right now so I'll zero here at a Hostel. It's a place called Stanimal's 328 Hostel. He converted his basement into a hostel. We have 9 people bunking in a room the size of a larger bedroom. Hardly room to walk but it's a clean bunk with a shower. Only 1,328 miles to go
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Zero Day

To: Shenandoah Bear Country
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

I started late but was still able to push it up to 22 miles today. After all this hiking I was so disappointed that I still hadn't seen any bears. Well that changed today. I definitely had an "up close & personal" encounter with a bear. I was hiking fast with my head always looking down (to avoid tripping). I noticed a very fresh dropping of bear scat (bear poop) on the trail. I stepped over it and turned the bend and happened to look up at that moment and there not 20 yards away was a very large bear standing on the trail facing me... not moving, just staring at me. Of course I immediately stopped and stared back.Well the bear didn't move! I have been told that I should never back up when encountering a bear like this so I just stood there staring back! It's funny, all I think of was how the bear looked so magnificent and beautiful seeing it that way in the wild and so close. I didn't feel threatened in any way! Somehow I knew the bear was not going to bother me. We continued to just stand there looking at each other for close to a minute when all at once to "her" left, my right a cub came crashing down out of a tree! That's why she was waiting! The cub ran off down the steep slope of the mountain and disappeared. She didn't move right away but after another 10 seconds or so she moved off 10 or 12 feet to her left (direction the cub went) and stopped. She stood up and stared a few more seconds and then followed in the direction of the cub. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to have this experience! I will never forget this! I think I never stopped smiling for the rest of the day. I got to where I intended to camp at dark. Set up, fixed myself some supper and went to bed.... (also made sure to hang (bear proof)my food bag!) Today was a really good day.
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Toward next stop 

To: Walking north on the trail
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

The only interesting thing that happened today was as I was walking along I came to a note someone had written and placed in the middle of the trail under a rock. It said: "A few feet ahead there is a very pissed off rattlesnake. Please don't kill it". Well, I used my hiking stick to try and find the snake in the brush beside the trail but it must of moved on. I couldn't find it. At the end of the day about 30 minutes before I finished there came a rain storm that dropped "buckets" of rain. The trail became little rivulets almost immediately. Luckily it only lasted about 45 minutes or so.Hitched a ride to a hostel. I think I did about 19 today. Only 1,265 miles to go
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Walking north on the trail

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another 20 mile day. I am still in Shenandoah National Park. The trail keeps crossing Skyline Drive. In fact it crosses 28 times. Every 25 miles or so they have a "Wayside Restaurant". I certainly have indulged in that! I arrived at my campsite after dark. I was determined to make the miles. I camped near Pass Mountain Hut. They call them Huts instead of Shelters here in the park...same thing.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just another long hard day. I managed to make another 20 miles. I saw another Mama Bear with two cubs today. The Cubs were up a tree while she remained hiding in the brush not moving a muscle. She never moved while I passed not ten feet from her. I almost completely missed her. She was so well hidden. She was very small/young though. I wouldn't of thought she was old enough for Cubs yet. There were no shelters/huts where I wanted to stop so I just found a flat spot in the woods and set up camp. Only 1,229 miles to go
Date: 2015-06-15
To: Front Royal
Miles today: 10.0

I had to make this a short day. I needed to resupply and the town of Front Royal was the next town. It was only a ten mile hike to the nearest road. I was lucky though...when I came out of the woods, there, parked in his pickup was a "trail angel" giving free rides the 3 1/2 miles to town! He said he does this regularly. I had him take me to a cheap hotel since by the time I got all my chores done it wouldn't be worth starting again. I'll relax this afternoon, shower, wash some clothes in the room sink and enjoy a real bed!Tomorrow will be a milestone day. I will cross the 1,000 mile mark! Can you believe it!
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Front Royal

To: Camp Site
Miles today: 23.0

I walked to a nice little local diner on Main Street here in Front Royal and had a great breakfast. I checked out and hitched the 3 1/2 miles back to the trailhead. It was a great day but boy has summer hit. I am sweating buckets. Amazing the difference of only a couple of weeks ago. The terrain was fairly moderate so decided to do 23 miles today. I needed to do a big day today because I'll have a tough day tomorrow hiking the section called the "roller coaster". I want to minimize mileage so I can concentrate on the steep climbs. I found a great camp site right next to a beautiful creek. I made myself a nice fire, cooked supper and went to sleep.
Date: 2015-06-17
To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 15.0

The "roller coaster" was hard but I made it through and to my destination by 2:00. I'm staying at "Bears Den Hostel right on the trail. It's a beautiful large stone house with 30 bunks. For $30 you get a bunk, a shower, laundry, a pizza and a soda. It also includes s pancake breakfast in the morning. Not a bad deal! The most significant thing of the day is I crossed 1,000 miles completed. I can hardly believe it! I'm almost half done!Tomorrow I hike into Harpers Ferry and finally leave Virginia.
Date: 2015-06-18
To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a 20 mile day. I am meeting my sweetie in Harpers Ferry. She is driving up from Florida. I am waiting at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters here in Harpers Ferry for her. I'll take a day or two for much needed rest and a chance to relax with Susan. Harpers Ferry is a neat little historic town.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Harpers Ferry

To: 18 miles more
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Susan dropped me where I ended the my hike the other day. Today was a 18 mile day. Susan met me at a road crossing at the end of the day so we could spend one more night together before she heads back to Florida. This may be our last visit till the end since I am getting too far away for her to drive up. There are many civil war monuments and memorials in the area. Apparently there was much action here along the Atrail too during the war. Only 1,148 miles go.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Baltimore MD
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Susan and I drove into Baltimore to eat seafood and pick up a few things I needed from REI. We didn't explore much, was wanting to recuperate a bit. It is hot and the traffic is so heavy in the city. We walked to the waterfront from our hotel and ate at Phillips Seafood at the inner harbor.
Date: 2015-06-22
From: 18 miles more

To: Next stop
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

There are many kinds of obstacles you might encounter hiking this trail...some may not have anything to do with terrain, weather or weight of pack. What I'm talking about is health issues. Several days ago when I hiked the 20 miles into Harpers Ferry I was really "wiped out" at the end of the day. I remember thinking I seemed unusually tired and recovery was slower than usual. I took the next two days off (since Susan was here to visit) but still was not recovering as usual. I was experiencing chills where I couldn't get warm and then fever where I couldn't cool off. Something was going on with me. I expected it to pass, probably a fluke. My appetite was waning and my energy level was affected. When Susan dropped me off for the last time this morning I really shouldn't of started the trail again. But stubborn me I thought I could push through this thing. Well...today was awful. I had absolutely no strength to do the very easy trails today. It was one of the easiest terrain days yet but I could only manage 8 1/2 miles. I was exhausted. I had to find a place to camp and I threw up my tent and went right to sleep. What is wrong with me?
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Next stop

To: Smithburg MD
Miles today: 5.0

I did get up after a couple hours of sleep last night and fixed myself a good supper. I had to force myself to eat it because I'll never get out of these woods without eating something. I ate breakfast and started out but nothing has changed with my condition. I did get some cell service at the top of a hill and that's when I received a text sent this morning from Susan saying our little dog "Riley" who was riding with her while heading back yesterday to Blowing Rock, NC had died. I felt so sorry for Susan. She had let him out to pee at a rest stop then put him back in his little bed in the car...he started having another breathing spell so she held him. He took his last breath and he just went to sleep. His heart gave out. Though tragic it was what we hoped for. Susan had been nursing him along for more than a year and a half trying to extend his life. These last few weeks Riley's condition had plummeted. We new some hard choices had to be made. We're so glad he just went to sleep. He had a good life and very good care. I was able to call her and talk about Riley and of course fill her in on my condition. She suggested she come back up and pick me up and drive me to Blowing Rock, NC where my Mother Summers, and see a Doctor. Susan started back North to meet me at Smithsburg, MD which was the closest town to me. I headed down the mountain to the next crossroad which was 5 miles away. I hung out my hitchhike sign and got picked up by the 2nd car that passed. I spent the next 7 hours laying on the sidewalk of a Food Lion store, feeling like crap and waiting for Susan to arrive. I was hungry all day and right outside a grocery store but I couldn't think of a thing I wanted to eat. Susan arrived about 6:30PM. We rented a room locally and will start back in the morning. What a day!
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Smithburg MD

To: Blowing Rock NC
Miles today: 0.0

We drove the 7 hours back to Blowing Rock. We went immediately to the walk-in clinic. I gave blood and urine for testing. I mentioned to the doctor I had dug a tic off my upper leg about two weeks before and maybe we should test for Lymes Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever which she agreed. Right now I am officially off the trail until we find out what's going on. Several test results came back today and the balance will be back in three days. The doctor informed me that two areas of concern were that my white blood cell count was really low and my "platelets" (count?) was low too. My immune system is critically weak. The doctor said if I can't get this under control I can forget about my hike. That really sucks.
Date: 2015-06-27
From: Blowing Rock NC

To: Blowing Rock NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The test results for tick diseases all came back negative. Which means everything (else) is normal. That's good but it leaves me with the dilemma of what went wrong? We are going to retest on Monday (in 3 days) the two tests that were causing concern. Hopefully my first white blood cell count was inaccurate. The doctor said that could be it. We will see. I hate losing all this time.I really appreciate the calls and messages from all of you who have been so supportive and concerned for my well being! I am really looking forward to getting back on the trail and hoping the tests on Monday show good results!