morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Walnut mountain Road

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 14.3

Wife drove me out once again to Walnut Mountain Road. As we got there Mac & Cheese was just coming out so the girls gave her cold pizza which she really enjoyed. I got my small pack on and headed North with the intent to meet my wife and the girls where the AT crosses the Dennis Cove road. The trail in this area was what my friend the Conductor would call gentle miles. I did the 100 mile shuffle on most or the downhills and some flats. About eight miles out I called the missus and informed her my ETA would be 1:30 to 2:00 since I was covering the trail faster then I thought I could. As it turns out I popped out of the woods at 12 :45 so was able to take a quick nap under a big pine next to a beautiful stream. Life is good a old man needs his sleep.If the rest of the AT and weather could be as good as the last two days that would be great, but I know better then that. I'm not caught up with the Conductor so Sat. When wife's head home we will be able to head North from Dennis Cove.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 0.0

What do thru hikers do when taking a day off?   Today we hiked, Papa Al, wife Denise, Conductor, wife Beth, Pam and Pat took a four mile round trip into Jones Falls off the Buck Mountain Road. A beautiful falls with a drop of about a 100 feet or so.Tomorrow we will try to give out trail magic on one of the road crossing between here and Damascus. I want to get to the outfitters there and look at backpacks. I love my Gregory 75 baltaro, but at 5 lbs. 6 oz. it's on the heavy side. The Conductor's wife also brought out a pack he did his thru hike with in 2006 so I will take a look at that. I've been running about 35 lbs. with food and water. My wife will go home with some of my extra gear, but the only way now to cut weight is new lighter equipment.Bach on the AT Sat. Morning
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: campsite just south of Shook Branch Road
Miles today: 8.1

Said good bye to wife, Pam and Pat. It was very hard to watch her go knowing I won't see her again for months, but like I say you can't hike the AT in your living room. The Conductors wife, Beth gave us a ride back to trail crossing on Dennis Cove Road.It was very easy hiking for the first couple of miles along the river. Laurel Fork Falls was very pretty. Also, some of the Laurel were in bloom. A hard long climb over the mountain brought us to our campsite just about 1/2 mile from Watauga Lake. Due to bear activity the shelter is closed for the 2015 season. Since neither on of us is on our game today 8.1 miles is enough. Tomorrow we will get up early and truly do at least double that.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Left campsite at 7:00 and it already had the makings fo a beautiful day. I filled up my water supply at the park and hiked the four miles past the shelter that had been closed due to bear activity. Then the climbing started; and it seemed like it was mostly uphill all day. Conductor and I stopped for lunch at the Vandeventer Shelter. This shelter had an awesome view, but naturally the shelter was facing the wrong way.Tonight we are camped at the Iron Mountain Shelter. Pam, a friend of ours, who came down with my wife gave me some dehydrated meals. Tonight's beef stroganoff was the best meal I had since leaving Springer Mountain.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite North of Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

We departed the shelter at 7:15 a.m.   The weather was beautiful. I started out with a jacket, but wasn't out a mile when it came off. We had a nice surprise of trail magic just shy of Highway 91. After corssing the highway, we proceeded to the one half mile of handicap accessible trail on the AT. In this section was an old apple tree in full bloom with so many bees around it even this old deaf fellow could hear the swarm.The rest of the day was filled with rolling hills and warm sunshine. We were going to tent by the shelter, but decided to hike on a bit to a nice quiet stealth site. Before I close, Wilson from South Dakota asked that the Conductor and I say "Hi" to Cindy who is following our journals.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Stealth Campsite North of Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 9.0

Not much to say today. I crossed over into the fourth state about 8:00 a.m. this morning. Shortly after, my good friend and hiking partner told me he would be going home today. We have been together since Hawk Mountain and being a former thru hiker, he taught me a lot about trail ways. I will miss him. He was a comfortable guy to be around. When I get home, we will get together. Our states border one another; I am from Wisconsin and he is from Lower Michigan.On the bright side, I am no longer a trail rookie, so will head north in the morning and continue my hike to Mount Katahdin, Maine
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Mile 486.3 Campsite
Miles today: 17.5

Let me first say that if you are hiking through Damascus, the Woodchuck Hostel is PaPa Al's favorite. Nice clean accommodations topped off with a great breakfast.Left there about 7:30. I could have just as easily stayed another night. Some friends wanted me to shuttle out with them and slack pack back. With my good friend and hiking buddy gone home, I just wanted to get back on the AT to work out my thoughts.Last night a friend on Facebook said how good I looked with a little exercise and proper diet. I am here to tell you this is not little exercise. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am a hardcore endurance animal. Not blowing my own horn; just stating a fact. Since Springer Mountain, I have seen very good people drop out. This stuff can be brutal. I don't even know the correct way to described some of it. The people I know who dropped were tougher than me. The axe may fall on any given one of us at anytime. That being said, anyone who has the Berry's to step off Springer Mountain and head north has my utmost respect. My trail buddy is gone; but the AT is still here. So with my good Lord willing, I will head north to Maine.I had two pretty good climbs today. The rest was a gentle trail Around mid morning I had quite a thrill when I just about stepped on a 4 to 5 foot black snake I believe they are called Root snakes; but not quite sure.After a mile or so further, my planned mileage fell short for the day. Thunderstorms were moving in; so pulled under some pines and pitched my tent just before they hit.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Mile 486.3 Campsite

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Crossed the 500 milestone this afternoon. Now it is just a hop, skip, and a jump.Left camp at 6:50 and started climbing. Then climbed some more. I finally topped out and sat on a rock where I had a signal to call home. Once I came down off the mountain, I had lunch with Rabbit Stick and started climbing Mt. Rogers. My trail buddy Conductor would have called it a Class 4 trail with rocks and more rocks.As the trail wound down the mountain; there were the ponies of Grayson Highlands. Managed one picture before the skies let loose. Back into the water proof bag with the camera and made tracks off the mountain. Hopefully , the trail will be a bit more gentle tomorrow. On the way down the mountain, I came upon a southbound hiker handing out small wooden crosses. I told him I would carry mine to Maine. The Lord is often on my mind. I can't quote scripture; but know my salvation is only through the Lord.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today's report will be short since PaPa Al is very tired. The hills were not bad today and the old legs are sort of getting used to them. However, the last two days the trail consisted of nothing but rock. This makes for hard and slow hiking.Earlier while hiking down a mountain, I ran into a trail maintenance crew standing in a circle doing some stretching. The group's leader asked if I wanted to join. My response was "No thanks. There is nothing left in this old carcass that has any stretch left in it."Soon after came a south bounder with a bag of fruit. He offered me a choice between a banana and an apple--went for the apple. What a treat!
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Relax Inn Interstate
Miles today: 21.0

Packed up before daylight and was out of the shelter at 6:00. My plan was to hike towards Partnership Shelter. I thought I might get a signal to make reservations in Atkins; if not I would head on to Marion.   Midway, I was able to make the reservation and decided to head up the trail 21 miles. Made it here about 4:00; but feet took a beating over a rock based trail Will see how they look in the a.m. It may be duct tape time or throttle back a bit. Blisters in a 100 mile race are one thing; but when your feet have to carry you 2189 miles; it is a whole different scenario.Lindawood School, an old one room school house which was closed in 1938 was an interesting site today. It was also the site of Trail Magic which consisted of cold Coke, cold fruit, chips and various other snacks and condiments. I was only 2 miles out of Atkins, but felt blessed with trail magic twice in one day. I also had enough for supper to feed an army.Wife told me she was out in the yard cleaning up with my big back leaf blower. That is great. Along with catering to everything I need, she is doing yard work. Life is good!When I came around the corner of the motel, I ran into Dropbear, Beer Man, Just Sam, Caruso, Colt 45, and several others I have not seen in a several weeks. So it was great to see all of them. A big thanks to all the guest book posts I have been receiving. I appreciate all the encouragement and well wishes.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Relax Inn Interstate

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Was the first customer waiting at the door of the barn restaurant today. Got a good breakfast in me; then walked under the interstate at 8:30 a.m. and headed north on the AT.The rolling hills through the beautiful Virginia farm country was the start of the days trek. For the most part, the trail surface was a lot better than yesterday's rock garden. Once back in the woods, there were a number of puds (pointless ups and downs). Then came the climb up Walker Mountain. At the summit was the sign that the hike on the Appalachian Trail was 1/4 complete. So were are gaining--slow but sure.Other than the aggravating blister on my left heel, I have been doing good. Warmer weather will bid me an early start to beat the heat of the day. The old gang is back together tonight; mostly in tents. Scout and Tumbles just pulled in before dark making our trail family just about complete. Sorry to hear Philco dropped. I believe it was due to knee problems. He is just a great guy. Just never know when the next root or rock is waiting to do you in..
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I left camp at 6:30 and arrived at Jenkins Shelter at 6:30. That is a 12 hour shift with only a couple of short breaks. PaPa Al is one tired old coot.The day started hot and humid and got hotter. By the first climb, I was already sweating buckets. By the second climb, I was sweating more buckets and it was only getting hotter. Once down into Walker Gap (now there is a word I've learned to hate) I filled my bladder at the spring after Forrest pointed out to me there was no water for the next nine miles. It is a good thing the kid was paying attention because I saw a lot of people suffering from lack of water. Between the heat and the humidity, I can't say this afternoon was a whole lot of fun, but we are 20 miles closer to Kathadin.Tomorrow I will have only 12 miles into Bland for resupply and a hot shower.
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: US 52 Trailhead
Miles today: 12.4

As I exited the woods, a former thru hiker was handing out trail magic and gave us a ride into Bland where he dropped us off at Dairy Queen. After three hot and humid days on the trail, this was beyond joy. I ordered the largest burger on the menu, fries, and a blizzard to say nothing of the four Pepsis I drank. I called Denise and told her I could hardly contain myself. Today's hike was a gentle trail with several beautiful views of the rolling farmland below. The humidity dropped after a brief rain shower. All in all it was a very good day. Tonight I will be sharing a motel room with Glamer and Forrest. Also, received a call from Sputnik and Fair Enough; so spent about an hour visiting with part of my first trail family. They seem to be doing okay; but like all of us are having some rough patches. It is a hard mental push each day.
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Bland VA

To: Trents Grocery
Miles today: 18.5

Our present trail family consists of Papa Al, Glamper, and Kid Pizza (formerly Forrest). We are sleeping 1/2 mile off the trail. Glamper, our travel agent, secured the only room for rent here. Twenty bucks includes a private shower and laundry. The trail today was the most gentle I have had since leavings Springer Mountain. The weather was perfect-cool and sunshine. It must be payback for hiking through all the storms earlier. Crossing the 600 mile mark was the highlight of they day.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Trents Grocery

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 15.0

Left Trent Grocery walking the one half mile to the trailhead and started on the trail at 7:00. The first 8 miles were relatively flat with good footing and we averaged about three miles an hour. Enjoyed a snack at the Wapiti Shelter; then started a 1300 foot climb which certainly slowed me down.Going down the mountain, the trail became very rocky. But we made it into the hostel by about 2:30 p.m. Tomorrow we will head into Parisburg and zero on Saturday. These old legs need a rest after 15 days of hiking.
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Lane Street, Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 11.1

We all enjoyed a great stay at Woods Hole Hostel. After a great breakfast, we got a late 9:30 a.m. start. With only 11 miles to go today; the hike was gentle with a few rocks but offered beautiful views of the countryside. Things changed a bit when I was chased off the mountain by some small storms. Also coming into town, I took a left on the blacktop that should have been a right. Consequently, I have some extra credit miles for the day.I will zero tomorrow. This old coot needs a little rest.Thanks to all for your comments and prayers. I can tell you right from the heart that is what really keeps Papa Al going. That, plus the fact that when I call my wife and tell her I am hanging it up; she tells me to keep hiking north. I am kidding; she has been very supportive and I could not do it without her.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Lane Street, Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Glamper took me out and dropped me off so I could make up a very short section of trail (perhaps 1/4 mile) that I missed when I made the wrong turn at Cross Avenue yesterday. I don't know if I will make it to the finish; if I do, I will have hiked past every white blaze on the trail.Will head out early tomorrow and hopefully get up to Daleville in six to seven days.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Pearlsburg and walked about one mile that doesn't count. Extra credit I guess!Last night was a bad one for me. I found out in the afternoon that the Credit Union my wife works for was honoring her for her forty years of service at their annual dinner. I felt I should have been there; you miss many things doing the trail I was close to hanging it up; but once again after talking to her, I am back on the trail. Besides that, my daughter told me I wanted to do the hike and knew that I would be missing things back home; but to suck it up and head north. Probably good advice.So Papa Al, Glamper, and Kid Pizza headed North. When we came into town, Kid Pizza had been saying his back was really sore from his frameless backpack. Today, about five miles out, he said he was hitching a ride back to town to get a pack with a frame. So we lost him for a few days till he catches up with us. I believe he can do this by the time we reach Daleville.Today's hike went well-some climbs, some rocks; but overall--not too bad a section of trail. We will be in the woods till Friday when we will pop out around Daleville.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today is what I would call an ugly day. It started out so humid you could cut it with a knife. I was drenched in sweat with just a small climb. What made the day really ugly were the snarly pointed rocks. They will really slow you down and chew up your feet. I took one fall, but landed on my backpack; so only thing hurt was my feelings.We did, however, make our scheduled miles after being chased up the last mountain by thunder storms.Now I am spending my second night in a shelter due to the rain. It has cleared up and my be good to go in the morning.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Virginia 620
Miles today: 21.3

This entry will be very short as I am very tired. The highlights of my day were Leffer Oak which is the largest oak tree on the AT in the South--it is 18 inches around and the Audie Murphy Monument. Audie is, as you remember, was the most highly decorated war hero in World War II.The trail consisted of lots of rocks. If you slipped; it would not be good. We transcended one very steep climb that, had it been any harder, I would have had to kick in the reverse. It was one very long but beautiful climb. Now at the late age of 68, I am sleeping in a horse barn with the cats.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Virginia 620

To: Virginia 311
Miles today: 13.9

We left the hostel about 7:30 this morning with the shuttle taking us out where we departed yesterday. The climb to the ridge line of Dragons Tooth went quick on fresh legs. On top, the rocks started slowing us down a bit. We took the side trail down to Dragons Tooth which rose in the air about 30 feet. From there it was a rock scramble down. In a few places, there was rebar in the rock to help lower one's self onto the trail. I took one fall; but it was not too bad. After about eight miles, we came to the road and were actually able to have a cheeseburger for lunch before continuing on another six miles/Broke 700 miles today.If anyone would like to view photos, you can access them through photos tab to the left of the page.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: Virginia 311

To: Daleville
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Our shuttle brought us back to yesterday's departure point on the trail. The highlight of the hike was McAfee Knob which is the most photographed spot on the trail. Fortunately, we beat the rain to McAfee .After hiking five miles to Tinkers Cliff, we did not beat the rain. Thus our view from the cliff was nothing but fog. A cold rain continued for about an hour or so.The longer mileage days are taking their toll on my feet. Time for a hot water and Epsom salt soak.
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Daleville

To: Bearwallow Gap VA
Miles today: 21.6

We shuttled out to highway 43; then hiked back to Daleville. The weather was as good as it gets and the trail was gentle with only a couple good climbs and rock free. There are many hikers holding up nursing their feet from the beating they got on the rocks the last week or so. My buddy, Conductor, would classify that as a five trail. Met a young man hiking in his crocs today. He said his feet were so sore, he could not get them in his shoes. I will be off the trail until next Wednesday to spend some time with Denise. My full intent is to get to Maine; so stay tuned in.
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Bearwallow Gap VA

To: Jennings Creek Va. 614
Miles today: 6.6

Today my wife who is visiting for a few days shuttled me out to Bearwallow Gap where I left the AT and I did a Nero of 6.6 miles to Jennings Creek where she picked up. We heade back to Peaks of Otter lodge where After a shower gorge myself on their breakfast buffet. Kinda of feel like I am in under the Princess plan. Tommorrow I will do another short slack pack which will set me up for hitting Buena Vista Friday night where I have a bunk reserved at the Three Springs Hostel. I do not want to carry more then three days of food since there are some long and hard climbs coming up.This luxury will all end on Wedesnday morning when Denise heads home. I can't put into words the help this beautiful lady as given me over the years in all my crazy endurance events. God love her. My intent is to finish, when I do she deserves at least half the credit.
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Jennings Creek Va. 614

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day with a light pack and a ride to the trailhead. Hiked South and met about ten northbound hikers only one of who I knew. Saved my old legs from a Long climb being sobo, but it will be over tomorrow when Denise heads home.Suppose to meet Philco at. Three Springs Hostel Friday night. He went off trail. A few weeks with a bum knee.
Date: 2015-05-27
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain shelter
Miles today: 18.3

Trail JournalsDay 72Johns Hollow Shelter to Brown Mountain Creek Shelter18.3 milesToday's hike started out at 6:06 in order to beat some of the heat and humidity that was to come. Right out of my tent we had a 2,000 foot climb that was a real grinder, by the time I topped out I was wringing wet with sweat. The. Views of the James River from the top were definitely worth the climb.For awhile it was rolling hills along a ridge line. Then we started another line climb. At the top was a memorial stone for a little boy named Ottie Cline Powell who was under five years old. He had wundered away from the Tower school and they found his body here seven miles away. If my memory is right this happened in 1891. It is a beautiful spot with a great view. I have pictures and will send them out when I can.After this we hiked along and mid afternoon I crossed the 800 mile mark. For a bonus I am tenting ten feet from a crick which will put me to sleep tonight. I'm have a 2,000 foot climb right away in morning, but it Will be a short eight mile hike to Three Springs Hostel.   Philco from Tennessee is coming back on trail so I will meet him there.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Brown Mountain shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 8.1

Trail JournalsDay 73Brown Moutain Creek Shelter to Hog Camp Gap USFS 488.1 miles. Very short, but fun filled day. I am once again learning the lesson of enjoying the trail. I actually took time to talk to people today, in fact very interesting people.The day started out with the normal 2000 ft., but once on top the views were breath taking.I am now at Three Springs Hostel showered and feeling good. Will resupply and head out for a three to four day hike to Wayneboro. Philco is coming in tonight will be good to see him.I highly recommend Three Springs Hostel. Very clean, hiker friendly and dinner was so good I can hardly wait for breakfast.Philco arrived and we have worked out a plan to Waynesboro 15 mile average to see how it works out for his knee.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

We had a great breakfast at Three Spring Shelter and were shuttled back to the trail about 8:00 a.m.It was nice to have my friend Philco hiking with me. No long climbs today and the temperatures were down a bit as was the humidity which made for a great day.We are tenting above Priest Shelter where the winds are blowing and I actually feel glad to be in my warm bag.Later I took a walk down to the shelter for a bit and received some trail magic from a Chaplin and a group of Marines. Some of the Marines were ultra runners so we had a good time talking about some of the races we had run. I continue to be amazed at the kindness of the people I meet on this journey.Tomorrow we have to climb 3000 feet right off the start; so hope to get a good night's sleep. Life is good.