morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Campsite at mile 363.4
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked 16-point-something miles to Greasy Creek Gap, where we found a clearing to camp in. Hitched a ride from the Rock Creek Recreation area in Cherokee National Forest. Despite a bit of a late start, got some respectable miles in, mainly because the terrain was fairly easy. Shortly after we began, I noticed what I assumed was a piece of dirt in my shoe, which I stupidly postponed investigating. I finally sat down w pack on and shook out my shoe. Not much dirt fell out. After a few more minutes of walking, I was still feeling it. I removed shoes and socks, tape job looked intact. I tried removing the tape, big mistake. My skin came right off (I had blistered under the tape), and I was unable to stop the bleeding. I finally slapped a second skin on it and slid on a gel sleeve to cover the blister. I later discovered a second blister right next to the first. Other than that minor annoyance, it was a beautiful day, and a fellow had his truck at the Indian Grave Gap and he was throwing down some trail magic. He was serving coffee and snacks to hikers, and we visited w him for a few before jumping on it. One side on my tent I discovered a hole in the fabric where a grommet used to be, will have to learn how to replace it. In the meantime, I folded some duct tape and poked a hole in it to prevent further damage to the fabric. Tomorrow we link up w Al's daughter, and Saturday we'll see my family. Excited about that. Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Campsite at mile 363.4

To: Carver's Gap, TN (mile 377.5)
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today¢s terrain was pretty dicey in spots, with lots of ice on the trail and no shoulder to speak of. Otherwise decent walking. I started a new audiobook, Thoreau¢s ¢Walden¢. We walked 11 miles and met up w Al's daughter Allison. She drove us around, including a nice burger joint ("Cook Out"), and to her boyfriend Jake's parents house, where Keith and Vickie graciously hosted us for the evening, enabling us to clean and dry our clothes, gear, and selves. (Thank you!) We had a nice steak dinner and great company, sleeping in their comfy guest rooms. I coordinated with my daughter Karla and her husband and brother-in-law for a Saturday linkup at an AT road crossing. Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Carver's Gap, TN (mile 377.5)

To: Overmountain Shelter (mile 383.1)
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the trail after nice visit w Al's daughters. We got. Late start, because we did our grocery re-supply for the next few days and I was carted around to outfitters, fabric stores, and hardware stores in search of a #@!$%! grommet to replace one that fell off my tent. Al¢s daughters, Emily and Allison, as well as Jake and the pups walked with us for a while. We continued on to the next shelter, which I was unable to locate. I walked at least a mile around the gap here in search of "Overmountain Shelter". Finally gave up, especially since it was getting quite dark. I tossed a bear bag (funny story there) and pitched my tent. As I was eating dinner, Al texted me w details on the shelter. It IS in a hollow, but it's not too windy or cold (yet), so decided to stick a current location. So about the bear bag¢¦ I tossed to little rock sack tied to my line over the branch, but didn¢t have a firm grip on the other end, so I watched the sack AND the line go sailing off into the darkness. After 5 or 10 minutes of calmly walking around in the darkness, I found the line dangling from some bushes and took another stab at it. Always something¢¦ Hands are cold, so enough note-taking for now. Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Overmountain Shelter (mile 383.1)

To: USFS 293 (?? Bitter End Road?) (mile 405.9)
Miles today: 22.8

Awoke this AM to some rain on my tent from the night, but no condensation IN the tent. The owls were really noisy last night. Have yet to see a bruin. Pulled camp and was walking by 7:30, walked over a couple of beautiful balds. Each one seemed to mask the next highest one. It was quite windy and cold at the top, as well as drizzly. Then it was the slide for life as it seemed to be a never-ending downhill journey. I was in contact with Karla and Steven and I had almost 9 miles to cover (we agreed to meet at US 19E to link up), and was concerned they were there and waiting for us, so (stupidly) I ran a substantial portion of the last hour or two, pack and all. I was feeling in a hurry, since I thought we had a lot of ground to cover, so I did not take the time to unload my pack of all the unnecessary items to make the walking easier ("slack-packing"). I only put my tent in the car, shaving 2 pounds. Was kicking myself the rest of the afternoon, made the pack feel a lot heavier than it actually is. Steven used the opportunity to load his Army rucksack with some bricks, and John was equally weighed down, making it a great workout for them. We were estiimating > 60 lbs. for Steven's, will have to see if they ever weighted their packs. Although Karla is "hiding the basketball", she easily kept up (well, actually, I was the only one that was not exactly keeping up, but that's my normal pace)... We walked another 14 miles or so to their car, which we drove to Elk Banner, a resort town where we overnighted. We had a great visit with the family, got to see my grandson, Kevin. He is cute as a button. He loves to play music on iPhones and "take a picture?" I have ten pictures of a pillow, and pics of all the people at dinner. We played ¢where¢s Kevin? Find Kevin¢, even in the restaurant, with some of the bar patrons joining in the fun. He crashed w Julia and I that night. An awesome end to an awesome day.   Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-20
From: USFS 293 (?? Bitter End Road?) (mile 405.9)

To: Campsite at Dennis Cove Road (mile 417)
Miles today: 11.0

Had a great visit with the family at the hotel, had lunch at a restaurant in Banner Elk, then back up to the trail-head by approximately 2 PM. Walked til it was starting to get dark and parked at a campsite. It was next to the Laurel Fork River (??)... As we were in a low area protected from wind (AND cellular service), we had no wind. There was a lot of condensation IN the tent last night.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Campsite at Dennis Cove Road (mile 417)

To: Vandeventer Shelter (mile 434.5)
Miles today: 17.5

Today¢s walk was spectacular. Our journey first took us past Laurel Falls (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/null/recarea/?recid=35016&actid=50), where tragedy struck a year or so ago when a father and his son drown. We then walked over a steep mountain and around the Shook Branch Recreation Area, on Watauga Lake. This 20-acre site includes a large, grassy area for picnicking and sunbathing, picnic tables with grills and a designated swimming area in the lake. I must admit a certain amount of temptation to jump in, but wanted to get going, and would have had to wait for my underwear to dry. There was a family sitting next to the lake with snacks and sodas, and they invited hikers to sit and relax while they chatted. While I accepted a soda and cookie, I declined to companionship, since I wanted to keep moving. (I usually take the extra minute to express appreciation)¢¦ Our walk ended at Vandeventer Shelter with beautiful views of the valley below, Watauga Lake, and the mountains on the other side. As it got dark, we saw bats flying around next to the rock outcropping we were sitting on two of mountain views. The stars were beautiful, and a meteor shower is expected tonight. We'll see how that goes.Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Vandeventer Shelter (mile 434.5)

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter (mile 457.2)
Miles today: 22.7

Got up during the night to look for the meteor showers, did not see anything. I asked a few other people that up, no one else saw it, either. Rain was forecasted, had my stuff ready just in case. Rained some, walked w my rain gear on for part of the day. Walked most of the day w wet shoes and socks, my feet are always pretty white afterwards. Pretty uncomfortable, but didn't want to dampen the second set of socks, as we' be walking about ten more miles to get to Damascus, which means we'll also be crossing into Virginia (woo-hoo). Today's total was > 22 miles, hopefully as weather warms we'll be able to ramp up the daily mileage. As it is approaching two weeks since we've given our legs a day off, considering a "zero" day, meaning no miles. (as opposed to a "near-o" where we do low miles when stopping in towns for resupply/laundry/shower). Walked pretty much all day by myself, listened to audiobook "Bully Pulpit" by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Lunched by a stream, and around the next bend discovered a "trail magic" box by a local church entreating hikers to help themselves. I availed myself the opportunity to drink a ginger ale and eat a little Debbie - style snack. Very thoughtful. Great terrain for the most part today. Fairly level, a few hills, nothing terribly taxing. The trail also coursed through a farm and across a few roads. Arrived at the shelter late, just before dark. Had a good chat with some fellow thru-hikers. Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter (mile 457.2)

To: Damascus, VA (trail town at mile 468.5)
Miles today: 11.3

Easy walk today. Terrain was fairly level, almost no steep uphills, and weather was perfect. These are good days to pack in the miles, since the hot stuff's coming. Arrived into town early afternoon, found a hostel (the Hiker Inn, a house built in 1890 with some nice modifications, operated by Paul, a former thru-hiker from Belgium and his wife Lee). Dumped our stuff off (spread it out in the sun to dry) and ate lunch at the Blue Blaze, then got the laundry/shower situation under control. While lunch was smooth, dinner at the Blue Blaze was a disaster. New personnel and system for ordering meant an all evening commitment just to get some dinner and beer. I broke off early to get some facetime chat in with my wife and kids. Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Damascus, VA (trail town at mile 468.5)

To: None today
Miles today: 0.0

Breakfast at the Exxon Station ("Cowboy's"). The gentleman at Mount Rogers Outfitters graciously offered to sew the piece of fabric with the grommet on to my tent, as I discovered there is no tailor in town. I offered to pay, but it only took him a few minutes, and he declined to charge me. Now THAT'S customer service. I purchased a sewing kit at Dollar General, though, as I have a hole in my t-shirt and my pant pocket. I also bought a (denim) patch for the pocket. Now all I have to do is learn how to sew. Time to hit the "how-to" section of You-Tube. The hikers in town with me are talking about dinner at a local brewery this evening. I may have to investigate. Will first hit the grocery store, need 4 days of food to get to Marion, VA, leaving in the morning. I feel like I could walk today, but good to take care of business and rest the legs a little, It's been almost 2 weeks since last day off. Blister's healing well since I've gone hippie (walking around town in flip-flops). I will also attwempt to upload photographs. Al's been doing that, so his blog has some good ones (http://www.trailjournals.com/awillnerAT2014/). Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Damascus, VA (trail town at mile 468.5)

To: Lost Mountain Shelter (mile 483.2)
Miles today: 15.7

Stayed up late at the Hiker Inn trying to figure out how to download and transfer audiobooks among my various i-devices. Successfully downloaded Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier and listened to it all day while I walked. Although I did get a bit of a late start out of town. Some folks recommended waiting til after the big rain passed though , but I wanted to get walking. Sure enough, as I walked out of town, the skies opened up and a big downpour commenced. I walked with my metal trekking poles at various times through thunder and lightening. At the shelter this evening (I arrived shortly before dark), several of the younger hikers had their shoes and socks spread around the edges of a fire they had lit. Predictably, one of them had their boots burn. No reception this evening.It was great to have had a visit with my wife and Daughter and her husband and baby last weekend. It was especially nice to have spent out anniversary together. A very special surprise.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Lost Mountain Shelter (mile 483.2)

To: Wise Shelter (mile 500.5)
Miles today: 17.3

Left partnership shelter next to the highway (6 miles from Marion, Virginia) and planned on walking approximately 14 miles to a campsite. Stopped in Atkins to eat at "the Barn", reportedly a "not miss" opportunity for some decent food. Not sure I agree hundred percent with the assessment, burger was a little burned, slow service, but that was good¢¦ Give me a chance to recharge my cell phone. People were friendly, anyway. On the way, bumped into some really nice trail magic at the Lindamood School, which is in an old 19th century schoolhouse, complete with wood stove, and a pastor and his wife who enjoyed distributing snacks and other goodies to hikers. Very hospitable couple. Evidently, they have a Facebook page¢¦ Will have to Google it. Yesterday, I went into town to get some food, pizza, etc. After I resupplied and hitchhiked back out to the shelter, I got out of the car where I was riding with a little Cesar's pizza. On the box, it said "hot and ready", and one of our comrades proposed that I adopt that as my trail name. I don't think it will work very well for me, I said as much. However, everyone at the shelter was enthusiastic in agreement that that would be a great trail name for me. I assured them I did not think they would make it stick. The Marionites who gave me a ride back out to the trailhead went way out of their way, which I was grateful for after standing there hitchhiking for approximately 45 minutes. They not only picked me up on the far end of town and drove me through town, but all the way out to the trailhead, approximately six more miles. It was Stacy, who homeschools their children, and Paul. Did not catch exactly what he does, but they asked me to send them a link to my blog, which I need to do. In short, lots of friendly folks out there looking to help people trying to get through the day on a hike. Most grateful for all the people I've met along the way. When I got to the campsite, there was not much in the way of flat spots for my tent. More importantly, I neglected to note in the guide that the campsite lacked a water supply. I decided to walk to the next site a few miles on and arrived just at dusk. Got the bear bag tossed and tent pitched, then ate in the dark. Since I had a cheeseburger around 4 PM, I just ate a pb and honey tortilla, a small piece of cheese, and a few cookies. Downed a cup of tea, hung my food, and got ready. Beautiful campsite next to a stream, and not a soul for miles around. It's very peaceful here, w the only sound the running of a stream nearby. Will probably link up w Al tomorrow. Was good to take advantage of the forecasting error, as heavy rain was predicted and the most we had was periodic light drizzles. Since tonight and tomorrow have bad weather forcasted, walked as much as I could (w dry feet!). Will take it easy tomorrow so Al can catch up.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Middle Creek Campground, Buchanan, VA

To: punchbowl shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Got started a Little late, between 9 and 10 AM. Covered some good ground now, major up hills, approximately 3200 feet. Camped at Harrison ground spring (mile 769.4), although I must admit not much of a spring. The water was stagnant and dirty. We filtered and boiled, and all was well. Got in just before dark, and it was quite cool yesterday. In fact, it got very cold during the night (high 30s). Was thankful that we have not sent back all of our cold-weather gear as have many others on the trail. I imagine a few of them were quite cold last night. Not many people on the trail, though¢¦ Lots of people have departed for "trail days" down in Damascus. Yesterday evening, as I was walking down the trail, I came across a very large snapping turtle (a little larger than a toaster oven) sitting right in the middle of the trail. I did not have my camera with me to snap a photograph, but Al did, will upload it later.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: punchbowl shelter

To: Buena Vista, Virginia (mile 802.6)
Miles today: 11.0

Easy walk into town today. Only one bad uphill climb at the very end of the walk. Had a tough time catching a ride from the trailhead into town. Had planned on staying at the campground, then discovered it was a 2 mile walk out of town UPHILL¢¦ Don't know about Al, but I was feeling pretty hammered. We decided to go and halvsies on a hotel room. Ate at the Mexican place, and called it a night. Got a few rides in and out of town from some of our colleagues who were connected with vehicles. Thank goodness for that! Had a great chance to have dinner with "19" and "Bubba". Awesome weather last few days, looking forward to hitting it again tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Buena Vista, Virginia (mile 802.6)

To: Hog camp gap (Openfield)
Miles today: 0.0

Got a ride into town from Hoss, who had to return van rented for trail days after picking up his buddy mongo who it was suspected was suffering from food-borne illness instead of norovirus. Ate breakfast at blue dog art cafe (which we discovered is also a hostel). Then cadged a ride to food lion from Lunch and his wife, and back to the Buena vista hotel, which was actually much better than we expected it to be. The proprietor, "BK", an Indian gentleman, was most helpful. We packed, Skyped w our families, and caught a ride out w Butch, from Blue Dog. We attempted to compensate him, but he would not accept. We passed Journeyman on our way up the steep hill, not quite 2 miles up (and < 2,000 feet up), Al encountered a middle aged diabetic lady who was sick. She was experiencing nausea and vomiting, not able to keep anything down. Al carried her pack back down to the road and we made sure her ride was close in, and she agreed to go directly to the emergency room. We camped for the night at Hog Camp Gap, but stopped at Cow Camp Gap shelter for water (made some dinner, too). Chatted w Josh and Valkyrie, a couple of section hikers (traveling separately), as well as Journeyman. At our camp we met Jellybean, a web developer from (??) Bryant City, NC. He's speed hiking w his dog.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Hog camp gap (Openfield)

To: ?-Do not recall
Miles today: 0.0

May 20. This morning we're packing up after a great night's sleep in hogpen camp, we're counting on some big miles. We notice a camper who arrived by car after dark (when most through-hikers are already in their tents for the night). He comes over and asks if we'd like a cup of fresh-brewed coffee. Initially, I'm thinking to myself that this will slow things up. But, he really seems to want some company, and I do like coffee, so we excepted. Turns out he does a lot of trail magic and has cookouts for hikers periodically throughout the year (summer). His trail name is "fresh ground"¢¦ Al later commented that it was a very enjoyable morning, and if we did not remember anything else from hiking all day today, we would certainly remember that. I couldn't agree more. After all, that is kind of what we came out here for, to meet people and have some new adventures.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Paul C. Wolf Shelter (mile 852.8)

To: Calf Mountain Shelter (mile 865.5)
Miles today: 13.0

Left Paul C. Wolf shelter mile 852.8 left at 8 o'clock. Linked up with Al's wife around 11. Stopped at visitor center outside of Wainsborough. Spent a few hours in Wainsborough, charging up stuff and downloading audiobooks and some TED podcasts to my iPod at Starbucks. Still working on finishing "forever on the mountain" on my iPhone, though. Also hit the YMCA for a free shower, laundromat and Dollar General store to get some food. Naturally, we also stopped at McDonald's for a delicious meal. Then it was back out on the trail. Made it to calf mountain shelter around 9 PM. Had a good chat with Julia and Kevin (my wife and grandson). I saw a small bear (do not think it was a baby, as I could not find any evidence of a "mama" nearby) this evening. Was some not disappointed that I was not fast enough to get my iPhone out and take a photograph of him. I startled him, (or her), and "it" scrambled off into the woods promptly. It was only about 10 or 15 feet away. Right on the trail. Will be linking up with my friend Steve tomorrow at Turk mountain gap. Will be getting off the trail Sunday evening for a day or so to visit with my wife. Can't wait!
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Calf Mountain Shelter (mile 865.5)

To: loft Mountain Campground (mile 884.6)
Miles today: 16.0

Tried all day to call my daughter to wish her a hay birthday, no luck. Left Calf Mountain shelter around 8 AM, walked 4 miles (during which I finished the audiobook "Forever on the Mountain") and linked up w my friend Steve at Turk Gap (mile 870). His wife Cathy brought some delicious home made lasagna and cookies. After that awesome early lunch, we got rolling. Almost immediately, Steve almost stepped on a relatively large black snake. We saw another one, as well as a few garters (snakes) during the course of the day, which was picture-perfect. The weather was sunny and warm, without a trace of humidity. Around mid-afternoon, I saw another black bear in the bushes. I called to Steve, which he heard, and consequently he moved up the hill, so once again, I was to slow on the draw to get a good photograph. Lesson leaned. Next time, "shoot first and ask questions later". We got a solid 15 miles in, landing at Loft Mountain camp ground (mile 885). I was a little worried, as the place was filling up quickly, this bring a Friday night of Memorial Day weekend. Thankfully, Bill ("Trash-Pockets"), a former through-hiker, whose day job is now a park service ranger, was in contact with Andy and Beverly campground hosts who graciously welcomed us into their camp site. The couple who trail magic'd the coca colas at the Paul C. Wolf shelter a few nights ago are also here, and offered as well. Steve has a park service pass, so we were only charged a few dollars. Andy grilled us up some hot dogs, so I consumed virtually none of the heavy food in my pack. Will have to do better w that. That said, we're passing through my son's neighborhood, so I may take advantage of the fact he's free on weekends and visit w him tomorrow evening. Loving Shenandoah National Park, though.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: loft Mountain Campground (mile 884.6)

To: Swift Run Gap
Miles today: 0.0

We walked from the campground to the intersection skyline Drive and 311, and stopped there. My son James offered to pick us up and put us up for the night. He picked us up at Swift run gap, and we showered and did laundry at his place. Had a great night out at a restaurant with him and his girlfriend, Beth.