morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-09-27
From: Blue Ridge Parkway 51.7

To: US 60
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Getting used to the drizzly rain. Sat under some giant trees in a historical area that was once home to freed slaves called the Brown Mtn. community. Made a marker to show the 800 mile point on the trail if hiking from GA. It was a short and easy day. Mike picked me up at a wayside and we drove to Lexington. We stopped at Walkabout Outfitter in Lexington where they fixed my trekking poles. They would no longer telescope closed. The clerk got them apart and showed me how to clean them. When she saw them she said "you've had these a very long time!" Nope, just since July! They were just well used. There had been an art festival here on Sat. See the pictures for some very cool yarn art. We had dinner at the Original Italian restaurant with Chuck, who is joining me on the Trail for a while.
Date: 2015-09-28
From: US 60

To: Salt Log Gap
Miles today: 8.5

When Mike offered to bring me to VA to finish my hike he made the itinerary. He asked if I wanted to do it in one week or two. Well, the answer to that was ¢two¢! After almost 37 years of marriage this is the first time we will spend two weeks of vacation together. He was actually working from the hotel each day as I hiked so not really a vacation for him. He has been such a support for me, encouraging me to do the hike from the get go and he very much wants to see me finish! The thought of short hikes each day, starting late and finishing early sounded fantastic. Then a shower and dinner out and evenings with him were icing on the cake. I also asked if any of my hiker friends from home wanted to join me here in VA. So this morning Chuck is joining me on the trail and hiking for the week. He has section hiked some of the AT this year and met me in Damascus for trail days and hiked some with me there, too. We started out about 9, in the rain of course! Too wet for pictures today and only hiked 8.5 miles to our pick up point. I saw 7 SOBO's today. I find it amusing that of all the hikers I've seen on this rainy stretch of The Shennies, none of them are wearing rain gear. Instead they have on shorts and a shirt. Me, I'm in a raincoat, rain pants, and sometimes gloves! I guess I've hiked off all my body fat and don't have any left to keep me warm. Yeah, that must be it. It's so nice to get a hot shower after a rainy day. We drove into Lexington and had a great meal at Southern Inn Restaurant.
Date: 2015-09-29
From: Salt Log Gap

To: Spy Rock Road
Miles today: 7.8

Day 5 of hiking in the rain. It came down hard all day long. The running water on the trail reminded of when I began my hike in GA. The water collects in the low spots and water just streams down the trail like a waterfall. Met a couple from the DC area named Ice and Fire doing a section hike. They're the first NOBO's I've seen on the trail since getting back on. The leaves are starting to change color just slightly but the ground covering has definitely changed colors. We stopped at the Seeley-Woodworth Shelter to get out of the rain and eat lunch. Ate dinner at Don Tequila.
Date: 2015-09-30
From: Spy Rock Road

To: VA 56, Tye River Bridge
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hallelujah! No rain today! The clouds hanging below the mountain peaks on the way to this morning¢s trailhead were just beautiful. A patch of blue in the sky gave me some hope that after five days of rain I just might stay dry today. Had great views today in the Priest Wilderness. This is in the George Washington National Forest. Yesterday¢s and half of today¢s hike stayed on top of the ridgeline. When I got to The Priest the hike was downhill from 4063' to the Tye River at 970'. That's a whole lotta downhill. But what a gorgeous warm day to hike it. I had to cross the raging waters of a swollen creek. I think it was called Cripple Creek. It was so nice to have Chuck here who crossed first and coached me across. Or coaxed me across. Fording is my least favorite thing to do. And since all the rain, every little stream, brook, or creek is a ford in swift moving waters. Not always deep, but that doesn't matter; I tend to visualize myself getting washed away, flowing down the streams, every time I come to a water crossing! Finished hiking today at the Tye River, crossing the suspension bridge. I love bridges.
Date: 2015-10-02
From: Dripping Rock, Blue Ridge Parkway

To: Dripping Rock, Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles today: 0.0

Today¢s forecast was calling for thunderstorms, flooding, and temps only reaching 40. Oh joy, more rain. Chuck wasn't hiking with me today, but going to Charlottesville for the day. Mike and I got in the van and headed for today¢s drop off. About halfway there I said turn around, I'm not hiking today. So my sweet husband let me take a zero! We were staying in Waynesboro so I dropped him off at the motel and spent a few hours in town. I went to the P. Buckley Moss gallery and a few other art galleries. I bought a piece of art, a calligraphy poem by Moss that sums up my hike and my love for Mike. Here it is:To walkAnd talkOr justTo Standto watchthe treesAnd allThe landTo seeA birdA twigA branchTo watchA brookAnd knowNo distanceTo have the thingsGivenBy GodTo loveThem allto lovethem hardAnd be lovedBy someoneTrueTo LoveAnd bejust lovedBy YouThanks Mike for staying out on the road for an extra day!
Date: 2015-10-03
From: SNP entrance, Rockfish Gap

To: Wildcat Ridge Trail, SNP
Miles today: 13.5

I took a zero yesterday. Divine providence! Why you ask? Because VA has been hit with heavy rains, high winds, and historic flooding in some of the Blue Ridge area. This morning I couldn't hike the section I was going to do yesterday. The Blue Ridge Parkway had a rock slide and was closed off. So Mike wouldn't have been able to pick me up. And I would have been stranded! Well, not really. But it would have made for a very long day. Hopefully it will be open very soon so I can hike that section before we have to go home. There was a tree down across both lanes of the Parkway on the way to Rockfish Gap this morning where I started today¢s hike, but Mike was able to get around it. The temp stayed at 41 with rain all the live long day. Chuck met me at noon to hike today's last 8 miles which was great because I was able to change into dry socks and eat my lunch in his warm truck. The trail was slippery in the morning but by afternoon there were less rocks and it was a flatter trail without standing water on it. No pictures taken today. Mike has been checking the road status all day. Glad to be done with today¢s miles. Need to get to the motel and blow dry my boots!
Date: 2015-10-04
From: Wildcat Ridge Trail, SNP

To: Loft Mtn Campground Store, SNP
Miles today: 13.5

Took pictures today of colorful, cool looking mushrooms. Stayed foggy today but a much better day to hike. The trail runs along Skyline Drive now. Chuck and I hiked fast today. We beat Mike to our pickup point and were able to wait in the warmth of the Loft Mountain Campground Store. And since it's October, I had a pumpkin beer. Wasn't very good. But we made a stop at King's Gourmet Popcorn and that was very, very good. Hikers, don't miss it!
Date: 2015-10-05
From: Loft Mtn Campground Store, SNP

To: Powell Gap, SNP
Miles today: 11.3

Good hiking day. Nice to see the sun. Hiked to Powell Gap. This is where I got back on the trail on June 22 and continued hiking north to Katahdin. It's also where Mudder got off and flew to Maine to begin his hike south from Katahdin. This is as far as Chuck is hiking with me. He headed home and another friend joins me tomorrow for my last 15.3 miles! Wahoo!
Date: 2015-10-06
From: Dripping Rock, BRP

To: SNP entrance, Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 15.3

Oh happy day! Flowers on my boots day! Today my friend Kathy, aka Mozi, hiked with me. She and I joined a hiking group at home at the same time and she has encouraged me from the get go about doing a thru hike. She saw me off at Springer, walking that first mile and it's pretty cool that she is taking time off work to hike the last 15.3 miles with me. We were accompanied by her tough little dog, Tiger. We had five spring, two stream, and one creek crossings, today but only Mill Creek was moving too fast for the little guy to cross so Mozi had to carry him. He chased squirrels and never slowed down, nimbly climbing the rocks and leading us down the trail. We came across a cabin ruin with a chimney and a small cemetery. There was a waterfall at the Paul C Wolfe Shelter where we stopped for lunch.   Met a couple women out day hiking. They heard the shelter was really cool and wanted to see it. It was a pretty nice one. We finished our hike at the South end of Skyline Dr. Mike hiked in a mile to meet me and walked out with me. I know he is very excited for me to be done. It will take a while for the idea to sink in with me; that my thru-hike is over. But I know I will always be hiking, somewhere, and that the AT will always be with me. What a ride.So many people to thank: I am grateful to God first, for his creation. For the strength he gave me to do a thru hike. For placing people along the trail who hiked with me and helped me reach my goal. For trail angels. For walking each step of the trail with me.For all my family's love and support. Thank you Miyoshi, OJ, my brother Chris, Rachel and Sara. For my cousins. For my friends who followed my journey, leaving me messages on my phone. For my Mom's enthusiasm and her ability to keep her concerns on the down low. For my mother-in-law reminding me that I'm not a spring chicken and proving to her that I AM a tough old bird and that's all it takes! For Joe Miller who's love of the outdoors is contagious. For Mudder and Advil. Thank you.To all who donated to CureSearch for Children's Cancer Research. Thank you for surpassing my fundraising goal.For all who read and commented on my trail journal, thank you for your encouragement. I read each entry and to those who are contemplating a thru hike: do it, because you can!To Mike, you know this would never have happened without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now let's eat and go home. After one more stop at King¢s Gourmet Popcorn.
Date: 2015-01-28
From: Columbus Ohio

To: Still Preparing
Miles today: 0.0

This is the my first attempt at a public post. I have been very quiet about preparation. I wanted to post something now to document how I feel about going and why I want to go. It will be fun to look back at the end of my journey and see how my perspective of the journey has changed. HOW I FEEL.... Excited, to face a challenge that will last many months,Scared... that something will happen that will prevent me from reaching Maine.Anxious to tell my co-workers that I am quitting my excellent job to go walk in the woods.Why I want to do this adventure...well i could say that 25 years behind a desk has left me with a yearning to get back some of the youthful anticipation of doing something so out of character with what everyone says I should do. At heart I am doing this for ME and my family. Life shouldn't always be about planning for the future or not taking risks. It should be about making the most of each day. I think we miss seeing the majesty of the the woods and the beauty of simple things.I have section hiked and backpacked for years and I don't doubt I can do it. However I know 1 thing without a doubt.... The MOST important piece of gear you take is your ATTITUDE. The trail is a test of your ability to push on and find joy in doing so. enough said.
Date: 2015-03-18
To: 10 day till Boots hit the Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Most of the prep is complete. I talked to a friend at work today and discussed this hair brained plan of mine. It felt good to confide in someone from work. In the end I am quitting a fantastic job that pays good with people I enjoy spending time with to go on this adventure that I am sure sounds totally idiotic.   I have a great wife, and supportive family I am leaving, great warm house, good dog. What am I NUTS???   I know the timing is right and that family issues loom closely at hand and I believe that it is now or never for us. When this nutty plan is finally started I hope I am as upbeat and positive as possible. I do believe the juice is worth the squeeze. Upon completion my wife and I will travel with her job and that will last as long as we have time for... families are important and this crazy plan is a great way to usher in a new way of living. Thank you to all my family and friends that support this nutty plan!
Date: 2015-03-24
To: Mail Drops
Miles today: 0.0

Here is a basic inventory of a MAIL DROP box:Clothes: NO COTTON, Long sleeve shirt (thrift store), light weight shorts, 2 pairs of hiking socks (NO COTTON), Light weight hat, cheap bandanna.Food: Tuna or Sardines, Knor sides (not the ones that require milk), Instant breakfast, jerky or summer sausage, Rice-beans, trail mix, instant coffee and tea bags.Toiletries: Small soap, disposable razor, small petroleum jelly for feet and fires, ibuprofen. disposable lighter. Fuel: butane canisterPersonal Items like Letters
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Dicks Creek gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Staying in Hiawassee GA tonight to wash clothes and to stock up for the next 5 days. I will cross into North Carolina tomorrow about 8 miles into the hike. It will be a tough day. I start at the bottom of the mountain (2500 ft elevation) and hike up to almost 5000 ft to camp. Day 2 will be the highest mountain so far Standing Indian Mountian 5500 ft ele. Then camp at around 4800 ft at Carter Gap Shelter. So far the shelters are PACKED! I never have gotten in one. Will hike up and down constantly for a while till I can get to Nantahala Outdoor Center (south of fontanna Dam) My plan is to arrive there on the 10th of April. I will text my wife with daily updates around 6pm. Should be a LONG week. 4/7..rock gap shelter4/8..Wayah Bald shelter4/9..Wesser Bald Shelter4/10.. NOC REST and resupply.. Hostel or camp.4/11..Brown Fork Shelter..4/12..FONTANNA..(drop box)..Will try and post more infor when I get to the NOC and hope there is service.Thank you everyone for your LOVE and Support. I miss you all very much and you are in my thoughts and prayers every step of the way.MOST of all thank you Heather without her support I could not be doing this. 143
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Mt. Collins shelter

To: Newfound gap
Miles today: 5.0

Misserable couple of days. Rain never stops. Fell twice walking through water. Climbed Clingmans dome in a down pour. The shelter was empty and i kept thinking about bears. when I got to Newfound Gap there was trail magic. Heather met me there at 10 a.m. I'm taking a zero day tomorrow to dry out my gear resupply and catch up on lost time with Heather. my spirits are much better now. 3 more days and I will leave the smokeys is behind me. plan to resupply bad Standing Bear farms. after that it's three more days to Hot Springs North Carolina.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Newfound gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I just came home from visiting Dan on the trail and thought I would provide an update. I met the mountain man at Newfound Gap in the Smoky Mountains. I almost didn't recognize him, he has lost about 20 pounds and was very fuzzy( no mountain man beard, but not the normal clean shave). We were able to spend two days together in Gatlinburg. This allowed him plenty of time to get clean, eat a ton and dry out. It has rained on him literally every day that he has been hiking, so his gear was wet and SMELLED HORRIBLE!!!!! I think that these first few weeks have been rough for him. It has rained every day and he is hiking up and down the Smoky Mountains. He is at such a high elevation that the trees are all still brown and bare. He will be out of the Smokies in 2 more days and I don't think he ever wants to go back :-). The good news is that he feels very strong. His legs are hard as steel and his back has not given him any problems. Please keep him in your thoughts for continued good health and wishes that he might see some beautiful, green, and dry scenery soon! I will upload some new photos tonight.Heather
Date: 2015-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I got a phone call from Dan this afternoon, he is officially out of the Smoky Mountains. He sounded so happy I could visualize him doing a happy hiker dance. He was on top of a mountain and could see the Smokies behind him, he said he could see the rain coming down, but it was dry where he was. His spirits are high and he sounded great.
Date: 2015-04-26
To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 16.0

today's hike was tough. I got sick day before yesterday and then last night threw up around midnight.   2 days without eating. I think it was some bad water. feel better now. Going to try and eat. Hostel is dry and clean, the shower was great! I will pick up my hiker box from the post office so I should have plenty of supplies!I am very home sick for everyone but my hiking is strong. Feet are good and I just walked 70 in 4 days over some very high mountains. I met 2 good hiking buddies on the trail these past few days. One is Errol (shretch) from Wooster. Retired School teacher and musician. Eddie Dad and I saw him play at the ti-county bee conference in March. Errol pays the guitar and fiddle very well. When we stay at Elmer's Hostel in hot springs I was treated to a impromptu concert in the music room of the beautiful southern home. They played banjo, fiddle, guitar and piano. It was a great time. I did soak in the Hot springs and the only delta was not having my wonderful wife with me. I miss Her and Ashley very much. I will try and make few calls to home tonight. Again I miss everyone very much but I am doing well. 374 mile done about a week to Damascus. My pack is holding on but just barely. I will need to replace it in Damascus. The hip belt is falling apart.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Big Bald shelter

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 16.0

today's hike was tough. I got sick day before yesterday and then last night threw up around midnight.   2 days without eating. I think it was some bad water. feel better now. Going to try and eat. Hostel is dry and clean, the shower was great! I will pick up my hiker box from the post office so I should have plenty of supplies!I am very home sick for everyone but my hiking is strong. Feet are good and I just walked 70 in 4 days over some very high mountains. I met 2 good hiking buddies on the trail these past few days. One is Errol (shretch) from Wooster. Retired School teacher and musician. Eddie Dad and I saw him play at the ti-county bee conference in March. Errol pays the guitar and fiddle very well. When we stay at Elmer's Hostel in hot springs I was treated to a impromptu concert in the music room of the beautiful southern home. They played banjo, fiddle, guitar and piano. It was a great time. I did soak in the Hot springs and the only delta was not having my wonderful wife with me. I miss Her and Ashley very much. I will try and make few calls to home tonight. Again I miss everyone very much but I am doing well. 374 mile done about a week to Damascus. My pack is holding on but just barely. I will need to replace it in Damascus. The hip belt is falling apart.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Erwin TN

To: curley maple shelter 
Miles today: 6.0

Short day, need to pick up my post office box with supplies then his the trail with "walnut and Stretch" good walking buddies. Feeling 100% today and missing all my friend and family. took 2 showers and feel great. Only one problem...Half of me is gone... I have really lost weight my guess is somewhere around 20 pounds.   gotta eat more.Really looking forward to trail days in Damascus. Cant wait to see my family!!!sorry no pictures to post but the Wifi here at the hostel is crap.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Hampton

To: black bear hostel
Miles today: 21.0

did 21 miles yesterday. Today will rest up at Black Bear hostel. feet hurt pretty bad Shin split. Just talked to my brother Mike. mike got all the details of my hike from roan Tennessee to here. Last night I slept through one of the worst hail storms I've ever seen. Culvers gap Tennessee and roan mountain were absolutely beautiful. From here to Damascus Virginia is only 48 miles plan to be there on Wednesday.
Date: 2015-05-04
To: Atkins Virginia
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

another great day in Virginia. weather is beautiful skies are clear and I finally have internet access. I am sitting at a gas station just off of Interstate 81 in Atkins Virginia. lots of new pictures uploaded today. Trail magic this afternoon in the old schoolhouse. I miss everyone terribly and I'm a little homesick. But I am having a great time.
Date: 2015-05-25
From:  Damascus Virginia

To: north towards Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 10.0

the weather finally got hot. Hiked over Dragon's tooth, then McAfee knob. the following day i hiked into Daleville Virginia for resupply. caught up to old friends ice Fire and Walnut. picked up a couple blisters but otherwise feeling great. look forward to seeing mom and Heather on June 18th. posted new pictures please check out my new haircut. Thank you Dad and Mom for the great backpack it has really made a difference.
Date: 2015-05-26
From: north towards Shenandoah National Park

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

all week has been very rainy. everything is soaked and muddy. this is been one of the roughest weeks since the Smokies. REI had great Trail magic at rockfish gap. can't wait to see Shenandoah National Park. should register today it will take a full week to get from South end of the park to North end of the park.
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Dicks Dome Shelter...hahaha

To: bears den hostel
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Rough Day but good day. Got a sharp stick in the eye last night and scratched my corena pretty bad. Terrible pain. Camped with Bambi and Hoosier, huckleberry thug and a lame section hiker. Today's journey was over the section called the roller coaster. It is well named. Arrived at bears den hostel and on the way up the last hill all hell broke loose is was a fast and furious lightening storm. It was the best I felt all day. The day was scorching hot and difficult. to top things off at the hostel I walked down the steps and slipped and fell down the entire flight.   it was a good 10 feet of pain. so now I am a one eyed bruised hiker. I miss my family something terrible and seeing them this week is all that is keeping me going. Most everyone is getting family visits at Harpers Ferry. Walking home is going to take a week off and go home to main. Walnut is NOT getting a visit and there are a few hikers getting off the trail. The Virginia blues were rough. Tomorrow is the LAST day for Virginia. 18 miles to West Virginia.If you get a chance watch SAMS 2015 Appalachian thru hike #23 on youtube. I made the footage 3 times.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Cornwall shelter
Miles today: 6.0

super hot day. stayed at an organic farm last night with some other fellow hikers. Getting a little rest today before hitting the trail this evening. Harpers Ferry is nice. got my picture taken by the Appalachian Trail conservatory, I am hiker number 585 for the year. I wish my brother Mike was here to hike with me. Sam I Am shot another video while I was here I did a shout out to my Alpine friends and to my wonderful wife. check out his video on youtube, Sams Appalachian thru hike 2015.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Bear mtn

To: Birthday Cheer
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Had a great birthday. Got calls from my mom dad brother and wife. Everyone sang to me. Thank you everyone for all the well wishes. Had homemade cake from my mother, & a banana split at the end of my hike. The Sun was even shining. Thank you everyone for making this day special.