morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Rich Mtn

To: Lone small rounded top campsite
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

Very windy last nite.   Packed up quick & hit trail no Breakfest @ 7.Idea was hike to Log Cabin drive & go to Hostel before rain hit. Well 3 miles from Hostel SOBOs said there was trail Majic @ the Camp Creek Bald & another hiker said no rain til late in day.   So started the 2200 climb up to what turned out to be a FEAST of a spread.   The hikers from the Greensville, TN hikers association know how to put out the food, drinks, snacks, veggies, u name it.   Had been out of H20 for awhile and that sweet tea hit the spot. 3 cups while eating and 1 for the trail plus also a banana & cookies for trail.PLUS a free bamboo walking stick.   One organizer grows them!!!!And that puppy came in quite handy later on in afternoon. The trail from the tower goes along Blackstack cliffs which are summit high, all large rocks with Rhody growing around them and not very wide.   The new hiking pole came in handy going down large rocks & should work wonders when I come up behind a young hiker listening to an iPod.   1 tap along the eat should signal NOT heavy base, but please move over & let me pass!!!From there it was over Big Butt @ 4750 and a long decent down from there to 3400 foot campsite.   Was a couple nice Balds on top concluding the almost 10 mile transverse above 4000 feet.   No trees leafed out up there yet.   Got great (I hope) campsite.   Little bump by trail that fades away all 4 sides just feet from my tent. All buttoned up and waiting for the rain.   Major flooding warnings for this part of Tennessee.   So far just a few drops.   If there is heavy rain in morning I AM STAYING PUT.Play it by ear - no rain drops on tent.... Unbutton for a peak outside.Wind picking up, supposed to be high winds next 2 days.Took a chance pressing on today, but hit jackpot & spent Zero dinaro!!!That's a win-win.   Now if the rain turns due north and goes away, I be super Hsppy and press on tomorrow.   Directly ahead a 1600 climb up Frozen Knob.Got a great picture from the cliffs west into Tennessee.   Could see for many miles.Plus some pictures of a couple from Scotland!!! With dog in tow.   Also, at Trail Majic a guy from British Columbia & a couple that knew where Slate Run, PA is!Unbelievable Good day after iffy cold windy start plus peeled off 25 miles toward Erwin - next supply town.   Thinks it's only 35 more miles.   Hopefully can get 10 or more tomorrow. Might not post tomorrow, battery low!Adios
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Lone small rounded top campsite

To: Big Flats
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

Stayed in tent all day during rain.   Ventured out around 4:30, packed up and went 6 miles to Big Flat to get within range of Erwin on Monday.Coming over Frozen Knob the wind was vicious with sideways rain.   That sucked.   Big Flats protected from the wind but was a COLD night.My legs did get plenty of rest though.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Big Flats

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 29.0

Big day which started off terrible.   2 minutes late packing up and got half soaked by a 3 minute shower.   Left camp @ 7 & it rained til 10, but it turned out to be a great hiking day as the sun finally broke thru which felt great on bare skin.   Hiked from 10:30Til 6 in shorts & tee.   Omg the Forrest finally smelling of pine needles with some warmth. Highlight of the day was going over 5600 foot Big Bald with 360 degree views.   From there it was mostly downhill to Erwin with a few bumps in between.   The decent into Erwin was long with many switchbacks as the trail comes right to the cliffs above the Notilchucky River which is running very high.   Actually I sitting on the river bridge posting as the hostel 100 yards away has no reception & the wifi not working.   Got in @ 6 pm,   Did laundry & showered.   Breakfest in town tomorrow before I head out around 11.   All uphill for quite a ways with 6000 plus Roan High knob the big one.   They say Roan is the coldest spot in southern A T.Will post if I have cell service. WILL have full battery leaving town.Gunna hit the hay now and rest the dawgs & legs.Got lots of good pictures but won't be able to post til I stay at a Motel. Later
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Erwin, TN

To: Beyond Cherry Gap shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Late start out of Erwin.Got tent set up Just as it started raining again & continued thru out the nite.   More laterOn way Roan Highlands @ 6275Left Erwin @ 11 across the Nolichuck (raging) river bridge, elev 1780 on way to Beauty Spot & Unaka Mtn. Mostly climbing all day. Had trail majic @ road crossing - cold drinks & snacks provided by an X Mass hostel owner. Good timing as a shower hit and 2 of us set in his van waiting it out for ten minutes. Then on up to Beauty Spot, a bald. No view - fogged in. Then on up to 5180 Unaka Mtn. Spruce Forrest top. Hiked up there with Guardian & Angel, a couple from Brittish Columbia with tons of hiking experience.Then down to a campsite where I got tent set up just in the nick of time as the rain came. It drizzles & rain off & on all nite. Late start, good miles for weather conditions as it rained most of the late afternoon.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Beyond Cherry Gap shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: moderate rain

Broke camp just after 7 for hike to 6000 plus Roan Highlands - last time above 6000 Til Mt Washington.   7 fairly ez miles to start and then joined up with 2 time thru hiker Ynot2K & Rammy, (who lives near Marc Policelli).   Hiked with these 2 the rest of the day to the shelter.   The trail to the Summitt of Roan has been changed to numerous switchbavks easing the pain.   There used to be a lodge up there turn of 1900 where the State line went thru the ballroom.   Long gone now.   Then down rocky wet trail to road crossing @ Carvers Gap. Then back up some little bumps of balds, but everything today was Fogged in as we hiked in the clouds with mist all afternoon.   Occasionally the sun broke thru for 17 seconds at a time.   Twice we thought the weather changed for the good & removed our rain gear only to have in start raining (misting) in less than 10 minutes.Currently at a large shelter which is a red barn formally used by U S Forrest service.   At least 20-25 here. Still at 4550 feet.   Let me explain, the weather above 4000 feet can change in a matter of a few minutes.   We had a great valley view when we got to this shelter and now can't see 100 feet. Crazy weather today.   Very few good views because of the fog, but time spent with Rammy & YNot2K were great.   Learned a lot.Undecided onTomorrow, but 900 foot climb to start tomorrow.Hasta Ma±ana
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 9.0

Left Overmountain around. 8 for hike over the Balds of the Roan Highlands & Hump Mountain.On Occassion the sun broke thru for a few moments but mostly overcast. Got a few good shots of the valleys below.   Hiking above 5000 over the Balds has been the highlight so far. Very windy and kinda cold up there but I could hike that for days on end.   Just spectacular.   For there we defended for about 4 miles with the upper half very rocky and then muddy. Got in to the Hostel right before noon which allows for laundry (they do it & fold it too for 6 clams a load. So yNot2k & I combined for a good deal, 3 a piece).   Also allowed me to clean my tent and ground cover.   Caught lunch: open face hot roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, soda, desert - 5 skins!!! I had 2!!!Shuttle to town @ 5 for resupply.   Hostel is second floor of old barn fixed up real nice with bath/shower.   They also allow tenting & I count 10 set up already with surely more hikers to come in.   Currently relaxing sitting on front porch of the main house (which is a bed & breakfast) with cool breeze blowing over bare feet.The 51 miles from Erwin over here (IMO) are the toughest stretch so far with the major climbs.   They also allow for the most spectacular views; unfortunately, most were fogged in.Expecting good weather next few days which is very much welcome.   Big day tomorrow for 24 mile stretch to the Kinkora hostel on Dennis Cove Road.   Only asks for a 5 dollar donation for bunk and they are never closed.   Run by a 14,000 Miler!!!!!Then it's just 50 miles to Damascus & Virginia, which has the most trail miles of around 600.Forgot, huge breakfast at Mountain Harbour before our push off for Dennis Cove. Supposed to be a monster.   Won't get over there Til near dark because of late 9ish push off.   Trail is long very slow upgrade with no major (+1000) climbs.   With all the air today hopefully the trail drys out for some good speed.   Time to repack tent now & see if laundry done.   They have extra clothes for hikers to wear while laundry being done.   Also, get my underwear back (they got soaked 2 days ago & nothing dried until noon today when sun returned).   2 days of commando enough for me!!Should meet Randy in Damascus onSunday night.   That's 74 miles in 3 days.   If weather holds it should be piece of cake.Adios amigos
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Kinkora Hiker Hostel - Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 24.4

Nice hike with Pressure D from Binghamton, NY.Walked into a free Spaghetti dinner with ice cream.More later tonight if I have cell service.   Hoping for 30+ miles.Took side trail to Mountaineer Falls. Quite impressive & got some good pictures. As usual the afternoon drizzle returned requiring rain gear & any time you attempt to remove it of course the rain returns. Hikers getting sick of the rain and in fact, was told Saturday, this the coldest & wettest spring in some time. The 1600 foot decent into Dennis Cove wasnt too bad because there were plenty of switchbacks.Pressure D, he a HS BB coach, jumped his big day mileage by drafting me all the way to Kincora. We both the same age and had a great & lively chat during the day. Good dude but not up to B - B 20+rs .The crowd at the hostel included a 14 year old boy who already has completed the A T. (was 10) & the P C T (pacific crest trail, 2650 miles). Plus some lively young girls.The hospitality at this hostel was AAA+. Quite a place.Anyway, besides the pissy P I T A rain, a good day with the necessary miles to have a BED onB - B nites.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Kinkora Hiker Hostel - Dennis Cove Road

To: Iron Mountain Shelter @ 4125 feet
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: moderate rain

Ran out of gas today &'struggled from 1:30 on Til getting toThe shelter @ 5:30 which is not my stopping time.   Tank simply on M T. Trail not good enough to push for 30 with low energy & I know why energy so low too!   LACK OF FUEL due to more FREAKING PISSY P I T A!!!!! Just enough to force on rain gear.   With my packa on I can't get to my food without taking it off & stopping.   Just DIDN'T have enough calories in the tank and when that zeros out you start burning fat and muscle fiber and increasing leg pain going uphill.We are DUE to have a weather change.   Anyway, day started out passing Laurel Fork Falls and hiking the gorge along the river then switchbacking up almost 2000 feet to Pond Flats.   Then over to Watsuga Lake where there are temporary trail reroutes due to flooding. A trail maintainer told me the lake is at it's highest elevation since being built in the 40's.   That's how much rain been down here.   And as I type it starts raining AGAIN!   Screw it.   I in shelter with just 2 others.   Lady from Maine, guy from Seattle.   Hike goes around the lake after crossing the North end of the dam.   Then another 2000 climb for a series of ridges with lots of small ups & downs.   The ridge top hiking should have been gravy even with the wet mushy trail floor but low energy made it a struggle.   Oh well,   That leaves 26 miles into Damascus tomorrow but already above 4000 & Damascus below 2000.   A few bumps to start but mostly good trail (been told) and down to The friendliest hiker town on the A T where i will zero Monday & get my 2 pair shoes.   Hopefully the weather forcast is correct - NO RAIN & I can avoid raising any additional blisters starting with dry soaks and having a second dry pair ready if needed.Feel better since eating and could easily hike 4-5 more miles, but been inMy bag now for an hour in dry clothes.   Feet have quit barking so hopefully I stroll into town around 5 pm expecting much quicker pace than today, especially not having 2 2000 climbs.Later
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Damascus - Church Hiker Hostel

To: around town of Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Hanging around town on a zero day & getting ready to pick up 2nd pair of Shoes if U S Postal service delivers.I posted about 60 pictures from Davenport Gap to here in Damascus with some info on each.      Hope you enjoy.   Now as the weather may just be turning to the hikers favor I will have more and better pictures of this journey.   Thank you Damascus Public Library~~~~~~~~~~~.Wow ! What a difference a zero day has made. Feet were barking this morning after 74 miles in 3 days, but with new shoes & no pack on back plus a LOT of eating today feel really good as I wait on a BIG basket of French fries at the Blue Moon Cafe. Still peeved that it cost 35 clams to get freaking U S mail for my shoes. .Repackage all (& much better) food for next 3 days and weather looks fine too. Going to try for a 6:15 - 6:30 start up into the Grayson Highlands of Virginia and again above 5000 feet. Checked my planned re-supplies points I layed out prior to Springer and with this zero day it works out to put me in Catawba, VA on May 23rd. That's a very BIG deal because Thursday night is AYCE BBQ night with 2 meats for $13. That's gunna be 1 hellava lot of BBQ pork and Beef!Maybe a Lager or 2 to was it down as well..Probably no cell service tomorrow nite so will catch up Weds nite.Until then
Date: 2013-05-17
From: I-81 & US 11 interchange near Atkins, VA

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Rather mundane uphill hike today.   Started crossing to the west of I - 81 and doing some pasture (wet grass) walking.   Then a series of climbs and ridge walking.   Had a bunch of hidden elevation from the guide.   This afternoon had a 2000 + foot climb to Chestnut Knob.   Surprise, surprise when rounding a trail corner (600 feet from the top) and to find the top is grass and mostly bald.   Always a spirit lifter.   Got here at 3:55 and feet barking.   Suppose they will for a few days Til the skin toughens under the blisters. Only hurts while walking, so a shot of pain about 45-50k times today.   Usually can't stop at 4 oclock but at 4400 feet and a great view to the valley to the west PLUS by far the coolest and best shelter yet, I decided to call it a day a cob the first of six very spacious bunks.   Not like those that hike 8-10 miles and take space - 23 miles and some serious elevation ........... I EARNED IT BABY!!!!.The shelter is an old Fire Wardens cabin with six bunks.   There are 4 others here, 1 from Isreal & 3 from Germany.   YIKES!   Plenty of space in individual bunks to store gear out of pack.   Shelter closed all four sides with a door should it rain.. Also ordered a pair of trekking poles via phone to be shipped to Catawba, VA.Used to stocks today (usually only one) & found the they propel you up slope nicely.   Guessing taking 15-20% burden off your legs.   They BETTER Be there no later than next Friday morning too.   You need to ship stuff General Delivery % name.   In the mean time will use my sticks. The one I got today has a nice finger hold at the top(broken off stub).   Works good.   I softened all the knobs by grinding them down over oak bark.   Can't have sharp edges that might tare pack..Much easier going tomorrow so hoping I can bust out of here at 6 A M which will be my earliest.   Today was 6:16.   If feet don't bark as much or I just blank out the sharp pain, going for first 30 Miler tomorrow.   Stopping here also canned my first 4 consecutive days of hiking @ 98 miles.   I will get it yet & maybe a 3 day 100 Miler in the easier northern Virginny area with my poles and good feet..Time to calorie up now.   Food selection stunk at the truck stop.   Not even any cheese.   So I will eat the whole bag of honey & mustard pretzels for 1600.   .Adios amigos
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Stealth campsite beyond Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 25.1

Today flat out was not fun.   First ten miles was a 900 decent followed by ridge hiking with lots of bumps.   The trail sucked. Never straight & with zillions of rocks. Very slow hiking & in fact some of my slowest yet because foot placement high priority on rocks & especially with sore dawgs. Stopped at the 10 mile shelter to adjust mole skin on feet.   Can't keep it in place over blisters.I talked to a guy there from Denver that got a foot infection last year and was in hospital for 12 days.   Nobody needs that shit.   And I have some concerns and am keeping close eye on feet..After shelter there was one hill of maybe 600 feet and then some very good trail(old logging road) for about 3 miles.   After crossing the new Laurel Creek Bridge and a climb to a ridge, the trail stayed fairly level for about 6 miles to U S 52.The crazy thing was i was almost always turning right. At least 10-12 rights & had me thinking I must have circled that mountain 3 times. When I get a chance I will pull up that section (Laurel Creek to U S 52) to see how the trail runs.   Passed a hiker on this stretch and asked him about it.   He said he wasn't paying attention. I assumed he was in the hiker fog (just walking) or totally clueless.   Probably both..After U S 52 the A T markings were poor.   While not making any wrong turns I was always guessing is this right.   Down U S 52 sways then over a bridge & I 77 then down a gravel road to Kimberling Creek.   Went about 3 more miles and had enough.   Passed 1 possible tenting spot & when next 1 appeared 1/2 mile later - dropped my pack..Down to one water bottle after forgetting to leave the Truck stop with a full Gatorade.   That makes having enough camp water (unless by a water source) nearly impossible. Have about a pint and none near either.   .Will make the road crossing (where I dropped off ' coach ' tomorrow in about 15 miles.Trents Grocery has hot sandwiches and is open Sunday. I plan on having a few. Food selection from Truck stop stunk and I ate almost all the good stuff already. Can't eat peanuts & nuts without water so I save them for the hike in tomorrow when i have plenty. Tonight will be meager.   Trail shows 1 700 foot climb to Brushy Mtn, so hopefully those 15 miles are a lot easier thanToday's first 10. .Calling for rain over night 60% & same tomorrow.   Only a few very light showers today. Just enough to put on rain gear.   At least its not cold.Later
Date: 2014-03-12
From: home

To: dinner table
Miles today: 0.0

Testing uploading photo directly from Iphone.Returning to trail @ VA611 (mile 596) Saturday.Goal - use knowledge from 2013 & hike north to mile 1143 Clarkes Ferry Bridge.After a few days home will then decide how much further I will/might hike.Will at sometime do the section from Clarkes Ferry to DWG in 2014.   Ruling nothing out, but initial goal will be from 596 to 1143.Ha, only took 10 tries to update ios. Still dont know how i didnt lose all info.Apparently itunes likes me and did everything by itself. Anyway, the picture is my house. Most of the snow melted last 2 days, but we could get some overnight.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: VA 611

To: Docs knob shelter
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Peggy dropped me off right before 9 am.   Had no cell service last nite.Very good trail most of day, but as morning wore on thought plan B option was good idea because a winter storm is moving in now (2 pm Sunday). So, I figured a good idea to try and beat the storm.   Was planning on staying at Wapiti Shelter but never saw it and neither did the only hiker a saw all day. So marched on to Docs Knob, arriving by full moon lite.Water at this shelter and could here it, but getting it turned into a 45 minute chore and it was only 20 yards away.   The water percolates thru a bolder field and is down about 3 feet.   Of course my first attempt was downslope thru a rhody jungle & with small headlamp that was super fun. Next attempt on up trail no good either. 3rd attempt was away from shelter and found a spot someone moved some large rocks creating a small pull.Went right into sleeping bag and let me tell ya it takes a lot of body heat to warm 2 quarts ice water - so I was shivering a few minutes. Probably 2nd most tired at days end (nothing gunna beat the snow hike from Winding Stair to NOC ). A lot more miles than I planned, but did beat the storm and that left a short hike into Pearisburg and my current dilema.   See 3-16 entry.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Docs knob shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Hike into Pearisburg offered some great views off Pearis Mountain @ Angles Rest overlook almost 2000 feet above the valley floor. Very steep trail down as the north face of the mountain is quite steep ( >45 degrees). Met a fellow hiking up this section: said he does it 3 times a week.   He was 71. Amazing. So my current dilema: 2 motels this small burg. Both full with contractor workers converting a local plant to natural gas.   Lovely.   A third place 6 miles away supposedly has a room and I waiting to hear back. The local hostle - just opened and waiting for return call.Last option is 30 yards from the motel ( full) lobby i sitting in.   They converting their old game room into a hiker hostel. That is last option. So I watching UVA & Duke. Winter storm is calling for 3-5 inches snow and some ice.   My plan was/is the zero tomorrow and start of again Tuesday morning.   That is about 2 level miles, then a 1700 climb to attain Peters Mountain and then about a ten mile ridge walk.Gunna get something to eat.   Only ate a big bag of craisins since yesterday breakfest, havent been hungry.   This situation reminds me of Seattle summer of 2010. The weekend I was there (without reservations) no rooms anywhere...... The New York Yankees were in town.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: no where
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day here in Pearisburg, VA.Currently borrowing a room at the Holiday Lodge. Construction worker hasnt showed yet but has paid for the week.   Heading out tomorrow morning when it will be 10 degrees warmer.While I beat the storm into town, paid a heavy price logging big miles in doing so, feet sore and i believe the Super Green Feet $35 insoles are to blame.   They out & regular insoles back in.Feet do feel much better today and 18 hours should help even more.Temps tonight at elevation will be low 20's and regardless of bag & tent, that isnt much fun (at least to me).   Heading down into town with the ice wont be much fun either & with all rooms taken, that suks too.   Tomorrow nites lows in low 30's which is normal and much more accomidating.As for further north, some parts of trail got up to ten inches, but should be gone soon with temps back to 60 by Thursday. Going to see if I get to keep this room or back to the large game room where all my gear is.   That will be nice for the hikers when finished.   Will have 15 bunks and TV, microway etc.Met owner here and he is nice guy.   Hikers only need to call and they will pick you up at trail. (SoNo 3/4 mile walk up the hill.
Date: 2013-04-27
To: Preppin'!
Miles today: 0.0

Hi All!This is Dwag, and got my mind set to be one of the only 14 year-old thru-hikers of the trail. This is my first long distance hike, my mother's 2nd. Can't find a temporary home for our dog, ($300 in just mailing his resupply food and a lot more) and might have to take him with us. I can only wish it to be a good experience.Bye for now!
Date: 2013-05-07
To: Camground
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: thunderstorm

Finally got to start today! Well, at least the approach trail...But anyway, we got in 4 or so miles, and stopped to camp. Met a awesome guy named Jamon. 604 steps of easy going up the falls, except for the dog (see pic) who drank almost all our water. We're going to bed now, and will get up with the sun tomorrow. Talk to y'all tomorrow!