morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-06
From: lost mountain shelter

To: Elk grove VA600
Miles today: 8.6

Well it stopped raining at 4:30 and I knew it was time to get up ,put on those wet smelly clothes and answer the call of nature and retrieve my food bag. I stepped out of my tent and it was so dark and foggy I couldn't see 10 ft. No privy for me, go dig a cat hole. I cooked breakfast and packed up. I was the first out of camp and hiking by 7:00. A mile later I realized I had forgot my bear rope on the ground so back I went for it. It really does pay to take a minute and look around B4 taking off! Today I wanted to hike another 16 and it wasent raining! About 4 miles into the day I had a 2000 ft climb and noticed this white stuff by a tree. Some kind of fungus I thought? A Poke with hiking pole revealed it was snow. Okay I am from Alaska I can handle a little snow right? Well it got deeper and slushier. The temp kept dropping and I knew this was going to suck. But I had to get over this mountain and drop down to warmer temps. At the top of the mountain the wind kicked up for a minute it was white out and the temp was in the 20s. This is Virginia in May? My pack continued to dig into my shoulders only making it worse. I Decided at the next road crossing to go back to Damascus and switch packs and warm up. Well I am one lucky guy as there were a husband and wife trail angels handing out snacks! They were about to wrap it up for the day and drove to town. Someone really is watching out for me.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: elk garden 

To: mile 506 tent site
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: mist

Well readers my zero day was well spent. I felt that I really did need to get a new pack or this trip would have been over. I caught the shuttle to elk garden and continued my hike north. Grayson Highlands is a beautiful area but today it was very stormy .The Wind was knocking me over and the clouds were racing past. One of the highlights of the day was seeing the ponies that everyone talks about. They are very tame and will let you pet them on the head. After 13 1/2 miles I came upon a beautiful campsite 25 yards from a stream and called it a day .The other big highlight of the day is passing the 500 mile mark. I can't believe I have walked this far!
Date: 2016-05-09
From: mile 506 tent site

To: mile 525.5 tent site
Miles today: 19.1

Last night was probably the best night sleep I've had on the trail. The campsite I Choose was in a beautiful area and there was no wind and it was very peaceful . Today I hiked 19.1 miles the big climb of the day was going over iron Mountain which was quite a workout. Virginia has a lot of rocks on the trail it reminds me a lot of Pennsylvania. The highlight of today was walking through a beautiful farmers field it truly was like the the sound of music . I also saw my second snake of the trip it was about 4 foot long and black I think they call them rat snakes and they are non-poisonous .
Date: 2016-05-10
From: mile 525.5 tent site

To: Marion Virginia
Miles today: 8.6

Today was an easy day as I hiked 8.6 miles to the road crossing at Mount Rogers national Park headquarters. I suck at hitchhiking so I called and found out the shuttle would show up in an hour. For $.50 they pick you up and drive you into town which is actually a great deal. Marion is a big town and spread out .I booked a room in the budget inn and have a king size bed and a hot shower. I will resupply and try to eat up while I'm here to put on some more weight .
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Marion Virginia

To: Atkins Va
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I will catch the shuttle back to Mount Rogers visitor center and proceed with my hike. The plan is to high 12 miles to Atkins Virginia to the relax inn where I have a maildrop .I will be getting my summer bag and mailing my winter back home which should save me some weight on my pack. I have enjoyed my stay in Marion they have a lot of good restaurants. I had a huge milkshake at Sonic , another restaurant that isn't in Alaska.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Atkins Va

To: Va42 Slack pack
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

So today was my first day reverse slack packing. The owner of the relax inn shuttled me ahead and I hiked back(with a day pack) to his hotel. I didn't think I would do this on my trip, but given my weight loss ,I figured I could use an easy day and more town calories. It was fun to see all the hikers I have been on the trail with. Many thought I had got lost again and was hiking the wrong way! Today I crossed many cow pastures that require you climb over fence stiles. The highlight of the day was crossing the 1/4 done mark. When I saw that sign I thought I just might make it. I finished the day eating at a very good Mexican restraunt connected to an Exxon gas station .I also bought five protein drinks to swig tonight.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Va42 Slack pack

To: camp site mile 571.1
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

My slack pack day yesterday and two days of town food seems to have really helped. My new ULA circuit pack also is helping with my shoulder problem. Today I got shuttled back to VA42 and started my hike .I recommend the relax Inn in Atkins. It is run by a nice family from India. I had three climbs today. The finale climb was a long four miles up to Chestnut Knob shelter. The views from the bald were spectacular. I found a nice campsite on a ridge for the nightAnd as a bonus I have cell connection!
Date: 2016-05-14
From: camp site mile 571.1

To: campsite mile 591.7
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a long day .I hiked 20.6 miles but the trail was pretty easy. This morning coming down from chestnut ridge I walked over several petrified rocks with roots in them. I know these mountains are some of the oldest in the world. I got caught in a rainstorm in the afternoon but nothing to bad. After walking in the forest for what seemed forever ,the trail sent us on a road walk over a busy interstate. I filtered water and climbed the last mile to my camp site. The temp is suppose to get down to 36deg with wind gusts to 25 mph. Hope my summer bag keeps me warm!
Date: 2016-05-15
From: campsite mile 591.7

To: dismal creek mile 614.1
Miles today: 22.4

Last night the wind blew steady, but tent site was sheltered in the trees so I was protected. At the end of the day your tired and really want to settle for any spot. But it pays to look around. The wind continued to blow all day and it's cold for May. I wore 2 layers and a raincoat and wool hat all day. The terrain has gotten easier so today I hiked 22.4 miles. There hasent been much views unless you count crossing under power lines I found a nice spot next to a dismal creek for the night.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: dismal creek mile 614.1

To: pearisburg Va mile 635.8
Miles today: 21.7

Well last night was cold! I didn't expect this but I guess the east coast is way below normaI. I have a 30 deg bag and I slept with all my clothes on. I was warm but just barely. I may need to buy a space blanket. Today I hiked 21.7 miles to pearisburg and a hotel for the night. When I got to the road crossing I was joined by three other hikers and a dog. It is about a mile road walk to town so we all started walking with our thumbs out.Soon a Honda Accord stopped and we all piled in. Turns out the driver was the mayor of narrows Va the next town over. He drove us to the hotel and insisted on giving us $50 for dinner! We were all blown away...thank you Clayton! We all went out for Mexican dinner, than resupply at food lion. Two of the hikers are going back out on the trail tonight.Such dedication.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: pearisburg Va mile 635.8

To: zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Well I tried to leave this town but it didn't quite work as planned. On this trip you have to be able to be flexible. I was packed up and ready to leave all I needed was to purchase a canister of fuel for my stove. The general hardware store sold fuel but the owner closed because of sickness. Myself and another hiker decided to walk the 2 miles in the rain to Walmart . Surely they would have it. Of course we get there and they're sold out. When is it coming in? We don't know. By this time it's 1030 and check out is 11 at the hotel which means I'm staying another day here. I did find a place that opened later in the day that sold fuel. I guess the day off help me recover.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: zero day

To: mile 655 camp site
Miles today: 21.4

I was packed up and on the 1 mile road walk out of town at 6:45am. Today continued to be cold and windy. It rained for 90% of the day. 21.4 miles later I found a camp site tucked in some trees. In addition to my shoulder pain I now have developed a nerve pain in my left hip on my belt. I stuck a piece of mole skin on it to help defuse the pain. Even though I gorge in town I can't seem to put weight on.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: mile 655 camp site

To: mile 670.2 campsite
Miles today: 14.9

Today was another day of walking thru a minefield of rocks and mud. Not many views but the sun did come out briefly. So I stopped at a road crossing and ate lunch .I was joined by Jelly and his dog Maggie. He walked with me to Walmart the other day to look for fuel.I gave Maggie some pepperoni, now she mooches every time we meet. I was going to hike farther but when I saw this camp site ,I was done for the day.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: mile 670.2 campsite

To: mile 687.4 campsite
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Today was a tough day of climbing. Virginia is not easy,yet. Today I walked past the Keffer oak.The largest oak tree on the southern AT. Having worked in a lumberyard I often wonder how many 2x4s or sheets of plywood come out of that. I see a lot of downed oak trees on my hike. I guess it's to hard to haul out to a mill. With the threat of thundershowers this afternoon,I quickened my pace looking for a campsite .I found a beautiful spot in a grove of oaks with a creek near by. I was able to set up my tent, filter water, eat dinner, hang my bear bag and predig my cat hole, all before it started to rain. Whew!
Date: 2016-05-21
From: mile 687.4 campsite

To: Daleville
Miles today: 14.2

Well it rained all night, but I stayed dry in my zpack tent. It is always hard to get up and get going on rainy days. I tend to get up between 4:30-5:00 everyday. Its a challenge to find my bear bag in the dark and fog. Today I climbed up a mountain to visit the Audie Murphy Memorial. He was the most decorated solder of WW2, a true American hero! When you look at the trail guide and see a mountain, you never know what to expect the terrain to be. Lately they have been minefields of rocks .Half of this mountain was a logging road and I was able to make good time. The second climb of the day was up and over dragons tooth. It was a slow jungle gym crawl , sliding , crawling trying not to make a wrong step and twist or break something .When I arrived at the road crossing I decided to catch a shuttle to Daleville ,where I have some new shoes-coming.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Daleville

To: double zero
Miles today: 0.0

After consulting with my better half,I elected to stay another night in Daleville. For one it's a pretty cheap hotel and I can use the rest and town calories. A half a mile walk down a busy road is a strip mall with a Kroger store an outfitter a coffee shop and a BBQ / Bar,What more could a hiker need? I ate three nights at the three little pigs BBQ. It was delicious! Mention that your a hiker and you get free banana pudding! One thing I have noticed in this town, is even though you are wearing a bright blue raincoat in a crosswalk you are invisible to cars. Most of this country is not planned out for pedestrians .I think every driver in this country should park there cars and get off there fat ass and walk for a day. I have gained a new appreciation for the basic things in life that hikers consider a luxury. A clean warm bed , clean water, indoor plumbing,good food. This trip continues to teach me things.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: double zero

To: mile 746.1 Bobbets gap shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I enjoyed my rest in town but it was time to get back hiking. The climb out of town is alway tough with a full resupply and the weather is now in the upper 80s. I was told by another hiker that we are 1/3 done with trail and over half done with Virginia. How cool is that? I stopped to filter water at the Bobbets gap shelter where a group of Boy Scouts had taken over the shelter. I Don't mind since I tent but many thru hikers walk from shelter to shelter. I found a flat spot after18.6miles and shared it with ETA a former Alaskan.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: mile 746.1 Bobbets gap shelter

To: past cornelius shelter mile 765.6
Miles today: 19.5

Last night I slept with both vestibules open on top of my bag. The temperature has really gotten warmer. Today the trail popped out and over the blue ridge parkway. There are some beautiful views and I was able to unload my trash at the parking lot trash cans. Another thing I won't have to carry. At one of the road crossings someone had left a six pack of cokes on a footbridge. It was 8:00 am but it sure tasted good! At cove mountain I crossed paths with a curious deer who got to with in 10 ft.of me .At around 1:30 I came across a beautiful camp spot next to a creek,I was tempted to stay but it was to early to stop. Just past that creek was the Bryant ridge shelter and it was just past that that I heard a rattler just before I stepped on him. I have a theory that because there are so many mice at shelters they also attract snakes. Yet another reason why I don't like shelters. The climb up Floyd mountain was making me wish I had stayed by the creek.After 19.5 miles I found a spot and am sharing it with Chicken feathers a section hiker from Georgia.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: past cornelius shelter mile 765.6

To: James river footbridge m 784.5
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

As I started out hiking today, little did I know this would be the end of my hike. The bugs nailed me last night and I have many bites on my legs. Today was another hot day and mostly down hill and about 2:00 is when my left shin started sounding off. A little pain at first then progressively worse. I took Tylenol and wrapped my bandana around it but with each step I got slower and slower. The hikers that walked past me asked if I was alright. Well with time I made to the James river footbridge and as luck would have it a Trail Angel pulled up and asked if we needed a lift! I really can't believe my luck on this trip! So Chad, chicken feathers and I are off to a hotel in Buena Vista.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: James river footbridge m 784.5

To: The end of my hike
Miles today: 0.0

All my endings are my beginnings. We got picked up yesterday by Don and Betty two wonderful people who drove us to the hotel then CVS and dinner! You don't know how much I appreciate there generosity limping off the trail with no cell service! A little while back a group of us hikers had a talk about why we put our selfs through all of this pain and suffering. I have known for a while that I wasent going to make it all the way. I have lost 25# and have daily shoulder ,Hip pain. And the shin was just the straw that broke the camels back. So about midnight I texted Linda and we rented a car in Lynchburg.I have a hotel in Baltimore and a ticket back home.
Date: 2016-12-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is my first entry since getting off the trail, sorry for the long delay. I have decided to return next year where I got off the trail. It took about two weeks for my shin to heal. I don't feel bad about my decision to end my hike this year. I had a wonderful time and now have a lifetime of memories of the people and places I got to see and know. Clingmans dome, max patch, big bald and the roan highlands were a few of my favorite places.Before going on this hike I planned and trained for years.But there are the unknown things that you can't plan for, like loosing 25 lbs before Hot springs and getting hit with shin splints. By the way shin splints were the number one injury I saw on the trail. I blame my self for going downhill too fast to get to town and a good meal.
Date: 2016-12-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

With about 11 weeks before i start my hike, I have been reminiscing about last year and what I did right and what I did wrong. No matter how much you read on long distance hiking, its one of those things that has to be experienced to really hit home. What I did right: Got most of my gear dialed in (except pack) Great timing of the start.Got my self in decent shape. And had great weather(not really anything i did!) What i did wrong. A much longer list! Didn't listen to my body, walked too far, too fast.Thru hiking has a cumulative way of wearing you down. I lost 25# in 4 weeks and didn't realize it till i stepped on the scales in Erwin.Tried to keep up with faster hikers. Didn't take enough breaks and lunch. Once i got walking I wanted to keep going rather than stop and start again.I wish i had taken more pictures of people and the trail, even on bad days. So with this knowledge and experience I am hoping to learn to slow down and smell the Rhododendrons!
Date: 2017-05-22
From: VA624 four pines

To: Campbell shelter m712.7
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Last year I got off the trail and got a ride to Daleville. I missed the 27 mile section that has one of the most iconic peaks on the trail.So there was no question I had to come back and hike this section.After a long commute from Alaska via plane,taxi and Amtrak I landed in Lynchburg Va.The next day I secured a shuttle to the very spot I got off. It had rained all night but cleared up and I started the climb at eleven o'clock.
Date: 2017-05-24
From: James river footbridge

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Today I  shuttled to M784.1 the James river, where I got off the trail in 2016 with shin splints. It was a little forbidding because I was depressed getting off the trail here. It is always nice to know you can return and finish your hike. Today was a rainy day and the higher I climbed up to bluff mountain the winder and colder it got. I was low on water and ended up hiking an extra two miles up and down salt log gap trail in effort to no avail to find water. I found a semi protected tent spot under some trees at punchbowl shelter. Many other tenters were not so lucky and tented in an area that reminded me of the woodstock mud.
Date: 2017-05-25
From: Punch bowl shelter

To: Buena Vista VA
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

The rain continues today, always fun packing up a wet tent. The trail was mostly a creek all day. After a while I didn't even try to avoid the water, just walk through it. The big highlight today was passing 800 miles! I arrived at US 60 and called a shuttle to the Buenna vista Inn. The sun came out while I was waiting and I layed  my gear out in the parking lot  area to dry.The shuttle driver took a long time to pick me up. Turns out the police set up a speed trap leaving town and he got a ticket.I guess they need the money.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: US 60 Buena vista VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

After a restful night in town, its back to the trail! Todays weather was much nicer and I stopped for lunch at a beautiful spot on cole mountain. It was quite windy and I found a large boulder that I used as a wind block.It was a great rest spot and one of those special times when I can live in the moment and breath in the beauty of nature. An easy day today and one that I will always remember. I wish every day was this good.
Date: 2017-05-27
From: M 817 stealth campsite

To: Harpers creek shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Today I hiked up and over the Priest.The hike up never seemed to end and the views at the top were great. There were some interesting rock formations near the top. Big rocks stacked on top of one another. On the long four mile downhill I kept looking over my shoulder as a storm was creeping up on me. At the  Tye river suspension bridge VA 56, I met a wonderful family that was handing out fresh fruit, sodas and snacks. Much appreciated! The Harpers creek shelter is full, so I am tenting near by.
Date: 2017-05-28
From: Harpers creek shelter

To: stealth camp spot
Miles today: 14.1

Well it rained last night. I see why everyone was in the shelter. Its no fun packing up a wet tent but I don't like jamming my self in a tight shelter. The climb up three ridges mountain was ridiculous. I had been warned about this mountain by Holcomb. It is one of those mountains you seem to never find the top. It was covered in clouds ( no views) rocky and overgrown. I hit  the road crossing at VA 664 reeds gap and saw a man trying to set up a awning in the wind. I wandered over and  found a trail angel just setting up! Even under his awning we were getting pelted with sideways rain. Anything not weighted down was getting blown off his  table. I woofed down a sandwich and soda  before I started shivering.. time to get moving into the rain.I set up my tent in the rain near M 848.2 humpback picnic area.There was no water source nearby so I ended up filtering from the stream that was flowing down the trail.
Date: 2018-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

2017 was the first year i had to hike in 80-90 deg temperatures and it was a real challenge for me. Coming from Alaska where we are lucky to see 70 degrees. I learned that I need to get started early, drink a lot more water and take a long break during the hottest part of the day. Leaving Front Royal I bought some anti Diarrhea meds, and will always have some in my pack! Also i will ask that any local hamburger be cooked well done. I see why many people dislike Virginia. Its so long, you feel like you are never leaving the state. Also this state has so many rocks! But Virginia has some fantastic trail towns and some of the nicest people willing to give you a ride and help you out!
Date: 2018-04-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday I  packed up my gear with 4 days of food ( no water ) 20 lbs. I am pretty happy with that.Harpers ferry to Hanover NH is reported to have good delis, looking forward to that! After losing 25lbs in 2016 and 19 lbs last year I will start a little heavier and try to eat more.I also treated all my gear with permethrin to keep the ticks off me. Since doing this I have only seen one tick on me, and that was a wood tick that landed on me on top of Big Bald. At any rate I still do a body check every night. My friend Holcomb saw a tick in a bed at a hostel, something I hadn't considered.
Date: 2018-04-26
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

In two days I will fly 3,765 miles from Anchorage to Washington DC.Then take the Amtrak or MARC train to Harper¢s Ferry.Once I have secured fuel and a few other items I will be ready to continue my hike north.The weather forecast shows highs getting in the 80s.Hope I don¢t melt!
Date: 2018-04-30
From: HarperÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Ferry 

To: Dahlgren backpack campground 
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

After a good nights sleep at towns inn( despite the night trains)Today was a great day to restart my north bound hike. With temperatures in the 40s and windy I felt right at home.The stroll on the C&O towpath leaving town were the easiest I have done yet.No big climbs today but the trail quickly picked up were Virginia left off with lots of rocks.Hiking on rocks most of the day requires utmost attention or you could easily face plant or hurt yourself.The last 2 miles smoothed out and I¢m at this campground with 16 other tents. 4 are young thru hikers who started in February.Others are starting there flip flop hike( which is gaining popularity)Some are doing sections like me. Tomorrow the temperature is climbing in the 80s for three days. Arg!