morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-05-25
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Goodbye VT, Hello NH. An easy 9.9 miles into Hanover, NH, home of Dartmouth College, a quaint college town. 1,200  ft climb to start the day and then fairly easy hike following. Came out of the woods after 7 miles and then a 1 mile road walk into Norwich. Had lunch at the Blue Sparrow. Great Sandwich. After lunch 1.5 mile road walk into Hanover. Road walks are unusual on the AT. Between Norwich and Hanover I crossed over the the Connecticut River, the border of Vt. and NH. A gust of wind came up and my hat flew off my head,  50¢ down in the river, aargh! There were 2 young women on paddle boards who saved my hat and took it to the shore. It wad a bit of a climb over large boulders to retrieve it...Stupid is as Stupid does. Staying at a hotel tonight, with a planned zero tomorrow. The hostels are part of the adventure, but a night in a hotel is welcomed.
Date: 2021-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

8.3 miles. Still caught in the Hanover vortex. Short slack pack day. My ride picked me up at 9:00am. A short 15 minute drive to the trail head. Terrain was flat or downhill except for one 600 ft climb. A couple trail runners passed ( I was close to Hanover) and  one thru hiker. His trail name is 5am. He gets out of camp early. This is the second time we have crossed paths. Tomorrow will be another southbound slack pack day as the weather gets cold with lows in the lower thirties and rain coming in late afternoon. Will avoid camping tomorrow night with a hostel stay.
Date: 2016-04-01
To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up at Amicalola Falls and went to the breakfast buffet with my wife and daughter. After we went to the visitors center and took some pictures. The girls dropped me off at the Approach trail where I preceded to hike to the Black Gap Shelter, the last shelter before the trail begins. Cool was there and played his harmonica, Chicago made a fire, and Poet read some of his poetry. What a great night!
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Lante Creek Camp
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up from Black Gap Shelter at 7am and headed out. The mice got into my liciouris, but that's ok. They need to eat too! It was my birthday today and at 10am I sat for a little bit and celebrated turning 60! I wasn't feeling the best today though. I pasted Springer Mountain and hiked to Lance Creek, the last camping spot before bear canisters are required. I pasted three trail magics, but only participated in one. I hiked with Daniel,24, from South Carolina. He likes to go fast up the mountains, while I prefer to go fast going downhill. We keep a good pace together in the flat spots. It is great to hike with the young guys! I did 1 1/2 miles of the approch trail and completed my birthday with 24 miles on the trail!
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Lante Creek Camp

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 31.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up at 5:30 am from Lante Creek Camp, packed up, and was on the trail by 6am for an hour of "night" hiking. I hiked over Blood Mountain, checked out the shelter, and went down Neels Gap. I got two frozen sandwiches and a coke! I am really starting to crave town food now. The shower wasn't working so I split and took off north. Nothing too eventful happened today! I did talk to RunDown who runs down hills and Casper, from Wisconsin, who is white as a ghost, hence the name. Physically and mentally I was in top form. I hiked mainly by myself into Indian Grave Gap to set up my tent after completing 31 miles! Everything went "my way" for MyWay today!
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Muscat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

Nothing much going on today other than the views! The crowds are starting to thin out since spring break is over. The trail is really starting to become nice and solitude, just the way I like it! I hiked till Muscat Creek Shelter and tented it. It was another really good day. Everything is working great! My knees, feet, and legs feel good.
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Muscat Creek Shelter

To: Franklin, North Carolina
Miles today: 28.4

I was excited to hike to Franklin today! I even woke up early again and "night" hiked until the sun came up. I have been resisting going into town but not tonight! I had just arrived at Winding Stair Gap when I ran into some other hikers waiting for transit into town. I caught the ride just in time. Town food is great! I really enjoyed a big meal at McDonalds. I had to take a totally of three showers today. The first one was needed just to look presentable in McDonalds! The second I had to take after the big meal, and the third to get some hot water to wash my cloths. When I came to check into Franklin Trail Hostel, trail legend Baltimore Jack checked me in. I also got to talk to Ron Haven, who I met my last trip on the trail. I plan on going to the free baptist breakfast tomorrow morning! They will come pick us up, feed us a nice hot breakfast, then drop us off back at the trail! We will see how it goes. It sounds pretty good thinking about it right now. I have to make a big day hiking tomorrow because I don't plan on carrying much food. I am excited to have some good town food in the next few days!
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Franklin, North Carolina

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up in Franklin today. I missed the baptist church breakfast because I over slept. I went to Hardee's and got four sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches. I gave one away, packed two, and quickly ate the last. I started hiking with young guy named Argon, a chemistry teacher. What a great guy to hike with. I left him at lunch time and never saw him again. I decided to push on to rufus Morgan Shelter. It had rained that day so I was lucky enough to find a spot in the shelter! What great luck!
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: clear sky

I got up quickly today and hiked an hour in NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) where I ate breakfast.I then headed up the mountain for a 3,500 foot elevation. I pushed on to Fontana dam where I had a good dinner at the grill. What a day! 30 miles!
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell's Fields Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I few out of Fontana Dam at the 11am check out. I caught the 11:30am shuttle to the start of my hike through the Smokey Mountains. There was flurries and lots of wind on my hike to the shelter. i got into Russell's Fields Shelter at 8:30pm, later than I wanted since I had lots of chorus to do. Karl, the Ridge Runner, was here. He is old and cranky but he is ok. I finished my first week with 180 miles. I feel so blessed thinking about my first weeks performance.
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Russell's Fields Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: few clouds

I left Russell Fields Shelter in 25 degree with lots of wind. i had to pack up fast and move out fasting order to get warn, I crushed pass Klingmans's Dome, which I have been up it before. Since I was sweaty and it was cold out I decided to pass it up this time. I hiked to Ice Water Spring Shelter, but the shelter was full so I had to pitch my tent in 20 degree weather. At least I made it another 30 miles today!
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Ice Water Spring

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I packed up and left in another 25 degree morning. With snow on the ground and the ice packed, I had to move fast to avoid the sun hitting it, making it slushy. After 15 miles, I started losing elevation and got out of the snowy area. I pushed onto Standing Bear Hostel. Another 30 mile day! Another great day for My Way.
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I knew rain was coming tonight so I left Standing Bear in a hurry. I did not want to set up and break down my tent in the rain so I pushed onto Hot Springs. It ended up being a 33 mile day. My longest yet! I checked in at Laughing Heart Hostel and headed into the local bar for cheeseburger and fries. I came back to a nice shower and feel asleep in the first real bed I have slept in for a while. It felt so nice.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Here I am in Hot Springs taking my first 0! No hiking today.I have been excited to take one for the last couple of days. I ate lots of town food and talked with lots of hikers. I was also able to FaceTime with my family. It is crazy how you miss the simple things, like seeing your home everyday. Tomorrow morning I will head out with a full tummy. Irwin is 70 miles away which will be my next big stop. I am in great spirits and have a smile on my face every time I get to call home.
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Hot Springs

To: Flink Moutain Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was ready to going after taking a zero. I used my light for the first hour of my hike. Leaving town is always hard due to having a full day supply of food and water. It makes my pack much heavier. The 2,000-3,000 elevation gain out of town doesn't help either. I hiked all day, other than a quick stop at Mom's grocery store to grab a Coca Cola & a fresh bottle of water. I ended up at Flink Mountain shelter late in the day. Due to the shelter being full I had to pitch my tent. I am starting to like being in my tent better anyways. There is no snoring or mice, and I can pack up early without disturbing the other hikers.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Flink Moutain Shelter

To: Two Week Mark
Miles today: 30.0

I woke up and headed out of the shelter area early this morning. Another day of hiking in the dark for an hour before the sun comes up. The seems to be my morning routine now. Nothing spectacular today except for the views. I went by a few fire towers but I decided not to climb them to save some time. I am feel mentally and physically great. I really pushed myself to make it to Erwin town, where I checked into Uncle Johnny's hostel. I like staying here because they offer shelters into town for all three meals. I took both the breakfast and lunch shuttle! Town food is too good to pass up. After going through my food supple, reorganizing, and packing up I left around 2:30pm. I'm still currently hiking and have not decided where I will end up at the end of my hike today. I can't wait to get some cold water tonight. It has been a hot day and cold water really zaps the heat out of you. Today will complete a two week total of roughly 350miles. An act like this can not be done alone. I would like to thank my wife for her constant support. Also my two daughters who have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. I would like to thank my youngest daughter Kelsey for writing my journal as I call them in. Thank you very much Kelsey. Among others who have helped are strangers. All the hostel owners who do such a great job. Thanks to my trail family who watches over me. It a beautiful thing to see us all take care of each other during this journey. What a great trip it has been so far. My Way is a very blessed person.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Flink Moutain Shelter

To: Damascus Virgina
Miles today: 110.0
Weather: few clouds

I arrived in Damascus Virginia today around 4pm! I was excited to hit the trail. i woke up at 5:15 and was hiking by 5:30. In the morning it has been pretty cold. I have to wear my gloves and hat. Once the sun comes up for a while I have to shed the extra layers to keep from sweating too much. That has been the norm the last four days. I have been doing around 25-30 miles a day, hiking till i have just enough light left to make camp, eat, and resupply on water. One day I even hitched hike into town with a women that was going tot McDonalds and Dollar General. Which was perfect, just the stopped I need to make.I got Ibuprofen and a few food ideas. I made sure to take advantage at McDonalds, a big mac value meal and hauled out three cheeseburgers to eat on the trail later. All of that only took 40 minutes and I was back out on the trail. All i do is eat, sleep, and hike. I think Ill have breakfast in Damascus tomorrow and head back on the trail with a full pack, full belly, and some good sleep.My feet are doing much better this week for some reason. I am staying at Crazy Larry's hostel. He did my laundry and I already had two meals in town. I even took town showers today, one before my meal in town and another after.
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Damascus Virgina

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Larry fixed us a great breakfast this morning; eggs, ham, potatoes, busiest, juice, THE WORKS!It was really good. I had to go down to the dollar general to resupply on a few things, mainly food. With my legs hurting from yesterdays hike I was in no hurry to leave. I stopped by Subway and grabbed a sandwich on my way out.By 10:30am I was leaving town, I hiked all the way to Lost Mountain Shelter where I found a spot!
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up at Lost mountain shelter and headed out in what I thought was the right direction. It took me a half a mile in to realize I was going the way! I turned around and made it up fast though. Lesson learned. Today I hiked over Mt Rogers at 5,700 elevation with rocks and roots most of the way. It was a very hard hike. I tried to get a spot at Old Orchard Shelter but it was full. We are expecting rain so I pushed an extra 4 miles to Hurricane Shelter where I found some space. Only four of us here: Magellian, Journey Men, Juice, and My Way.It is a good mix and Journey Men has a good fire going. Today I hiked over the 500 mile mark even though my legs are still hurting.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I woke up, I was sure glad that I pushed past the last shelter that was full. Hurricane shelter only had two people compared to the last shelter that was full due to the rain. I started off in light rain for 2-3 hours, cleared up for a couple hours, then rained for 3-4 hours before I got to Partnership Shelter. I cut the day short to dry things out One of the young guys made a nice fire which helped dry things out. After I grabbed some space I went down to Mt Rogers Visitors Center to grab a coke. Someone offered me half their supreme pizza, which I gladly took off their hands. What a great trail magic! As I hike it is still winter on top of the ridges, but spring is in full force in the valleys and the gaps.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I was up and out of the shelter by 5:30 today. I got into getting into Atkins, Virginia at 10 for breakfast, which is where I am now. I will grab a sandwich to go from the Barn Restaurant. I also got two days worth of supplies at the gas station. I am on the side of the highway now and probably won't get cell service later!
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Atkins Virginia

To: Blane Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I ended up at Knot Maul Branch Shelter last night! What a mix of people. A Danish person, a hobo with a dog, a girl from Norway, and a guy who was from STL just like me. I had a fairly good day. I pushed myself to get into town, stopping at US 52 to stick my thumb out to hitch hike. The first guy that came along picked me up. He took me into Blane Virginia, to the Dairy Queen, which had a hotel right across the street. Wow that was so easy. After eating, I washed a few cloths by hand and put them out to dry since I only had half hour of sunlight. I ate some more snacks then went right to bed.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Blane Virginia

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: mist

I went back to Dairy Queen in the morning and had to wait 10 minutes for them to open their doors at 7am. With the weather being good I didn't want to wait till check out time so I packed up and left. I walked to Dollar General Store and asked the first person I saw in the parking lot if they could spare me a ride to the US 52. He said sure and took me three niles to the trail head. What a dream come true! I was out hiking by 8:45am. I did't pass anything spectacular along the way. I passed on going to Trents Grocery store because I had a full pack and it was 1/2 mile off the trail. I pushed onto Wapiti Shelter. A doctor who was a through hiker was traveling with his daughter. She works in the emergency room like my daughter Lauren. The doctor was very impressed with my hike. I left two weeks after he did and was the first person he has ran into that started after him.
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburt Virginia
Miles today: 18.3

I woke up and could taste town food which really drove me today during my hike. I am excited to take a zero tomorrow. I hiked 18.3 to Pearisburt Virginia and went straight to Dairy Queen, the off to check into the hotel.After I went though my bag, showered, dried my tent & seeing bag, and took care of my hands and feet.I filed down all my nails, put on lotion, and anti fungi foot medicine. I headed back out to go to the Chinese Buffet. I had to make sure i didn't eat too much. I have over done it before on town food. I have;t had a love for food like this since my last time on the trail.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Pearisburt Virginia

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I took a zero in Pearisburt and all I did was eat town food. I sewed up some rides in my pants and fixed my gloves that were coming apart at the seam. I also got rid of some extra cloths I had not been using in order to make more room in my pack for food. It was a good day to take a zero since it rained all day. It has been so nice to hear from everyone in my guest book. I wanted to say hi to Mia and Macy. It was so great to hear from your family. My family is really looking forward to seeing you all again and excited to how you young ladies have grown up!
Date: 2016-05-01
From: Zero Day

To: Howard Johnson Express
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I took advantage of my zero and ate at Dairy Queen twice, the Chinese Buffet, and had Hardees breakfast on my way out. I carried four breakfast sandwiches with me as I left town. I hiked 24.4 miles to Baileys Gaos. I didn't see a whole bunch other than lots of rocks. It was a strong climb out of town, 2,000 feet elevation. With a full belly and a full pack of food, I was fueled up to make it to Baileys Gap. The next day I started hiking an hour before sunlight. I pushed hard to Niday Shelter. I could not see a whole bunch because if the fog but hiking was fine. I had another 1500 foot climb to start out the day. I walked past the Audie Murphy monument. He was the most decorated solider of World War Two and was killed in a plane crash near this spot. I hiked over McAfee Knob but was in a big cloud again so I wouldn't see very far out. There were many weekday hikers on the trail. I stopped at Catawba Mountain Shelter and for the first time this trip I had the shelter to myself.I was happy since I got to pick out the driest corner to keep everything from getting too wet. I slept in a cloud all night which made everything damp and musty. It rained again for the first four hours of my hike today. Everything got wet, not only from the mist but from the rain. I hiked over Tinker Cliffs, but town food was on my mind so I didn't stop for anything. As i got into Daleville the rain stopped. The sun started to come out as I checked into Howard Johnson Express. I was able to put all my wet gear out in the sun to dry. I did my wash and ate at Bojangles twice. I hiked 18 miles today. They predict more rain for tomorrow but I think I will head out no matter what the forecast says. I need a new food bag and shoes but I really don't want to wait around for the outfitters to open. I will decide if I should wait for the store to open after I look at the forecast again in the morning. It has been a busy last four days so I had to wait till the weekend and a night in town to catch Kelsey up on the last few days.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Howard Johnson Express

To: Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Since leaving Dalesville it has been raining on and off. I have been taking my shoes and socks off when I walk through streams, then taking my shirt off to dry my feet off with. I out my shoes and socks back on and I am on my way. There have been lots of rocks and roots with my shoes wet for days. It makes hiking hard. I headed into town one day to re stock on supply and to get a town shower. It had been two days since my last real shower. The thought of a hot shower made me push myself a little too hard and I got shin splints. I decided to do a double zero day in town, or should I say my body decided for me. But eating town food for two days sure won't hurt. Ill see how I feel tomorrow and probably be taking off to enter into Shenandoah National Park. Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there!
Date: 2018-04-05
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, North Carolina
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hey everyone, it¢s my way. I¢m in Franklin, North Carolina after 5 days of hiking. On Sunday, 13 family members and I celebrated Easter with brunch at the lodge. After my belly was full, we all walked down the road, said our goodbyes, and they watched me go up the approach trail.. I wanted to celebrate my 62nd birthday by starting the trail, so after the 8 mile hike, I stopped at Black Gap Shelter for the night. On April 2, I took off at 5am, and ¢night¢ hiked for 2 hours. It was a perfect day for hiking, but at 2:30pm it was already 80°. I knew it was time to find a place to stop. I pitched my tent and tried to cool off in the little amount of shade I could find. I made sure to take care of my feet try to eat. I do not have much of an appetite yet but it was a really nice night, dry & cool.Waking up Tuesday , April 3rd, was much like the day before. I started hiking at 5am, using my headlamp for the first 2 hours of my hike, which I don¢t mind. Laying in a sleeping bag after 7/8 hours gets old. Even though it was raining, I had some pretty views. I stopped at the first outfitters to clean my glasses, get a shower, Coke, and a frozen hamburger. It all felt and tasted great. Like I said, the weather started out great and cool like yesterday but quickly turn into a furnace at 80°. That¢s too hot in these hills when carrying a backpack, so I shut it down at 2:30pm and got in the shelter. There are no leaves on the trees here so I gets hot quickly. There are a lot of spring breakers and section hikers on the trail right now. They are usually keep a faster pace. I don¢t need to be sweating since it¢s hard to replace fluids. When the sun goes down, it¢s bedtime. It gets cold fast.Wednesday and Thursday were also great days for hiking. I hiked 31 miles on Wednesday. There are a lot of great young people on the trail. This morning I caught the Ron Haven shuttle into Franklin,North Carolina. I need to get some more food, do my laundry, eat some real food take care my feet, and shower. Franklin is 110 miles into my trip. It¢s hard to believe that at 62 Years old my body still performs when I ask it. How blessed I am
Date: 2018-04-09
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Resort
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I¢m here in Fontana Dam Resort. It¢s 11 o¢clock on Monday morning and I just got here two hours ago. I got up early from Cable Gap Shelter and walked miles into Fontana. The last two nights were rained on. I was glad to get here and dry all my stuff out. Real food taste good! Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, I will take off into the Smokies. I met a guy that I¢m going to try to hike with. He¢s 20 years younger and fast. It¢s still winter up in the mountains, but signs of spring are at the lower elevation. On a sad note, my family had to say goodbye to our little friend of 19 years. Our cat, Lilly, passed away after 19 wonderful years together. Goodbye Lilly, I will miss you.