morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-04-16
To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0

I have an addition (confession) to make here.When I stared this hike I violated one of the rules I have tried to live by. That rule is to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. I was too focused on the destination of Mt Katahdin in Maine, or at least I was thinking about the miles I would need to do each day in order to get there.Now ... I may or may not make it to Katahdin, but I WILL enjoy the trip I am on. This includes taking zero days to enjoy the trail towns along the way, spending the time to really talk to and listen to the people I meet along the way, taking the extra zero days in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge to heal and in Hot Springs to be with my family and friends, to hike the miles each day I am comfortable with, to stop and smell the roses along the way and even to avoid some really bad weather if I decide to.I am refocusing this adventure to enjoy each day and make sure I live by my beliefs.Thank you for listening. All the best.
Date: 2018-04-22
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 70.0

Made it to Erwin TN.4/16, day 34, 11.0 miles to Spring Mtn Shelter, a snowy night4/17, day 35, 8.6 miles to Little Laurel Shelter, warmer today4/18, day 36, 14.0 miles to Flint Mtn Shelter, passed the 300 mile AT marker. Notice my total miles is about 40 miles less due to the part of the Smoky's I still have to hike.4/19, day 37, 14.9 miles to Low Gap camping area, another cold night. passed under I 26 where there was a welcome to Tennessee sign. Dusseldorf is a little sick but still put in the miles. This was the longest hike so far with a full pack.4/20, day 38, 14.6 miles to No Business Knob Shelter. Wow, 3 days hiking over 14 miles each day. A big step up for me. Down in the 20's again last night.4/21, day 39, 6.2 miles into Erwin TN and staying at the Cantarosso Farms cabins (nice place) with Dusseldorf and also joined by my original hiking partner, Werner, and his wife who drove him down from Rochester, NY.4/22, day 40, zero day, resupply and a quick drive back to Hot Springs to look at a couple houses in case Silvia and I decide to move up this way. Today, Dusseldorf heads off the trail and back to San Diego due to an uncooperative knee.  Next stop is Roan Mtn TN / Elk Park NC. It is about 50 miles but I'm not sure how much food to take since the miles that Werner can do each day will be different than mine. I think 5 days should do it. The weather forecast is for rain for the next 3-4 days. Nothing we can do about it since the trail goes where it goes and all we can do is follow it. That is all part of the adventure and challenging yourself to cope with what nature throws your way. All the best and be back to you next week.
Date: 2018-04-28
From: Erwin TN

To: US 19E, Roan Mtn TN
Miles today: 51.0

Made it to Roan Mtn TN !!!!394.8 AT mile marker and heading out tomorrow. The weather has been, ahhh, not spring like. Have hiked through snow, sleet, rain, occasional sun, usually cold but yesterday afternoon the sun came out, the rain is gone and maybe some better weather. Despite any adverse conditions, one foot in front of the other and keeping a smile on my face. 4/23 Day 41 was a short 4.3 miles out of Erwin with Werner, my high school friend  stayed at the Curley Maple Gap Shelter.4/24 Day 42, made 8.0 miles to a campsite. Rain again and Werner dropped off the trail. Camped with Wiki and Jukebox. Trail magic of hot chocolate and brownies.  Hmmm.4/25 Day 43, did 10.9 miles and camped along the trail when my energy gave out and there was a break in the rain. Hiked over Unaka Mtn. Found out that Savage, who I met coming out of Hot Springs has passed away of an apparent heart attack.  RIP.4/26 Day 44, only 3 miles to the Clyde Smith shelter due to the rain. I could not continue up Roan Mtn in these conditions.4/27 Day 45, 17.2 miles over Roan Mtn to Overmountain Shelter. Longest hike miles in one day for me. There was rain, mist, damp and the mud.  Wow. And then the sun came out and a dry night.  Great day !!!!4/28 Day 46, 7.6 miles to the Mountain Harbor Hostel.  A great day.A salute to D14sseldorf and Werner who have had to leave the trail.
Date: 2018-05-05
From: Erwin TN

To: Damascus VA North
Miles today: 116.1
Weather: clear sky

Well, as I have noted before, I missed 40 miles in the Smoky Mtns. Since then I have been doing calculations to show real miles completed. I have given up doing that so you will now see the total AT mile marker I am at. It will make life easier.I always prefer to stay in my tent versus in a shelter. It is much quieter, more restful and my own little home each night. Sleeping in the shelter can be noisy with snoring, people getting up to relieve themselves, and early risers who want to crank out the miles. Sometimes, due to weather it is a necessary evil. So, although I may not mention it when I say I stayed at a shelter, unless it is really bad weather, I am in my tent.Day 47 (4/29) - hiked from Mountain Harbor Hostel to the Mountaineer Shelter. 8.8 miles of a less difficult path in sunny, cool weather. A short side trail to Jones Falls was well worth the excursion. Beautiful. Passed the 400 miles marker today. Hiking with "Notrix".Day 48 (4/30) - stayed at the Black Bear Resort (it was a very nice hostel, but resort is a little over the top). 15.9 miles today. Went into Hampton TN to get Subway. I never knew Subway could taste so good. One sub for dinner and one for tomorrows breakfast and lunch. Shared a room with Notrix.Day 49 (5/1) - 17.7 miles to the Vandeventer Shelter. Sunny and warm. My biggest hiking day so far, but a little to far for me. I prefer the 10-14 miles days but we had to get by the no camping area around Watauga Lake, due to bear activity. A hiker I know camped just outside the restricted area and a bear still destroyed his food supply.Day 50 (5/2) - 14.4 miles to the Double Springs Shelter. Sunny and warm ... I am really liking this weather !!!! Great TRAIL MAGIC today from Beth and Bernie Briden, who came up from Florida to do this for about a week. Fresh baguette, ham, cheese, mayo, mustard sandwich, ice cream, sodas, chips, snacks and so much more. Thank you, thank you, thank you !!Day 51 (5/3) - 8.3 miles to Abington Gap Shelter. So nice to have a short day and set up the 11 miles tomorrow in Damascus. Starting to hike faster due to trail legs and the terrain. Usually I go at 2 mph but was able to do over 8 miles in 3 hours today. I even slept in and did not start hiking until 10 AM. Warm and nice today. Still hiking with Notrix and we will continue as long as our pace and style fits.Day 52 (5/4) - 11.0 miles into Damascus and the Broken Fiddle Hostel to resupply, laundry and shower. I still see Soup Spot (Anna) who I first met on the approach trail, and many others. The towns seem to be a gathering place for when you do not see them on the trail. Stayed with Caroline, Wiki, Hank, Natty Light, Natty Daddy, and now Natty Rush (a dog they rescued and adopted) plus many others ... Grape. Glowstick, Peppermint, Strider and more.Day 53 (5/5) - a zero day in Damascus. I was going to do a 3 hour bicycle ride down the Creeper Trail (all downhill) but the threat of rain has me in the library using their computer and ready to relax and watch a movie this afternoon. Need to rest a sore knee and shoulder.Y'all have a great day !!!!
Date: 2018-05-21
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Cross Ave, Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 101.9

Day 61 - 69 Pearisburg VAThe mileage highlight is reached the 1/4 of the way to Katahdin point and passed the 600 mile mark. That is darn good. 5/13 Day 61. First day out from Damascus VA and covered 13.7 miles to Davis Hollow. Had amazing trail magic today from a local church at the Lindamood School, a 1 room old schoolhouse. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, casseroles, snacks ... mmmmm. Also passed under Rt 81 for the first of 4 times that will happen. 5/14 Day 62. 12.6 miles to Knot Maul Shelter. Each day is difficult, some more difficult and some less difficult. Today was more. Temperatures up to 80F, and humid, which is way different than I have had so far. Wanted to go further but my legs and feet said no. Guess what, passed the mile mark of 548, which is 1/4 of the way to Katahdin !!!!!5/15 Day 63. 12.2 miles and then stealth camped early due to thunderstorms. Now into ridge walking so constant up and down but generally not big elevation changes. 5/16 Day 64. Only 7.9 miles due to rain, rain, rain. Stayed at Jenkins Shelter. 5/17 Day 65. Bypassed Bland VA today although stopped for lunch at the Bushy Mtn Outfitters, which is right on the trail. Rain, rain again and occasional sun ... 13.5 miles to Helveys Mill Shelter. 5/18 Day 66. Rain again, all day long. This is getting depressing. Walking on a trail that mimics a river, and still managed to hit 600 AT miles at 10:27 am !!!!  Did 16.2 miles, feet are a mess, tenting outside Trent¢s Grocery store. 5/19 Day 67. Finally, a day that did not rain while hiking. Rained the night before so tent was wet and rained after we (Notrix and I) reached the Woods Hole Hostel. A GREAT hostel with all organic and homemade food for dinner and homemade ice cream for desert. 15.2 miles plus the extra half mile of road walking to the hostel. Feet are like prunes. Need some rest. 5/20 Day 68. 10.6 miles of beautiful weather and great trail (other than the occasional mud, puddles and streams) into Pearisburg VA. Staying at the Angels Rest Hiker Hostel. Passed ¢20 Questions¢, her brother and her Dad (All Ears if my memory is any good) who were slackpacking south and were at the same hostel as me last night (see the picture and email me with any corrected trail names). Lunch at DQ, watching the Las Vegas Golden Knights advance to the Stanley Cup finals and getting on a scale ... have leveled off on my weight, down 30 pounds from when I started, but same as I was 10 days ago. 5/21 Day 69. A zero day. Resupply and rest.
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Cross Ave, Pearisburg VA

To: VA 624, Newport Rd
Miles today: 68.1

FRUSTRATING. Had this completely typed out and then it disapoeared  well, enough venting.It was a great week for sights despite the ongoing rain.  Saw the Keffer Oak, met Papi, passed bears (didn¢t see them), snakes, Audie Murphy memorial, Dragons Tooth, Eastern Continental Divide and hit 700 miles.  I thought Pennsylvania was famous for rocks.  Well Virgina is sure trying hard to get us ready.5/21 Day 69. Zero day at the Angel Rest Hiker Hostel. A well run and great place to stay. Did resupply, Permethrin on my tent and clothes, lunch at Hardee¢s and chef salad and chicken pot pie for dinner. And there is a story behind the pot pie. 5/22 Day 70. Estimated at 645.4 (10 miles). Stealth camping. Shuttle to the trailhead, start hiking at 8:55, hiked for 4:26. Set up tent then rain, stopped for dinner then rain again. Everyone saw the bear but us. 5/23 Day 71. 14.3 miles to Bailey Gap Shelter. 2 snakes today. One went over Notrix foot. Hiked through the clouds and some sun at the end of the day. Almost got lost after setting up my tent in the woods out of sight of the shelter and privy. Not good, have to be more careful. Permethrin seems to be working as very few bugs hovering around my tent between the rain fly and the netting. Also seems to be working on my clothes. 5/24 Day 72. 14.6 miles to Laurel Creek Shelter. Good weather. Passed rattle snakes but never heard or saw. Lots of ROCKS !!!! Decided not to complete a thru hike. To many miles per day required, and I don¢t think I want to put my body through it and the risk of injury is always there. My feet are so sore at the end of each day. I have to focus on each step to avoid tripping, falling, stepping on something I shouldn¢t. Still want to keep going so I can hike with Ethan, Kyle and Sarah. Occasional days of web-breaker detail, first one down the trail in the morning has the luxury of breaking all the new cobwebs across the trail.  Hiked for 6:21.5/25 Day 73. 12.4 miles to Niday Shelter. Parts were very tough and parts were much less difficult. Saw deer again. Took a picture of Papi (87 years old and a triple crowner; did the AT, PCT and CDT), the Keffer Oak, 300 years old and 18 ft around, and a sign indicating the eastern continental divide, to the West water goes to the Gulf of Mexico and to the east to the Atlantic Ocean. 5/26 Day 74. 10.1 miles to Pickle Branch Shelter. Stopped due to rain, rain, rain. Completely soaked and boots are wet inside. No service. Pic of birds nest with eggs, flowers, Audie Murphy memorial. Galaxy Quest movie in the shelter (Ripley has a little projector and movies downloaded on his phone).5/27 Day 75. 6.7 miles to the Four Pines Hostel to dry out, laundry, shower (drip dry). Passed the 700 mile mark. Great view from Cove Mtn and saw the Dragons Tooth rock formation. All you can eat (AYCE) lunch at the Homeplace Restaurant in Catawba. Resupply for going to Daleville at the Catawba Grocery.
Date: 2018-05-28
From: VA 624, Newport Rd

To: Pig Farm Campsite
Miles today: 10.2

As you are aware I am doing this hike as a fundraiser. This is my chance to show you why you should donate. My son Ricky, before his death in 2015, was actively involved in the KATA Foundation which raises money to fund research into finding a cure for Fanconi anemia (FA). This disease took the life of Kendall Atkinson (Sarah Robbins (Ricky¢s wife) best friend) and her brother Taylor. Today, I met for the first time, a person affected by Fanconi anemia. Her name is Olivia and she is 10 years old, a precious young lady. She and her family (parents, step brother, grandparents) all came to meet me because I was hiking to raise awareness and money to fight FA. I was so impressed. Olivia brought me a picture she had drawn of her and me, a tee shirt, an orange bracelet, pictures of her and Caleb (her big brother) and more. Most importantly she brought me a hug and a kiss. When we got in her Dad¢s truck to go for lunch she showed me her stuffed sea turtle. I was floored, speechless and tears came to my eyes. You see, I have a charm on my necklace of a sea turtle which has Ricky¢s ashes in it. Ricky loved sea turtles. I know that was a sign from Ricky to me that he is still supporting the KATA Foundation by watching over Olivia. That is no coincidence that this young girl, the very first person I ever met with FA, would have a sea turtle with her. At lunch I met the second person I have ever met with FA, and his family. His name is Mason. A typical 2nd grader with the energy and dreams you would expect. Now I truly know two individuals, two families of the many who are out there that will benefit from your donation to research a cure for Fanconi anemia. Please help and donate now at:www.KATAFoundation.orgThank you.
Date: 2018-06-08
From: Pig Farm Campsite

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 74.0
Weather: broken clouds

Wow. Ten days since my last post, that is a little too long. In summary, I left Catawba VA for Daleville VA and discovered my tent is starting to leak a little. Not much but I better keep an eye on it. I checked into a Howard Johnson¢s motel in Daleville and was able to resupply, and of course laundry and shower and watch a Stanley Cup playoff game ... yesssss !!!!! In repacking I discovered that I left my cook stove at the last campsite. So, hike back 8 miles round trip or buy a new one since there is an outfitter in town. Not hiking 8 extra miles !!!Tent now starting to leak more and since it rains most every night, I better think about fixing it. Also, saw and almost stepped on my first rattlesnake. We both saw each other at the last second and pulled away. After it coiled up and rattled at me I decided to take a circuitous walk around and away. Arrived in Glasgow VA on day 83, got a rental car and drove to Charlotte NC to visit my sister Dee, her daughter Lyndsay and Lyndsay¢s husband Kris and the 4 kids (Kruz, Kanyn, Kennedy and Kashton).  A great time, great meal and then to Asheville the next day to meet Silvia, my wife, for a few days of R&R. It was a really wonderful several days. I returned to Glasgow on day 87, and the hike continues with all new people on the trail. The hikers I have been seeing are all days ahead of me now. 5/29 Day 77. 11.5 miles to Hay Rock. Great view of Carvin Cove Reservoir. Left my cook stove here. Rain of course. 5/30 Day 78. 4.0 miles to Daleville and resupply. Stayed at Howard Johnson¢s 5/31 Day 79. Wilson Creek Shelter and more rain. 11.2 miles and the tent is leaking more. 6/1 Day 80. Cove Mtn Shelter and more rain. Tent now leaking more. 13.8 miles and my first rattlesnake encounter. Probably not my last. 6/2 Day 81. Cornelius Creek Shelter and stayed in the shelter. More rain. 11.9 miles. 6/3 Day 82. Marble Spring campsite. Most, damp and cloudy in the morning, sun in the afternoon and the rain again in the evening. 12.2 miles. 6/4-7 Days 83-86. Charlotte and Asheville with family. 6/8 Day 87. Dropped Silvia at the airport and then drove from Asheville NC to Lexington VA to return the car. Had trail magic at the Glasgow AT trailhead and hike only 1.7 miles to the Johns Hollow Shelter. Yes, it rained again that night. Tent only leaked a little.
Date: 2018-06-14
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 75.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another 75.3 miles completed, and passed the 800 mile mark !!!This week was tough. Much rain at the beginning then sun the last couple days. The sun allowed me to dry out my tent, but my clothes and boots stayed wet. You see, my boots are waterproof which was great for the earlier cold, snow, mud and light rain. In a downpour the water gets in but cannot get out. It¢s like walking in a squishy puddle of water and your feet suffer, a lot. So, the last day of this post was a trip to the Rockfish Gap Outfitters for new hiking boots, non-waterproof and low cut. These will dry out quicker when wet, save some weight and give me better traction, since the tread on my Keen boots was starting to wear down. Hopefully I will not get, or have manageable, blisters as I break in the new Oboz Sawtooth Low hiking boots. Nothing against the Keen boots, they were great for their purpose and I had planned to switch out from them at some point. The highlights of this week were ... great trail magic one day and made good miles (by my standard), made it to the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the beginning of the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Most of the hiking was as expected ... up, down and wet. ¢¢¢¢6/9 Day 88. Made it 13.3 miles to Reservoir Rd and camped along the Pedlar River. Sun today, cooked dinner then spilled dinner, burned my finger, made a new dinner then jumped in my tent as the rains came. 6/10 Day 89. GREAT trail magic at the end of 13.1 miles of hiking, Hog Pen Gap, just as I ran out of water (beer, Gatorade, sandwiches, snacks and more). Good weather to hike until the rains came late afternoon and soaked me, my clothes and the tent. Oh well, it is all part of the adventure. It¢s only water. 6/11 Day 90. Three months on the trail. 14.3 miles to the Priest Shelter where hikers confess their sins in the logbook. Rain again and cold this night. 6/12 Day 91. Hiked 13.8 miles to Maupin Field Shelter. No rain today. Yeah !!!!  However, boots wet, socks wet and feet a mess. So far this has been one of the hardest weeks, but again, just put one foot in front of the other. There are others in this world who have far greater challenges than me. Happy anniversary to my Mom in heaven and my Dad in Rochester NY. It would be 70 years. 6/13 Day 92. Another non-rain day which is good and I will get into Waynesboro for new (dry) boots, laundry, a shower, restaurant food and a hostel bed. Looking forward to that. 6/14 Day 93. Five quick miles in less than 2 hours, then a shuttle to Stanimals Hostel. Laundry, shower, a bed, the outfitters, an AYCE (All You Can Eat) lunch and another AYCE dinner. Ah, I feel refreshed and ready to hike on !!!
Date: 2018-06-19
From: Rockfish Gap

To: ByrdÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 76.9

It¢s been an interesting few days. I did my first slackpack (hiking with only what I need for that day; snacks, lunch, water) since GA. Went southbound from Riprap parking lot in the SNP (Shenandoah National Park) back to Waynesboro, 17.1 miles. This way I could stay at the hostel another night. Saw 4 bears on the hike, a momma with 2 cubs and another adult who was using the same trail as me ... until he saw me !!!  New boots are doing well.Next day I ate at my first Wayside (a quick food restaurant along the Skyline Drive in SNP).  The blackberry milkshake hit the spot. Stayed at the Loft Mtn. Campsite that night and my tenting neighbors, Noni and Julie, made me dinner. Greatly appreciated. Followed that up with a hike to Hightop Hut (not called shelters in the SNP) on Fathers Day and saw another timber rattlesnake (a baby). This is a very emotional day for me, great to get a greeting from my son Kyle and from Sarah (Ricky¢s wife), but sad as 3 years ago on Father¢s Day was the phone call that Ricky was missing. Ricky is with me spiritually every day. Did my first 20 mile day (20.8) from Hightop Hut to Big Meadows campground. This does not count an extra 0.8 miles to eat dinner at another wayside, and another blackberry milkshake !!!  Also, hiking quickly (for me) up an incline, moving smooth, careful with every step but failed to look up to see the tree across the trail at head level ... whap across the forehead and that stopped me in my tracks. No damage other than pride. Had lunch with Cindy Howlett (was Clark) at the Skyland Restaurant. Cindy and I grew up on the same street, 4 houses apart. Her brother, Toby, is my best friend as well as her sisters Leslie and Pam. She drove all the way from Richmond VA just to spend some time together and bring me some snacks ... and beer !!!6/15 Day 94. Slackpack from Riprap parking lot to Waynesboro. 17.1 miles. 6/16 Day 95. Hike from Riprap parking lot to Loft Mtn. campsite. 10.3 miles. 6/17 Day 96. Father¢s Day, hiked 15.1 miles to Hightop Hut. 900 mile marker !!6/18 Day 97. My first day hiking over 20 miles. 20.8 to Big Meadows campground. 6/19 Day 98. A 14.0 mile day to the Skyland Restaurant to have lunch with Cindy and then on to the Byrds Nest #3 Hut.
Date: 2018-06-20
From: ByrdÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Nest #3 Hut

To: Elkwallow Wayside
Miles today: 11.8

Today is an emotional day. 3 years ago on this day is when Ricky, my son, was killed in a river rafting accident. No words can express this event and how it impacts your life. This hike is part of my way to deal with this loss. Prayers be with you Ricky. Thank you for watching over me. 6/20 Day 99. Due to rain I exited the trail after 11.8 miles at Elkwallow Wayside and hitch hiked to Mountain Home Cabbin.