morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Greasy Creek Gap (hostel)

To: Hughes Gap (hostel)
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a warm night in the hostel, 6 of us decided to go for it and try to get over Roan Mountain. It had snowed all night, so we didn't have to get to the top of Roan Mountain to find 12 inches of snow. We rotated leaders to break trail so we didn't wear anyone out. After 5 miles we came to a road and after calculating our speed and distance to go, realized we weren't going to make it and needed to get off trail ASAP. We started walking toward town and making phone calls. Finally we got a ride to a hostel in Roan, TN. As I type this at 7:00 pm it is still snowing and is predicted to continue into the night. Now for the journal entry I hoped I'd never have to make. When planning this trip (over many years), I kept reading over and over that completing the AT is a mental thing, not a physical one. I focused my preparation on preparing myself physically because I knew I could handle the mental part. Well .... I was very happy from the start that physically, I was doing very well. It was also apparent to me from the start that the mental part may be a problem. Walking the AT is very simple; you spend 8-9 hours a day walking and thinking, then find a place to sleep and eat. I found myself thinking more and more about how nice it would be to be home. Every evening I would read messages from my journal offering encouragement and would be inspired to continue. Today, while walking up mountains in snow up to my thigh, I finally decided I would be happier at home. The thought of walking up mountains everyday for 4-5 more months was simply too much. Ironically, after I made up my mind to do this, I realized that for the first time since the beginning of my hike, nothing hurt. I am probably in the best shape of my life. I remember reading a journal last year in which a man had decided to go home. His explanation was very simple - he said that he simply would rather be at home. When I announced this decision to my hiking friends, we decided it would sound better if I changed my original goal to hiking the Smokies. Then I could say that I over-achieved. But that isn't the way it happened.The thing I regret the most is the same thing that actually kept me out here this long. The people that have followed my journal and offered amazing support have been very important to me. I can't help but feel I'm letting them down. Especially my family and the students and teachers at MOMS and other schools. I have enjoyed keeping the journal as much as I've enjoyed the wonderful views of GA, NC, and TN. Finally, my journey lasted exactly a month and covered 371.3 miles. I have made lifelong friends and enough memories to last forever. There is nothing like the AT. It is incredibly difficult, but equally rewarding. I would encourage anyone with the dream of hiking the AT, to prepare, then go for it. Again, thank you so much for following my journal. I will leave it active for about a week, then move it to the "off the trail" section. The EndBAZINGASent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Hughes Gap 

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Yes, you are reading this correctly, Bazinga is back. I found almost immediately after quitting, that I regretted it. After getting our hay baled and a few other things done, I decided (with my family's permission of course) to head back out. So the official line is that I took 73 zero days, and replaced the 22 lbs I lost in March. My wife and friend Kelly, once again drove me down south and got me started. I must say that Hughes Gap looked a whole lot different than it did on March 25th. Any time I mention to other hikers that I started on Feb 27th, they immediately bring up the snow. The blizzards of 2013 are somewhat of a legend. That makes what my previous hiking buddies have done (they are in Vermont now) even more impressive. I had a great hike over Roan Mountain and beyond today. It sure looks different in green. I am sleeping in a barn loft tonight. This farm was bought and the barn converted into a shelter. There are about 20 people here tonight. Most are section hiking, but a few are thru hikers. I hiked part of the day with RoJo. He is section hiking and trying to get a job teaching Vet Tech. He actually went straight from the trail to a job interview in Nashville recently. He and his friends are staying at a hostel tomorrow, so I'll be leaving them. Sheri has posted several pictures for me, so check them out. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Was out of the hay loft and on the trail at 6:20 this morning. One advantage of not sleeping real well is that you get early starts. An advantage of getting started in the early morning is that it is the best time to see wildlife. I was able to get a pretty nice picture of a deer this morning. Today's hike began by going over Little Hump and then Hump Mountain. It is also known as Roan Highlands. This area is my new favorite place. It's basically a mountain with little or no trees on top and grass covered (and sometimes on the side). This allows for 360 degree views from the top, which can be incredible. I talked for a while today with Tangy (possibly the last human drinking Tang). He is thru hiking as is one of the 4 guys in the shelter with me tonight. Looks like I may have some company. I'm spending a second night in a shelter because it is raining. I'd rather sleep with the mice than get wet. I did 18 miles today which was a little more than I probably should have. While I was VERY tired, nothing hurts, so all is well. Another big day tomorrow in order to get to a hostel to resupply and clean up. 400 miles! Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

I once again made the right call by staying in the shelter last night. It rained pretty hard all night. Still haven't seen a mouse. I think there are fewer mice in the newer shelters like we were in. This shelter even had a third level, a honeymoon suite if you will. Was the first one out of the shelter again, but I waited until 7:15 when the rain finally stopped. After all that rain the trail was pretty wet. The mud doesn't stick to your shoes like it does at home, but it is slippery. I almost fell once, but managed to catch myself. It was a classic. I did everything but hit the ground. The scenery today wasn't anything special, but the trail was great. I felt pretty strong starting out, but was pretty tired at the end. I am staying at the Kincora Hostel which is owned by Bob People's. This is another of the many traditional stops people make on the AT. Bob has been a friend of the trail for many years. I'm going to try to make it to Damascus, Virginia by Thursday. Tomorrow will be the toughest of the three. It will be 17.5 miles with a big mountain at the beginning. We will see how it goes. I met another thru hiker today. Another youngster. He and Tangy are going over the mountain today and planning on being in Damascus on Wednesday. We are getting shuttled to the grocery store in town. If there is cell reception there, this will be the second post today, so don't forget to look back at yesterday's post. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Up and on the trail this morning at 6:30. The first 3-4 hrs had some great scenery. Laurel Falls was the highlight.   Tragically, a father and son from Middletown, Ohio drown there last year while hiking the AT. After the falls, the trail went over Pond Mountain and another mountain next to Watauga Lake. The two combined for about 3600 ft of climbing. Watauga Lake must be awfully big, because I hiked within view of it almost all day. The trail, again today, had a lot of new work done to it. Mainly replacing vertical climbs with switchbacks. It is amazing how they move huge rocks around to build trail. Bob Peoples told me last night that they mainly use ropes, pulleys, and people power. He said they moved a rock recently that required 22 people on the rope. I hiked 17.5 miles today and am staying at the Vandeventer Shelter in my tent. Yes, I'm finally sleeping in my tent! There is a group of Junior High students here acting like Junior High students. Love is in the air. Now that I have the hard day over, I should have no trouble getting to Damascus in two more days. I got an email from the boys I was hiking with in Match today. They are in New Hampshire now and very excited about finishing. They gave me a lot of good advice about what lies ahead and vowed to take care of me when/if I make it to New Hampshire (their home state). Still haven't fallen in with anyone to hike with but have met a lot of people. Most hikers prefer to hike alone anyway. It's hard to find someone with your same pace. If you are always slowing or speeding up to match someone else's pace it's not good. Feel free to make comments or ask questions, but remember to leave your email address or I can't respond. I usually check my phone during my numerous breaks throughout the day. Happy birthday Sammi! Until next time. Sent from my iPhone (NOTE FROM SHERI: I JUST GOT A LITTLE VIDEO UPLOADED THAT HE SHOT THIS MORNING SO BE SURE TO CHECK THAT OUT.)
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Low Gap, US 421
Miles today: 17.9

Was nervous about tenting last night because there was rain in the forecast. We didn't have rain, and there wasn't even dew. I was on the trail at 7:00, and knew immediately the legs were tired. The good news was that it was the easiest trail I've hiked so far. I actually made it to the shelter I planned to stay at by 2:00. I can't sit around that long, so I took off again. I hiked another 3.5 miles and am camped by myself near Low Gap. Should be an easy 15 miles into Damascus tomorrow. I'll be starting early due to severe thunderstorms in the forecast. Today was another of those hikes that wasn't that special except for about a half mile in the middle. The trail turned onto a handicapped access trail. When you entered, you had to open and close a gate so the cows wouldn't get out. The trail continued through 3 of the farmer's fields requiring going through gates or climbing over fences. I posted several pictures I took on the farm. I look forward to getting into Damascus tomorrow. It is considered Mecca for AT hikers, so it is a very hiker friendly town. I have about 12 miles until I enter Virginia tomorrow. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Low Gap, US 421

To: Damascus
Miles today: 14.7

The wind was brutal at times last night. I was sure that a storm would move in, but once again, there wasn't even dew on my tent this morning. As soon as it stated to get light, I packed up and hit the trail (6:00). I was trying to hurry to get to town before the predicted severe storms moved in. My legs, however, would not cooperate. They are getting worn down after 5 days of high miles. I did make it though, about an hour before the storm hit. The trail goes through the middle of Damascus. After noticing that a couple hostels were full, I began to get nervous. I finally found shelter at "The Place," which is a hostel run by the Methodist Church. I had to go down the street to the laundromat. I also stopped by a restaurant and had their special of the day. Nothing exciting on the trail today except that I entered Virginia, my 4th state. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

What a difference a day makes. Some of you that have read my journal from the beginning might recall the rather rude welcome I received from the wonderful state of North Carolina. I must say that such is not the case for Virginia. She welcomed me with probably the best weather to date. What I've seen of the state so far is beautiful. I talked with a couple of boys at the hostel last night. One is perusing a nursing degree and the other is an amazing sketch artist. He is sketching people he meets along the trail. He was planning to sketch me when he got back from the karaoke bar, but it was a bit late when they all returned. I'm staying in a shelter tonight with Phoenix. We are about the same age and have a lot of similarities. We both left, then came back to the trail. He left due to the death of his father. We both also have sons in the army. Hope to see the wild ponies on Grayson Highlands tomorrow. Until next time.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

What a day! I was on the trail by 7:00. I did not feel as good as I did yesterday, so I knew it was going to be a long day. There were a couple big climbs and 17.3 miles to go. But there would be wild ponies at the end! After you settle into a rhythm, you usually go for hours without anything big happening. Such would not be the case today. About two miles into the hike I was daydreaming when I noticed movement to my right. I turned to see that it was big, it was black, and it was running toward me! I started trying to turn on my phone to get a picture (I know, probably not the proper first reaction). When it got close enough, I could see that was a beautiful ...Angus heifer. After my pulse rate was under control, I walked on up the trail which led to a fence. I realized then that the heifer was on the wrong side of the pasture fence. I went through the gate into the field with the herd. I then did what anyone would do - I started looking for the bull. Just then I heard a commotion behind me and turned around. The heifer had jumped a little fawn and it ran right past me. I then turned back around and noticed the bull, standing right on the trail - of course. I decided to make a wide detour around him, but he didn't seem to care at all. The rest of the hike was uneventful until I got to Mt Rogers and Grayson Highlands State Park. I was able to see and take pictures of ponies in three different herds. Talking to one of the Ridge Runners (trail maintainers), I learned that they have a sale every year to thin the herd. I'm in my tent tonight at Wise Shelter. This shelter is exactly 500 miles from Springer Mountain. Phoenix hasn't shown up yet so he may have stayed at the previous shelter. There is a man here that has been backpacking and camping since Thursday with his three young boys. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

I was up and on the trail at 6:30. I have to stop sleeping in shelters, I sleep much better in my tent. The first 4 miles of today's hike were very interesting. The mountain tops were balds, that are kept that way by the ponies. I really like to walk across these. I ran into yet another herd of ponies. It was early and they really took off when I surprised them. A little while later I rounded a corner and was almost in the middle of a herd of Long Horn Cattle. Some were laying and some up eating. I sure didn't scare them, they hardly noticed I was there. As the trail led to the base of the mountain, I came upon a campground, also known as The Scales Livestock Corral. Years ago, when a lot of cattle were raised in the mountains, the cowboys had to drive them to market. When they realized how much weight they were losing on this trip (They are sold by the pound), they decided to sell them up on the mountain before they were moved. I see in my book that I will be going through more cow pasture in the morning. I wonder what kind they will be. Because of the spacing of the shelters, I ended up doing a 20 miler today. Don't know if I've ever been as tired as I was when I rolled in here. There are two young men and two young women in the shelter. Last time I looked, one of the girls was on top of the picnic table because a snake had been spotted in the shelter. The next shelter is unique in that it has a shower. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter (Marion)
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

My lucky streak ran out last night. It was a clear evening, and I had been sleeping better in my tent, so, no-brainer, sleep in the tent. That plan worked beautifully until about 3:00 am when the skies let loose. There was no wind, so I stayed pretty dry. I doubt the result would be the same in a storm. It did quit raining right at daybreak so I was able to pack up and hit the trail at 6:30. Today's destination was Marion, Va for a break and to get cleaned up. I hiked about 10 miles to a visitor's center where the city of Marion runs a shuttle for 50 cents. As I type this, I'm in a laundry mat debating which fast food joint I'm going to destroy on my way back to the motel. The cattle herd of the day was about 10 dairy heifers. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Partnership Shelter (Marion)

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I decided that it was time for my 2013 AT adventures to come to an end. I must say that it was an amazing experience. The scenery and the people are amazing. I really enjoyed writing about the adventure on here and the amazing support from friends, family, and people I will never meet. I highly recommend a later start for prospective hikers. The views, smells, sounds, and number of people to hike with are so much better. This has definitely been the hardest as well as one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. Thanks to my family for all your help and support. My wife and Kelly took care of shuttling me all over the place, my dad took care of the farm, my sister Sheri took care of posting pictures and my Aunt Linda was ready to take care of me in the Waynesboro, Va area, but I just couldn't quite get there. Thru hiking the AT is an amazing accomplishment. I will forever be impressed by people that are able to accomplish it. Since my thru hike has evolved into a section hike, I'm pretty sure Bazinga might be back in the years to come. The last cattle herd is mine here on the farm. They've never climbed a mountain in their lives. Thanks readers .... Until next time ....Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Home

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: clear sky

Well, I'm back for a third time! Some family members decided to visit my aunt in central Virginia later this month, so I couldn't pass up a chance to hike for a couple weeks and get an easy ride home. So this morning at 1am I jumped on a Greyhound and headed back to Marion, Va to continue my hike.   Boy, has it been an interesting and long day. I had 4 interesting things happen. First, if you've ever spent time at a Greyhound bus terminal, you know how interesting that can be. I spent several hours at two different ones. Next, after arriving in Marion at about 11:30 I went to Wendys to kill 3 hours waiting for the 2:30 shuttle the city of Marion provides for 50 cents (very nice of them). After eating and drinking all I could, I was standing by the door watching for the bus (it was raining). I noticed a woman staring at me several times. After a while the man with her walked over to me and asked very nicely if I needed some money to get something to eat! I must admit that one shocked me. After talking with the man and explaining what I was doing, I found out that he had gone to school in Seaman, Ohio, which is about 20 minutes from my house. Thirdly, after hiking for 530 miles, amazingly, today was the first day I hiked in hard rain. I got started at about 3:30 and was able to get to the next shelter (7.7 miles). I was so glad to see the shelter empty so I could spread my stuff out to dry. It is still raining. And finally, my favorite. About 3 miles north of Partnership Shelter, I saw my first bear. Actually it was 4 bears, a mother and 3 cubs. They were running from my right to my left across the trail about 50 yards out. I was amazed at how the cubs were keeping up with the mother. They didn't look any bigger than a cat. Naturally, since it was raining my phone/camera was buried in my backpack, so no pictures. Hopefully this rain will stop by morning and the sun will be shining! Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Today I officially passed the 1/4 point of the trail. Someone had carved the fraction into one of the many fence stiles I crossed. I was alone at the shelter last night and its looking like I will be again tonight. According to the shelter journals there is a group a few hours ahead of me. I had the best nights sleep last night that I've had in a long time. I guess I just need to sleep every two days in the wonderful Virginia air. I can now say that I have seen a shelter mouse. There was a nest on the top plate of the wall. When I shined my light on the nest he would stick his head up. According to the journal this was a new nest because the old one was recently torn out and it's occupant was, shall we say, dispatched. I made a deal with the mouse that we would leave each other alone. When I got up this morning the rain had stopped. When I began hiking, at 7:00, it started again. It continued for about an hour and a half and then quit for the rest of the day. As I'm typing this, it is starting to thunder, and now rain. Glad I'm in a shelter again! I saw a lot of wildlife today. I even had a Mink come hopping down the trail toward me. He clearly didn't see me, so when he was about 10 feet out, I shook my trekking pole and he took a sharp left. I went under Interstate 81 today. If any of you are familiar with this area, that should give you an idea where I am. I have quite a challenge tomorrow. It's a long day, with a 2000 foot climb. Happy 4th of July everyone! Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After a restless night in the shelter, I was up and on the trail by 7:00. The rain had stopped and there was no "serious" rain all day. Oh boy, I just heard a Whip r Will, this could be a long night. I had a big climb this morning and by noon I had reached Chestnut Knob Shelter. It is unique in several ways. It's made of stone, sits on top of a mountain, and is totally enclosed with a door. Oh, and a million dollar view of the valley below. I wish I was there now to see what it looks like with all the lights on. I made a big mistake on the second part of my hike today. My feet were hurting after doing big miles in wet shoes yesterday. I really wanted to stay at Chestnut knob when I got there. The problem was that there is no water there (top of a mountain). It was a big hike either way to get water, so I opted for plan A, which was another 10 miles to the next shelter. Then I compounded my problems by passing up the first water source (I had a bottle and a half). Long story short, there was no more water until the next shelter. Were it not for another hiker I met along the way, who gave me half a bottle (putting himself at risk) I'm not sure what might have happened. I'm now maxed out on water, but can hardly put weight on my feet. I will reevaluate in the morning and decide what to do. I may just hang around the shelter and finish my book! Despite my stupidity, Virginia was still beautiful today. I will say though, we've grown to love her rolling hills and cow pastures, but today she was acting like Ga, Tenn, and NC with that big mountain. That will be enough of that! Until next time. 7/6/13 (morning) feet felt much better this morning and don't look like prunes anymore. I popped and taped all the blisters and am headed north with three full water bottles. Beautiful, dry day!Sent from my iPhone