morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-09-06
From: Blackrock Gap

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 40.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday and today I slackpacked from the hostel. I love slackpacking!! It makes a world of difference. It was still super hot and humid both days but the terrain was easy and the views were beautiful. I am now out of the Shenandoah National Park. I have seen a bear, loads of overly friendly deer, a 3 foot long black snake and even horses. This area is gorgeous! I¢ve really enjoyed staying in town the past few nights but I¢m ready to get back to my regular routine tomorrow.
Date: 2018-09-07
From: Reeds Gap

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

I was back to my full pack today. I was dropped back off to the trailhead at Reeds Gap this morning. There were two steep climbs today, the Three Ridges and the Priest Mountain. It was still very hot and humid. I only saw one other hiker, a section hiker named Clif Bar. Such a big change from going northbound. Much quieter on the trail. Clif Bar was at the shelter when I got there. We chatted for a bit. I was a little gitty about the fact that my husband and puppy were going to be here tomorrow for a week!!
Date: 2018-09-08
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light rain

I got up super early this morning, excited to meet up with Matt. The trail was fairly level today. Again I didn¢t see hardly any other hikers today. I got to the trail crossing where I was to meet Matt and Ella Mae by around 2pm.  They had already gone to the campground we are staying at for the next week and set things up. It was so awesome to see them drive up :-D. We drove back to the campground about an hour away. Spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the campground. So happy to have my family with me!
Date: 2018-09-09
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: US Route 60
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

I didn¢t have much motivation this morning to get up early and hike. It was too nice to be able to sleep in and have a lazy morning and rest my feet and joints. I got some biscuits and gravy for breakfast at the camp store. I finally decided that I should do at least some hiking today. Matt and Ella took me back to the trail where they had dropped me off around 10:30 ish. We saw a couple section hikers there and Ella had fun playing and smelling them :). It was so nice to have only a day pack again. Matt went to the grocery store while I did a short hike. Matt picked me up after wards and we had a nice afternoon together. He grilled up some burgers and brats for dinner at the campground. I¢m feeling very spoiled!
Date: 2018-09-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today is mine and Matt¢s one year anniversary. So I am taking the day off to spend with him. Unfortunately there is not much to do in Buchanan, VA. We found a few interesting things to do in Roanoke but everything was closed on Mondays for some reason. We did find an underground cavern nearby so we did a tour there. We also went out for sushi for dinner. It was a great relaxing day together.
Date: 2018-09-11
From: US Route 60

To: VA Route 812
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Matt and I got up early today so I could get back on the trail. Poor Matt has to do lots of driving to get me to and from the campground and trail. He dropped me off around 7 am. Half the day was climbing up Bluff Mountain. There wasn¢t much of a view since it was so cloudy today. I leap frogged with a group of 5 other flip floppers all day. The second half of the day was all down hill. Matt set up where he was picking me up with Ella Mae and some drinks and candy bars for trail magic. The 5 hikers I¢d seen passed by him just before I got there. Matt chatted with them a bit and Ella got some lovin :). Apparently there is talk of the possible impact on this area from Hurricane Florence that¢s coming in a few days. They are worried about heavy rains, downed trees and mudslides. Spent another evening chilling at the campground. I wish everyday hiking could be like this. With a day pack, putting in big miles and then hanging with my husband and dog :).
Date: 2018-09-12
From: VA Route 812

To: FS 812
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was another early morning. Matt dropped me off at the trail by about 7am. It rained on and off and sometimes heavily the first half of the day. The day was all climbing except the last few miles. The views were pretty much no existent again due to the clouds. Still, it felt good considering I didn¢t have a full pack! I passed the ¢Guillotine¢ today (pic above). Matt had dropped off a cooler of drinks at a road crossing for trail magic. However when he went back to pick it up before getting me, the cooler was gone. Sometimes people suck :(. He picked me up around 4:30. We went back to the campground and I took a nice hot shower. Simple pleasures in life, being able to shower every night:). We went out to eat at a local 50s type diner. We are still keeping an eye on the storm coming trying to see how and when it¢ll affect this area.
Date: 2018-09-13
From: FS 812

To: Middle Creek Campground 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Matt and I were still trying to figure out a plan for us for dealing with the coming storm this morning. He dropped me off at the trail this morning and he went back to where someone had taken his cooler yesterday. He wanted to see if they happened to return it. No such luck, but while there he saw a sign at the trail head that the trail was closed due to the storm. He texted me to let me know and we decided that I¢d get off the trail by the crossing near our campground. He picked me up around 1pm. We decided to make a reservation at a hotel nearby for me and Matt would get on the road in the morning. Sounds like the next two days won¢t be bad, but the trail is closed. Sunday and Monday are supposed to be heavy rains. So, sounds like I will be hotel bound for an extended period :(.
Date: 2018-09-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After packing up the camper, Matt took me to a grocery store to stock up on food for the next few days. He dropped me off at the hotel and headed back home. It was so hard to say goodbye to him and Ella :(. The trail was closed for 4 days. I camped out at the hotel watching tv, updating my journal and getting wicked bored! The storm never amounted to much here. It rained a lot Sunday night with 15-20 mph winds but nothing significant. So ready to get moving again!
Date: 2018-09-18
From: Middle Creek Campground 

To: Wilson Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

I was a little nervous about getting back on the trail today, not sure what it would be like. The shuttle driver from the hotel dropped me off around 8am. There were a couple trees down on the road on our way there. The trail was fine other than downed branches and leaves. The streams were definitely up from a few days ago but not flooding. It felt good to be hiking again. My body was sore and adjusting after the extended break. The trail was eerily quiet. I saw only one other hiker, a section hiker, all day.
Date: 2018-09-19
From: Wilson Creek Shelter 

To: Stealth campsite 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Today felt like a long day. My pace was much slower than normal. I had got a new pack, since my old one had so many holes in it. It is the same pack except that it¢s a size small instead of a medium since that was all they had when I ordered it. This one does not seem to set on my back quite right. My shoulders are constantly hurting. Doesn¢t make the day too pleasant :(. But halfway through the day I passed through the town of Daleville. I stopped and had lunch at a Mexican restaurant. That was a nice pick me up! I didn¢t go as far as I¢d planned because I was so tired. I found a good stealth spot to camp and crashed out early.
Date: 2018-09-20
From: Stealth campsite 

To: Four Pines Hostel 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was another long day. I woke this morning at about 4 am. I am fairly certain something large was roaming around my hammock. I always keep a whistle with me in my hammock and this was the first time I used it. I didn¢t hear any noises after that but it was hard to fall back asleep. I had two steep climbs. One up Tinker Cliffs and then McAfee Knob. At McAfee Knob I met two guys that had thru hiked a few years ago and they were doing a section hike this year. They took my picture at the famous spot (above). It¢s hard to tell that¢s where I am because that was as close to the edge as I wanted to go :). I was very tired and sore at the end of the day. I got picked up at a road crossing and shuttled to the Four Pines Hostel in Catawba. This place is interesting. They have dozens of chickens and ducks roaming all over the place. The place was full. There was a group of four flip flippers and one woman who was riding her bike along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was too tired to go into town for dinner so I got some beer and snacks at the gas station and went to bed early.
Date: 2018-09-21
From: Four Pines Hostel 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The rooster at the hostel proved to be an excellent alarm clock. I was up and packed early. I was shuttled back to the trail around 7:45. The day started with a steep climb up Dragons Tooth. Then another at the end of the day up Brushy Mountain. Again I stopped earlier than I¢d planned because I was tired. Thinking I should probably eat a little better than beer and Fritos for dinner if I want to have more energy...:)
Date: 2018-09-22
From: Campsite 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Today started again with a steep climb. Then I passed the Eastern Continental Divide. I stopped early for the day because the weather was calling for thunderstorms and heavy rain. Also because I was very tired and sore. My spirits have definitely been down lately. I¢m physically and mentally tired. This journey has been the hardest thing I¢ve done. I¢m really trying to stay motivated. I¢m getting close to the end but still have a lot further to go...
Date: 2018-09-23
From: Campsite 

To: Peters Mountain Trailhead 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a rainy, cloudy day. I had two tough climbs. Up Kelly¢s Knob and Wind Rock. I pushed it a little and did more miles than I probably should have. But I wanted to get to Peters Mountain Trailhead and get a ride to the Angels Rest Hostel in Pearisburg. I was exhausted and sore by the time I got there. I got picked up around 5pm. The hostel is pretty cool. There were two hikers there that night that I¢d met up on McAfee Knob. The hostel is very close to town so I walked over to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. I decided to do some slackpacking tomorrow. So after packing up a day pack for the next day and talking to my husband on the phone I crashed out!
Date: 2018-09-24
From: Peters Mountain Trailhead 

To: Pearis Cemetery Trailhead 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was dropped off at the trailhead at about 7:30 this morning. It¢s such a bummer that the sun doesn¢t rise as early anymore. It really cuts into hiking time, since I don¢t like hiking in the dark. It was another rainy, foggy day. But slackpacking makes it so much better!! The miles fly by so much faster. I am having some problems with my feet though. I¢m getting lots of blisters again. So I ordered yet another pair of shoes, another 1/2 size bigger. They should be here tomorrow. Today¢s hike was not so bad. There was one steep climb first thing, but then the rest was relatively flat then a short downhill climb. The shuttle picked me up around 4pm. I had dinner again at the Mexican restaurant and an ice cream from DQ :). I am thinking of taking another zero day tomorrow. I feel my feet and shoulders could really use the rest...
Date: 2018-09-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I ended up taking a zero today. Spent the day resting, doing laundry, updating my trail journal and talking to people back home. I got my new shoes today! Can¢t wait to get them all muddy and broken in. A group of hikers stayed here last night and are zeroing today too. I had never met them but my husband did when he was out here a few weeks ago doing trail magic. Animal, Pony, Sweat Tea, and another (don¢t remember his name:(). When they found out who I was they got so excited! They were raving about Matt and his generosity. Matt is coming out here in a few days to pick me up and take me back to Detroit to see my favorite band, Lucero, in concert. It is his anniversary present to me. He got back stage passes so we get to meet them too!! Anyway, he had talked about this with these guys so they were all excited about it for me :). People out here really are amazing. Everyone has been so supportive and friendly. I¢m not really a people person, very introverted. But my favorite part of this journey has been the great, sometimes wacky people I¢ve met out here.
Date: 2018-09-26
From: Pearis Cemetery Trailhead 

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: moderate rain

I was back on the trail with my full pack today, and new shoes. I had a good steep climb first thing up to the Pearis Ledges. The trail was very wet after all the rain. Still rainy today. This made the rocks very slimy and slippery. I tripped twisting the same ankle twice. I was pretty sure it wasn¢t sprained but it was definitely painful. So I decided to do a shorter day and stop at Woods Hole Hostel. The hostel is about a half mile off the trail in the middle of nowhere. It¢s a very cool place. Only bummer was no signal. But I was grateful for a bunk and a shower. There were four other hikers there, all of who were at Angels Rest the night before, the two I¢d met on McAfee Knob, and two thru hikers, Bloodhound and another whose name I don¢t remember. They do a communal dinner here. I decided to pass and laid in bed resting my ankle. I decided to do another day of slackpacking tomorrow (I think I¢m getting addicted to it!). It should help if my ankle¢s still sore tomorrow. Putting some ice on it so hopefully the swelling will go down some.
Date: 2018-09-27
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: VA 606
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

I left the majority of my stuff at the hostel today and set off with just a day pack. I walked the half mile back to the trail and headed south. My ankle was sore but the swelling had gone done a lot. It was raining when I started this morning and it never stopped all day. It was a bit chilly today too and I was wishing I had brought more of my clothes with me. There was one section of steep down hill that was tricky with all the rain. The trail was turned into a small stream. But again so much better with a light pack! I got to the trailhead an hour earlier then I was planned to meet the shuttle so I walked to the grocery store/deli a quarter mile down the road. I texted Neville at the hostel and asked her to pick me up there instead. I ordered a sandwich and hung out there. Sitting on a bench in front of the store with my pack all the locals that came by stopped and chatted with me about my hike. Neville picked me up and we drove back. I was very cold and wet and was happy when I got to the bunkhouse to find they had started a fire in the wood stove. It was so nice and warm in there! The 4 other hikers from Angels Rest Hostel that Matt had met were there too. I took a shower and got in dry clothes. At about 6pm we all went over to the main house to help make dinner. We were having pizza. We listened to music, chatted and everyone pitched in. We ate together at a large table. Before eating Neville had all hold hands and one by one say something we were grateful for. After dinner I went back to the bunkhouse and packed up my backpack for the next day. This has definitely been one of the most memorable places I¢ve stayed :).
Date: 2018-09-28
From: VA 606

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Neville took me back to the trailhead at VA 606 this morning at about 7:45. The terrain today was easy and the weather was much better, no rain :). But I was struggling today. My pack was again very painful on my shoulders. I had to stop frequently to rest. I was tired and frustrated and decided to stop early for the day. I found a nice stealth spot and rested in my hammock for a while. I ate dinner and crashed out early. I am so looking forward to my husband picking me up in a few days. I think I could use a break to recharge my batteries...
Date: 2018-09-29
From: Campsite 

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I did not sleep much at all last night. I woke up with bad stomach cramps. Not sure if I ate something bad or had some bad water... but it was not fun. I finally got out of my hammock around 8am and packed up. I was pretty miserable with an upset stomach, nausea, and sore shoulders. I stopped at Brushy Mountain Outpost near Bland, VA. I decided to get off the trail and rest for the rest of the day. I called Bubba, the local guy that does shuttles for hikers. He picked me up and took me to Big Walker Motel, the only hotel in Bland. I checked in, didn¢t even take a shower, and just crashed out. I slept for about 5-6 hours. When I woke I felt a little better but my stomach was still not great. I decided to have my husband just come here to pick me up tomorrow. Spent the rest of the night curled up in bed watching Netflix.
Date: 2018-09-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Matt came and picked me up in Bland on September 30th. We drove back to the Detroit area and stayed one night at my sisters place. It was so great to spend time with her, my nephews, brother and brother in law!!! The next day we hung out downtown Detroit. Then Matt, my brother and I went to the Lucero concert. Matt got us VIP tickets so we were able to meet the band before the show! I got to tell them about my hike and how Lucero was my trail name. Matt did another amazing thing and had printed a copy of my Katadin picture and we had the band sign it. The show was awesome :-D. Matt and I stayed at the casino downtown that night. The next morning we hit the road early and headed back to Bland, VA. This trip back home was amazing. Mentally and physically I think I needed this break. I have the best husband ever . I feel refreshed and ready to get back on the trail!
Date: 2018-10-04
From: Bland, VA

To: Walker Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Matt dropped me off at the trail about 7:30 this morning. It was hard to say goodbye, but at least I know he¢ll be back in less than a month. It felt good to be hiking again after so many days off trail. The terrain was pretty easy with only one decent climb. I met two hikers, Grizzly and Turtle Mama, who were also doing a flip flop. In fact they started in Harpers Ferry the same day as I did and we had never met until today. Other than that the trail was quiet. I only saw one other section hiker. I found a stealth spot to camp. The pads of my feet were sore and raw today. While I was off trail I was putting a lot of lotion on my feet. I think I softened them up too much :(. Hopefully they will toughen back up soon!
Date: 2018-10-05
From: Walker Gap

To: Bear Garden Hostel
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

This morning I passed by some men that were working clearing trees and such. There was a group of them that were camped out. Very nice and helped me find the piped spring I had been looking for. I climbed up Chestnut Knob. The shelter up there was an old stone cabin (pic above). From there I walked through open fields that the same men were running tractors and such on. My feet were still hurting bad today. I stopped at the Bear Garden Hostel just off the trail. There I met a woman whose daughter, PIpen, was hiking the last section of her through hike. The owner, Roberta, sat and talked with us for a while. Turns out she was from near where I grew up in Michigan. She even worked at the same hospital as my sister. Small world! I took a shower and had some pizza for dinner and crashed out early. Crossing my fingers that my feet will be better tomorrow.
Date: 2018-10-06
From: Bear Garden Hostel

To: Glade Mountain 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

I got on the trail early this morning, around 7 am. I walked through several pastures. It got a little confusing and the trail was not well marked. But using my Guthook app I managed not to get lost. Halfway through the day I passed through Atkins, VA. There I stopped at a Mexican restaurant for lunch. Pipen and her mom were also there. I got back on the trail and passed through more meadows and pastures. Then I had a climb up Glade Mountain. I found a stealth stop at the top. My feet were much better today, thank goodness. It started to rain in the middle of the night. I got up and quickly pulled my pack into my hammock with me to keep it dry. I didn¢t think about what bugs might have been crawling on it at the time. Apparently there were a few grasshoppers on it as they were now hopping around inside my hammock. I was too tired to care though and fell back asleep.
Date: 2018-10-07
From: Glade Mountain 

To: Trimpi Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

I got a bit of a late start today, around 8am. The terrain was fairly easy. In the morning I came to the Mt Rogers Visitor Center. There I ran into Pipen¢s mom again. I bought a pop and filled up my water bottle. I chatted with the woman who worked there and found out that the shelters coming up that had previously beeen closed due to bear activity had just been opened up again a few days ago. Not sure how I feel about that...where did they go..? I had planned to hike to the peak of the hill 17 miles from where I¢d started. But I stopped at the shelter 2 miles before to get water and decided I was tired and set up camp there. Three section hikers showed up shortly after me. This is the most people I¢ve seen at a shelter in a while. I chatted with them for a bit then crashed out in my hammock.
Date: 2018-10-08
From: Trimpi Shelter 

To: Wise Shelter 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

I had a lot of steep ups and downs today. I felt good though and the miles flew by. I finally got to see the wild ponies today that I¢d heard so much about! They are so cute :). Lots of poop on the trail though to dodge. I stopped at Wise Shelter. This was one of the shelters that had previously been closed because of bear activity. They have bear boxes for food, but I was still a little nervous staying here. The wind picked up and the temperature dropped a bit. During the night the wind got stronger and it rained. I didn¢t get much sleep since the wind was rocking my hammock and rattling my rain fly. No bear encounters during the night though!!
Date: 2018-10-09
From: Wise Shelter 

To: Stagnant Pond Campsite 
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a rough one. I was struggling from lack of sleep. It rained most of the day. I had a climb up Mount Rodgers. It was foggy though and the views weren¢t good. I decided to push myself to do a big day so I¢d have a shorter day tomorrow when I¢ll get to Damascus. I¢m excited to get there. After that I¢ll be out of Virginia! The end is getting closer...
Date: 2018-10-10
From: Stagnant Pond Campsite 

To: Woodchuck Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

I only had 12 miles today to get into Damascus. But it was not a fun hike. It rained hard all day. I¢ve come down with a cold and feeling lousy. I got to Woodchuck Hostel around 2:30. Woodchuck is a super nice guy. Turns out he lived up in Marquette for awhile. He had a private cabin available for me. It was a cozy little room with a comfy queen bed. I took a hot shower and crashed out. Hoping I will feel better in the morning.