morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-01
From: Mile # 365

To: Tent Site # Mile 383
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 33Started out camp at 8:00AM, dressed warm. It wasn't 1/2 hour later I was stripping off my extra clothes. Also zipping off my legs on my pants to turn them into shorts. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and even had to put sunscreen on my ears. I already had a sunburn in Georgia. My ears and my arms got burnt. As far as the trail today, it was a tough one, with a lot of ascending. The highest reach today was 6249ft. at Roan High Knob Shelter. As much as I wanted to hike 20 miles today and only have 10 miles for tomorrow. I stopped at 18 at a tent site. The elevation here is 5371 ft. I will make it to Roan Mountain, Tennessee. I plan on staying at a B&B most probably 2 nights. I also hiked with a couple from Ireland. Also stopped on Jane Bald Mountain when asked if I would take a picture of this younger couple that live around here. In return a couple pics of myself were also taken.Also, I have noticed the number of hikers has dwindled down a lot.Tomorrow's another day.Thankful for all my days.
Date: 2018-05-02
From: Mile # 383

To: Mountain Harbour B&B - Hostel 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

On the trail bright and early at 7:00AM. Another beautiful day of hiking and some great views. I made it to Mountain Harbour B&B where I will spend 2 nights here for a well needed shower and do my laundry.Upon arriving here I paid for my 2 nights and ordered a half pound bacon/ burger and a garden salad, and a Dr. Pepper. For a B&B / Hostel It is a well kept clean place to stay. Food and supplies on site and a big breakfast in the morning for $12.00 more. Every day on the trail is a great experience. No day is the same.PS: To all my followers, leave a comment in my guest book. Also if you have any questions feel free to ask.Have a Great Day!
Date: 2018-05-03
To: Zero at Mountain Harbour B&B / Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Having a day of rest here. I had breakfast here, consisted of an omelette, hash browns, sausage, fresh blueberry pancakes, oj,and of course a few coffees.For lunch I finished off my summer sausage and cheddar cheese. I will have something good for supper. For all the food on the menu, it is all cooked and prepared by Dave in his Trailer Kitchen. He is a fantastic cook and everything is priced fairly and tastes great. I made a list of all the supplies I need to get to Damascus and purchased them here, and also reasonably priced.I am looking forward to being on the trail as soon as daylight.Tomorrow's another day .
Date: 2018-05-04
From: Mountain Harbour B&B - Hostel 

To: Kincora Hiker Hostel 
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up at 5:30AM and decided to get ready to start my day early. Ate my breakfast and a couple coffees.Left Mountain Harbour B&B / Hostel at 6:20 and walked to the trailhead.With rain in the forecast I wanted to hike a 20 mile day. The terrain was fairly easy today. As I reached a shelter at 18 miles, I took a break and at 4:30 hit the trail and decided I can get 6 more miles in. I checked my Guthook app. and noticed a hostel that is owned by a trail extraordinaire Bob Peoples, for a $5.00 donation.I arrived at the hostel at 7:20 PM.A new mileage record of 24.8 miles.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-05
From: Kincora Hiker Hostel 

To: Stealth Camp site
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

No rain last night or today. As I am laying here in my tent there is still thundering happening.This morning as I was leaving KincoraHiker Hostel I had the pleasure of meeting Bob Peoples. He had just gotten back an hour earlier from Pennsylvania after being inducted for the AT. Then he had organized a trail maintenance crew for work to be done today.I said my goodbyes to everyone and walked to the trailhead not far down the road.It was approximately 8:10 AM when I started on the trail. It was a harder day on my body after the long day yesterday. I did see M&M again today,as I entered the trail. Then again at lunchtime at Shook Branch Rec. Area.They were at a picnic table and had both taken a dip. They waved me over and now it was my turn to take a dip.The water was cold, but also very refreshing after sweating all morning.We parted ways and I was off again.I had intentions of staying at Vandeventer Shelter but it was all full and no camp spots around it. There was tents set up in every possible spot. I hurried down the trail .6 miles and set my tent right next to the trail.Good enough for tonight.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-06
From: Stealth Camp site

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: light rain

It rained during the night and cleared out by daybreak. I was up early , had my coffee and oatmeal. Packed up and on the trail at 7:40AM. The day started out cloudy then isolated showers. Then by noon the sky opened up and rained pretty heavy. I changed into my rain gear and continued in the rain for roughly 6 miles before the sun started to shine.Tomorrow I have 10 miles and I will be in Damascus, Virginia.My sister is meeting me there early and spending the evening.Tomorrow's a new day.
Date: 2018-05-08
From: Damascus 

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Yesterday  and today were 2 great days, to arrive in Damascus and have my sister meet me and spend the night and day together. We went out to eat and do some shopping,buy supplies and also new boots.None of the outfitters had my size of pants so she found another outfitter the next town over and thankfully they had my size. Also, she and my brother in law paid for the room at Damascus Old Mill Restaurant and Inn. Thank you Cindy and Gene. I love both of you and I am deeply grateful. Tomorrow I will have breakfast here, then back to the trail.Tomorrow's a new day and thankful to be here.
Date: 2018-05-09
From: Damascus 

To: Stealth Camp mile # 487.5
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Started my day by having breakfast at the Inn. Then off I went through town following the blazes. Packed with 4 days of food, the back pack feels heavy. The new boots didn't give me any problems yet. Hiked 3 ascending climbs today, the first 2 were 1000 ft. and the third was roughly a 700 ft. Ascend.I am stealth camping at the base of tomorrow's climb. I am at 3230ft. and will have to climb to 5429ft. Mt. Rogers. One foot in front of the other to the top.The weather today was sunny and warm all day. I didn't really see that many people today. The amount of hikers have dwindled down a bit. Tomorrow's a new day.
Date: 2018-05-10
From: Stealth Camp mile # 487.5

To: Grayson General Store and Inn
Miles today: 14.0

Camped at a nice site last night. It was at the bottom of the Mountain that I would start my day with. It was a grey and cloudy day with scattered showers. The views from the top of the mountains were still beautiful.Finally in the afternoon I entered Grayson Highlands State Park. I saw many ponies. I had a couple of ponies follow me, and also let me pet them.One wouldn't stop trying to lick my hand or my legs. I was thinking I was a lick salt. With the lousy weather I decided to spend the night at Grayson Highlands General Store andInn. It also felt good when I passed the five hundred miles.Back on the trail in the morning.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-11
From: Massie Gap

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

A later start than usual today. Had 2 coffees and my oatmeal in the hotel room this morning. Then, when the store downstairs opened went and had an omelette, sausage, toast, and more coffee. I also weighed myself and figure I lost close to 10 lbs. The shuttle dropped 4 of us off at the trailhead in Grayson Highlands State Park at approximately 10:30am.It was so cool seeing the ponies again this morning. The trail was real rocky through Grayson then it improved. The weather was sunny and warm all day until around 4:00 pm when a passing thunderstorm came through. I made it to the shelter and called it a day. It is a relatively new shelter that sleeps 8.Tomorrow's a new day.
Date: 2018-05-12
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

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

Started out at 7:20AM with the sun shining. Not much to speak about the scenery, but the trail is very rocky and makes the bottom of my feet ache. Also another problem I have is my backpack waist belt can not tighten any more. I'm gonna have to buy another backpack as soon as I can. Other than that I still put in the miles today. Ordered a pizza to have it delivered to Mt. Rogers visiting center.Tomorrow's a new day.
Date: 2018-05-13
From: Partnership Shelter 

To: Stealth Camp Mile# 548.2
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was an exceptional day.Up  after a good nights rest with a full stomach from last nights feast.Started out at 7:00am and took my time because there was a trail feast on the trail given by a church. I arrived there at 11:45am and never left there until 2:30 with a full belly of hamburgs , hot dogs, Potato salad, macaroni salad, and sodas. They also had a lot more too. Stealth camping tonight with 2 other people, Peppermint and Achilles. We left the trail magic together and resupplied at a gas station as the trail went through Atkins , Va at mile # 545.1Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-14
From: Stealth Camp Mile# 548.2

To: Stealth Camp Mile # 565.3
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Started at 8:00AM this morning. It was warm all night into the morning.It was sunny and hot, in the high 80's.Being so hot and sweating constantly had to take many breaks to rest and drink plenty of water. The trail crossed a couple of big cow pastures also. Only saw a few cows though.Rain is in the future forecast, so it should be getting a little more interesting. The shelters are more widespread around here and there are some stretches of no water for miles. Overall, I am still happy with the progress of miles hiked and still anxious and excited for the next day. Also thank you everyone that comments to my guest book. I do appreciate anything that lifts my spirits on some of these hard days.For every day is new and different.
Date: 2018-05-15
From: Stealth Camp Mile # 565.3

To: VA Route 623 Mile 575.4
Miles today: 10.1

Started the day at 7:00 am and had a 4 mile 1600 ft. elevation. It was hot and took a toll on myself. I got shuttled to Burkes Garden General Store . I had the pleasure to meet Pappy, who is 87 years old and doing a through hike. I then got shuttled down the road a bit to hitch a ride to Blueville,WV to rent a car . I stayed overnight at a hotel and rented a car this morning May 16 and headed to Asheville NC. I went to REI and exchanged my pack for a better fitting one,lighter liner, and lighter air mattress.After a day of driving 300 miles I am resting up at my sisters house for a few days . I will send home all my winter gear, lower my pack weight and be back on the trail after I rest up good. My body was ready to quit, but I don't want to. There is so much more I want to see. Thank you everyone for your support.
Date: 2018-05-16
To: Zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Organized lol my gear, packed it in my new backpack. I did exchange my other pack for an Osprey Aether 70 AG.Base weight without food or water is roughly 23 lbs. and hardly hardly feel the weight. When loaded with water and food for 4 days it should probably 32 lbs. I also made a reservation to rent a car Tuesday morning and drive back to Virginia and return to the trail where I left. Rain and thunderstorms are still in the forecast for a few days, so I am thankful I am here resting up.     Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-18
To: Zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I figure I will keep posting something everyday because it is a record for my stats. Counting these days off as zeros for rest. I am getting spoiled by my sister and she keeps feeding me.With all the rain that has fallen and still in the forecast for the next few days, I am thankful I can be spending time with her. I also will be here to celebrate her Birthday on Monday.Getting rested and enjoying my time here.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-19
To: Zero 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I know it has been raining on the AT for the last few days as I am here in NC. It also been raining here too. As we were having breakfast and coffee Gene noticed a tree had fallen in the horses corral over the electric fence.In no time Gene, Cindy, and I were outside cutting it up. Later on , I had received an email from REI about a sale that included the backpack that I had purchased Tuesday. So off we went to REI so I can receive the $83.46 . Then to Applebee's for a late lunch. I am getting rested eating good , and feeling great. A couple more days off and hopefully this rain system will be gone.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-21
To: Zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a great day, and final night in NC. I have no regrets taking a little time off the trail to better prepare myself for the the remainder of my quest. I enjoyed spending time with Cindy and Gene and catching up on lost time. Tonight we went to Lake Lure for Cindy's birthday. ( Lake Lure is where Dirty Dancing was filmed.)Also groceries for 5-6 days, all laundry washed. I will get picked up here in the morning by Enterprise Car Rental and drive back to Bluefield WV. I have also arranged a shuttle to pick me up upon arriving in Bluefield and drive me back to the trail where I left.I am all rested and very anxious to get back on the trail. Tomorrow's a new day.
Date: 2018-05-22
From: VA Route 623 Mile 575.4

To: Jenkins Shelter 
Miles today: 4.5

Rented a car and drove to Bluefield to drop it off. Minutes later my shuttle arrived and drove me back to the trail. The weather today was nice except for a few downpours. I managed to hike to the first shelter by 6:00pm. As I was getting ready to set my tent up it decided it was going to rain. I am all comfortable in the Shelter with 3 other people. There are a few tents also. I am happy to be back on the trail again. The new backpack feels very comfortable. I do have a slight problem with the inserts in the belt. REI changed the waist belt to a smaller size for me and the plastic inserts keep sliding out of the pockets. I'll figure something out.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-23
From: Jenkins Shelter 

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Up bright and early this morning, using my head light to start packing up. Drank my coffee and ate my oatmeal. It rained on and off throughout the night. It wasn't raining this morning, but as soon as I was ready to leave the shelter, it started to rain. I quickly put my rain gear on, and started out. Within 10 minutes the rain stopped and I was already sweating. I had to stop and put the rain gear away. It was a fairly easy day of hiking with nothing too drastic. It was a work out for me since I've had time off. Still a great day with plenty of sunshine.As I was going around a bend in the trail roughly 25 yards in front of me,I did see maybe a Bobcat, or an other species of a cat. We made eye contact and he boogied up the hillside. Also spooked some other animal, probably a deer. ( Just a wild guess )I arrived at Helveys Mill Shelter at approximately 2:30pm and set my tent up. Having cell service here I decided to call REI and explain the problem with my backpack. I spoke to the same person that sold it to me and he will be sending a new waist adjusting belt to me. Tomorrow I will hit the 600 mile!Woo- HooTomorrow's another day...
Date: 2018-05-24
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had a good night sleep. There was only 3 tents set up at the shelter and no stayed inside the shelter. I was up early as usual and on the trail by 7:00am. The weather was beautiful today and the terrain again was fairly easy. As I was walking along I heard a deer grunting a short distance away then I saw it running.I intended to only hike 15 miles today but that changed when I realized I can keep going to the trailhead at 16.1 miles to Kimberling Creek , VA 606 and walk down the road for a half mile to Trents Grocery . I was there by 2:30 , I had 2,20 oz. root beers, a cheeseburger special, and fries. I sat and ate with a few other hikers. We all left there at 4:30 and walked back to the trail for another 1.8 miles to a side trail that brought us to Dismal Falls. Sat near the falls and soaked my feet in the ice cold water. Set up my camp right off the trail and can hear the Falls here. Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-25
From: Dismal Falls

To: Docs Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: few clouds

I had a terrible night sleeping, I had an upset stomach. It was around 1:30 am and had to hurry out the tent to puke! At 3:30 am , then I had the runs. I only had a coffee and a granola protein bar. I didn't have an appetite today but did manage to eat a package of tuna for lunch. Also knorrs for supper. Only saw one black rat snake on the trail today. ( almost stepped on it ) I finally had some mountain top views today. I am staying in a shelter tonight , there aren't really any good campsites here. The shelter is pretty neat. It even has a deck attached to it. Tomorrow I will hike 9.3 miles to Pearisburg VA. I will stay at a hostel and pick up my delivery from REI.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-26
From: Docs Knob Shelter 

To: Angels Rest Hikers Haven
Miles today: 9.3

Woke up early this morning and on the trail by 7:30am. It was an enjoyable morning knowing I only had to hike 9.3 miles to Angels Rest Hikers Haven.As I was walking this morning a deer was on the trail. When it saw me it ran in the woods and stopped. I started to talk to it, I took a picture and then walked a few feet and it turned to me and let me take a couple pictures.I continued on to a summit, took a few pics of the scenery, then it started to rain. It continued to rain till I arrived at the hostel. I enjoyed a buffet at a Chinese restaurant with a few other hikers. I also received my waist belt from REI, and should be all set now.Next resupply is in 67 or 73 miles.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Angels Rest Hikers Haven

To: Big Stony Creek Road
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: light rain

Took it easy this morning and had to wait till 8:30AM to get shuttled back to the trailhead. Back on the trail by 8:50AM and it wasn't long before I noticed a deer on the trail. It took off quick and didn't want nothing to do with me. An hour is so the same happened. It was so cool seeing two right of the bat. Later in the afternoon another deer was standing at the edge of the trail and it wasn't bothered by me at all. Again I was talking to it and took a few pictures.The forecast for today was 70 percent chance of thunderstorms. There was thunder and very little rain. By 12:30 I had made it to a shelter and had my lunch there. Also there, was three other people. We have seen flyers at the hostel about a Hikers Feast today from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm. We decided we can do our best to arrive in time. Made it by 6:45pm and the club that put it on was still cooking hotdogs and Hamburgers. Also a couple different salads, soda, water, etc.. Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-28
From: Big Stony Creek Road

To: Laurel Shelter 
Miles today: 16.2

There was a group of us that set up camp at the same place as the Hikers Feast. It rained last night, but I stayed dry. Woke up early and was in no hurry to move. I drank my two coffees, ate my oatmeal. Packed up my wet tent. Back on the trail by 8:50am. I was hiking all day with French Toast, we both hike at the same pace. We made it to the shelter by 5:30pm. The biggest climb today was 1800ft. Only had scattered showers today and felt refreshing. After getting back on the trail May 22, and hiking 4 1/2 miles that day, I still managed to hike 99 miles.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-29
From: Laurel Shelter 

To: Niday Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a later start again with a planned shorter hike. The first couple miles were easy then another 1800ft. Ascend. On top of the mountain was a lot of large rock to navigate. Had to simply be very careful because it has been slight rain on and off. Once that part was completed the rest of the trail descended to the shelter.Arrived at the shelter around 3:15pm set up camp and cooked up some instant potatoes. Later I cooked up aMountain House dehydrated Bacon and scrambled eggs. Tomorrow's another day.I will post more pics when I have wifi.
Date: 2018-05-30
From: Niday Shelter 

To: Pickle Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Another planed short day.One big climb of roughly 1500ft. then a descent then another 500ft.climb. Today it was four of us hiking till this Shelter Campsite. Three of us are here the night. Tomorrow French Toast and myself will  hike another short day and then take a Nero at Four Pines Hostel, do the normal, shower, laundry, resupply for a couple days. Then out to eat at The Homeplace Restaurant . Then it will be another couple easy days to Daleville, Va. There we plan to take a Zero and enjoy the town with an Outfitter, a BBQ Restaurant, and a grocery store. That's all the the future plans for now.Just 16.3 miles to be at the cliffs of McAfee Knob! Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-05-31
From: Pickle Branch Shelter 

To: Four Pines Hostel 
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Up early this morning, and had to pack a wet tent. It rained last night and was clear by morning. I hiked with French Toast and Two Steps.The weather was great today as we were able to climb up to the Dragon's Tooth. It was a rock shuffle and challenging. Myself and French Toast were also able to climb to the top of the Dragon Tooth which is a huge rock, with great views. Then hiked on down to the Gap and walked the road to Four Pines Hostel and did our chores and out to eat. Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-06-01
From: Four Pines Hostel 

To: Lambert 's Meadow Trail 
Miles today: 16.5

Had a coffee and my breakfast at the hostel and walked back to the trail at 8:45 this morning. The weather was fantastic today. Nice and sunny and warm. Stopped at McAfee Knob for a bit and pics. Then further on the trail to Tinker Cliffs for more pics and so many great views. To just sit on the cliff over looking the valley.Then continued on to Lambert's Meadow Trail where there are several of us camping. Most of us stayed at the hostel last night.Tomorrow will head into Daleville and stay 2 nights. Also the town over is having a Hiker festival.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-06-02
From: Lambert 's Meadow Trail 

To: Daleville 
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

Woke up early this morning, started to do my morning chores. Then the skies decided to open up and rain just to make the tent get soaking wet to pack it up. Started the hike to Daleville at 7:40am. It was a fairly easy hike and and stayed dry till town. There was a shuttle that picked up Hikers from several locations to drive us back and forth from the Hikers Fest in Troutville. I attended the festival but the turnout was dim as it was raining most of the day. I spent an hour or so there then got the last shuttle back to to the outfitters located down the road from where I am staying. I purchased a summer lightweight quilt, and a couple other items. I will be sending home my sleeping bag, rain pants.I should be all set now for sure! LolStill Lovin every day !Tomorrow's another day.