morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-06-26
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

We left the cabin in Seviersville, TN and drove to Hot Springs, NC to pick up my fraternity brother, Bert. Cappy drove us back to Standing Bear Farm to resume my hike of the AT. I met Gray Snail and he hiked with us a bit too. We got a late start, leaving around 2 and hiked 7.2 miles to the Groundhog Creek Shelter. There we met a couple of guys from Portland, Mark and Rob, two ladies from Australia, Rusty and Daisy, Julie from Kansas and some guys from Atlanta. It was a fairly easy hike, but my Achilles was very irritated, especially on the declines. During my double zero days, it was swollen the entire time.
Date: 2019-06-27
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

We left the shelter about 8:30 and headed to Max Patch, a bald with a 360 view. Weather was perfect, and all of the us from the shelter were together. We had lunch on the bald and I took a nap:) We stayed up there about an hour and a half. We hiked on to Walnut Mountain Shelter and were unable to use the privy in the evening due to the large rattlesnake that resides on the path. We had a warning sign left on the trail letting us know he was there.Achilles still hurts, is swollen, and is not improving. I called Cap to let her know that I am going to have to come off of the trail. She set up an appointment with an orthopedic doctor to see about my foot.
Date: 2019-06-28
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was full of mishaps---First Bert and I missed a Blaze and went off the trail about a quarter of a mile before we realized what happened and had to backtrack. Once we were back on trail, Bert twisted his ankle fairly badly. Julie dropped her phone down a steep incline and we had to remove our packs to climb down to get it. We finally hobbled into Hot Springs around 3:30 and checked into the Laughing Heart Hostel. All of us from the last two shelters went to the local tavern for beer and to say goodbye to all of those that were exiting the trail-- Gray Snail, the Atlanta guys, Mark and Rob from Portland and Bert and myself. There was a pleasant surprise- Cricket was at Laughing Heart waiting for her family to hike a section with her.For now, my AT hike is postponed until I find out what the doctor says. I've hiked 283.3 miles thus far and am hoping to at least be able to break it into sections to finish the entire trail.  I'm heading home tomorrow--so it will be 4th of July at the beach with Cap and Alex!
Date: 2019-07-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, as with the Greek myth- the Achilles' tendon has done Jerry in. He will have surgery on Wednesday, July 31st and will have several months of non weight bearing on his foot. He will then have some intensive physical therapy and hopefully will be able to walk relatively normally by December.  The plan now is to do a test hike in April (Spring Break) of 2020 and then he hopes to get back on the trail next summer. This is just a bump on the trail and pushes back his end date, but he will get it done:)Happy Trails to everyone!Cappy (Jerry's wife)
Date: 2021-03-12
From: Hot Springs

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

So--Jerry is back on the trail after taking some time off...A quick update before I start typing in his journal entries. He came off of the trail in Hot Springs, NC due to a foot injury and had to have surgery on his Achilles tendon.  That was a 3 monthish recovery and he had a minor heart surgery done as well since everything was off for the year. He made it 283 miles for the first go around. Around February of 2020, talk started of jumping back on the trail in April and then ...COVID hit, shutting everything down.The trail is back open and so Jerry made plans to leave in March and go all the way through. Gear was purchased for the colder weather that an early start would bring, and on March 12th, we drove to Hot Springs so he could start his hike. He started on the 13th and is on his way to Mt Katadan. So now you are caught up and I'll start posting his journals.
Date: 2021-03-13
From: Hot Springs

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Cappy drove me to Hot Springs on Friday, the 12th. We stayed in Laughing Heart Lodge, the Dandelion Room. It was very nice and the staff was great! We enjoyed a very good dinner at the Iron Horse Tavern that night. I started out in the morning around 10 am after a continental breakfast at the lodge. After a tearful goodbye with Cappy--Iset off. The climb out of Hot Springs was brutal. I definitely don't have my trail legs. Got to Spring Mt Shelter at about 5pm. I met PapaBear and his dog Kira. Spoke with Slippers, Sweet Corn and Yard Sale from Iowa, MN, and SoCal, respectively. Good 1st Day
Date: 2021-03-14
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left camp late due to Daylight Savings Time. Nice hike, perfect weather. Got into Little Laurel Shelter early, at 3pm. But my legs were shot so I opted to stay. The next shelter is 7.3 miles and there is no way I can do that on my second day out. At Little Laurel, I met Viking Man, Tall Son (from VA) Not Yet (from Quebec City) and Wiley from VA. Great guys. They are hiking big miles per day, so I can't keep up with them. Oh well...must be patient.
Date: 2021-03-15
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mt Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left camp about 9am. Made it up Big Firescald Knob which had Howard's Rock. Blustery, rocky and very technical climb, but an exposed ridge with 360 degree views. AWESOME! Saw Tall Son and Viking Man and Jerry's Cabin and noted the next shelter was 7.3 miles with little elevation change, so I powered on. I was hurting by the time I got to the Flint Mt Shelter at 6:30pm, but the fellows were there! Had some good laughs and called it an early night. Slept in the shelter. Great Day!
Date: 2021-03-16
From: Flint Mt Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Side Note- you earn your trail name while hiking-so as you meet people, you learn interesting stories on how they got their name. Jerry's doesn't have one yet, but should earn one soon! "Yard Sale" was given the name because when he opened his backpack-stuff came out of it and a guy said it looks like you are having a yard sale...and it stuckI left at 9am and slowly walked the 9 miles ot Hogback Ridge Shelter. STtyed in the shelter with secion hikers Jello and Spiderman, and thru hikers Roo, Polka-dots and 15. The consensus was the privy was the nicest so far on the AT (NoBo)No door allows a view of the small valley and the sunrise! Even had a little step to rest your feet on while enjoying the view!
Date: 2021-03-17
From: Hogback Ridge

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy St Patrick's Day! There is a big storm due tomorrow. Heavy rain and strong wind. Big Bald Mountain (5500' elevation) ahead of me. I was planning on staying in the shelter on Big Bald, but that is a terrible idea with the storm coming. Unfortunately , Spivey's Gap near Erwin, TN is 17 miles from here. I can't make that distance, especially with that much elevation change. So, I had to to change my plans and get off at Sam's Gap (I 26) and catch a shuttle. Driver Doug, who incidentally is an Air Force brat and lived in Goldsboro, graduated from Eastern Wayne High School in '74, advised that the wind advisory on Big Bald was for gusts up to 80 miles and hour and heavy rain until late Thursday afternoon. I've decided to take a zero day along with today's Nero. Staying at the Super 8 in Erwin. Guess I get to watch the basketball tournament after all.
Date: 2021-03-19
From: Sam's Gap

To: Spivey's Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Shuttled back to Sam's Gap and hiked over Big Bald Mountain. It was cold, rainy, windy and miserable. Worst day yet! I quickly decided to get off the trail again and called Uncle Johnny's Hostel and got a bed in the bunk house. A hot shower and warm bed made a big difference. Good call!
Date: 2021-03-20
From: Spivey's Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Uncle Johnny's Brandon drove me back to Spivey's Gap and gave me a small pack to "slackpack" (Day hike supply only) So instead of a 30 pound pack, I carried a 5 lb pack. The weather was perfect. I made a leisurely walk through the woods for 11 miles. I will definitely do more slackpacking later. I met Sundance, Simpleman, Wizard, Killer, Patriot and Rockshox. Killer named me Whistler because as I was hiking, I was listening to music and whistling. Killer and Wizard were behind me and named me "Whistler."
Date: 2021-03-22
From: Beauty Spot

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Brook camp around 8 am. Killer and Wiz left before me-they were planning a 17 mile day. That is too much for me still. It was a nice day. I made it to Clyde Smith Shelter about 4pm. Patriot and WigWag stayed there too.
Date: 2021-03-23
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Roan High Knob
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

I left the shelter at 8:30 am-weather is a little overcast. The hike up to Roan High Knob Shelter (the highest shelter on the AT) was brutal. I got there at 5pm and was alone until Goldie showed up. He teaches at Durham Academy and is on sabbatical for 3 months. The shelter had 4 walls and a door, so we shut out the wind. Hope to get together with Goldie in the fall, after we have finished the hike.
Date: 2021-03-24
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Doll Flats
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the shelter at 8:30 and went over Jane Bald, but it was shrouded in the clouds, cold and blustery.  I met up with Captain America and Rapture near Overmountain. History lesson: during the Revolutionary War, militia from VA< NC< and TN passed through this gap on the way to King's Mountain (170 miles away) and defeated the British. They were known as the Overmountain Men.Crossed Little Hump and Hump Mtns The weather cleared up and we had the most spectacular views yet. I shot several videos/photos. The hike up Hump Mtn was physically exhausting, but well worth the effort. I camped at Doll Flats, 3 miles shy of Roan Mt TN with Capt and Rapture. We are heading to Mountain Harbor Bed and Breakfast tomorrow.
Date: 2021-03-26
From: Mountain Harbor B&B

To: Mountain Harbor Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I had an issue with my right ring finger. I had a hang nail a couple of days ago catching on everything, so I pulled it off-unfortunately down to the quick. It bled a little, but no big deal. But because I can't wash my hand often, it got infected on the inside. By the time I noted it was an issue, the infection was already inside the finger below the nail and I couldn't treat it. It got really swollen and sensitive to the touch. I went to the Urgent Care and they lanced it, gave me an topical and oral antibiotic, and instructions to keep it clean for the next 5 days. Lesson learned--small things can become big on the trail.Tomorrow, my good friend Regis will meet me here and hike with me for the next 3-4 days. Gonna be fun, but rain is expected Sunday and Monday!
Date: 2021-03-27
From: Mountain Harbor Inn

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

I forgot to mention yesterday Insight, Care Bear, and Snapshot, who I met at Uncle Johnny's, came to the B&B. Also, Papa Smurf, who previously lived in Apex and worked as a nurse at Wake Med-Cary.Met Grace and Regis White at the B&B. We got started around 10:30. It started raining a couple of hours into the hike and then a T-storm blew in. We hustled to the 1st shelter, Mountaineer Shelter, and decided to stop since the forecast was for more thunder storms. And we passed the 400 mile mark!
Date: 2021-03-28
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We left the shelter about 9:30 am. No rain, but the trail was really messy. We saw several nice waterfalls along the way. We made it to Moreland Gap Shelter and decided to stay. The next shelter was too far away and tent sites were few. The temperature is supposed to drop tonight.
Date: 2021-03-29
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Laurel Fork Falls River
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We slept in because it was really cold last night and this morning. The temperature was in the low 30's with wind gusts up to 50 mph. We didn't break camp until 11am. It turned out to be a great weather day. We hiked to Luarel Fork Falls-beautiful!! We found a really nice campsite right on the Laurel Fork River.
Date: 2021-03-30
From: Laurel Fork Falls River

To: Boots Off, Hampton, TN
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

Leisurely morning with only 6 miles to Boots Off Hostel, in Hampton, TN where we scheduled to meet Grace. Perfect weather, although the hike over Pond Mountain seemed like it would never end. Grace brought me resupply!!! Bid farewell to Regis. We enjoyed our hike together. Spending one night in Boots Off and heading toward Damascus. Rain and SNOW expected the next couple of days!
Date: 2021-03-31
From: Boots Off, Hampton, TN

To: Vandeventor Shelter
Miles today: 9.25
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Boots Off late because of the rain and only planning on going to the first shelter. Hiked with Gadget, a recently retired Air Traffic Controlman. They have the same retirement as Fed LEOs, mandatory age 57 retirement. IT rained most of the day, but not very cold.  We got to Vandeventer Shelter and set up our tents behind the shelter against a rock wall. We will be protected from the high wind forecasted. I hope to skip the next shelter and shoot for a douple- Springs shelter 14.5 miles away. It should be cold and blustery.
Date: 2021-04-01
From: Vandeventor Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light snow

It snowed for April Fool's Day and got well below freezing. I had ice on my tent. We decided to skip the first shelter and went on to Double Springs Shelter. IT is supposed to ger really cold tonight, so we decided to stay in the shelter which faced away from the wind.
Date: 2021-04-02
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We didn't get out of our sleeping bags because it was soooo cold. IT got down into the the teens last night. WE only planned to go to the next shelter, Abingdon Gap Shelter, which was 8.3 miles away, so no rush. I really struggled today. It must've been the poor breakfast, just a big honey bun--I won't make that mistake again! A sucky day, even though the weather was nice.
Date: 2021-04-03
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

We got up early (6:30) because I wanted to get to Damascus to meet Cappy for a much needed reunion and zero day!! Got to see my 1st sunrise too! Great weather and an easy walk to town-we made good time. We met Cap for lunch at the Damascus Diner and then drove over to Abingdon to a hotel. Gadget came with us. We watched the "Harry Potter" marathon on tv and just relaxed! I was very homesick and needed some time with Cap.
Date: 2021-04-05
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Gadget and I caught a shuttle from the hotel at 8am. It was great weather and we moved at a leisurely pace but made good time. We felt good and kept going. The trail was kind and ran parallel to the VA Creeper Trail (a bike trail that runs downhill for 20 some miles) for much of the day, merging with the Creeper Trail for about a mile. This was my best mileage day yet. Lost Mountain Shelter was very nice with a privy and a bear box. (Warnings have come out that bears are moving and are hungry.)
Date: 2021-04-06
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Grayson Highland
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: few clouds

My legs were pretty tired and I really struggled with the uphill climb to Buzzard Rock and Whitetop MT (5150 elevation) but it was a beautiful view and a great lunch spot. We made it to the Grayson Highlands, but no ponies yet--maybe tomorrow. I stretched really well and massaged my aching feet. I love the roominess of my 2 man tent, even though it is 2 pounds heavier and 3 times bigger in my pack. I will sleep well tonight!
Date: 2021-04-07
From: Grayson Highland

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Grayson Highland Ponies! They showed up for breakfast- a reddish mommy and baby were at the shelter. The baby didn't want to be touched, but the mom was soooo sweet. They crave salt, so she gently licks your legs, arms and hands, but never bites. While eating breakfast sitting on the ground, a stealthy pony came up behind me and snorted in my ear. She wanted breakfast too, but there is no feeding the ponies.The hike out of Grayson was amazing. So different than anything we've seen so far, rocky and rugged like in a western movie. Ponies were everywhere! It took all morning to get out of Grayson because I kept stopping to take photos. It was perfect weather. What a great day! We were planning on a 12 mile day, but we didn't like the look of Old Orchard Shelter and pushed on the Hurricane Mt shelter instead. That was a good call! It was a nice, well built shelter and good cell reception so I got to talk with Cap and Jared for awhile.
Date: 2021-04-09
From: Campsite

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

I didn't sleep well again. Last night deep kept coming into the campsite, making all kinds of noise. Plus I was at an angle and kept sliding to one side of my tent. We left at a decent time time. It was beautiful weather again and we had one steep climb that about killed me. At the other side of this mountain, I found Gadget taking a nap! What a great idea. Shoes off, feet elevated, warm sun- life is good! We made it to Chatfield Shelter and camped for the night.
Date: 2021-04-10
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Met Nimble, a 69 year old thru hiker, and met Beats. I slept in the shelter last night, and am taking a Nero Day today. WE are going into Atkin, VA, but will be staying in Marion where there are better hotels and resupply. We had good hot Mexican food for dinner. There was really heavy rain, glad to have missed that.
Date: 2021-04-11
To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Caught a shuttle at 9am. The weather cleared up. The Travel Inn was a nice, clean hiker hotel and the owners were very nice. Gadget and I were not looking forward to 3 good size elevation changes, but it turned out not to be so bad. We took 2 long breaks, along with our lunch break, so that made the difference. We still got to the shelter by 5pm. Treeman and Waddle are also staying here- at Knot Maul Branch Shelter.
Date: 2021-04-12
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Happy birthday, Alex! The day started out great. It was an easy hike down to Lick Creek. We already knew the footbridge had been washed out and hikers had to ford the river. There were reports of waist high waters and strong current, so we decided there was safety in numbers. It turned out is was only knee deep, so my 1st river ford was anticlimactic! Then came the 5 mile climb of nearly 2000 feet. I was exhausted and stopped at least 50 times going up. The view was spectacular! I had lunch and enjoyed the weather and the view. We anticipated a pleasant ridge r un for the next 8 miles, but no--it was rugged up and down. With my already depleted legs, this was very disheartening. I was mentally defeated and it was all I could do to get into camp--and not a very good one at that. But the choices were few. We got our tents up, but I didn't even have the energy to cook dinner, so I ate granola bars and went to sleep. By far, the most difficult day on the trial for my first month. I was so mentally beaten, I considered quitting. I'm glad that the lowest of the days is over!
Date: 2021-04-13
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland, VA exit
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I was still kind of down on myself this morning, but the weather was still good and we got an early start. We caught up with Treeman and he, being a retired forester, preceded to educate us on the trees. Hiking and learning, what a great combo. Treeman and Gadget hike at the same speed and I can't keep up on the uphill climbs. They have a full month more on the trail than I do, but I stayed close because w had an actual ridge run today that was so nice and relaxing. Still feeling the effects of yesterday, I opted to get off of the trail and stay at the Weary Feet Hostel. I have heard so much about the great homecooked meals and breakfasts they serve. Gadget and Treeman opted to stay on the trail for another night. I'll see them tomorrow after I slack pack for the day.
Date: 2021-04-14
From: Bland, VA exit

To: Weary Feet Hostel
Miles today: 18.25
Weather: clear sky

Slackpacking today. I took the shuttle back to where I got off and hiked 18 miles to the hostel. Rain was expected this afternoon, but it was perfect weather to start. I felt great and moved fast with only a 5 pound pack. I made the trek in 7 hours and the rain held off. Gadget was already at the hostel having stayed in a shelter with Treeman and Christine. He got up early and made his 15 mile hike in record time. I stretched as soon as I got in, but after I showered, my left shin stated to ache and stiffen. I massaged and iced it. I'll stretch it really well and baby it for the next couple of days.
Date: 2021-04-15
From: Weary Feet Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: mist

Great breakfast again. Weary Feet Hostel is a must stay along with Mt Harbor B&B. Ms Julie, Robert and Ms Jessica really know how to care for hikers. I had a nice ridge walk hike to Woods Hole Hostel. Caught up with Treeman and Christine. I also med and had great conversations with Curator, Caramel, Rocketman, Trebeck, Patron, Mike and Stainmaster. It was homemade bread, Amish cheese and giant smoothies for dinner. YUM!
Date: 2021-04-16
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I reluctantly left Wood Hole- it was another must stay. It is run by lovely people and is a donation only. We changed out our own linens, hauled some fire wood while others cleaned the kitchen an washed dishes. We got a late start, but had great weather and a leisurely hike to Pearisburg. I bid farewell to Treeman, who is coming off the trail for a week to close on the sale of his old house in Atlanta. We will surely see him again up trail. Staying the night at Angel's Rest Hike Haven with Gangster, Curator, Caramel, Rocketman and Trebeck.
Date: 2021-04-17
From: Pearisburg

To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got an early shuttle around the closed section of the AT near Pearisburg. Heavy winds last month knocked down trees and powerlines; the trail for 15 miles is blocked off until the power company and ATC can clean up the Peter's Mountain area. I had a pretty challenging hike with a couple of good elevation changes. But it was good weather. I dragged into the shelter. Gangster, Gadget, Trebeck Megan the Mage were there.  It was my biggest day with a full pack.
Date: 2021-04-18
From: Shelter

To: Campsite by the river
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up late (7ish)--I was really tired last night and crashed almost immediately around 8:30 My legs were tired, so I went slow. I hade a nice view from the ridge on Sinking Creek Mountain. It was beautiful weather again. I found a campsite along a river and camped alone. Gadget and Gangster moved on since I am getting of a day before they are and jumping over to Daleville for a nero and zero day.