morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Beaker and I are currently at Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel. This place has a reputation for being one of the nicest hostels along the trail and so far, I agree. We got here after a 16.4 miles hiking day through the Roan Highlands area. The day was beautiful, made even more so, after the last few days of rain. We spent much of the day hiking over balds where we could actually see more than a mile up the trail at times. I'm sure I'll remember this area as some of the most spectacular areas of the entire hike.We also left North Carolina for the last time today and will be in Tennessee until we reach Virginia in about 72 more miles. Honestly, for much of the last 100 miles or so, I usually didn't know if I was in NC or TN.A few days ago, I lost my wallet on the trail.   I didn't even know it was gone until my wife called me and told me that another hiker had found it. Luckily for me, I carry a card in my wallet that says "In case of an emergency call...and my wife's phone number". Ringer, the hiker who found my wallet, is currently about a day behind us. She, and I can't thank her enough, is going to meet us here at the hostel tomorrow evening with my wallet. I plan to do a zero here, so everything is working out perfectly so far.   The local news is also calling for heavy rains tomorrow with as much as 1-2 inches of rain possible. All of this makes it the perfect time to be taking a zero. I just hope Ringer and the other hikers remain safe.I also want to thank my wonderful wife for setting us up here. Without my wallet, money, and credit card, I don't know what I would have done without her. Because of her, tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel

To: Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I enjoyed a wonderful stay at the Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel today. The family who owns and operates it are extremely welcoming. The place was incredibly clean and very comfortable. David is a fantastic cook and his breakfast (and everything else he makes) absolutely shouldn't be missed. This has been my favorite stop so far and I have already talked to my wife about coming back in October to hike during the fall colors.I got my wallet back today. I lost it on the trail and Ringer found it, contacted me, and returned it to me. She is my newest favorite person and really saved me from a difficult situation that could have taken me weeks to overcome.Being here also saved us from hiking during some serious rain and wind today and provided us with some much needed rest. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice again, at least during the day, and Beaker and I are looking forward to getting back on the trail again (right after another of David's incredible breakfasts).Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry in my favorite hostel on the trail. Thanks again to my sweet wife for making this possible. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: mist

Headed out from Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel at about 9am this morning with Beaker after another incredible breakfast. The hike up probably wouldn't have been so bad if I had eaten so much but everything was so delicious. But after the first climb, the rest of the day went pretty well until the last little 500-foot climb at the end. By that time, I was exhausted and ready for dinner and my tent. But, we did 18.4 miles today. I believe that is a new record for me...And we passed the 400-mile point! Tomorrow, they are calling for rain by 2pm but there is another hostel (Boots Off Hostel) at the 14.8-mile mark. We are going to try to reach it before the rain begins. Thursday and Friday, they are calling for snow again but we are really hoping it misses us. The snow in the Smokies was enough.We are sharing this campsite with about 12 others. Six are in the shelter and the rest of us are tenting nearby. Today was beautiful and tonight is supposed to remain in the low 50s. I'm exhausted and my feet are tender but I'm looking forward to tomorrow.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry in my tent. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Boots Off Hostel
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Yesterday, Beaker and I met up with a section hiker who goes by the name of Barred Owl, or just Bo for short. He is only hiking for 6 weeks and plans to leave the trail at Damascus. He continued to hike with us today and is sharing our room at the hostel tonight. Bo is an anthropology professor at a university and is very interesting to talk with. We spent much of today talking about the places we have been and the different cultures we have encountered. He also has a student (a previous thru-hiker) who is doing her thesis on the Appalachian Trail hiker culture. I bet it will be an interesting paper.I also pulled off the trail today to visit Bob Peoples at the Kincora Hiking Hostel. I would have liked to have stayed there but it was only noon and way too early to stop. Bob is a trail legend, both for his hostel, and due to his hard work in trail maintenance. He is also an Air Force veteran and my trip wouldn't have been complete without meeting him. We spent about a half hour together talking about the trail and about our military careers. The trail today was beautiful and we completed about 14.9 miles but there was a 2,000-foot climb (and drop) near the end of the day and for some reason, it hurt more than the 18+ miles we did yesterday.Due to bear activity on the trail, a 10-mile section has been closed to camping for the season. We had three choices:   hike 24 miles, hike about 10 miles, or hike the 14.5 we did and spend the night at "Boots Off Hostel". We chose the hostel. Darn, clean clothes and a shower only two days apart, and a free ride to McDonald's for dinner, omelets in the morning? I can get used to this!They¢re calling for rain changing to snow tomorrow and snow again on Friday. We will see what it looks like in the morning before making a final decision about moving on. But tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Boots Off Hostel

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Beaker, Bo, and I decided to stay at a hostel last night to avoid a storm. The storm never materialized overnight but we did get hit with everything today.We started out in the rain at about 8am and the weather only got worse as the day progressed. By the time we got to the shelter 15.9 miles later, we had been buffeted by winds of about 35 mph, and had about a 1/2 of snow on the ground.Since for once, we beat the younger crowd here, we decided to use the shelter. The tents would actually be warmer but, we won't have wet, snow covered, ice coated material, to try and fold in the morning.We are currently sharing the shelter with three other hikers: one guy is a south bounder almost done with his hike and two other guys are headed north.Everything I wore today is wet but I'm safe, warm, and dry in my sleeping bag. With each gust of wind, a little bit of snow is blown into the shelter but at this point, not enough to matter. Tomorrow is supposed to be another cold, wet day but the weather is supposed to be much better on Saturday and next week should be great. Days like this really make you appreciate the nice, sunny ones. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light snow

What does a university professor, a chemist, and an old military guy have in common? Surprisingly, quite a bit. For the last few days Beaker and I have been hiking with Barred Owl. BO is a university professor with a PhD in anthropology. We shared some wonderful conversations covering all kinds of topics, to include making homemade beer, hiking, anthropology, religion, foreign countries, food, country music, old movies, etc. Unfortunately, Barred Owls time on the trail ends tomorrow. He is meeting his wife in Damascus and must go back to work educating the next generation. Beaker and I are both sad to see him go.Tomorrow, we walk the last 10 miles into Damascus Virginia. Not only are we entering our 4th state, but also one of the most famous trail towns. And thanks to both our incredible families, we have resupplies and a hostel waiting for us when we get there. Virginia promises to be exciting and I'm really looking forward to it. Almost 1/4 of the trail is there.Yesterday was wet, cold, and then snowy but by noon today the weather cleared and the sun was shining. Even though it remained cool/cold all day it was a big improvement over yesterday and tomorrow promises to be even better.Tonight, I'm back in my tent, I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Broken Fiddle Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Barred Owl, Beaker, and I left our campsite this morning around 8am and made the 10+ mile trip to Damascus in just about 4 hours. During the trip, we crossed into Virginia, our fourth state. I will hike in Virginia for approximately the next 500 miles¢¦more miles than any other state on the trail and further than I've traveled so far.We went with BO to meet his wife and bid him a safe journey home. We're going to miss having him with us; he was great company.After leaving BO, Beaker and I checked into the Broken Fiddle Hostel, dropped our packs, and headed to a local Mexican restaurant where we had our fill of very good town food.The rest of the afternoon was spent picking up packages, cleaning equipment, shopping to resupply, laundry, showers, repacking, and planning our next few days on the trail. I was scheduled to zero here but the weather for the next few days looks to be good and we managed to get everything done that needed doing so we're going to head back out in the morning.But tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry, and sleeping in a hostel in Damascus, Virginia. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Broken Fiddle Hostel

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Beaker and I headed out from the hostel in Damascus this morning at about 8 am but stopped at the Country Cafe for breakfast where we were joined by several of our young friends to include, Sitting Bull, Humming Bird, Brie, and Ramsey Bolton. They have been hiking "around" us for much of our hike so far. Basically, this means, us older guys get up at 6 am and try to be hiking by 7. These guys get up at 9 am and hit the trail around 10 or 11, and still pass us around 2 in the afternoon. We reach the same campsite they are using at about 6-7 and they¢ve been there since 4. Ah, youth! On the other hand, Beaker and I usually end up with a private room and bath in the hostels. Ah, Visa!Just three days ago, I awoke to 2 inches of snow. Even this morning, when we started our hike, it was about 35°. By 3 pm it was 80°. What a drastic change in a very short time¢¦from frostbite to sunburn almost overnight!Today, Brie's parents met her in Damascus and took most of her gear, then met her again this evening at the shelter (there's a side trail from this shelter to a parking lot about a mile away). This allowed her to "slack pack" today. A really good way to make quick miles. But, when they met her at the shelter, they also brought pizza, chips, fruit, and soft drinks for everyone at the shelter. Unexpected, but thoroughly enjoyed trail magic!Tomorrow (as was today) will be mostly uphill. We should enter the Graceland Highlands around 2 pm. I've been told by many that this is one of the most beautiful areas in Virginia and I¢m really looking forward to it. We should also be crossing over Mount Rogers, the tallest mountain in Virginia.But tonight, I'm tenting at Lost Mountain Shelter. I'm safe, warm, and dry and looking forward to another day of beautiful weather tomorrow. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We decided to stop tonight at Thomas Knob Shelter just on the edge of the Grayson Highlands. We were met at the shelter by 4 wild ponies. Pretty cool!We had originally planned to go about 5 miles further but the view here is beautiful, the shelter is nice, and I was exhausted. The shelter here holds 16 and there is only 6 of us here. We would have tented but the tenting area is relatively small and we knew a troop of 16 Boy Scouts and their leaders (about 25 total) were headed our way.It's hard to believe that just three days ago it was in the 20s with snow on the ground. Today it got up to 80°. I think that, more than anything else, is what tired me out. Tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same. I'll adjust, just might take a few days.The sun is almost behind the mountain and the stars should be shining soon. This is the first night since almost the beginning of my trip where I'm not camping in the trees. Even with an almost full moon tonight, the stars should be spectacular.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Stealth Site
Miles today: 19.1

I awoke this morning to ponies peering into the shelter. I believe these guys know when it is breakfast time and expect to get their fair share. It worked; it only took a minute or two for someone to start feeding them oatmeal and for another person to pull out an apple they had been saving. I even had a pony follow me all the way to the privy and up the ramp to the door.We left the shelter at about 8 am but continued to see ponies until we left the Grayson Highlands at about 1 pm. This is another beautiful place that even if you can't do a thru or section hike would make a wonderful place to spend a long weekend.We reached our intended campsite at about 5:30 pm. There was no tent camping near the shelter and the stream for water was back down near the main trail. We had planned a 19-mile hike tomorrow, but both Beaker and I felt we could continue on, so we went ahead and did 19.1 miles today. That's my new personal record and I felt I could have gone further if necessary.We hit the 500-mile point today! Sounds like a long distance but it is less than 1/4 of the way and I still feel like I'm just getting started.Once again, I want to say thanks to everyone who is following my adventure and thanks for all the emails offering advice and support. They really do make a difference. I also want to say thank you to my dear wife. You have been there supporting me every step of the way. I couldn't do it without you. I love you sweetheart.Tonight, I'm tenting at about the 515-mile point. I'm safe, dry, and warm. I hear thunder off in the distance but am excited about tomorrow. Tomorrow night we hope to stay at Partnership Shelter. It¢s one of only two shelters on the trail where you can have a pizza delivered. Tonight, I'll dream of pepperoni and extra cheese. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Stealth Site

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm spending the night at Partnership Shelter with about 10 others after a 15.9-mile hike today. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only shelter on the AT that has a phone (at the nearby visitor's center) and you can order pizza and have it delivered. The 10 of us ordered 10 pizzas and almost every bite was eaten. I'm pretty sure all of it will be gone by morning.Another great thing about this shelter is my cell phone reception is much better than I've had lately and I got to talk with my wife twice this evening.Tomorrow will be a short day of only about 12 miles. My hiking partner Beaker is headed home tomorrow to move. During his hike, he and his wife sold their home and purchased another. Yup, he's an overachiever. For almost everyone else, a 2,200-mile hike is enough. Enterprise is going to meet us in Atkins, VA, and I'm going to drive him to his mother's house where we will meet his wife. I'll return to Atkins on Friday and continue my hike while he spends the next two-three weeks moving and setting up his new household. He will meet me after he is done and complete the portion he missed at the end. But tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry (and stuffed with pizza). Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Beaker and I managed a quick (for us) 11-mile trip from Partnership Shelter to Atkins today and then had lunch at "The Barn" restaurant. This was after visiting the little one-room school house and enjoying a soft drink and an orange left there as trail magic. The school was very interesting and well maintained. It¢s worth checking out even if not hiking the trail.Enterprise was supposed to pick us up at 4 pm but since we were early (even after picking up my resupply at the nearby hotel and eating lunch), we called them, and they met us at 2 pm instead. We completed all the paperwork and were on our way to Beaker's mother's house before 4.It was wonderful to meet his mother, sister, and wife and they made me feel welcome immediately. I almost hate to leave first thing in the morning but the trail calls.I'm really going to miss hiking with Beaker for the next few weeks as he gets resettled in his new home but he is going to meet me up the trail as soon as he can. After we reach Katahdin, he will return to finish this section near his home.Tonight, I'm off the trail, enjoying a night with a great family. I'm safe, warm, and dry (and sleeping in a real bed, after a hot shower, good food, and clean laundry). Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Atkins, VA

To: Quarter Way Hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

This morning, I left Beaker in West Virginia and drove back to where we had gotten off the trail. I really hated to see him go, but the trail isn't everything or even the most important thing. Sometimes, we all need to remind ourselves of that. He will be back in about 3 weeks and in the meantime, I wish him the best with his move. I arrived back at the Barn Restaurant in Atkins at about one and was soon met by Chunky (Ms. Tina, a 2009 thru-hiker, who is anything but chunky), from the Quarter Way Hostel. I have been wanting to try some slack-packing, and since half the day was already gone, felt today would be a good opportunity. She provided me with a small knapsack and took my pack on to her hostel. I then hiked the 10.1 miles to her hostel without being incumbered by my heavy pack. I'd like to say it was much quicker but I kept running into hikers I knew so it took me about the same amount of time as it usually does to cover the same distance. But, my back and feet sure noticed the difference. I'm going to try to do more slack-packing in the future, maybe even in the next few days if it's available.I reached the quarter-way point today. Only about 1630 miles left to go!My pack is probably about as heavy right now as it has ever been. I'm currently carrying 6 days of food. That's about 12 extra pounds in my pack. I'll be glad when I've eaten some of that weight down. I could easily get by with just four days of food, but I don't want to just get rid of the extra only to have to purchase more later. I've had many opportunities to eat other food, like the two nights of pizza recently, and the Barn Restaurant. I've also skipped breakfast and/or lunch a few times.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry, and staying in the Quarter Way Hostel. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Quarter Way Hostel

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

I spent a pleasant evening last night at the Quarter Way Hostel and had an incredible breakfast before catching a ride back to the trailhead this morning. Quarter Way is owned/operated by Chunky (Tina) a previous thru-hiker. She really understands the hikers. I highly recommend a stop here if you ever do a thru-hike.One of you asked today about the transition into spring and it has certainly been interesting to watch. I've gotten to see it more than once already (almost daily). Tonight, I'm sleeping in Chestnut Knob Shelter at about 4,400 ft. Outside the shelter, the trees are still bare, most of the grass is brown and no flowers are blooming. As you drop into the gaps and valleys, everything starts to come alive. At about 2000 feet, the trees are leaving out and the eastern redbuds, wild cherries, and apple trees are in full bloom. Flowers are also popping up all over and the wild violets are thick in some areas. I have not seen any rhododendrons yet but in the lower elevations, the buds are huge and should be starting to bloom soon.The same individual also asked about wildlife. Unfortunately, up to now I haven't seen much. I did almost step on a skunk one day, but even then, it ignored me completely, never raised its tail, and scampered on its way. I have also seen about a dozen white-tail deer (to include three yesterday and three more today), two turkeys, two woodchucks, and bunches of squirrels and chipmunks. And of course, mice in and around the shelters. I've heard grouse during the day, but haven't seen one, and owls and coyotes at night.I have yet to see a bear, or anything I can definitely call bear sign, but I did talk with a guy a couple of days ago who had met one on the trail the same day. He told me the bear appeared to be as startled as he was, immediately turned, and quickly departed down the trail. I really hope I get to safely see at least one bear and one moose during my hike.The forecast for tonight and tomorrow is rain but right now, I'm safe, warm, and dry in a shelter. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Campsite
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Happy Easter Everyone! I woke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise and the weather stayed beautiful for most of the day. It was so nice, I had to take a break and cool my feet with several other hikers. The water is still too cold for anything but feet, and even they could only be submerged for a few minutes without going numb and turning blue. It's hard to believe that less than two weeks ago I woke to two inches of snow and frozen boots.I took a break for lunch today at Jenkins Shelter. A local lady had hiked three miles just to drop off a basket of Easter eggs filled with candy--candy for people she had never met. Every day the trail renews my faith in my fellow human beings. The day remained clear until I reached my last mile and then it began to sprinkle. By the time I crossed the stream near the road, it was raining hard enough that I hid under the bridge to get out of the rain. My campsite was right across the road in the woods but honestly, I don't like camping near a road and I don't like sitting up in the rain. Once the rain had almost stopped, I went to check out the campsite. Mostly mud and none too level¢¦and more rain looked likely. The next shelter was 10 miles further up the trail and I'm not sure I had another 10 miles left in me. As I stood there pondering the situation it occurred to me that several vehicles had passed on the gravel road. I realized that instead of a nuisance, one of them might be a blessing. I went back to the road, stuck out my thumb and was picked up by the 5th vehicle to pass. About 15 minutes later, I was at the DQ in Bland, VA, enjoying a cheeseburger and a chocolate shake. Just a little later, I went across the street and checked into the Big Walker Hotel. I was even able to arrange a ride back out to the trail head at 7 am tomorrow morning.I've showered, washed my clothes, and enjoyed some town food. Now I'm ready for a good night's sleep. I hope you all had a wonderful day with your families. Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.