morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

With town, real food, and a bed on today's agenda, I got up early and motivated off this crazy mountain. It was mostly downhill to Hot Springs. As I came down the mountain, I could see glimpses of the little town far below. There were the sounds of children playing, trains passing through, the droan of lawn mowers, and all the usual sounds of civilization. It was all rather surreal to a person who hasn't heard much other than wind and birds for days. It was as if I were dropping into a movie, where the characters did not know or care that I was there. I had simply bought a ticket to watch. When I finally reached the town, I located Elmer's Sunny Brook Hostel, where I would spend the night. This place is in a huge old victorian house that was built partially in the 1840's, and expanded later. It's the oldest house in town. Elmer thru-hiked the AT in the 1970's and returned to Hot Springs to buy this house and settle in. Over the decades, he has hoted many thousands of hikers as they passed through. We were served vegetarian dinner and breakfast. Hot Springs is a great little hiker town, with the AT passing right down main street. The town is big enough to have what a hiker needs, but small enough that you can walk everwhere. I'm typing this in their public library right now. I would love to stay another night in this town, but my calendar says I must move on quickly to reach Erwin so that I can go home a few days for some big events in the lives of my children. I had hoped to tell some stories in this journal today, but that will have to wait. I have hills to climb and miles to cover.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: few clouds

I got a late start out of Hot Springs after doing my chores. A 12 oz hamburger propelled me up the big climb out of town, and I still got good mileage for a half day. I need to get to Erwin soon so I can travel home for a few days for big events in the lives of my children.pt
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Hogback Ridge shelter

To: No Business Knob shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: broken clouds

This was my first 20 mile day. I didn't intend to go this far, but there was no good place to stop short of the shelter. Some of the younger hikers were impressed that an old guy could pull a 20 miler. Of course, I was dead tired, but it felt good to know I could go the distance. There were some big climbs today, including Bald Mountain, which had fantastic 360 views. Tomorrow, I'll be in Erwin for lunch.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: No Business Knob shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain was forecast tonight, so I stayed inside at one of the cabins at Uncle Johnny's outfitters. Rain it did. I felt sorry for those on the trail. Tomorrow I head to Nashville to catch a plane to Corpus Christi to see my son get his wings as a Navy pilot, and then back to Nashville for my daughter's graduation and wedding. Back on the trail early next week.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Erwin, TN

To: Corpus Christi, TX
Miles today: 0.0

I flew to Corpus Christi, TX with my father-in-law to see my middle child, Nate, receive his "Wings of Gold" as a Naval Aviator. The winging ceremony made all of us very proud, as about 25 new pilots received their wings. We spent the day checking out aircraft and playing around in training simulators. The picture shown here is Nate showing us the controls of a T44-C. There was much to celebrate in the evening. This milestone in Nate's life was the result of six years of hard work and education -- four years at the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, one year at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, and one year in primary and advanced flight training at Corpus Christi. Early Saturday morning, the three of us flew back to Nashville just in time to catch my daughter's college graduation, and tomorrow she will be married. By sheer good luck, one of Nate's pilot buddies, happened to fly a jet trainer up from Corpus and was able to attend the rehearsal dinner in Nashville. Good times!
Date: 2011-05-08
From: Corpus Christi, TX

To: Nashville
Miles today: 0.0

My daughter's wedding today was beautiful, as was the bride. I fought to hold back the tears of happiness throughout the ceremony. I don't think there's any moment in a father's life quite so touching as the giving away of his daughter in matrimony. The young man she married is absolutely wonderful, which made the occasion even more joyous. There was dining and dancing afterwards, which kept us out quite late. The bride and groom are now off on their honeymoom, but I still need to unpack some of their belongings left with us. They will be living in another city for the summer months, as my new son-in-law will be clerking with a law firm prior to his last year of studies at Vandy. With all the festivities over, I'm trying to get back to the trail by tomorrow. I discovered that I'd lost about 13 lbs since my hike began a month ago. My feet have recovered from those first 340 miles, and I'm eager to get going again.
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Ash Gap

To: Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This great little hostel, Mountain Harbor, was full so I rented their horse trailer for the night. Slept well. Sherry Miller cooked the best breakfast I ever ate. Terrific hosts! Richard Miller is a very fair man, though he doesn't talk much. Good people.
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Laurel Fork shelter

To: Watauga Lake shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: light rain

Worried all day yesterday about the big 1,700 ft climb and descent today, but knocked it off before lunch and caught ride into Hampton. Ate half pound burger for lunch and had beer with hiking buds while washing clothes. Virginia is easy hiking from here. Should be across the border in a couple days.
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Watauga Lake shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Weather-wise, today was a miserable, with a cold rain falling most of the day. The trail follows the Iron Mountain Ridge just under 4,000 feet in elevation almost continuously north, so we started out thinking we would rack up more than 20 miles, but those plans went astray for me almost immediately. After walking up the trail from the shelter, I turned the wrong way on the AT and did a mile before I discovered I was backtracking. In the meantime, my buddies in the shelter pulled out, thinking I was ahead of them. All day long, these younger guys hustled, trying to catch up with old me, while I lagged behind. They stopped at about 16 miles, marveling at how I had outdistanced them and gone to the next shelter. It was funny when I came up later. I had stopped for a while at a previous shelter to warm up and change socks, since I was getting dangerously cold. At the Iron Mountain Shelter, eight of us squeezed into space designed for six, so we were sleeping elbow to elbow that night. With the continuous rain, nobody was very happy, but I was among friends, so we made the best of a bad situation. I even brought some marshmellows, and a couple of guys managed to build a fire in the drizzle. But some resolved that evening to try for the 26 miles to Damascus, VA the next day. I considered that distance impossible for an old guy like me.
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail to Damascus from Iron Mountain Shelter is mostly descending, so I decided to give the whole distance my best effort. It rained for part of the day, and was cold, foggy and drizzly most of the time. The bushes, grass and everything else was soggy. My shoes squished as I walked, and the trail was muddy and slippery. Nevertheless, the thought of restaurant food and a warm bed is my best motivator, so I gave it my best. Just before dark, I stumbled into Damascus, which was the best looking town I had ever seen. On another day, I might not be so impressed, but it is a great trail town. The AT goes right through the heart of the business district, and the streets are lined with shops catering to hikers. During the previous week, the town hosted their 25th annual Trail Days, a festival dedicated to AT hikers, attracting thousands of crazy people like me and my friends. I missed it because I went home for a week to celebrate big events in the lives of my children. As I walked down the street in Damascus, I passed a familiar face going the opposite direction. It was my buddy G-man, who was taking a zero day (no hiking). I hadn't seen him for two weeks. We greeted each other warmly. Then I heard someone calling my name, and it was my hiking buddies from the last few days. They were waiting for me to share lodging with them. We immediately found a nice garage apartment available for the evening at a reasonable price. By that point, all of us were having trouble walking due to the pain in our feet from the long miles, but we managed to stumble to a local pizza house, where we ate more than we should have. We then swallowed generous doses of ibuprophen and passed out for the evening. By morning, we were still limping around, but our feet improved as the day progressed.
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We zeroed in town today to let our shoes dry out, resupply, and do laundry. The primary reason I'm doing this entry is to sing praise for a local outfitter. I've been having trouble with the waist belt on my pack, which has started slipping continuously. The pack then slips down and puts pressure on my shoulders. It's an unacceptable situation. The pack is warranted for life by Gregory, so I called their customer support line, hoping for a solution. The guy I spoke to, named Joe, was nice enough, but clue-less about my particular pack. He said he would call me back, but I never heard back from him today. In the meantime, I stopped by Mt. Rogers Outfitters in Damascus and explained the problem to an employee named Jeff. He studied my old belt, and then went into the back room to look for spare parts. In the span of an hour, he actually fabricated a new belt for my pack. The process involved his hand sewing parts of an older Gregory pack together to fit my pack. When finished, he refused to let me pay him for his work. I'm totally impressed with this business, and cannot say enough good about him. Amazing generosity is just one of the delightful discoveries you'll find on the AT. Something about hiking seems to bring out the best in people. Hiking the AT day after day requires a great deal of personal self-denial, determination, and pain -- and hikers learn to appreciate common delicacies like a cold soft drink, hot sandwich or simple favor from a stranger. Many of those who have been through the hike feel obligated to help those who come after them. I know I plan to return next year to provide trail magic for others. This trail has given me a whole new perspective regarding kindness offered to strangers.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

For part of the day, the AT out of Damascus follows a similar path to the Virginia Creeper bike path and a beautiful mountain stream which appears to offer excellent trout fishing. I look forward to returning sometime to enjoy both of them. We're approching an area known as the Grayson Highlands of Virginia, which should provide interesting hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today, we crossed over the two highest mountains in Virgina, passing through the Grayson Highlands. It was a beautiful change of scenery, with the expansive balds at high altitude. The highlands are known for their wild ponies, and I had several opportunities to photograph them. They see soo many tournists, it's hardly accurate to call them "wild." They're really quite tame. For an AT hiker, a spring Saturday is not the best time to pass through this area. This has been the most crowded part of the trail, with many day-hikers, scouts, and families enjoying the good weather and viewing the ponies. The large numbers of people make for slow hiking, as it is common courtesy to step aside on the trail to make way for larger groups.The trail is extremely rocky in this stretch, and I've developed a serious pain in my left foot. I'll have to have it checked at a clinic as soon as possible, as this is greatly diminishing my speed and enjoyment of the hike.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Wise Shelter

To: Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 15.9

Hiking with buddies, Caps and Five O'clock, we decided to detour into Troudale today to avoid bad weather. There's a church operated hostel there where we can bunk and shower. I had more difficulty than usual today due to the pain in my left foot, but managed to complete the distance and catch a hitch into the hostel before the rain. After claiming the last bunk, I walked back down the road to a little restaurant which provides good food at reasonable price.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Troutdale, VA

To: Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 0.0

We took a zero day here, which gave me opportunity to visit a local medical clinic to have my foot problem checked out. X-rays were done, and the doctor found no obvious indication of bone spurs or stress fracture. That's good news, but it doesn't solve the mystery of the pain. The doctor did say a small blister on my foot had become infected, and he perscribed an antibiotic for that. Troutdale has neither cell phone service nor pharmacy, so I had to catch a ride to Marion, 15 miles away, to get the medication. The doctor recommended I stop hiking until the pain clears up, but that's hardly an option for a thru-hiker. I sprained this foot several years ago, and it took months to heal. If the problem doesn't resolve itself quickly, my hike is over. I just don't have enough extra days available in my schedule to make it to Maine before winter weather sets in.
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Troutdale, VA

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: thunderstorm with light rain

The hike from Dickey Gap (Troutdale) to Partnership Shelter should have been easy walking, but instead was extremely unpleasant for me. After taking a zero in Troutdale, I thought I would see if the left foot had improved. It had not. I was fortunate that I was able to duck into the Trimpi Shelter just before lunch and avoid the first big rain, and then hobble into Partnership before the evening storm, but it was a day of misery for me as I was hobbling along on the sore foot. The Partnership Shelter is a large structure with a hot shower, close to a visitor center and the town of Marion. I expect to stay here a couple of days and consider my options -- whether this foot will improve soon or I abandon the hike and head for home. I don't want to be a quitter, but there are times to be realistic, and I simply can't continue walking on this foot with a pack. The most frustrating aspect is that the pain tends to come and go. There are times when I can't put weight on it, and other times when I can walk reasonably well.One of the nice things about the Partnership Shelter is that hikers can oder pizza delivered here, and the Marion public transportation occasionally makes stops at the visitor center. We pigged out on pizza, of course.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Several of us took the bus into Marion, and I'm doing these entries at the public library. I'm going to rest the foot for a couple of days and make a decision about whether to go home or hike another 11 miles to the vacinity of Atkins, VA. This is a good location for decision making, as I'm close to public transportation, and the hiker shelter offers more amenities than most.
Date: 2011-03-16
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome to my trail journal. I'm hoping my wife Jo-Ellen will update my journal each and every day I am on the trail I plan to call her at the end of each day with an update and a summary of my day. Here is a map of my section hike.   During the year thousands of people attempt the entire trail (over 2000 miles and about 6 months of hiking 15-20 miles a day) There are also untold numbers of people who can't afford to take off 6 months from life and hike the trail section by section.   This hike should take me about 2 weeks and I plan on doing 10-15 miles a day.   Leisurely by thru hiking standards, but tough enough for the working man! So I was driving to work this morning and the station had a Fortune Teller as a guest. She would predict each callers cause of death and age. Very creepy, but one of the callers was informed she would die on family vacation. A bear was involved. I hope it's not an omen.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Preparation

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0

Took all my new gear and headed to Harper's Ferry for a training hike. This spring has been a bit iffy weatherwise and otherwisewise, but last Saturday was a great day.   Sunny and temps. in the 60's. Headed north out of H.F. The first mile was steep and full of switchbacks up to Weverton Cliffs.   In my opinion the best view in Maryland. I took my 30 pound pack up and over the ridge and quickly arrived at the Ed Garvey shelter. A nice young woman and her dog named Dingo were hanging around enjoying the day.   I had my pick of tent sites (which would not be the case if I arrived later in the day). Dropped my tent and sleeping bag and headed back on the trail for a yo-yo hike to Gathland State Park.   This would complete the Maryland section of the AT for me.   Had lunch at GSP and returned to the shelter around 3:30 where I sat and talked with Rising Star for about an hour. He was finishing up a 3 week section hike and was very helpful and had great advice for my section hike.   By now people were streaming into the shelter including 2 boyscout troops and another big group. By 9 pm the shelter was full (both levels) and all of the tenting spots were full.   Crazy!   Hiked back to my car in the morning with Rising Star and gave him a ride to a local gas station/restaurant.   I would consider my test hike a success.
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Preparation

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am the kind of person that likes to have things planned out, and I really don't like surprises.   I also am aware that most people who hike the trail say "hike your own hike" and don't worry about the small stuff it will all work out.   Letting go of the need to plan every detail will certainly help me enjoy the hike more. That being said I spent last night looking over my maps and the Thru Hiker's Companion to get a basic schedule for my hike. The shelters through the Shenandoah National Park are set at rather odd distances.   I know my hike is just over 150 miles and I have roughly 14 days to cover that distance.   9 days to go and I can't wait!
Date: 2011-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm well aware some of you know (or care to know) practically nothing about the Appalachian Trail.   Here is a map of the entire trail which stretches from Georgia to Maine. Thru hikers start in late winter/early spring, and finish in the fall. Most take 5-6 months to finish. My two week hike is barely a spec on the map.
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Shenandoah Nat'l Park Gap

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

David reports a very good though foggy first day of hiking. He set off from the ranger station with a 40-pound pack and high spirits. Gray skies but no need for the rain gear. On top of one mountain, he passed a bunch of communication towers surrounded by concrete-mounted vintage tractor seats--odd sight. Tonight he's one of three hikers at the shelter: the others are Legion and Clydesdale, who report lots of hikers on the trail further north. But tonight seems like it should be a quiet one. Noodles with tuna. A 15-minute shower but now just cloudy. Tomorrow: 13 miles to Black Rock. (Happy Birthday, Big Wave!)
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Black Rock Shelter
Miles today: 13.5

Day two was overcast and damp, but a confidence builder--looks like the uphill portions are not too steep and 13 1/2 miles is quite doable. Sleeping in the shelter last night was not entirely comfortable, but it was better than sleeping out in the wet weather. Shelter again tonight with Lloyd, One Gray Wolf (a hiker who's 70+), and Legion (who started out with David this morning and beat him to the shelter by 2 hours). Turning in early tonight with the others. Another 13.5 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-15
From: Black Rock Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A good morning hike; had lunch with Legion at the Wayside restaurant. Heading for a 6 mile hike after lunch, saw a small bear, then dark thunderclouds rolling in. Luckily, the thunderstorms mostly tracked north, so just a little rain. Arrived at Pinefield Hut & waited for more hikers, but they never came. Alone in the beautiful shelter situated in a nice wildlife habitat, spent most of the night listening to every little noise (bear? deer?) and hours of rain.
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Louis Campground
Miles today: 20.0

Not much sleep last night; feeling a little down this morning. Early, Big Wave met a hiker named Jack who was slack-packing and invited him along. Jack's wife drove the packs to the Louis Campground. A 20-mile hike with no pack felt like floating. Nice berth at the campground and a shower. Feeling good. Weather Channel is predicting rain for the next 5 days, though, and campers headed south say there's not much to see north of the Shenandoahs, so the north end of the Shenandoahs might be the end of the hike for now. Tomorrow, more slack-packing to the Skyland Ranch and a bed.
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Louis Campground

To: Skyland
Miles today: 20.0

Day started cold and damp with showers. Set off without packs once again, (Thanks Jack!) and the day looked great with the rumor of cold beer on tap at the Skyland Ranch!   The mood was quickly drowned in a horrendous thunderstorm the lightning strikes everywhere, high winds and drenching rain.   Scary to be in the woods with absolutely no where to go. The storm lasted close to two hours and even with the rain gear on I was soaked to the bone and cold. Not a good combination and there was no cell phone service. The trail crossed skyline drive about 10 miles into the hike so it was time to try a little yellow blazing, which is a bit of a no no to the thru hikers but it meant getting the shower a bit faster.   So a nice man picked us up and brought us to the lodge where indeed a warm shower and cold beer awaited. After watching the weather channel and seeing the forecast for 3 days of rain I called Jo-Ellen and arranged a pick up. Time to go home and dry out. I feel vindicated in my decision as thru hiker after thru hiker got deposited at the front door of the lodge, looking like drowned rats and pleading for a room. I Plan on heading back to the trail on Sat. or Sunday depending on the weather. Looks like the hike will be cut a bit short and may end up being only the Shenandoah section.