morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Climbed over Roan mtn today, the switch backs they put in really help. Bathrooms up top were closed, but still had lunch on the picnic tables and was able to throw out my trash.Coming down the mtn the rocks started to bother Oliver so I put his ruff wear booties on. He didn't really like them too much and actually face planted once.Going over the bald Oliver began to struggle with the heat too, so I started carrying his pack.I hear thunder in the distance and the sky is getting darker, so I pick up the pace. Made it to over mountain shelter before the rain. I am the second one here. True is here with her dog Villy.Shelter holds 20, that's a good thing because there are a lot of people here.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

RAIN! Started in the rain today. I'd put Oliver's backpack on hoping it would work like a rain jacket, it didn't. It just got wet and dirty.The high point (or low point depending on your perspective) was going over hump mtn. It's a long bald. The rain is coming down, the winds are blowing, its like a hurricane. Nothing to do except to keep moving. I keep looking and hoping for the trees, but they are nowhere to be found. The poncho is great in the forest, but not here. It is blowing all over and rain is getting in the sides. It is so bad and awesome that I finally decide I've got to get this on video. I stop and take out the camera, Oliver gives me "you got to be kidding me look". Video done, we move on.I get to shelter early and claim a spot. Oliver is so dirty I throw in the creek and clean him up. I towel him dry, feed him, cover him up and he goes right to sleep.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Dennis Cove - Black Bear Resort

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 21.3

Went thru laurel falls. The falls were flowing fast and heavy with all the rain.Lake watauga is flooded, so the trail is rerouted around the flooding.Since I done this section twice already I move fast.I end up camping between shelters. I'm thinking of trying to get to damascus tomorrow, we'll see, that's 29 miles and though Oliver is doing fine the heat is starting to get to him. Every creek he comes to he lays down in. I have watch him, so he doesn't ruin the water source for the next hiker.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Campsite 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 22.9

this was a tough day for Oliver, the heat is really getting to him. he stopped several times on his own to get in the shade and cool off. I offer him water but he does not drink so I end up pouring it over his head and his back. I call Linda and tell her I either have to slow down or I need to send oliver home. he's going home, Brianna will pick him up in Damascus tomorrow. I only wanted Oliver along as long as he was having fun, and in this heat, he is not and it is only going to get harder as I need to make more miles each day. I'm going to miss him.We camp for the night, thunder storms roll in. We stay dry and safe in our tent.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Campsite 

To: Damascus
Miles today: 6.4

I got up early, thinking I might slack pack during the afternoon.I pass the Va state line, stop to take a picture, but my camera battery is dead, so I use my cell phone, thinking I'll change the battery when I get to damascus, I'll end up regretting that decision later.About a mile later I startle a mother bear and 4 cubs that are about 20 yards off the trail. No battery means no picture or video and I'm not going to take my pack off and change it now. Well 2 cubs eventually come down and join mom in the woods, but the other two just stay in the tree. I backup several times, but they won't come down. Mom is nowhere to be seen. Since I'm not between mom and her cubs and the trail doesn't head directly for them I decide to make a run for it.   So I pull out my Halt (long range pepper spray the US postal service uses) and run down the trail.I get to damascus and check into the hiker inn. Brianna picks up Oliver around 11:00, I shower and do laundry. The scale at the hostel says I've lost 17 lbs.Thunder storms have rolled in, so I'm not going to slack pack today, maybe I'll just eat and try to put some weight on.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Damascus

To: White Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 21.4

I started out at 7:45 in the rain hoping to make it to Thomas Knob shelter, but somewhere Iron Mtn Trail and Saunders Shelter, I've hyper extended my left ankle and I'm experience a slight pain on the front side of my left ankle traveling up my shin. At this time isn't not too bad, and I'm still able to make good time. Coming down from Saunders Shelter approaching the Creeper Trail there are signs posted that a bridge is out on the AT and a portion has been re-routed onto the Creeper Trail. Before I get to the detour I have to cross a swollen stream, it's running about 2 feet higher than normal and very fast, my first water crossing. The take off my trailer runners and put on my camp shoes and wade across.The detour isn't too bad, and I'm shortly back on the AT. The rain clouds move out and it turns into a very pleasant day.As the day goes on the pain increases in my left ankle, but I'm still able to hike with a fairly normal stride.About 5:30 big black thunder clouds roll in, I've crested White Mtn and I know there's a campsite about 1/2 mile away, the question is can I make it on time.Well the answer is NO. Just as I rolling into the campsite the skies open up and I'm getting drenched. I'd switched out my tent for my hammock, so setup isn't too bad, but that's the only benefit. I mop the water out of the hammock, and get my sleeping mat and sleeping bag setup. I throw in the rest of what I'll need into the hammock, get out of my wet clothes and crawl into my sleeping bag to get warm. Another thing I swapped out was my 20 degree bag, I'm now carrying my 40 degree bag. Problem is the temperature gets down to the 30's and being on top of the mountain the winds are strong. I put on all the dry clothes I have and eventually spend a warm (not too warm) windy night in my hammock.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: White Mtn Campsite

To: Massie Gap
Miles today: 10.4

I wake up to a windy, foggy cold morning. I quickly get my wet stuff packed away, I stay in my warm camp clothes for now and grab a poptart and get out of there.Once I get behind the mountain and down some elevation the winds stop and I warm up. The problem is my ankle isn't any better, it actually feels worse, and it has stiffened up. My plan know is just to make it to Thomas Knob shelter and zero there. With all the rain the trail is a stream, and where it isn't running water, it's either 6 inches of mud, or wet slippery rocks and roots. Ideal terrain for my ankle, NOT.I make it to Thomas Knob shelter, claim a spot up stairs, and setup my sleeping bag and crawl in. I'm warm, but not comfortable, the wind is blowing strong and all the talk is about how it going to be even colder tonight. The sunny is coming out and I decide that I can't stay here, and would be better staying Wise shelter, it's out of the wind and lower elevation, so I pack up and head out.I'm hobbling now, and I come to the decision I've got to get off the trail and rest my ankle and give it time to heal. Believe me, it's a really tough decision, I don't want to stop, but I'm know I can't go on like this.   I call Linda and Connor can get me, so I decide to go home instead of resting in Damascus.I hobble down to Massie Gap parking lot and attempt to get a ride to the Welcome Center at Grayson Highland, it really hurts now and I'm having no luck getting a ride. (It's a long 5 miles or so to the Welcome Center). Finally, a park maintenance crew comes by and they drop me off. The welcome center staff are great, the allow me hang out in the lobby and get me a ice for me ankle. I hadn't taken my shoe off or looked at my ankle all day, and finally do, WOW, is it swollen. Though I didn't want to get off the trail, I know see that it is the right decision.I like to also thank the Mom, Dad and son from India (out of Richmond, VA) for their kindness and trail magic. We had talked on my hobble down to the parking lot, and the kind words and support are much appreciated. Best of all was the chocolate bar the gave me at the Welcome Center. It is reasons like this that I know I'll be back on the trail in 4-5 days.
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

I went to REI this morning. My trail runners need replacing (or will shortly) and with my ankle problems I replaced them with some mid-length boots. I went with the Vasque Breeze. They're a little heavier, 7 oz., then my Oboz, but I'm hopping the additional ankle support keep me hiking.
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Another day relaxing, but today was at the lake. Lake James, like all the lakes in the NC mountains, has received a lot of rain, and it's now at full pond. However, when we get there it is obvious that it was way over full pond at some point this spring. We're missing planks in the walk way to our floating dock and some of the logs we have on shore to line the trail are missing or have floated out of position.Anyway, a gorgeous day at the lake.When we get home, my wife and I take the dogs for a walk. I try out my new boots. It's only about 1 1/2 miles, but it's my first time walking since I got home. A little pain, but not too bad.My ankle is still swollen, but hoping one more day will do it.
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Massie Gap

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 12.3

Connor dropped me off about 10:30 and I made my way back to the trail. I'm a little nervous as I haven't walked much on my ankle.The terrain is easy and that is good. The miles go by and my confidence grows. I pass old orchard shelter and decide to push on.Arrive at hurricane shelter feeling good. Flyby and 3 section hikers here.Passed the 500 mile mark.
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

easy terrian today, the first 15 miles to go by fast and easy. right ankle starts hurting in the same place my left was. I make it partnership shelter without too much of a problem, but decide to going to marion tomorrow to get a brace for my right ankle.This shelter is awesome, it has a solar shower, a clothesline and a real out house.I shower and hand wash my clothes, read outside for awhile and head to bed.
Date: 2013-06-01
From: crawfish camp site

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 26.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The highlight of a long day was the climb up Chestnut Ridge, a long 2000 foot climb over 4+ miles. At the top is a very long walk along a bald grassy ridge with great views.I started the day at 7:00 and finally rolled into the shelter at 7:30 tried and ready for bed, but the shelter was full and there were at least 6 others tenting. I found what I thought was a flat spot and setup my tent. Turns out it wasn't that flat as I woke up in the morning on the otherside, good thing Oliver wasn't there or I would've squished him.
Date: 2013-06-02
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: overcast clouds

the highlight to a long and rainy day was the sight of a turkey having been treed by black bear. I kept hearing this strange noises I was walking down the hill and finally came across the turkey, and right below him was the black bear trying to figure out how to get through all the branches get to the Turkey.made it to the shelter, got a spot and settle down after another long day in the rain.
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 21.4

up early I would like to me at the hostel early so I can get relax a little, shower and dry out.the terain today is easy and uneventful. though there are numerous footbridge crossings and because of the rain and the low-lying to terain they are very slick and slippery. I take a bad slip on one and tweak my right ankle. my boots are wet and heavy and they aren't helping either. eventually I'm getting the same pain in my right ankle that I had in my left.I make it to the hostel, none too soon.The hostel is an old log barn, It's a historic building, very interesting. the place is a self sustaining farm with chickens, goats and ducks all running around.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.4

right ankle is still hurting, but luckily its a short day. the boots don't appear to be working, so I decide to take a chance and hike in my barefoot running shoes. surprisingly it worked out quite well. I end the day with my right ankle pretty much the same as when I started.I decided to ditch the boots and go back to trail runners. I ordered new trail runners and have them shipped to Troutville, I'll pick them up and 4 days. until then I'll use a combination of my barefoot running and boots.I'm staying at the Holiday Motor Lodge and I'll decide tomorrow whether to take a zero or push on.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Pearisburg

To: The Captains
Miles today: 20.5

Started out in the rain. Probably should be zeroing again, but just can't sit here.Walked about 8 miles in my boots before right shin started swelling (it really isn't ankle problem), did the next 12 in my barefoot running shoes. I can't do this for too long, just not enough padding for my soles.Hoping someone at The Captains was going to troutville trail days but no luck. I guess I'll be hiking. Tomorrow they are calling for rain again, first tropical storm of the season.
Date: 2013-06-07
From: The Captains

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0

I ended up yellow blazing to Daleville. There is no cell service from the Captain's, but the Captain does have WiFi, so with the a few emails to my wife (thanks so much), I ended up booking a shuttle to Daleville. I ended up splitting the shuttle with 2 other hikers, it could've been 4, but the shuttle was a small sedan and there was no way we could fit 5 in that tiny car.I got to Daleville, picked up my new trail shoes at the post office and checked into the Hojo's.While there, I looked up Shabby, and we talked about hiking together going forward. I told him I may need to zero again tomorrow because my right shin is still a little swollen and sore, but I'll wait until tomorrow to make that call.We also discussed going back to where we got off, but both of us decided we'd head out from Daleville, and if we make it all the way to Katadin, we'd come back and do those 70 miles. (I'd hike this portion of the trail last year, so I already have my picture at McAfee's Knob).
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Daleville

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Well my right shin was still swollen this morning so I decided to zero. Well once that decision was made, and after talking with Shabby, I decided to look into the possibility of renting a car and going home for my son's high school graduation.I call Enterprise Rental Car, they can be there is 20 minutes, and it's only $50 for the weekend. That's cheaper than the hotel, and when I add in the cost of sending my old boots home and meals, it's a no brainer. Plus if I leave now and go straight to LJVM Coliseum, I'll actually be there on time. Rent a car booked and I'm on the road shortly after 10:00, thank you Enterprise!I called my daughter once I'm on the road and ask her to send me the location where they're sitting, but not to tell my wife and sons, I want to surprise them.Graduation is scheduled to start at 12:00, I pull into the parking lot at 12:15, the graduates have just finished filling in and only now getting seated, I'm not late.   "Surprise!", "What are you doing here?". Though I stand out a little in my hiking clothes, they are at least clean and I showered today, so I don't have any "hiker stink" (at least I don't think so). I get a picture with my son, this could be my best hiking picture yet.Well if I had zero, at least I did it right. (Shabby thanks for the advise and encouragement on going home for graduation and not wasting a day at HoJo's).And Happy Birthday Mom!
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

a late start after returning the rental car and trying to find a watch, I left mine at home. I made it to fullhardt knob shelter, had some lunch and got some water and I packed up and left the shelter and then heard the rumble of thunder.   I decide to do the smart thing for once, turned around and got the shelter. a group of younger guys looked at me headed out in about five minutes later came back too and not five minutes later it started to rain hard and lasted for about 2 hours.did the next 6 miles in a light rain but stayed mostly dry and set up my tent.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge
Miles today: 20.8

nothing too exciting today. my right shin felt fine but I did end up with a little swelling.I did get a chance to give trail magic to another hiker. Doctor Who had broken his reading glasses and was lamenting about how he missed reading. well I was carrying an extra pair of my clip on nose reading glasses and give it to him. that made his day.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

well I think I've been overdoing it so today I decided I should do a short day and give my shin some rest. I made it to punch bowl by 1 o'clock, I heard a distant rumble of thunder, and started to have my lunch. I was thinking because it was so early that I should move on but the Thunder came again and the sky started to darken. it rained and lightning and heavily for the next 3 hours. I guess I'm going to stay.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 12.3

again another short day to get my like a rest. got up early and got going. made the 12 mile and a little under 5 hours, and as luck would have it just as I pulled up to the road the hostel shuttle was unloading yesterday's guest. I'm in town, I did my laundry, had a shower and resupplied.I decided to stay at the hostel for the company but ironically I'm the only one here
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Buena Vista

To: Tye River
Miles today: 25.4

Well since no one else stayed at the hostel last night, the hostel owner let me have the breakfast buffet instead of just a breakfast sandwich and drove me back to the trail once I was done eating instead of waiting for the scheduled 10:30 shuttle. So I lucked out and had a great start to my day.The hiking wasn't too bad today, there was an initial climb, but much of the day just small ups and downs along the ridge line.Arrived at the Priest Shelter around 5:30 and decided it was too early to quit, so I cooked dinner packed back up and headed down to the Tye River.Ended up camping with a number of other hikers right on the river unfortunately it was late, around 8:00 PM, and I was very tired to I just set up my tent and went straight to bed.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Tye River

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Well instead of starting Father's Day with breakfast in bed I stared with a 3000 foot climb up Three Ridges Mountain. Early on in today's hike a flip-flop back and forth with Dr. Evil and eventually ended up hiking most of the day with him.A three highlights today, one was 3 trail magics, which actually had one hiker joking that they were "over hydrated" today. The second was I passed Wintergreen Resort, where my parents lived for 20+ years. And the third was a bear sighting, that makes number eight.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Wildcat Ridge
Miles today: 20.5

I got up early, walked the 5 miles to route 250 and didn't have to wait more than a minute until I got a ride. So far so go, unfortunately the outfitters didn't open until 10:00 am, so I took my rides suggestion and had him drop me off at Weezie's in Waynesboro for breakfast.From there I walked to the Kroger's and picked up a few days food for the Shenandoah National Park where supposedly you don't need to pack much food. And then over to the YMCA for a free shower.I eventually got back on the trail around 12:30, filled out my SNP backcountry permit and headed into the park. One highlight was I saw a bobcat, I should say a bobcat's butt. I think he was stalking a squirrel and didn't hear me approach until I got close.Everything was going great until around 4:30 when I started to hear thunder, I was starting a climb up a mountain in direction of the storm, and decided I needed to back track and find somewhere to set up my tent. I didn't find an existing site, so I quickly swept the sticks and rock out of the way on a flat spot close to Skyline Drive. I didn't beat the rain, but neither did I completely soaked before I got my tent up. I did have to bail a little water out, not too bad, and eventually settled down for an hour to read in some what dry conditions.About 5:30 the skies had cleared, so I packed up and headed out. About an hour later I heard thunder again, so I pulled into the next camp site, setup and had a cold dinner.About 3:30 AM I heard something right outside my tent, I shouted and clapped my hands and it moved away only to return moments later. Well I got and it's a deer. They have no fear of people in the SNP. So since there was nothing I could do, I went back to bed with the sound of the deer sniffing around right out side my tent.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Wildcat Ridge

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: moderate rain

It was just a raining day today. The bright spots where I stopped at both the Loft Mountain camp store and Wayside (diner).At the camp store I picked up a few snacks to eat right there and a few things to bring with me. Also, as I was there I took advantage of the $1 shower and the clothes dryer even knowing that being clean and dry wouldn't last long.At the wayside I bought a burger for lunch and packed out a chicken wrap for dinner.I arrived at the shelter and got a spot inside, which was good because I wanted to stay dry. Around 11:30 a night hiker showed up at the shelter making noise and shining her light all around waking everyone up. It is amazing how rude some people are (most hiker follow the rule that after 9:00 PM you don't approach the shelter as everyone is asleep by then). Eventually she settle in around 12:30.Sometime later that night I was awakened by what I thought was a bug or spider on my ear. In my first swipe to dislodge it I felt fur, it wasn't a bug it was a mouse. Well needless to say my second swipe was much more vigorous. I'm not sure where it landed or on who, but I know it was anywhere near me.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Well again another wet day. It wasn't really raining, more that we were traveling in the clouds. It just was foggy and the tree and grass were just dripping on me most of the day. It eventually cleared up some what around 2:00 PM.On the plus side the Lewis Mountain camp store was only .9 miles from the shelter, so once again I stopped at the store, bought late lunch and packed out a dinner, and took a quick $1 shower.When I showed up at the shelter it was packed with 50+ boy scouts. They obviously didn't know that you aren't supposed to travel in groups larger than 10. Now to be fair they did make room in the shelter for me and another thru higher, and eventually someone must have told them groups aren't supposed to be larger then 10 and are not supposed to use the shelters as the rest of the boy scouts moved out of the shelter and camped. Unfortunately, they took ever available tent spot around and some older hikers that showed up later to tent had to shelter. It all ended up well, but I'm not sure how those boy scouts were going to go forward now that they knew the rules.