morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-12
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin Super 8
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: clear sky

Up at 7 after no sleep last night due to sinus congestion and rain but doing better now, both have stopped.Short day into Erwin for resupply where Daddy Longlegs, the Dude and I split a room at the Super 8. Late lunch at McD's (I had not eaten there in a very long time, decades). Afterward, The Dude went to the Taco Bell next door for more food. Cleaned up and did laundry then off to Walmart (I have not shopped there in a long time, decades) for resupply. Quiet evening as we are meeting our shuttle early to take us back to the trail. Good to sleep in a comfortable bed again!
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Erwin Super 8

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Slept well in the hotel. Up at 6:45 for another shower and free breakfast of waffles and cereal. Took a $7 shuttle back to the trail and hiking by 8:30. A lot of up hill right out of the gate. Passed Curley Maple Gap Shelter and had trail magic at Indian Grave Gap from BT of homemade brownies, banana bread, lemonade and fruit. Great stuff!Went over 5000' at Unaka Mtn where the forest turned into all firs. Not many views but good day. At the shelter with Daddy Longlegs, John Boat, Turtle, Bad Santa and some others. Lost the Dude today at Uncle Johnny's Hostel where many hikers stay but too much of a party for me, hope to catch up with him later.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 15.7

Beautiful day! Warm, sunny and on the trail by 7:30 but dragging today with little energy. Fortunately, after hiking for 2 mi there was a gentleman handing out sodas and coffee giving me a boost. Enjoyed talking with him and giving his 16 yr old dog love. Then 2 mi later at Iron Mtn Gap, a basket was hanging from a tree saying "hiker Easter egg hunt" for two hikers I know. There were a lot of colored hard boiled eggs along the trail to the road where Sally Jane gave us an egg, taco soup and an orange which was very welcome.Energy boost to tackle Roan Mtn, the last peak over 6000' ft until the White Mtns.Along the side of the trail are millions of white and pink flowers blanketing the hills. Stopped at Ash Gap to tent for the night with Daddy Longlegs. Rant: at the site we stopped at there was a fire ring that was still smoldering. Daddy Longlegs threw some leaves on it and fire sprung up. This is the 3rd fire that we have started from hot coals not being put out properly. Please put your fires completely out!
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Ash Gap

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 18.4

Great camping spot last night. Woke Daddy Longlegs up at 5:00 to hike to the top of Roan Mtn for the sunrise. First night hike which went well except for the batteries in my headlamp need to be replaced so it was pretty dim but we got through. Very quiet along the trail until the sun came up. Went over the peak and on to the Roan Balds which provide great views. We stopped at the top to rest and take some pics before moving on.Passed the Overmountain Shelter which is an old converted barn that is pretty popular and one of the largest shelters on the trail. Dropped into a gap and back up to Hump Mtn. The climb was over a bald and the weather was turning with black clouds coming in fast. Daddy Longlegs and I turned up the speed and hurried to beat the coming storm and get lower in case of lightning. We made it and cruised down to 19E and Mountain Harbour Hostel for resupply and shower where we stayed in the Treehouse room. Arrived in enough time to get food at the food truck they have there, really good and a welcome treat. Hung out in the bunk house where Seed gave us a really good vegan dish, thanks! Next stop will be Damascus VA, rain is expected for the next 3 days, sigh.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Easter! Daddy Longlegs and I had an incredible breakfast at the Mountain Harbour Hostel. Homemade egg souffle, cheese potatoes, french toast with pecan syrup, croissant sandwiches, Easter ham and fresh fruit not to mention the desserts! All you can eat too. Great way to recharge batteries along the trail. Well worth the $12!On the trail by 9 and was a little slow due to all the food, but will not complain about that. Nice hike in the morning and the spring vegetation is coming out at lower elevations. The pic is Daddy Longlegs hiking. Passed the 400 mi mark along the Elk River and continued up into the hills. The Dude caught up with us and it is great to see him. I read in my guide that the water at the shelter we were heading too is "a long way down" so I filled up my 2L bladder and 2L water carrier at the last stream before the shelter 2 mi away. This added an additional 8 lbs to my pack pushing me over my weight edge including a full resupply. The last miles were uphill and I paid for the water! Finally made it after a hard climb up and glad to be here.Big climb tomorrow so need to get some sleep.
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To:  Braemar Castle Hostel
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early and on the trail by 7:20. Began sluggish after the tough time I had yesterday hauling all that extra water weight uphill. Still made good time for the day. The Dude, Daddy Longlegs and I decided to go to Hampton TN to stay for the night. The Dude just needed to resupply and pushed on to Damascus where he will wait for us. We had a pretty easy day and passed a cool old barn before going to Laurel Fork Falls in the Laurel Fork Canyon. The falls were large and the trail went way down to the their base before heading right back up out of the canyon. The trail clung to a cliff above the water at one point which was a lot of fun to traverse.The Braemar Castle Hostel is the cleanest hostel we have been to yet. Lots of space and within walking distance of services where we resupplied and ate lots of food. Spent the evening watching movies with a couple other hikers including Heavy Metal, have not seen that in many years. They made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed, even a shuttle back to the trail, thanks Alex! Great place, we were surprised it was not packed and highly recommend staying there. Lots of rain, thunder and lightning tonight so glad I have a roof over my head!
Date: 2017-04-18
From:  Braemar Castle Hostel

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Took our time getting ready this morning as the place was so nice. Sat down and had coffee and Alex offered to take us back to the trail. Score! Easy hike around Watuga Lake where the shelter is closed to bear activity. Alex told us that boaters stop near there and are known to feed the bears creating the problem. Trail kicked up after crossing the dam and leveled out after several miles making the hike easier. Passed the Vandventer Shelter where Daddy Longlegs and Namaste were talking with two squatters preparing for the apocalypse and passionately reading revelations. Moved on pretty quickly, you will find this periodically and it is best to just keep going.Stayed at the shelter with Daddy Longlegs, Circus, Scout and some others. Glad to be out of the rain tonight.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Iron Mtn Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Very little sleep last night as there was lots of rain making all kinds of noise on the shelters metal roof. Cold in the morning making the morning chores slow. Hard to get myself moving in the morning knowing you are going out into cold rain. Finally on the trail at 8:10 with all my rain gear on. Miles were unexpectedly easy due to the relatively flat terrain and went through several large fields which were a welcome change from the typical woods. After an early lunch, hiked on to US421 where I found Bruce and Nemo, who I have not seen since Hot Springs. Great to talk to them!After dinner at the shelter, Daddy Longlegs and I taught Namaste how to play hacky sack and stretched in the late sun till it was hiker midnight and time for bed. Bloomer was with us, yet another guy my age that is a deadhead, go figure.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Abingdon Gap

To: Woodchuck Hostel
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 6:10 and hiking by 7:30. Passed into VA at 9:30 with a group of hikers and much fanfare. Great to be back in VA!Staying at the Woodchuck Hostel which is well run and clean, thanks Chuck!Chuck drove a group of us to a local pizza joint for all you can eat buffet. Had a massive salad to begin which is what my body is craving, then ate salad for about 45 min before hitting the pizza. Since rain was pouring outside, we stayed at the pizza place and ate even more pizza. Walked back after the rain stopped along the VA Creeper Trail which is a rail to trail and very nice. Explored downtown Damascus with the Dude, Bruce, Nemo, Daddy Longlegs and Renegade.Daddy Longlegs and Renegade rented a car to go home to Atlanta for the weekend so I will not be hiking with him for a while. Enjoyed my time with him and hope to meet up in the future.Resupplied and had another salad for dinner before hitting the bed.
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Woodchuck Hostel

To: Woodchuck Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero day in Damascus to rest my feet and bones. Up at 6:30 for breakfast of waffles and eggs (thank you Chuck). Spent a relaxing morning lounging and talking with the Dude, FD an Namaste with Bloomer giving his 2 cents from the other room before the Dude finally headed back to the trail with rain threatening. Bloomer and I got motivated to shop for new shoes at the shops in town. Tried on several types at Mount Rogers Outfitters and went with the Oboz Sawtooth. Hope it will be a good fit and help with the foot pain I have been experiencing. Wore them most of the day to try and break them in which is kind of a joke because I have no choice but to hike miles on them tomorrow, but I tell myself every bit helps!Had a Mexican lunch and mailed about 2.5 lbs of winter gear (not all of it yet) and my old shoes which still have life in them back home to Sharon in Colorado. Finally being able to reduce weight in my pack feels great mentally and physically.Relaxed the rest of the afternoon until Goose and Andes arrived. After they got cleaned up we went to dinner and I devoured a sausage and olive calzone. Went back to the hostel where we had ice cream and caught up as I have not seen them for some time. Rained off and on all day and is expected to be heavy with thunderstorms for the next two days putting a damper on the upcoming Grayson Highlands and Mt Rogers views which I have been waiting for. This will not be the first time I have hiked here in the rain. The last time I came way too close to a lightning strike at Buzzard Rocks on one of the Grayson Highland balds. I could feel the electricity coming with my hair standing on end and will not get myself in that situation again! Going to be very careful and check the radar on my phone for lightning activity. Did not have that ability last time as it was about 17 years ago which will help with the safety aspect.
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Woodchuck Hostel

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and eating another great breakfast at Woodchucks. Damascus passed an ordinance that no one can charge for tenting on their property and Woodchucks might go under as a hostel which would be very sad as it is a great place. There are two maps on the dining area wall, one of the US and one of the world with many pins of where people have come from. I was able to put a new pin in for Ridgway CO!Andes and Goose came down to have breakfast with me and say goodbye as they are planning on taking a zero day. Got on the trail and walked through town before the trail headed back into the hills. After hiking for an hour, I came across a mess on the trail. It was covered by sticks, branches and shattered parts of a tree. I looked for the source and not far from the trail was a massive pine stump that was shattered. It appears to have been struck by lightning the night before judging by some burned shards. Another hiker, J2, was clearing the trail so I stopped to help as much as I could. Glad no one was around when it shattered as it went everywhere.Easy section with minimal ups and downs for the day. New shoes gave me a small blister on my left heel, can't seem to lock it in the heel cup yet. I will have to keep an eye on it. Rain expected tonight so staying in a full shelter with about 30 camping around it in tents and hammocks. Looks similar to the shelter sites from the beginning of the trail with all these people!
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: moderate rain

Up at 6:30 and out the door to try and beat the rain. Heavy rainfall last night with more expected today, but none early this morning. Glad to be hiking to Mt Rogers once again! I have been looking forward to this since I started on this trek. I first hiked on the AT here from, I believe it is called the Greystone campground, as a 13 year old kid with my yellow lab Smokey. It was in the rain but warm then, not so lucky this go around. That is the moment that I first decided I wanted to hike the AT.Rain began slowly then became heavy as I began climbing to the bald on Whitetop Mtn where Buzzard Rocks are and my close encounter with lightning a number of years ago. None this time but the temperature dropped fast with lots of rain and wind. More than 35 mph gusts on top almost blowing me over while crossing the bald. Very, very cold and wet, shivering when I stop hiking.Freezing when I arrived at Elk Gardens, which has a forest service out house pit toilet. 5 hikers piled in there to get out of the rain for a few minutes and try and warm up. After a discussion of whether or not to call for a shuttle and get a room nearby, I decided to keep moving. Moved very fast to stay warm and reach the shelter before I froze. Finally arrived at Thomas Knob Shelter near the summit of Mount Rogers after slipping and sliding on wet rocks and roots for miles. The trail was a creek and there was no point in trying to avoid the pools of water disguised as the trail so I just walked through them. Drenched from head to toe and shivering uncontrollably.5 of us at the shelter, we were all bundled in our sleeping bags by 1:00 pm to try and stay warm. Fortunately there was a loft and we were not fully exposed to the elements helping to keep in some of the warmth. We all got up at 4 pm after a fitfully chilly nap. Very surprised no one else had come by as there were so many at the last shelter. Following a quick dinner we were back in our bags for a cold sleepless night. The rain came down very hard with lots of wind.Most miserable day on the trail so far.
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: moderate rain

Up at 7:15 to more cold rain and wind. All my clothes from yesterday were still dripping wet and very, very cold. Terrible feeling having to put them on and head back out into the cold and rain. No views due to being in the clouds all day through the highlands but I did get to see the wild ponies which was a treat! Went over Stone Mtn and Chestnut Flats before stopping at Hurricane Mtn Shelter. With Lobo, Scout and Trainwreck, same group as the previous night.My heel blister has gotten huge as it has not been able to dry out and my hands and feet have been prunes for days. Due to the amount of rain, much flooding has occurred in the area affecting the trail and many of the surrounding roads. The reports are that a number of footbridges have been washed out changing some plans and sending me to Marion tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Econo Lodge, Marion VA
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Cold and wet night again last night. I was woken up at 1:00 am when the one guy who was hammocking came into the shelter during the rain. The next morning he said that a tree limb came down from the wind on his hammock damaging it and flooding him during the might. Fortunately he was ok and it appeared the hammock could be repaired without too much work.My heel has gotten really bad, the small blister I had from the new shoes has not been able to heal due to the cold and wet conditions over the last few days which compounded the problem. The problem has grown to a large area and every step has become very painful. I will need to take some time off to let it heal properly. Hiked from the shelter around 8:30 (late start for me) and arrived at Dickey Gap to some trail magic of a cold Mountain Dew. Love that stuff! Went to the road and stuck out my thumb to hitch to Marion. Took about 40 minutes but there was sparse traffic so I thought that was pretty good. Picked up by a local art teacher who took me to the Econo Lodge. On our way there we passed Bruce Willis and Adeline who I had not seen since Damascus so the driver dropped me off to say hi and said the hotel was just up the road. I said "hi" to them but they could not stop and talk as they were late for a shuttle, I hope they made it!Checked in and had an awesome shower (they all seem to be) and hooked up with the Dude who was also staying in town for lunch at the local Mexican restaurant. Scout, Lobo and Train Wreck came in later and we all went to dinner after they got cleaned up then back to the hotel to relax. It seems that most hikers got off the trail and headed into town to avoid the storm we had just gone through. Probably a smart idea.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Econo Lodge, Marion VA

To: Richmond VA
Miles today: 0.0

Got up at 7:15 to have breakfast with Scout, Lobo and Train Wreck and see them off. It was sad to see them leave and I really wanted to go with them but I need to let my heel heal. I had contacted my parents while in Damascus and had previously scheduled a couple days off with them, so they are coming down to pick me up from Richmond VA. They arrived after more than a four hour drive and boy was I glad to see them! Went to lunch at the Barn near the trail in Atkins and was disappointed. Just not very good food. I had eaten there during a previous hike and had a great meal but that was 17 years ago. Am spending time in Richmond to let my body heal. I may need to spend more time then the 2 off days I had planned, will have to wait and see!
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Richmond 

To: Richmond VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Rested and resupplied. Heel is healing but needs more time.  I will evaluate daily.Due to many reasons, one being I have previously hiked the AT through Virginia, I have decided to jump forward some and restart from US60 near Bunea Vista, VA. If the cards fall in place I will come back and hike the jumped section after summiting Katahdin. This means I will be completing the trail in 2017 which, after much internal debate, I am ok with.
Date: 2017-04-29
From: Richmond 

To: Richmond, VA
Miles today: 290.2

Healing continues and I plan to hit the trail tomorrow. My mom has been making sure I am well fed and ready to go. Dropped some weight off my pack and am itching to get back out on the trail!To keep up with the trail miles, I have added what I jumped to today (290.2 miles). If I have the opportunity to return to VA, I will remove them and add them as I hike.
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Long Mountain Wayside, US60

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

Up early with my parents to leave by 7:00am and on the trail by 9:30. Thank you mom and dad for letting me rest at your house and shuttling me around! A great 2000' climb right out of the gate but the good news is my heel is doing ok. Still feel pressure but no rubbing. Overcast and cold in the morning which was fine with me for the uphill start over Bald Knob. The sun popped out in the early afternoon warming up the trail and my spirits after all the cold rain I was dealing with last week. The rest of the day was running along the ridge for a pretty easy day. Arrived at the shelter and will stay inside due to the predicted rain. Unlike further south, there was no one there when I arrived which was a new idea to me this trip. Finally Nemo (different one than Bruce and Nemo) and Spiderman showed up, very good to meet them and I enjoyed their company.
Date: 2017-05-01
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I have been waiting to do this section as this was one of the first areas I backpacked as a kid, had been through the AT on this section on at least four other occasions and have stayed at the Priest Shelter many times coming up from Crabtree Falls and both directions from the AT for weekend hikes. It Rained last night but had stopped by morning, still gray and colder though reminding me of last weeks weather. More rain, wind and cold forecasted, so I started early with all my rain gear on hoping I could make it to the Priest Shelter before the weather hit in full force. Did not make it, the rain hit earlier than predicted, around 9:00 am, with the wind beginning shortly thereafter prompting me to hike faster. Unfortunately there were no views as the mist cut visibility down to about 20'. Arrived at the shelter very cold and wet around 12:30 and decided to stay rather than push on. The shelter is oriented so the wind was blowing rain straight inside. The only dry space was in the back corner where I huddled shivering hoping the weather would change soon.  Nemo and Spiderman showed up and two section SOBO's, one had a big tarp he secured over the shelter opening making an immediate difference in the interior conditions. The heavy wind and rain continued throughout the day sometimes violently whipping the tarp around. Another day of staying in my sleeping bag to stay warm! I hope the weather changes tomorrow.
Date: 2017-05-02
From: Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Up early after a crazy night of weather but the sun is shining! Unfortunately hiking in the rain has aggravated my heel again and I will need to take some more time to complete the healing process. I had cell service on top of the Priest and contacted my parents arranging for a pick up in a couple of days at Rockfish Gap. With the clear skies I was able to see the views from the Priest overlook which brought back many fond memories of hikes in the past. Tackled the 3000' decent in good time passing the suspension bridge over the Tye River before beginning the ascent on the other side. The trail was not nearly as hard as I remembered which I contribute to being in much better hiking shape and not carrying nearly as heavy a load as I did when I was young. Stopped at the Harper Creek Shelter for about two hours to enjoy the creek and waterfall right next to the shelter before heading up to the Three Ridges. This is the last consecutive 2000' climb until Mass so I wanted to get it over with. There were many views and switchbacks helping make the climb easier and an Awesome view from Hanging Rock on the other side. Spent about a half hour enjoying the scenery before heading to the shelter for the night. As I was setting up my tent, to my surprise Engineer and Maple Syurp came into camp! I have not seem them for over a month and it was great to catch up. Spiderman and Honey Badger showed up a little later making for a fun evening.