morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-05
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan

To: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A visit to my podiatrist, including X-rays of both feet, yielded the folowing diagnoses. Acute tendonitis in both feet (at fifth metatarsals-outer edges). Can be cured with rest. In fact, swelling and pain already down after several weeks off the Trail. Doc also built up the outer edges of my insoles to direct pressure/ weight away from outer edges. He also suggested hiking footwear with a stiffer sole. Two toes on my left foot have also developed the hammer toe condition with occasional pain in both. Going back in a couple of weeks to release the tendon in both of those.  Seemed to work well on a previous toe. My visit to my ortho doc re: pain in left shoulder, incl reading a previous MRI, yielded following diagnosis. I have an extensive tear in my rotator cuff, the group of muscles and tendons holding my shoulder joint together. Said tear was likely there long before my Trail fall (I didn't notice it!). Results in a loss of range of motion in arm and a dull ache, especially when I sleep on it. Says it's non-repairable except with a joint replacement. Will try cortisone shots and physical therapy but likely will honor mid-Nov surgery date. Bionic Man adds another bionic joint! :-) Winter time good for recovery while I'm in that typical downtime. Right now getting fired up to go back to trail in 2018. Likely will only do a part of it then and finish in following 1-2 years. Onward! (Next epilogue(s) will be my take-aways and quotes from my Trail Hiking Experience this year).
Date: 2017-08-13
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan

To: Grand Rapids, Michigan 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Several quotes to share that popped to the surface during my AT Hiking Adventure. All resonated with me in that they applied to my experience, often in an intimate way:     " Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone" - Neale Donald Walsch.   "Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory " - Genl George S.Patton.  "You can never escape fear, it will follow you everywhere. The key is to embrace that fear, then transform it into a mental, moral and physical positive field of energy that will make you and your unit invincible." - Marine Corps basic training lesson.   "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul" - John Muir.  "Fear is part of adventure, and learning to overcome fear is one of the benefits of embracing adventure.¢  - Col Wesley L. Fox, USMC (Ret).  "Nana korobi ya oki" (literally: seven falls, eight getting up) means fall down seven times and get up eight - Japanese Proverb.
Date: 2017-08-23
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan 

To: Grand Rapids, Michigan 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I promised I'd share a few takeaways from my Trail Experience this season. Have they changed my life? I believe so, in subtle ways. A good day is one in which you learn something new about the world or about yourself. Here they are:Flexibility-Make a plan and adjust as you go. Try new things. Positivity-expect that things will work out for the good. Relentless positivity is essential in life! Patience-waiting for things and people, accomplishing big tasks in small piecesPeople-Enjoying, appreciating, finding the good in people and don't judge by their "cover'Humility- Admitting to limitations, Others will be faster Challenge- is good, appreciate the struggle for expanding tolerance limits of hot, cold, wet, fatigueBody - Take care of your body. It's only one you got. Listen to it. Unsolicited comments said I belie my age by 10-15 yearsSpiritual journey-believe in guardian angels and the power of prayer. A couple of my face plants on the rocks should have been more disastrous if not for "intervention"Awareness-Live in the moment and appreciate and absorb what's around you right now. Listen, look, learnReflection- Moments of stillness and quiet are good for reflection on good things in your life.Simplify - Concentrate on what are the basics you really need on a daily basis in life.See you next Spring after a Winter of rest, refit and renewal. The goal is to return to the Trail next April 1st . God Bless!
Date: 2018-03-26
To: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The lure of the AT is powerful! I vowed I¢d return in April 2018. I¢m back on the AT in April 2. I¢m blessed to be joined by one of my Eagle Scout sons for a week to share some special moments and to get me back in the AT groove. Over the Winter I made some  adjustments to ensure good outcomes this year.  I had a left shoulder replacement. Now have range of motion back and no more pain. Bionic Man has another bionic part! Also changed out footwear. Now have Oboz Bridger boots. Feel great, more support. Also consulted with my Podiatrist for advice and tweaks of my insole. The new boot system has performed well during the many training hikes to date. My goal is 500 miles this season. My AT Thru Hike has turned into a Section Hike. Age appropriate! :-) I relish the return. The AT awaits! Onward!
Date: 2018-03-30
To: Grand Rapids, Michigan 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The pre-hike countdown continues. Down to a couple of days until start. I have been so blessed to have one of my Eagle Scout sons agree to co-hike during my first week out. Not easy for a young married man building his career to take time out. His wife agreed (thanks young lady, luv ya!) as did his boss. We have spent several fun training hikes together over the past several weeks. A great prediction of how fun this week will be. His trail name is D-Rex (a morphing of his real name, Derek) . This determined young man is a source of pride to his parents. Besides getting married recently he has also completed his MBA in an evening program and continues to gain additional certifications at work. Solid guy! Next update will be from the Trail. Onward - one step at a time!
Date: 2018-04-01
To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The day has arrived! Making my way back to the AT. Exciting and daunting at the same time. I am very happy to have my son, Derek, Trail Name D-Rex, join me for my first week back. Our flight from Grand Rapids to Roanoke, VA (via Dulles) was ahead of schedule. We were met by my awesome shuttler from last year, Homer Witcher. A joy to see him again. We stayed at the historic Natural Bridge Hotel in Natural Bride, VA, very near the natural rock bridge site that was on property owned by Thomas Jefferson. We checked in and were able to beat the closing of the hotel¢s Tavern to get a burger and beer (OK, two beers! :-) ) Settled in for the night in a great room with high anticipation for our start in the morning.
Date: 2018-04-02
From: Buena Vista, VA (Mile 800)

To: Cow Camp Shelter (Mile 811.6)
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

After a decent night¢s sleep we both grabbed our last shower for a week and headed down to catch the breakfast buffet at 7am. A nice array of food in an elegant, high ceiling dining room. My stomach was a little jittery in anticipation of the day so I didn¢t enjoy it as much as I¢d like to have. Our shuttler, Gary Serra, was waiting for us at the curb at the appointed time of 8am. Super guy. Been doing that service for quite awhile and was able to give us lots of local history on way to trailhead. After a stop at the Post Office to mail back my duffles used for checking my hiking gear thru the flight, we were at the trailhead and in our way by 9am. Cloudy cool day in the 40s but we soon stripped off outer layers down to shirts after building up a bit of sweat on the inclines. Saw interesting history via an interpretive sign of the Brown Mountain Creek Community. Some stone remnants ( stone walls and fireplaces)  of a community of freed slaves at the turn of the century along the creek who raised corn and made a living there before Park Service bought land and they moved out in the 20s. It was a tough hiking day since we were getting into the groove and had a few challenging inclines. Took a side trail to the shelter and had the place to ourselves. D-Rex stayed in the shelter to get that experience. I tented which I prefer. 7 hour hiking day with only a few brief stops for energy bars and water. An awesome first day back. Great to be out here with my son!
Date: 2018-04-03
From: Cow Camp Shelter (Mile 811.6)

To: Seeley-Woolworth Shelter (Mile 821.8)
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: moderate rain

Got a little chilly overnight in the 30s so I added a layer. D-Rex slept warm as usual. We were up at 6, hot breakfast (oatmeal, hot chocolate, coffee) at 7 and on our way by 8. The fog made things a bit eerie as we hiked. Not many views until it cleared. We passed some stones walls. After research we learned that these were called hog walls. Marked property lines and kept livestock in. Then the sun came out in full force. It was cool so we neglected to put on sunscreen. We both got a bit red, especially D-Rex. No leaves on the trees to protect us. Then we had a brief shower so had to put in rain gear and pack covers. Got into shelter area, set up our tents and then out for water filtering. Upon return we encountered a mom and kids with a barking dog! Yikes! She was embarrassed and soon had it under control. Ate our backpacker meal at the shelter picnic table and encountered Dave who was just starting his section hike. His Dad had thru hiked in the 80s so he was always intrigued with AT. It was a 7 hr day but we felt like we are getting better conditioned by the day. D-Rex and I are getting along great. We make each other laugh! We encourage and support each other. Fun times!
Date: 2018-04-04
From: Seeley-Woolworth Shelter (Mile 821.8)

To: Harpers Creek Shelter (Mile 836)
Miles today: 14.2

Howling winds overnight! Earplugs only helped a little. It was sleeting in the morning and given the weather and given the fact that we had signal, I texted :-) D-Rex to avoid shouting to his tent and proposed our morning plan. We packed up inside our tents then I went over to D-Rex¢s and we sat inside and ate. Boiled water just outside the tent and could enjoy a hot breakfast even under the conditions. Togetherness! Awww! We were on the trail by 8 in a light rain with winds up to 20 mph. Spent the morning chatting and solving the world¢s problems. In the afternoon we had a long 4 mile downhill. Very tough on the knees and quads. We were then at 12 miles. Should we press on to our planned 14.8? D-Rex said let's stick with the plan. It was then uphill, yuck! After 9.5 hours we made it into the shelter area. Late in day so cooler, windy. Whew! We were cold filtering water and prepping food. The hot lasagna dinner really helped warm us but we were quick to get into our tents and warm up. A very long, challenging day but we knocked it out and felt good about it. D-Rex was telling me puns throughout the day. His favorite: A Buddhist monk goes into a hot dog stand and says, ¢Make me one with everything!¢.
Date: 2018-04-05
From: Harpers Creek Shelter (Mile 836)

To: Reeds Gap (Mile 843.9)
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed chilly overnight into the 20s. Lots of layers for warmth. We are on our way by 8:15. Climbed over the Three Ridges Mountain section today. 2,000¢ climb over 3 miles but early in day so we had the energy. We did put on sunblock today, wisely. Beautiful day so lots of folks out. We counted 26 backpackers and 11 day hikers. It was a 7 hr day ending at Reeds Gap where we were lucky to get an immediate ride from the couple,  Ken and Ann France. Nice folks. They took us the 5 miles down to Devils Backbone Brewpub. Devils Backbone Brewpub and Meadows is a growing complex including brewery, free camping for hikers, restaurant and a washroom. We grabbed beers and sat outside to enjoy 70 degree weather in the sun. Heaven! Then wandered into dinner and were joined by Dave,  who we had met earlier on the trail, and John. John is a young high school chemistry teacher from Kentucky on spring break with an understanding wife letting him venture out for a section hike. Fun to have dinner and share trail stories and life stories. Great food, great beer. Warm evening with no wind. Very pleasant end to another challenging, but short distance, day on the trail.
Date: 2018-04-06
From: Reeds Gap (Mile 843.9)

To: Tentsite (Mile 854.2)
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

It got chilly in the night so again added layers. We packed up and headed to the Brewpub¢s breakfast place, The Summit, for their $5 Hiker Breakfast. Scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, waffles and coffee. That¢s what I¢m talking about! The staff gave us a ride back up to the trailhead and we were on our way by 9am. Had great weather, great vistas (Behind D-Rex in the photo is the Wintergreen Ski Resort), and a great pace. Really felt like we were finally pretty conditioned. It also helped our packs were lighter with less food weight. A 7 hour hiking day, After gathering water we cooked our last trail meal together. We also experienced an awesome moment of silence out there. No wind, no planes, no cars. Just pure silence. Moving! I¢ll miss sharing those moments with D-Rex.
Date: 2018-04-07
From: Tentsite (Mile 854.2)

To: Rockfish Gap ( Waynesboro, VA) ( Mile 862.9)
Miles today: 8.7

We were anticipating the worst of weather. Dire predications of wind, rain, sleet and snow. Decided to eat a cold breakfast in our tents. Turns out it was not as bad as predicted and we left under dry but cloudy conditions. Slight challenge in night. My comfy sleeping pad sprung a leak. Oh was that ground hard. Going into town luckily so will figure out a fix. My body needs that! Mostly downgrade today plus shorter distance so nice way to end up D-Rex¢s time out here. We did encounter some sleet but were dressed for it so no problem. Encountered more history at an a home site.  If only the old chimney could talk! We finished up the closest AT trailhead near Waynesboro, Rockfish Gap, at 12:30pm and called our B&B proprietor. Wayne picked us up and got us settled into a great suite. A room for each of us. A very historic place, the Belle Hearth Inn. More about the place in the next post. We cleaned up, unpacked, relaxed and made plans for dinner. Ended up at an early dinner at the Greenleaf Restaurant. Great food, close. Nice victory dinner for both of us. What a great week with D-Rex! It snowed on us both ways to the restaurant. Weird!  Nice to get back to the B&B to warm up, relax and then lights out at 9pm in anticipation of D-Rex¢s early departure in the morning for his flight home.
Date: 2018-04-08
From: Rockfish Gap ( Waynesboro, VA) ( Mile 862.9)

To: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro, VA) (Mile 862.9)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early today to see D-Rex off on a 5am shuttle to Charlottesville, VA airport. Then tried to get some more sleep. Partially succeeded. Was treated to a delightful breakfast by Wayne (wife out of town with family). Over lots of coffee and two hours later we knew each orher¢s stories and the history of this  B&B. The Belle Hearth was built by Dr Mosby in 1909. He treated patients here and used one of the rooms (the one D-Rex slept in, the sunroom) for overnight observation if required since there were no hospitals in town at the time. Current proprietors acquired the place from previous B&B owners in 2004. Lots of collections around. Lots of character. Has four rooms one of which is a two bedroom suite that D-Rex and I used. The zero day was great for blogging, resupply shopping at the local Kroger, repacking and repairing the sleeping pad. It worked! Nice that they had given me a repair kit with the pad. Good outcome! Revisited the Green Leaf Reataurant for a very tasty Chicken and Crab Gumbo. Got a call into the wife for updates. Now winding down for a restful night and back on the trail in the morning after breakfast here. Looks like an OK week for weather. Guess we¢ll see! Great Zero Day!
Date: 2018-04-09
From: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro, VA) (Mile 862.9)

To: Tentsite (Mile 875.7)
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Once again B&B Host, Wayne, served a great breakfast of fruit cup sprinkled with granola, sausage patty and spinach quiche. Lots of coffee and conversation. Saud goodbye to his wife, Linda, who said I could come back any time even though they are closing in 2019. Pronounced me a ¢friend¢. Awwwww! Wayne got me back to trail bt 9:15 in a steady snowfall. No wind and really pretty. Footing a little slippery. Had to stop for a free registration to enter Shenandoah National Park. Leave a copy and carry one. Was a chilly day so my water drink tube froze up and I had to put water filter in windshell pocket to keep from freezing. Last challenge was no water for next 10 miles later in day so I loaded up at a spring and then carried that extra 10 lbs uphill for 4 miles to tentsite. Dig deep, Bionic Man! But it was a beautiful day, postcard-like and serenely quiet. In site after 8.5 hrs of hiking. The hot lasagna dinner was a great boost. Will help the body temp for what looks like a chilly night. In tent by 7 while there was still daylight. Put on multiple layers and crawled into the sleeping bag. Great first day back after zero day. Felt strong all day until I addded the water weight, but muscled through it. Conquered a challenging day. Onward!
Date: 2018-04-10
From: Tentsite (Mile 875.7)

To: Tentsite (Mile 894.2)
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

What a chilly night! A little restless due to chill creeping into bag every now and then. Since it was a chilly morning decided to treat myself and cook at tent. First got down hanging bear bag, (Note that bag in tree in middle of photo). Boiled water for coffee and oatmeal. Ahhh, breakfast in bed! :-) Without rushing was on Trail by 8am and felt strong. Stopped along way at mountaintops with strong signal to respond to emails and even pay a bill. Some big ups later in day, tiring! Met a thruhiker from the Czech Republic. He had 99 days to do the whole 2,109 mile AT. Whew, do the math! Wished him luck.  Was going to stop at a big park campgrounds. Oops, didn't read fine print. Opens early May-no water on yet. Talked with a passing hiker to develop Plan B. Said there was a Park food service/gift shop 1.5 miles away that closed in a half hour. OMG! Needed water and food sounded good so I took off in a hustle. Go, Bionic Man! Covered that 1.5 miles in 20 minutes (going downhill helped!). Made it to the ¢Trailside¢ with 10 min to spare. Oooh, turkey/bacon/ Swiss melt on bun, onion rings, huge salad and a big chocolate milk. With staff now wanting to close had to wolf it down. Still good! Loaded up on water in the restroom and was in my way for a tentsite. A couple miles down Skyline Drive the AT comes close so I bushwacked in and found a great site along the AT. Did more miles than planned today but it all worked out. So good to have a Plan B. Still had time to set up tentsite before sundown. Great weather all day. Partly sunny and breezy!
Date: 2018-04-11
From: Tentsite (Mile 894.2)

To: Hightop Hut (Mile 905.1)
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

A bit of a chilly and breezy night. Hunkered down and put in earplugs. Got sleep in two hour segments. It¢ll be enough! On way by 8am into an immediate up, at least early in day. Met 4 dayhikers and four backpackers- one couple doing slackpacking were from Indianapolis, IN. Later layered down and put on sunglasses and sunblock. Breezy, sunny, 50s. Short day due to monster mileage day yesterday. In shelter site by 3. Initially had place to myself. As photo shows I enjoyed a warm pleasant evening meal. Some instant garlic potatoes with meat bites added, followed by cookies and I was a Happy Hiker.  Nice hiking day!
Date: 2018-04-12
From: Hightop Hut (Mile 905.1)

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut (Mile 917.5)
Miles today: 12.4

First, a tribute to the vast numbers of volunteers who place and maintain mileposts like the one shown, clear fallen trees off trail, naintain erosion bars and shelters, etc. A very impressive testimony to American volunteerism. I salute you all! Thank you! I packed up in sprinkles but by now my experience said it was nothing to worry about. On way by 8. Sure enough sprinkles stopped. Hiked for 8 hrs today with a couple of pack-off breaks. Met Berry- a Section hiker finishing up the last of the whole AT this year. Got his name from stopping for berries all the time in the New England states. Older guy, very cheery. My legs  felt like lead today. Maybe not enough water? Got into shelter area at 4pm. Met Bullfrog, a young thruhiker who got his trail name from his belching prowess! He and a couple other young guys were resting before hiking into the night. All had beards- The Trail Taliban. Snagged a sweet isolated tentsite. Water from a still spring pool was challenging to filter with slow flow but oh so sweet and cold. Doused my head to wash away sweat and sunblock. Coldly refreshing! Tough, tiring day but, once again, did it and will recover overnight.
Date: 2018-04-13
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut (Mile 917.5)

To: Crescent Rock Overlook Tentsite ( Mile 930.7)
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Finally a warm enough night only requiring two wool top layers, boxers and wool socks. Comfortable enough. Heard a sound in night so stuck head out of tent to check on bear bag (it was fine). But, wow, the stars took my breath away. No light pollution out here so a very vivid night show. Met a thruhiker named Gentleman (a young girl along the trail thought he had great manners). Said he hiked the trail to Damascus, VA with his son many years ago. Is now hiking the remaining 1,800 miles. Nice guy. Said he's battled back from a heart stent and brain tumor. Inspiring! Finally shifted to shorts and shirtsleeves as temps got into 70s. Sweet! Met Andy & Milton, an older couple from TX, celebrating her birthday by hiking the AT, a lifelong wish of hers. Both very Texas friendly! Found my small spring water destination but no flat tent sites near. So hiked the very steep side trail up to the Skyway and found a flat spot.  Sanctioned site? Guess I¢ll find out. Put up tent and then back down to spring to filter water then back up (groan!) to tentsite and dinner. Had the quintessential backpacker meal- Ramen with a tuna pack added. Had some nan bread with peanut butter as a side with cookies for dessert. Working hard to get the cals. Also worked hard hard to stay hydrated today since it was a warm, sweaty day. Felt stronger. Was treated to a dramatic sunset from my tent window. Life is very good!
Date: 2018-04-14
From: Crescent Rock Overlook Tentsite ( Mile 930.7)

To: Thornton Gap (Luray, VA) (Mile 943.1) 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, didn¢t get kicked out of tentsite overnight. All good! Pleasantly warm night in the 50s with a bit of wind, doable with earplugs. Great early departure by 7:30am. Pretty favorable terrain. Since it was a Saturday, met lots of folks. First was a group of three trail runners, one sporting a 100 Mile endurance run shirt. (Yup, he did it in 30 hrs!). Nice guys - mellow. Then a trail running group led by a dog with a bell. Sounded like Santa Claus coming down the trail. Passed me several times doing trail loops in the area. Met a recreational hiker, Trail Movin¢. Says he¢s accumulated 15,000 miles on the AT. Gotta love it! Met Appalachian Trail Conservancy Ridge Runner (moves along trail to check up on things), Papa Bear. Colorful fellow! Lots and lots of day hikers, incl kids and dogs  (lots of dogs!). Enjoyed lots of vistas like the one in the panoramic shot shown. On last downhill met Hanna, a super young lady who was visiting her engineer husband in area on a power plant project. She was up from FL. She was my Trail Angel for the day. Took me the 6 miles into Luray, Va, my layover spot. Cleaned up at the Cardinal Inn and enjoyed a seafood dinner a short walk away.  Body a bit stiff but not bad. Crashed at 9pm. King size bed was oh so nice! Cumulative AT miles went over 1,000 today. Yah Hoo!