morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Mountain Harbour B&B and Hiker Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Picture perfect day for hiking the AT. First, I must tell you about breakfast at Mountain Harbor B&B. Now I have been blessed with a family that enjoys cooking (and eating). So I consider myself a foodie. The chow serve red at the B& B was delicious and plentiful. The pinnacle was a fresh baked, home-made apple pie. Now I am talking crust, filling, that almost were as tasty as Tonto's famous Dutck Apple. I ate so much good food that I was able to hike all day with only one small snack. It was an apple of a day.The hike was perfect. Some hills, some lowland swamps, and of course the day would not be complete without a good bald to gaze from. I got into the shelter area about 5:30 and set up the tent. It is supposed to be in the 30's again tonight. At one point on the hike this AM I could see back to Roan Mountain and realized they had snow last night up there. I am glad I missed it by a day.Met a section hiker named Early Bird. He is a devout bird watcher and he shared some insights on Warblers. This section of the trail is home to some rare birds. He is about my age and plans to do about 3 or 4 weeks a couple times a year. It was fun to see someone get so thrilled with birds. We each have our vices.I get to meet Tonto again tomorrow. It sure is motivation to move on down the trail knowing she will be waiting for this smelly, old lap dog to drag his sorry butt down the mountain.Shout out to Those leaving notes on the guest page. Great to hear from y'all!
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Hampton TN
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Did not want to get out of my lukewarm sleeping bag this morning. It was 36 degrees when I checked at 6:30 and again I was wearing every piece of clothing I had to stay lukewarm. It's one of those things where once you get moving you warm up, but that first step is sure a challenge. I broke camp, retrieved my food bag from the tree from which it was hanging, choked down a couple breakfast bars and some trail mix then headed north. The trail went uphill the first couple of miles and I stripped off layers as I climbed. By the time I reached the top (of this climb) I was down to my normal shorts and a tshirt.I crossed a road and entered Laurel Falls. This area is obviously popular with local hikers as the trail was manicured and well defined. The trail follows a stream for about a mile and then it drops below the trail and eventually you loose sight of it. That is when the fun begins. A steep decent on rocks leads to the falls. I would estimate a 50 foot drap or more. There are notices posted not to swim, but apparently folks in these parts don't read signs. Several memorials were sighted noted how people died from jumping the falls. Oh that testosterone rush! The trail skirted the river and at one point we edged along a stone cliff on a trail no more than 18 inches wide. A real stroll in the park.Finally I sighted a side trail to Hampton and a mile later found the brown Subaru waiting for me. I am digging this fine service Tonto is providing. We attempted to pick up the mail drop we sent to a nearby hostel but the guy running the place is gone for a couple days and no one knew where the mail drops were kept. We will try again tomarrow.When we arrived at our plush hotel Tonto unveiled a fresh baked Strawberry Pie. What can I say, I'm loving the dream!
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Hampton TN

To: Hampton TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Tonto and I actually attended a movie at a theatre. We just don't seem to ever do that under normal circumstances. It was fun. We then had wings and beer at Quaker Steak and Lube. Retrieved our resupply box at the hostel and basically chilled. Great zero.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Hampton TN

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Got a good start this morning after we enjoyed our complimentary breakfast of cold cereal. Oh we had options; eggs that appeared to have been cooked weeks ago, biscuits that were dry and hard as hockey pucks, sausage which was swimming in grease, or the safe bet (good old Raisen Bran). Started up the trail at 8:00 and spent most of the morning walking around Watauga Lake. Walked across the Dam and then continued down the other side of the lake. Great views.It was partly cloudy and very humid this morning. As the afternoon progressed more clouds formed and finally 1/4 mile from the shelter (as I was harvesting water) the skies opened up. I walked through the river of rain water up the hill to the shelter. I cooked dinner and wasted with 5 others for the rain to stop. Finally the sky cleared and I pitched the tent for the night. Of course, everything in wet or damp. Great start after a zero.Two days from Damascus, VA. That is right, I am about to enter the Commonwealth of Virginia. How exciting!
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

An interesting hike today. I got up at around 6:30 after it appeared the overnight rain had stopped. It was cool, around 40 degrees and everything was wet or damp. Ate a cold cereal Tonto concocted with dried fruit, nuts, and dried milk. Yummy! Hit the trail around 8:00. Mud and wet vegetation all along the trail. As the morning wore on it continued to be overcast and cool but the day's hike was fairly flat. Key word, fairly. At one point we crossed a bog area that had 8 to 10 footbridges. Good thing cause without them it would have been a very wet trek. I descended from the woods and crossed TN 91 only to enter a cow pasture with at least 30 bovine chewing on the spring pasture grass. They were obviously used to hikers as they absolutely ignored us as we passed within inches of them. Later, I arrived at US 421 and decided to rest a spell at a picnic table located in a parking area. A truck pulled up and an older gentleman hopped out to ask about my hike and chew the fat about life in general. This was fine because I could clearly see a hill waiting for me when I finished my rest. He wished me well and went back to his truck. He returned with a bottle of water and two packs of crackers. He insisted I take them as a gift from a VA Tech Hokie to a BGSU Falcon. Trail Angels are the best!I got into the shelter area around 4:30 and set out my tent to dry in the overcast, damp afternoon. It may have fried some, but I had a damp evening all the same. For dinner I had dried mashed tators, dried mixed veggies, and dried ground turkey mixed together. It was hot and tasty. My knees and Achilles' tendons are sore so it was early to bed and rest for the limbs.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Oops. I forgot about a bag of trail mix left in a pocket of my pack. Usually, I hang all food from a tree so as to discourage pests such as bears from visiting in the night. I awoke at some point during the night to the sound of giant mandibles chewing on my pack. Keep in mind, my pack is a mere 2 feet from my head in the tent vestibule. I shined my light on the pack and there was a gray mouse eating his way to my trail mix. What to do? I retrieved the bag of trail mix and threw it away from my tent. I wanted no part of this viscous pest. Of course I laid half awake all night waiting for the bear that never came. I now have two neat little holes in my pack to remind me to put all my food away at night. By the way, mice enjoy trail mix as the entire bag was eaten when I retrieved it in the morning.On the trail at 7:30 this morning after a second day of cold cereal. 7 miles to Virginia and 10 to Damascus and another zero day with Tonto. This may be the last of her visits for a while as distance and other plans are taking their toll. It has been great, I cannot lie.Another fairly flat to down hill trail today. I arrived in town around 11:45. Tonto is still 45 minutes out. I made my way to MoJo coffee shop and honkered down with a cup of Joe. Tonto arrived around 12:45 and we ordered lunch. I had the best blueberry cakes and Tonto chose a salad. We found a room at a local B&B. Damascus is a popular town. Not only do they have the AT pass right through town they also have a bicycle trail called the Virginia Creeper passing through as well. Given it is a Friday night, most places are booked. Rain is forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Sometimes it pays to be lucky I guess.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Tonto and I played tourist today and visited the local attractions. Damascus is a sleepy place after Trail Days. We enjoyed a burger and beer at the local tavern. We spent the night at the Mountain Laurel B&B. The proprietor is a very entertaining lady who has spent extensive time in London and other European Cities. It was she that suggested we visit the neighboring town of Abingdon, VA. So, after a lazy morning of reading, we headed up the road to explore. The town has a number of antique shops, and some interesting eateries. We broused the downtown and had a late lunch at Fireside Smokehouse. Great BBQ and a variety of homemade sauces to complement the pulled pork. We then happened into The Martha Washington Hotel and Spa. The original building was a private home dating back to pre-Cival War 1800's. It then was used as a hospital during the War Between The States. After the war is was used as a Women's College before it was converted to a grand Hotel. If ever in Western Virginia, consider a night at Martha Washington Hotel.We finished our tour with stops at Wolfhill Brewery and then Damascus Brewery. Enjoyed beers at each establishment; a fine Pils at Wolfhill and s fabulous Stout at Damascus. We returned to Abingdon later in the evening and enjoyed dinner, watching it rain, at the Peppermill.During dinner we decided to take a break from the AT for at least a week. I am having pain in my knees, my right one in particular. I had surgery on it in 2002 to repair a torn meniscus. We think it would be prudent to allow the knee to heal rather than risk any permanent damage. I hope to pick up in Damascus later this summer or fall. Worst case, next year.It was a great time hiking the trail and meeting all sorts of characters along the way. Although I am cutting the trip short, I have no regrets. This is the right decision for the long term and I don't think the trail will go away before I can get back to it. Tonto and I just registered for a weeklong canoe trip in North Georgia beginning June 17th. After that, who knows?
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Damascus VA

To: Blairsville, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Update...I have decided to delay my return to the trail. My knees are responding well to the rest but I am not ready to continue the trail just yet. I was so looking forward to Virginia; the highlands, ponies, Shenandoah National Park and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway. It will be there, I am told, and there is no need to rush back. We departed Damascus and traveled back to Georgia for one night before driving to Canton, OH to celebrate Memorial Day. Had absolutely gorgeous weather in Ohio and was fortunate enough to take in an Indians game in Cleveland. Both children were in Canton with their spouses visiting parents and grandparents. Took in all the hot spots in the Hall of Fame City including ice cream at both Taggart's and Milk and Honey. Good times.Tonto and I are now in Blairsville getting the house in order from our move. We leave in just a little over two weeks for a week-long canoe trip sponsored by a group called Paddle Georgia. We will average 15 mile days and camp out each night at a local high school. This will be our second consecutive year for this event and we are looking forward to a nice river trip.I am not sure when I will be starting up the trail again. Perhaps this Fall; the autumn colors would be great. Or, I may wait and do the VA section next Spring. Time will tell. For now, I plan to get out on the bike, enjoy Lake living, and spoil my granddaughter, Bailey.Until next time...
Date: 2017-09-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It has been a while.  Tonto and I last posted in May of 2016 from Damascus, VA.  Not sure where time has gone since we decided to leave the trail.  Although we have been busy with life, the trail keeps calling us back.  Not a thru attempt.  Our knees won't tolerate the long, day to day pounding.  It will be section hikes from here forward.Tonto and Brew will travel Amtrak to Harpers Ferry October 4th.  We intend to hike Southbound through Shenandoah returning October 17th.  Not a long section but one we both are looking forward to hiking.  The goal is to finish Virginia over the next year or so.  We enjoy posting a journal and will try not to be mundane and boring.  We appreciate all replies and especially those that question our sanity and intellect.
Date: 2017-10-06
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Tonto and Brewha left Atlanta Wednesday evening on Amtrak #20 bound for Harpers Ferry WV.  Along the way we had a 5 hour layover in Trumpville.  After getting fleeced $30 bucks to stow our packs at the DC station, we ventured out to see some of DC.  A visit to the Spy Museum and a yummy lobster roll at Luke¢s and we were back on the train headed for HP.  The train arrived at 5:06 and the hike began.  A easy uphill one mile to the EconoLodge for ourlast night between the sheets.  An order for Pizza and salad from the local Italian establishment and we honkered done to watch the Tribe take down the bloody Yanks.Up at 7 then after a yummy Hot EconoLodge breakfast it was time to head south.  As usual, the first 2 miles were a steady climb out of the river valley.  In total around 1,500 feet if your keeping score.  After the early climb the trail leveled out and we hiked 13.5 miles.  Not bad for day one.Highlights of day included several squirrels, one black snake, and a couple hawks.  We met Lady Bug, Wobbles, Towa, Broken Arrow, and a couple from Germany.  We are tenting at a great spot called Blackburn Hostel.  The Hostel has bunks and a privy.Tonto and Brewha are a little sore. A couple vitamin I (Advil) and we will be good as new.  Rain is forecast for this Sunday and most of next week.  Could be a soggy journey!Go Tribe!
Date: 2017-10-07
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Bears Den Hostel 
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The first night out is always interesting. Setting up the tent, discovering what Tonto forgot to pack, and the sounds of the woods at night. Somehow we managed to survive the challenge and we will keep on keeping on.Last night actually was quite pleasant. We were the only campers in the area so Tonto was free to pee at will. She was up no less than 3 times, each time Brew heard the loud sighs, followed by the tent zipper cry and finally the crawl to freedom. This is surely her favorite part of camping.Anyway, we manage the first night jitters and awoke at6:00 ready to tackle another day in the woods. Breakfast included a cup of joe followed by a freshly rehydrated potato, egg, and sausage medley. Not too shabby. We hiked out of our campsite and up (steep rock climb) to the trail. After 4.5 miles we entered a hilly section known as the Roller Coaster. Definite ups and downs with rock scrambles. Tonto was thrilled. We hiked 5 of the 13 Coaster miles today and will ride the the rest of the way tomorrow.We stopped at Bears Den Hostel today to assess the coming tropical storm, Nate. If we foresee thunder showers followed by several days of rain we will need to alter plans. A day or two of rain is one thing, but we are hearing this storm may be more than we want to deal with. So, an overnight at the Hostel and we will decide our next move. Lots of locals on the trail today. It is a beautiful 70 degree, sunny day.  Locals can complete a 5 mile hike to Raven Cliff overlook, a spectacular view.  We passed at least 40 people enroute.Tribe pulled out another win against the bloody Yanks last night in 13 innings. Yikes!GO TRIBE!
Date: 2017-10-08
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Bear Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We managed to dodge a rainy night on the trail.  We honkered down with 5 other Hostel inhabitants and enjoyed a shower,  laundry, pizza, ice cream, and a pancake breakfast.  Not too shabby for $30.We met a gentleman named Thaddeus who was not hiking but staying at the Hostel as a guest.  Nice guy who shared apples, steak, chilly, cookies and all sorts of goodies with us. He plans to do a SOBO thru next year.We spent Sunday watching it rain and viewed a little NFL football.  Sunday night the Hostel had about 17 people.  Only two were thru hiking.  The rest of us were doing section hikes of various lengths.  The place smelled a little ripe with all the wet gear and the washer got a good workout.We plan to hit the trail in the morning after another night of Bear Den Hospitality. (More pizza and ice cream)
Date: 2017-10-09
From: Bears Den Hostel 

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonto is a trooper.  The Virginia Roller Coaster is 13.5 miles of steep climbs and descents over rocky terrain.  Not a Sunday walk in the park for sure.  Add to this temperatures in the 80s with 90% humidity.  It was a tough day.We got a late start as we waited for the showers to cease.  Around 10:00 it looked relatively clear so off we ventured.  The humidity was intense and we were both lathered up in no time.  Brewha¢s boots were soaking wet as though it had rained and our cloths were ringing wet.  Staying hydrated was a challenge but we managed to drag our dog-stink bodies into Rod Hollow Shelter at around 5:15.Two gentlemen were there to great us, Bruce and Steve.  Bruce was in his mid seventies and is a trail maintainer with Potomac Appalachian Trail Conservancy.  Both men were extremely friendly and helpful.  Bruce even shared his flask of wine with us.  They were headed north to Harpers Ferry.We had a great night and were in the sack before 8:00.  It was hot and sticky most of the night and the heavy dew did not help dry out our nasty wet clothes.  We are supposed to have the same weather tomorrow.  At least the Coaster ride is over!
Date: 2017-10-10
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonto and Brewha tried to get ¢up and out¢ to beat the heat.  Bruce and Steve were not in a hurry so they engaged in conversation, offered more food, and generally slowed the departure until nearly 9:00.  No worries, we have all day.  The humidity was choking and the temperature continued to go up as we took on the rocky hills.  Once again it was a sweaty, wet day.  The trail was a challenge but it was the brutal weather that challenged us the most.  We carried 4 liters of water and harvested two additional liters at Dicks Dome Shelter.  We usually try to eat a good breakfast and dinner.  Lunches consist of Lance crackers, Gorp, and Krispy treats.  Today we threw in peanut M&Ms for good measure.  By the time we arrived at Menassas Gap Shelter we were hungry, thirsty, soaking wet with sweat, and tired.  There was a couple already at the Shelter we had met in Harpers Ferry. Seeing them and hearing that they too had a rough day seemed to ease the discomfort.About this couple.  They are from near Cologne Germany.  They are completing the AT after 2 previous section hikes.  This one from New York to the middle of Virginia.  Their jobs allow them to take leave as often as they like.  When they finish the AT they go home for a few weeks before going to New Zealand to hike.  It was fun getting to know them.Pitched the tent for the night just before the rains hit.  Great!
Date: 2017-10-11
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: We walked through a rain cloud into Front Royal VA. 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Everyone needs motivation, a carrot if you will.  Tonto enjoys staying at B&Bs whenever we travel.  When we planned this hike, she located a B&B in Front Royal VA called Woodward House. It just so happens we would be needing a resupply about the time we were near Front Royal.  Justification enough, we booked a night at Woodward House and mailed a resupply box there.  We planned to get up and out hoping to enjoy our time in town.  Unfortunately, we had rain overnight that continued into the morning.  Wet tent and damp gear seems to slow everything down and our early start was delayed to nearly 9:00.  Even though we were wet, friends who stayed in the Shelter had a terrible night.  It seems a young hiker stoned out of his mind wandered in around hiker midnight(8:00) and proceeded to talk jibberish and smoke in the Shelter.  They in turn got a cheap buzz and no sleep.  In the morning the guy headed down the trail after we explained were he was and which way to go. We hiked through a rain cloud all day and arrived in Front Royal soaking wet around 3:45.  The proprietor picked Tonto and me up at the trail head and agreed to take our German couple along to town.  We checked in showered and headed to do laundry and eat.  The proprietor was kind enough to allow us to use his Mercedes to run errands.  We enjoyed a wonderful spaghetti dinner at a local establishment and were back and in bed by 8:30.Brew was bummed when he realized the Indians playoff game was not available.  After learning the outcome, he decided he was fortunate after all.Tonto is a very happy girl tonight!
Date: 2017-10-12
From: Front Royal

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Great zero day.  We had to relocate to the EconoLodge due to lack of availability at the B&B.  We have chores to do today.  First and foremost, dry out shoes, tent, and equipment.  I am hiking in Goretex shoes.  Great for keeping water out, but very difficult to dry if wet inside.  After stuffing with paper towels and applying heat from the room HVAC we got them nearly dry.  We hung the tent over the hotel balcony until the Manager busted us.  It was so cloudy/misty ihey were not drying well anyway.  We hung gear all over the room.  By evening we were good to go.A quick meal at a local Thai joint and the zero day was complete.  My feet got torn up hiking 3 days in wet boots.  A day of open air drying and cleaning solved the problem.  Let¢s hope for dry weather tomorrow.