morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-30
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mrs. Montgomery did my laundry. I shopped for resupply. I feel great today. What a difference a shower and a night in bed make. Nice visits today with Boots and Books, she is also at the b&b and is from Australia, and with Trotter, a lady I met in the Smokies. She splits time in Raytown and Neosho, MO. I'mdoing this on the swing outside as there is no wifi here, but the town has it.
Date: 2016-05-02
From: Damascus

To: Just past Highway 58
Miles today: 17.1

The big news is that I got my legs. I am still slow, but I was able to climb out of town with an extra 10 pounds of food in my pack. I could keep walking without frequent stops to breathe and without pain in my hamstrings. Except for last Friday that was dry, the rain continued. It started after 4 p.m. I got a break and was able to setup my tent during a brief lull in the rain. It was still warm and I saw 6 large black snakes on a big bridge on the Creeper Trail. I also saw many swallowtails, a woodpecker, and my first rhododendron blossoms. With all the rain, there was lots of water on the trail.
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Just past Highway 58

To: Wise Shelter 
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Tough day. Not only did I make the climb up to the highest point of the AT in VA, but the descent was steep and rocky. This was really hard on the bottom of my feet. This area has wild ponies who live in the Grayson Highlands. It was very cool today. Besides 47 ponies, I also saw my first rabbit on the trail, squirrels, and chipmunks. I slipped and fell on a wet root. Not hurt at all, but it is a reminder that a serious slip could end this hike. I thought I had cleared all the ponies when I heard a loud whinny from the woods. I saw a pony and wondered what the issue was. Then, from the other side of the trail and ahead of me came a colt. He walked right down the trail right at me. I moved to the side to let him pass. As he reached me, he stopped and waited next to me until I petted him. Then we both turned and went our ways.
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Before Timpi Shelter 

To: Relax Inn near Atkins, VA 
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I planned to be here in 2 days, not 1. It rained hard last night. I took down a very wet tent. I got to the famous Partnership Shelter in the afternoon. I ordered a pizza delivered to the trail. In the afternoon, it rained and snowed a lot. I decided to quit whenever I got a break in the rain. I wanted to put up the tent not in the rain. It never stopped. I kept walking. It got dark. Eventually I reached the Motel that I had a reservation for the next night. I had hiked more than 2 miles more than my record on the AT. The trail was so wet that several times I skied down the trail. I came to a mountain road in the morning and was greeted by an excited Slow. Last year they gave us the keys to their car for a week. We promised to take the car to their destination while we got transportation to get a rental car to get to our daughter Melissa's for special grandchildren events. How trusting! None of us knew the names of each other in the real world. It is always good to see old trail friends.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Relax Inn near Atkins, VA 

To: Lick Creek campground 
Miles today: 18.1

Today I passed a number of NOBOS going south with slack packs. NOBO means north bound. Slack pack is just snacks and water. There are many people making a living driving hikers to make it an easier hike. I fell crossing a small stream on a slick rock. Scenery was not spectacular. It rained in the morning a little. Saw David and Sarah, Tullwun, Bald Eagle, Hoodie and Johnny B Good.   Camping with Hyku.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: Lick Creek campground 

To: Hunting Creek Campground 
Miles today: 16.7

This is the area where I saw 3 bear cubs in 2006. Moxie and Sunshine topped me by seeing 3 cubs and mom. Saw the twins again today at the shelter. It has been remodeled and improved. The trail had no big climbs, but lots of small rocky ups and downs. All the hikers complained.
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Hunting Creek Campground 

To: Campsite at mile 596.2
Miles today: 17.6

I got trail magic today from 2006 hiker Comfortably Numb. Met Off Center and hiked with him for hours. Met Umgawa and saw the Warrior Twins, David and Sarah. It was good tread and I quit early when I got a signal so I could talk to Ivana Sherpa. I really miss her. Warmer today.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Campsite at mile 596.2

To: Before the Ribble Trail 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

It rained a lot during the night. It was not when I awoke at 5:20. I was all packed inside my tent when the sky fell in. I just laid down to sleep. That was at 6. At 7 I awoke and it was still pouring. At 8,I awoke and there was no rain so I took down the tent, retrieved my food bag, ate, packed and hiked out at 8:45. It was a very late start. I did 17.6 miles with a late start. Met Moxie and Sunshine. Walked with them over an hour. Passed the Kimberling Bridge and passed up the side trip to Dismal Falls. Very sloppy trail today.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Before the Ribble Trail 

To: Holy Family Church Lawn
Miles today: 21.3

In spite of a rocky trail I did well. I decided to go into Pearisburg to get a motel room and eat restaurant food. When I got to town there was no rooms left. I also had no phone signal so I could not call the motel across the river. While standing in the motel parking lot I heard Old Drum called out from 2 directions. One was a young hiker who brought me a box of Girl Scout Cookies. The other was from a car. It was Travis and Tom, the Warrior hikers. A local had loaned them a car for the weekend. They took me the 3 miles to the church. After I got my tent up, they drove me to dinner. Did I not sat they were nice. Lots of young hikers there that I knew. After wanting a dirt trail tread instead of the rocks I had most of the day, it began to pour hard. I got my wish and the trail down to town was steep and now slick. After 2 miles of slick I fell just 100 yards from the road to town. I was a muddy mess.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Holy Family Church Lawn

To: Holiday Lodge Motel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The twins drove me to the grocery store after packing up my very wet tent from heavy rain all night. I planned to just hike on without a rest, but thought I would check at the motel to see if there was a cancelation. They had a room and I got my rest. Had my food, did my laundry and napped. Good day.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Pearisburg Holiday Lodge Motel 

To: Before Weak Spring 
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: broken clouds

Strong mileage day considering 6 days of food in my pack and the climb out of town. Hiked most of the day with a Florida newspaper publisher named Alpaca. I got up early and had breakfast at Hardee's with older locals. Crossed the New River on a 4 lane vehicle bridge with a separate pedestrian lane. For the first time in a while, it did not rain. The trail tread was ideal most of the day.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Before Weak Spring 

To: House Ruins 
Miles today: 17.8

Tread was not as good, but another day without rain. I again hiked with Alpaca a lot. Had a late day tough water crossing. There was also a tough killer climb at days end. Also saw Sarah and David, Bambi, Panda, Whiplash, Can Do and Back Cracker, Elsa and Snickers.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: House Ruins 

To: Niday Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It poured all night and we'll into the day. I tried to wait for the rain to stop, but I just wasted hiking time by staying in my tent for a break in the rain. I ended up taking down my tent in the rain. It was harder than yesterday with the rain and a ridge line of several miles called the Ledges. I slipped 3 times on wet rocks that were smooth, wet, and on 45 degree angles. Murf,Snickers and Elsa helped me. Two of the falls were easy, but the other really hurt my left hip. Also saw Echo, Forest, Sarah and David, and Alpaca who has bad shin splint.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Niday Shelter 

To: Campsite before VA 624 
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

This was a very painful day. The hip injury from Tuesday hurt all day. It especially hurt when I got up or down. Had lunch with Forest, Sarah and David. I did not take the side trip to Dragon's Tooth. This time I did make the trip. It is an awesome rock. The trail down from that area is nuts. It is so tricky without rain, but of course it rained this afternoon. I got great help from Murph, Doolittle, Snickers and Elsa.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Campsite before VA 624 

To: Howard Johnson Motel 
Miles today: 1.2
Weather: broken clouds

I could not sleep. The pain was severe. I decided to get to a doctor to check things out. I got a ride to Daleville. Once I got cleaned up. I went to a clinic where I was x-rayed for a break. Good news is that there is no break. However, I have a deep purple bruise that is 8" by 6" solid. Told to take massive amounts of ibuprofen, ice the bruise and elevate the hip.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Howard Johnson Motel 

To: Wilson Creek 
Miles today: 10.8

Today I was released to begin hiking. I was told to keep it from 5 to 10 miles. If things are OK, I can do more tomorrow. I was not allowed to stretch today and for the first time on any hike my calves hurt. The hike was so short that I took many long breaks and still quit early. I am camping alone near Wilson Creek. On this spot was once a charcoal factory. Met Ron Paul and his partner Smash. Saw the couple from Utah that I last saw on Blood Mountain. Also saw Bumpy, Sarah and David today.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Wilson Creek 

To: Cove Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Today I reached the Blue Ridge Parkway. This gave me several new opportunities. There were trash cans, picnic tables and car pullouts with great views. I got a phone signal and called Ivana Sherpa. She tells me that cars are not currently allowed on that part of the Parkway. The hip was OK on the hike and yesterday's calf issue is gone. I quit very early again, but was very tired.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Cove Mountain Shelter 

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Last night was really hard on me. I got very little sleep as the hip throbbed all night. I reached Cornelius Creek Shelter by 3 p.m. and quit really early. There was a young German couple there who had also quit for the day. The next shelter and the next campsite were banned from camping because of aggressive bears in the area. That meant that I would have to do over 20 miles on my still tender hip. Today was my second day in a row with no rain. Saw several interesting lizards today. Met Salami, a PCT 15 thru hiker. Also saw the Germans, Out Back and the two sisters, one who reminds me of Hallie Anderson.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter 

To: Marble Spring 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I have camped or hiked part of each of the days this week with Bumpy. Today I hiked with him all day. I got ahead of him on the last of a climb. I waited at the Guietine to take his picture. Several other hikers passed and I took their photos. It is a fun formation. Jingles and Sweets, who I first met in the Smokies were at my final campsite along with ETA, and many other hikers. This is the only campsite for many miles because of closures of shelters and campsites because of bears. I got a text from Ivana Sherpa that she was on the way to pick me up at James River Bridge.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Marble Spring 

To: James River Bridge 
Miles today: 7.6

Bumpy and I hiked together today. We got to the Foot Bridge before 10. Ivana was walking down the trail towards us. It was so good to see her. She had done some trail magic for hikers before I arrived. She did some for Jingles and Sweets plus several others before taking Bumpy to Glasgow for his resupply. We said goodbye to him and several other hikers at the town hiker shelter and then drove to Belmont, NC to see our oldest daughter's family.
Date: 2016-05-28
To: Home 
Miles today: 0.0

When I started, I thought I might thru hike the AT again. I learned the following. At 70, I have stronger legs for walking than I did at 60. I am still slow, but I can hike 12 hours a day. I have regained my 60 year old throwing arm. Last year on the 388 mile AT section hike with my wife, I could not get my food bag hung without help. This time I had help only twice and I think I could have done those with more time. I also learned that my sense of balance is not good enough. I spent the last winter working on my throwing arm and I got better. I will be working on balance now as well. Finally, I already knew that the biggest thing a thru hiker needs is a strong desire to go all the way. I tried, but I just never got the "want to." I also came to the realization that there are 3 passions in my life right now. They are hiking, wrestling and my wife, Ivana Sherpa or BJ. 6 months is more than I want to be away from her at the remaining years I have left. Before this hike 4 of my last 5 hikes had been with her. The only one without her, I quit because I was lonely. I told her that unless she was with me, all my remaining hikes will be confined to 500 miles. The hip is still bothering me, but just barely. There is a possible bike ride across Nebraska in early July. We will be celebrating 50 years of marriage this July in Wheeling, WV. Thank you for following my hike and for the nice notes of support. Many blessings for you. See you later Judy. Old Drum
Date: 2016-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I finished packing today, a full 2 days early!!! My best buds at Rockfish Gap Outfitters helped me with my pack and my Sawyer filter. Then my pack weighed 27 pounds! I was hoping for 26, so I will tweak the food down a little bit. I still have some loose ends to tie up in Waynesboro, then I can relax and wait for Friday to ride to Georgia.
Date: 2016-03-17
To: Testing my full pack
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday, I packed up; today IWOX around the neighborhood with the full pack. Yesterday, it seemed heavy; today it felt great. The teens next door were impressed. If I remember correctly, it is not easy to impress teens. My guest book is now up. Thank you Cathy Benton for being the first to sign it. Cathy deserves to be first because she will be my scribe, and I look forward to being in touch regularly like the good old days in 2007. Thanks to the others who have signed and thanks especially for the words of encouragement. I have a few loose end to tie up on Thursday, then on to Georgia on Friday.
Date: 2016-03-18
To: Dahlonega Georgia!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The time is now. At 7 AM my wonderful husband will drop me off, to then be separated for six months. That will be the hardest part of this trip. Fortunately, we are blessed to have Zobbie, our Corgi/BorderCollie to help hold down the fort in Crimora. My friends, Larry and Brenda are taking me to Georgia, dropping me at the Hiker Hostel, then heading to see their son and his family. See you on this sight, and I hope to see many of you at some point of my hike.Hiker Hostel - photo by Bama, 2006
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Dahlonega Georgia!

To: Hawk Mtn. Shelter - Day 1
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Springer Mountain SimmitGreat first day, 9 miles. Low signal. Tim says my Trail Angels may need ear surgery.Larry and BrendaOne Year Later: Oh, what a sad day this is. I miss the Trail. I feel like it was years ago instead of just one year. I remember thinking the first day on the Trail was so easy! I could not imagine that it would become hard. The best part of the day was meeting Ken. I saw Ken and his wife Kim after I summited Springer and headed North, they were heading up Springer. A few hours later, Ken came to a shelter where I was taking a break. He said hello and moved on. A while later I caught up with him. As we began sharing about our lives, Ken said, " I am a Christian." I remember thinking, "Thank you, God for having both of us start the Trail the same day." Ken and I hiked together for 300 miles and 30 days until his back would not let him hike further. He is the first of my new "Friends for Life."
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Hawk Mtn. Shelter

To: Gooch Gap - Day 2
Miles today: 9.1

Texted: I only have one bar on phone so I couldn't call. Yesterday I had my first trail magic right at supper: hot dogs, fruit & hot apple cider. Today I hit snowstorm Regis, but I'm in a cabin!Yesterday's hiking was easy and today was a few hills.>>>>TAP PICTURE TO MAKE LARGER! My Cabin LoftOne Year Later: Southpaw joined us this morning. He said he hiked too fast the first day, so we would slow him down! Sometime during the day, Ken hatched the idea to go to his wife's cabin for the night. We jumped at the chance. Hiking thru snow flurries for the last mile, we arrived at Gooch Gap where Trail Magic was set up, but they did not offer us any. Then Kim showed up with Pizza! Ha Ha. The cabin was fantastic, made even better with the promise of a slack pack and another night tomorrow.
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Gooch Gap

To: Neels Gap - Day 3
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light snow

I was able to slack pack today with Ken and Southpaw. Ken's wife, Kim, dropped us off where we left off yesterday at Gooch Gap. We hiked 15 miles to Neels Gap where there's a great Outfitter store. Ken re-outfitted; a new backpack, water system, hiking poles and insoles. Ken & Kim's cabin is about 1/4 mile from the gap. I feel very fortunate to be able to spend another night here! I ran into Pretzel at Neels Gap, he stayed at our home in 2012!One Year Later: Blood Mountain was the first real challenge, even with a slack pack. The views from the summit were great. We arrived at Neel's Gap at 6 PM and Kim took us back to the cabin for a spaghetti supper. I was so blessed to hike with Ken and Southpaw.
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap -Day 4
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

received quick phone call/message from Jill early morning, 3/23: We hiked til 6:30 last night, made it to Low Gap. It was BEAUTIFUL, full moon. We were in bed by 8:00pm. There were 50 people at this shelter, only 4 were able to sleep inside... lost connection, so hopefully more info later!Trail Magic 3rd DayPop's photo - great source of water, north of Low GapOne Year Later: At the Walasi-Yi Outfitters, I purchased a new sleeping bag from Pretzel. I gave up the borrowed Man's 20 degree bag which was heavier and bulkier. Ken bought a new pack, lightening his load by a few pounds, also with a better fit for additional comfort. We said goodbye to Kim for now. The campsite was beautiful at Low Gap, as we camped beside a stream. I was happy with my first double digit day with a full pack. Since I had broken my ankle a year ago, I had been concerned that the ankle would not hold up, especially since Signage had to go home for that reason. The ankle was never a problem.
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Low Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter - Day 5
Miles today: 7.3

Last night when I reached the shelter, my feet were killing me, but when I laid down for awhile, they were just fine! Today we stopped at Blue Mountain Shelter at 1:30 but we may hike on to Hiawasee as there is rain in the forecast.More info from previous days: I met Southpaw and Ken five miles into my hike on the first day. Ken and Kim are from Michigan. Southpaw is from Indiana and is 66 years old. Kim rented the cabin for 3 days to be used to help slack pack, very grateful for that!I've noticed that there are handicap bars installed on the privies and each has handicap access. I find this very odd, who would be up here in a wheelchair? Southpaw, Ken, IWOXKim and KenWerdigo's photo of Blue Mtn Shelter & Bear CablesOne Year Later: Our first Shelter! We did not continue to Hiawassee, but planned to hike the 1.5 miles, then go to town for a motel. Q-Tips was at the shelter and planned to hike to town for a 12 pack and bring it back. He was gone less than 2 hours. He got a hitch to town and back and hiked 3 miles in that short time. I continue to be amazed at what the younger crowd can do, because I certainly cannot keep up with them.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap, GA - Day 6
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: broken clouds

We left the shelter about 8:40am but 10 minutes into the hike I remembered I may not have packed my rain coat. I checked, sure enough, hurried back while others guarded my backpack, disaster averted! We reached Unicoi Gap about 10:30 where a Christian Group was cooking hamburgers for hikers, called "Minding the Gap". I think it was the biggest hamburger I have EVER eaten! We sat there and relaxed for 2 1/2 hours while watching the other hikers (about 30) coming down the hill, moving left to right. We thought they looked like a pin ball machine! We caught a ride with Karate Kid and Joe into Hiawassee. Karate Kid will be a Triple Crowner by the end of the year!Even though I've done the needed chores, like laundry, it's been a nice relaxing day.My firsts: first Hotel, first Hitch, first AYCE Buffet (photo next page)Interesting fact about Southpaw: He thru-hiked the AT in 2008 even though he got lime disease during that time. Trail Magic at Unicoi GapAt least a half a pound hamburger!Karate Kid, IWOX, Joe, Southpaw, KenFirst HotelSnowdrop FlowersOn Year Later: My first Nero Day, that is hiking very low miles. I continued to be concerned about mileage, as Katahdin was always looming in my mind, and I seemed rushed to hike, hike, hike. But it was nice to relax and enjoy my first trail town experience.
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Unicoi Gap, GA

To: Sassafras Gap - Day 7
Miles today: 10.5

I had a great breakfast this morning in Hiawassee at Subway, a sandwich and a drink for $3.Tonight, I'm in a tent at Sassafras Gap. Our plan tomorrow is to hike to Dick's Creek Gap, 6.3 miles, take the 11:00 shuttle (if we are able to get there in time) back to Hiawassee, get a hotel and attend Sunday's sunrise service, and a regular church service later. So far, I have no blisters but I have treated a hot-spot. My shoes are high top Merrills. At Neel's Gap, I bought a new sleeping bag, the one I was using was borrowed. Pretzel works at the outfitter there and he sold it to me.Interesting story: on our first day hiking, we met a hiker, name unknown, his dog's name was Mo. The hiker had lost his pack cover. A couple of days later three hikers walked into camp and asked if we had lost a pack cover. Shortly after that, a Ridge Runner came in and I asked him if he could return it to the hiker we saw camped a little further south of us. Then today, seven days later, we learned that he did get it back, another example of Trail Magic!Hanging Food Bags with Limey at Sassafras GapSouthpawMy First AYCE (all you can eat) Buffet, called Daniel'sCompliments of my former co-workers! One Year Later: I loved this day, because it was the day we met Limey. Funny that Southpaw helped him hang the bear bags. 4 months later, Limey tried to help some ladies in New York hang their bear bags and he couldn't get the bear line up. Then White Owl hung the line. Those ladies then housed Limey in Vermont, but never contacted White Owl. They must have been attracted to Limey's British accent! The last time I saw Limey was in Massachusettes, after seeing him in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, New York, Connecticut and Massachusettes, half of the 14 states and over 1400 miles. We still keep in touch and I hope to see him sometime.