morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-02-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2 weeks from today I head south to Springer.  Rampaige will be flying out from Colorado to hike the first 30 days with me. After that she will fly to California to start the PCT to finish her triple crown. I am very fortunate to have her to start with. I had a great time last year following her on the AT. I would get Spot Me GPS emails to let me know where she was each night. She started with a friend and they hiked together until Hot Springs. The next 500 miles she was pretty much on her own. We picked her up the first time at James River Bridge for a couple days off at my house. Dropped her back off and met next time at Southern Entrance of Shenandoah National Park. Now she was hiking with Minnesota and they came to my house for a day off. After completing SNP and making it to Harpers Ferry they came back to my house again for a day off. Prophet Flew to Dulles airport joined them at Harpers. I told them I would get a condo in Delaware Water gap and meet them in a couple weeks. I met them at Wind Gap PA first day. But now the group had grown to 8. Tiger Lilly, Captain Ahab, Tortoise, Mr Bean & Zebra. They slacked packed 3 days than took a zero day. After dropping them off about 20 miles into New Jersey I had the condo for one more day. The gang had left me a thank you note with words of encouragement about me hiking the AT. That was the day I realized that I have to do this. All 8 of these people finished in August 2018. I met up with them again a month later in Killington Vermont. Minnesota and Prophet were ahead of the group since they skipped the Zero days the others took to go to Captain Ahabs house in Massachusetts. They still had 8 people because now they had Donut and Thunder who also finished in August. It was an amazing time just being a trail angel to the gang. I got to see and smell what it is like to be Thru hiker (hiker trash). Looking forward to starting March 2 and meeting lots of new people on the trail.
Date: 2019-03-25
From: Pecks corner Shelter 

To: Cosby Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked quickly today with threat of storms. Got tent set up just in time. Heavy rains all night.  I stayed dry but hiking buddy Recon got rain in tent and all his clothes and sleeping bag were wet.  Good thing heading to Hostel next day so we can dry tents and everything for Recon.
Date: 2019-03-26
From: Cosby Knob Shelter 

To: Standing Bear Hostel 
Miles today: 10.7

Hiked in ankle deep water with all rain water running down Trail.  Left the Smokies and crossed interstate 40.  Hostel was great.  5 dollar burgers and 3 dollar 16 ounce Sierra Nevada.  Had fun night talking to all the through hikers.
Date: 2019-03-27
From: Standing Bear Hostel 

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

We stayed at Hostel until 1:30.  We want to stay on Max patch Thursday night so only hiked 7 miles today.  Weather was beautiful.  Had 4.6 mile 2400 ascent to start day. Lots of great views today.
Date: 2019-03-29
From: Max Patch 

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 20.2

First 20 mile day.  Great weather and last day hiking with Rampage.  Excited we made our goal to make it here in 30 days but sad I will be not be hiking with her.  My wife Sally is meeting me today March 30 for a 2 day visit.  Should be a great day.
Date: 2019-03-31
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0

Another zero day.  My wife sally came down yesterday and we enjoyed are 2 days in Hot Springs.  Monday she is heading home with My Niece I started the trail with.  Our goal to make it to Hot Springs in 30 days was a success.  I learned a lot from her and wish her well on her PCY hike startling April 9
Date: 2019-04-04
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter 

To: Back Country campsite 327.7
Miles today: 10.4

Had trail magic this morning.  Scrambled Eggs and hash browns.  Did shorter day because ankle was not happy today.  Decided better to rest it and was nice to be setup at 4 instead of 7.  Ankle is nothing new.  Started after section hike last year and flares up some days.  Supposed to rain tonight and morning but hope to make it to Erwin Tennessee tomorrow.  16 miles.
Date: 2019-04-05
From: Back Country campsite 327.7

To: uncle Johnny Hostel 
Miles today: 16.6

Rain started at 1am.  Know this because serious winds shook the tent and woke me before rain started.  Wanted to make it to Erwin today so had to pack up in rain and hit trail at 7:30. Was muddy and slippery. Rain stopped around 11.  More trail magic with father son team cooking burgers and hotdogs and beer and soda. Skipped beer but had the rest.  Made it to hostel in time to set up tent and catch 5 pm shuttle to town. Had Mexican food and beer at nice restaurant.  Recon who I have been hiking with since we met first day picked up tab.  Thanks Recon.  Then Walmart for resupply and beer for night. Got back took shower and did laundry and chatted with other hikers.  Was great to be clean and laundry after 5 days on trail since hot springs.
Date: 2019-04-06
From: uncle Johnny Hostel 

To: Back country campsite mile 352
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Took 9 am shuttle to town. Ate McDonalds breakfast and wrote some post cards. Shuttle back at 10:30 packed up and headed out at 1 with heavy pack of 5 days food.  I have not weighed in 10 days but was down 19 pounds than at 232.  Would guess about 225 or less now. My Fitbit says i am burning between 6 and 7 thousand calories a day.  Short miles today with late start and big climb out of town. Supposed to have rain and thunder storms next 3 days.  Hope I can keep tent dry.
Date: 2019-04-14
From: Campsite 441.4

To: Double Springs Shelter 
Miles today: 10.7

Got up early to beat rain.  Did 10.7 by noon and only got rained on last 20 minutes.  Waited at Shelter for 2 guys I am hiking with for 2 hours.  With thunderstorms on way we decided to camp just past shelter.  Storms held of until 8 pm. Going down to 30 tonight. Has been warm last week so tomorrow will be a change. Only 14 miles from Virginia.  All is well.
Date: 2019-04-15
From: Double Springs Shelter 

To: Broken Fiddle Hoset - Damascus VA
Miles today: 18.7

Crazy night. We slept in our tents close to shelter. Had sunshine until around 8 PM than hard rain followed by thunder and lightning. In morning temps dropped to 30 with sleet. Got late start waiting to dry tent out some and left at 10. It was windy and cold all morning. Wind stopped around 2 and it became Sunny and real nice. Made it to VA and town of Damascus. Tent camped at Hostel. Had a good bar and restaurant next door so had a few beers and a half pound burger. Heading home in morning for 3 days. Got to town early and guy hiking with me has a doctor appointment on 4/19 that we knew about for awhile. Since we are not hiking again until 4/20 figured better to go home to Manassas VA rather than spend 5 nights in Damascus.
Date: 2019-04-16
From: Broken Fiddle Hoset - Damascus VA

To: Home 
Miles today: 0.0

Picked up rental car and drove home in 5 hours. Trip was uneventful. Weather when I got home was Sunny and 74. When I left Feb 28 it was winter like and now everything is in full bloom. Tulips and Dogwood trees. Such a big difference. As you can see by picture my pants are getting a bit baggy. Heading to REI this week for new shorts and shirt. I have been wearing Salomon shoes but may switch to Altra 4.0 if they feel good when I try them on. Have new Salomon that are still in box I can return. I hope the Altra fit because everyone that wears them seems to love them. If not the last pair of Salomon lasted 400 miles which is good since I am heavier than the average hiker and seem to kick everything. Great to be home and rest up for a few days.   Thanks to all the people that signed by Guest book with words of encouragement. I really enjoyed following hikers last year on this site and will try to add more detail to my entries.
Date: 2019-04-17
From: Home 

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Did a lot of stuff around the house. I opened the pool. I usually open first week in May but since I was home and 80 degrees out figured good time to do it. Now it will be ready in a few weeks when we get closer to home. My house is only 38 miles from AT where it goes under Interstate 66 past Front Royal.
Date: 2019-04-18
From: Home 

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Went to do my resupply for food. I will be heading back tomorrow to start on Saturday. It has been great being home but ready to continue this journey and get closer to home on the trail. Going to drive down to Abington VA and stay at hotel Friday night. Then pick up Recon at the rental car place Saturday morning than to Damascus to start back up. I will be hiking with a friend that is going with me for a week. Will take it easy the first couple days because I remember how my body felt the first couple days out of Springer.
Date: 2019-04-26
From: Atkins Va

To: Knob Maul Shelter 
Miles today: 14.7

We stayed at the Relax Inn in Rural Retreat.  Trail goes through there and under 81.  It rained most of the day and had heavy downpours.  Lots of water to cross so wet from head to toe. Had to keep moving to stay warm.  Got tent set up just in time before downpours with heavy  winds. Spent a lot of time in tent and wind dryer out tent overnight
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter 

To: Laurel Creek campgrounds 
Miles today: 15.1

Got up early to meet my wife Sally at route 623.  She got there just after me at 11 AM. Got resupply from her and she left with Todd to head home.  I hiked another 10 miles and camped with Two Tone and his buddy Mark.  Nice weather all day
Date: 2019-04-30
From: Campsite mile 598.7

To: Trents Grocery and campsite 
Miles today: 11.4

Passed 600 mile mark today.  Another hot day.  Was planning on going farther today but was low on water so went to store half mile from trail.  They had camping for 6 dollars and included laundry and shower.  Also had cold beer.  Decided to stay.
Date: 2019-05-01
From: Trents Grocery and campsite 

To: Woods Hole Hostel 
Miles today: 15.2

Another very warm day with a 2000 foot 3 mile uphill.  Stayed at famous Woods Hole Hostel.  Great time and first time on trail I had a shower 2 days in a row.  Heading into Pearisberg VA tomorrow for 2 nights to take a day off Friday
Date: 2019-05-04
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Campsite mile 650.6
Miles today: 14.7

I was able to get my tent set up just in time before storms.  Had to carry lots of water because 13 miles without water source.  Also had 5 days of food so pack was heavy.  Saw lots of day hikers today. Storms were not too bad. Lots of rain so stayed in tent.
Date: 2019-05-05
From: Campsite mile 650.6

To: Lone pine peak campsite 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Rain stopped at 6 am so rushed to get packed up before next round hit trail at 7 and at 7:30 sky¢s opened up.  Rained off and on until around 4.  Staying at 4030 altitude.  Only one more 4000 footer Priest mountain right before Devils Backbone brewery until New Hampshire. Hope to gets to Devils Backbone May 18.
Date: 2019-05-07
From: Laurel Creek Shelter 

To: Campsite 689.6
Miles today: 14.8

Got enough miles to get to mile 704 tomorrow and Four Pines Hostel.  Need to get food for two days to Daleville.  Another hot sunny day. Two Tone and I camped by the creek. Got fire started and did some Mac and Cheese.  Good day.
Date: 2019-05-10
From: Campbell Shelter 

To: Daleville Virginia 
Miles today: 15.4

Up early and on trail by 7.  Went by Tinker Cliffs today. Great views.  Got warm in afternoon going through area with lots of power lines  made it to Daleville around 3  Hotel right next to trail and interstate 81  Took nice long shower than went to store for some gator aid and beer  went to bbq place for supper   Supposed to rain all day Saturday so going to stay in town 2 days
Date: 2019-05-12
From: Daleville Virginia 

To: Bobblett Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 18.5

Left hotel at 9.  Rained first 2 hours than just cloudy rest of day. Got to Shelter at 6:30.  4,500 feet of uphill today.  Started crossing blue ridge parkway today.  Guess will be doing that a lot next few days. Weather looks good rest of week so plan to cross James River Bridge Wednesday and be at Devils Backbone brewery Sunday.
Date: 2019-05-13
From: Bobblett Gap Shelter 

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 13.5

just a few sprinkles in the morning than rest of day was fine.  Shelter area had no good campsites so stayed in Shelter. This one is biggest on the AT.  Two stories and a porch.  Lots of people there. Ran into a guy I had not seen since Fontana damn.
Date: 2019-05-14
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter 

To: Thunder hill Shelter 
Miles today: 10.2

Two big climbs today.  Did 4000 feet up in first 8 miles.  Tenting by Shelter.  Listening to an owl now before going to sleep.  Getting up early for 14 miles to James River bridge.  Hostel in Glasgow is picking us up there.  Will shower and do laundry and get 4 days of food to make it to Devils Backbone Brewery. My wife Sally is meeting me there to camp for night.  Then only 19 miles to enter Shenandoah National Park.  Weather was clear but only high of 50.  Camping at 4030 elevation tonight.  Will be hard to get out of sleeping bag in morning but need to get up early for more time in town.
Date: 2019-05-15
From: Thunder hill Shelter 

To: Glasgow VA
Miles today: 14.8

Met hostel driver at 2.  Great hostel.  Big living room area with 55 inch Television.  Got laundry done and got a shower.  Went to local restaurant and had a meatball sub.  Went to dollar general for resupply to get to Devils Backbone.  Back at it tomorrow.
Date: 2019-05-24
From: Pine field hut

To: Lewis campground 
Miles today: 19.8

Did long day to make up for yesterday.  Lucked out and got to camp for free at full campground.  Lady saw us walking fro Camp store after getting some beer and Gatorade to take to Shelter a mile ahead.  She asked if we're through hikers and we said yes. She was sleeping in her van so said we could set up our tents on her spot.  Awesome trail magic.  Went back to store and got more beer and hotdogs to cook.  Great day hiking and after.  Getting picked up tomorrow to go home.
Date: 2019-06-01
From: US 522 Front Royal

To: Whiskey Hollow Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2

Hiked under root 66 after 8 miles.  Stopped at Manassas Gap Shelter for lunch and filter water.  Hiked 7 more to Shelter.  Friend Todd hiked there from Sky Meadows Park with hot dogs and beer.  Nice weather and on target for Harpers Ferry Monday. Crossed 1000 miles mark today
Date: 2019-06-03
To: Harpers Ferry 
Miles today: 11.9

Got up early to get to Harpers as early as I can. Made good time and was in town by 11.  Went to ATC and registered as hiker 475 to make it this far in 2019.  Caught ride to hotel and checked in at noon.  Showered and went to store for resupply for 3 days and beer and food for rest of day. Did laundry and planned out next 3 days to Waynesboro Pa.  r
Date: 2019-06-05
From: Rocky Run Shelter 

To: Cowall Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8

Expecting storms later today so up and hiking early.  Passed through 3 state parks today so lots of water and bathrooms.  Lots of civil war history on the trail today and Washington Monument State Park as well.  Wish I had more time to spend in the Park but only have 3 dats food leaving Harpers so need to get miles in.  Some really rocky parts today.  Tented at nice site above Shelter.  No storms just light rain for about 30 minutes
Date: 2019-06-06
From: Cowall Shelter 

To: Waynesboro Pa
Miles today: 9.8

On trail by 7 to get in 10 miles to town to resupply and stay in hotel. Climbed Raven Rocks. Steep and rocky up and down. Made it to road and shuttle took me to hotel.  Did laundry and shower.  Walmart next  door for resupply. Did that and got beer and rested and iced ankles and shins rest of day. Crossed Mason Dixon line today.  Now in Pennsylvania
Date: 2019-06-17
From: 501 Shelter 

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Packed up in the rain this morning. Trail was rocky and muddy where the rocks where not.  Slipped going down some rocks. Managed to miss hitting any rocks with my head or upper body but my right shin bounced off a rock. At end of day had a nice cut there after I peeled off my compression sleeve. Rocks are bad enough but when wet it is slow and dangerous but managed to get to Eagles Nest shelter and set tent up to dry out. Supposed to storm over night. Meeting friends in Port Clinton tomorrow so will be hiking down hill into town in morning.
Date: 2019-06-18
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton 
Miles today: 8.7

Rained most of night. Started out with out rain but had thunder storm that dumped on me for about 20 minutes. The trail was like a river where not flat and like a pond where it was. Managed to stay on my feet and make it to town. Got picked up at Port Clinton post office by friends. I am going to take some time off to let my various pains heal up. The shin splints in my left leg and Achilles tendentious in left heal area is what is not getting any better.
Date: 2019-02-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As I finish up today at work I can't hardly believe that I'll be retired in 15 days. I've spent the last 35 years working 24 hour shifts here at the firehouse in North St. Louis County. This is where this journey began. One night some 8 years ago I was watching a National Geographic show on the Appalachian Trail at work. Since then this has been my plan. I would retire hike the trail and transission into the next chapter of my life. I still love what I do professionally (especially the guys and gals I've done life with) but I'm ready for that next chapter. For the past several years I've followed others on Trail Journals, but now it's my turn. My Family, my wife, our 2 grown children and my son-in-law will be going on vacation to the Gulf Coast in mid March. On the way home I booked the night of March 20th at Amicalola Falls Lodge. On the 21st they will head north by vehicle and I'll head north by trail. Really looking forward to this.
Date: 2019-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As I've stated earlier I've been planning this thru hike for several years. In December I went to an Ortho to see why I was having so much pain in my right knee. After he had x-rays taken he told me I needed a total knee replacement. Needless to say I was upset and asked him when I should I have it done. He stated, "yesterday". I told him that I would be getting a second opinion. I then made an appointment with a well known Sports Doc in my area. After explaining to him my plans he said he thought he could help. He injected my knee with Cortisone that day. I didn't get much relief. I also was fitted for a brace and was to make a second appointment to receive a gel injection. I received that injection 2 weeks ago. I'm back to around 80%. I'm continuing to work out at the gym and doing several hikes. This past weekend I did an 8 mile hike on some serious uneven bad frozen trails afer a bad freezing rain here in St. Louis. My knee feels pretty good. Everything is a go. 6 more work days before my retirement. Then I'll have a month to really test it out.
Date: 2019-02-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

On Feb. 23rd, 1983 I walked into the Fire House for the first time. That day I walking in with 3 oranges, a tooth brush and a tube of toothpaste. I didn't know anybody or what to expect. Today I'll walk out with fond memories and friendships that will last forever. As much as I've been blessed by this career and my brothers and sisters, I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my life. That starts with the AT. Looking forward to meeting new people and the friendships that will be.
Date: 2019-03-21
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn¢t have service last night. So let me recap Day 1. Lorie and the kids dropped me off a mile away from Springer Mt. it was hard seeing them leave. Made it up Springer and took a couple of pictures. I still struggle with how to put them in the journal. Today¢s hike reminded me of Missouri as far as the climbs. Everywhere you turned there were beautiful views. Met several people today. A nice guy from Pittsburgh (he doesn¢t have a trail name yet either) and a really good guy named Match¢s from NH. Just as I was filtering water for the night it started raining and sleeting. Thankfully it didn¢t last long. I set everything up and hung out by the shelter for a while. I know I was in bed by 6:30.During the night a near by army base was flying practice missions. They were really close. The winds gusted through out the night but the tent held up just fine.
Date: 2019-03-22
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Suches, GA
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a really hard day. My knee brace is tearing up my thigh. The ups and downs were tough. 12.5 miles with just under 3000¢ of climb. There was a big party being thrown tonight at Gooch campground. A lot of hikers had stopped there around 2:30. I decided to push on. As I was walking out of the Gap, this guy comes running up to me and said, ¢hey are you a thru hiker?¢  I said, ¢that¢s the plan but I¢m taking it day by day¢.  He them said you want an Apple. My first trail magic. I pushed on to Woody Gap, that made 12.5 and I wanted no more. As I walked up to a trash container to pitch my trash, this lady hollered to me ¢hey are you a thru hiker?¢ Again, I stated that was the plan. Her and her husband asked if I wanted a cold hamburger and a cold soda. I said that sounded wonderful. This couple lives in Pensacola, Fl. She thru hiked in 2000. I sat in their lawn chair and killed that burger. As we talked I realized that they were in the same 11 o¢cloacknowledge church service at the Florabama as we were. They gave me a ride to a hostel I¢m staying at. All by my self.
Date: 2019-03-23
From: Suches, GA

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 10.7

Woke up and hitched a ride back to Woody¢s Gap. It was a beautiful spring weekend day and the trail was crowded. I again received trail magic from a church group out of Nashville. My knee brace is tearing up my leg. So I pulled it off after about 2 miles.Today was a lot of ups and downs. With the biggest up in Georgia. Blood Mountain, 4457¢ in elevation. I want to tell you, it didn¢t disappoint. The views were incredible. You could see downtown Atlanta. Those views didn¢t come easy. Man, that was a real butt kicker. Then it was 2 miles straight down. As we ended the day at an outfitters in Neel Gap. I let the expert there go over my gear and do a shake down. I sent home a bunch of electronic stuff, (sorry Frank) my map book and some water socks. 2.5 lbs. Doesn¢t sound like much but my knees will greatly appreciate it. The expert told me that I have to much food. Tonight I split a cabin with a guy from Pennsylvania. He¢s young a pounds those hills.
Date: 2019-03-24
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up today around 5:30. It was without a doubt the best night sleep I¢ve gotten so far. We (Joe from Pennsylvania) immediately started with a big climb. Him only being 26, pulls ahead but never out of site. I have a feeling that is going to change. It was another beautiful day. I¢m sweating like crazy. At around 9 miles we came down to a Gap and there was trail magic. It was a local Christian guy who offered a prayer over all of us. I gladly excepted. He also shocked me when he asked if he could make me a salad. I said sure. After that Joe and I had one last climb and a big down hill into the shelter. After setting everything up it was down for water make dinner, hang the bear bags. Update on the aches and pains: knee is starting to hurt more. Still not wearing my brace, trying to let my thigh heal. They¢re forecasting 90% chance of rain tomorrow. We¢ll see. Good night sweetheart.