morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Bald Mountain Shelter 

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I was first leaving the shelter this morning. I'm trying to get more efficient at packing up. Another day of good weather and trail conditions. Some climbing but mostly a descent down into the town of Erwin where I'm staying tonight. Soaked my feet then headed into town to resupply food. Rain is forecasted tomorrow but hopefully no lightning. Breakfast is included here so I'll chow before hitting the trail.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today did not go as planned but I loved it. There was a delay of GAME. I was staying at the Super 8 and the alarm did not go off so I got to breakfast later than scheduled. I was planning to hitch hike back to the trail but you had to take the highway so I decided to wait for the 10AM shuttle. I had a second breakfast and got on the trail at 10:30. There was a lot of climbing and a good portion of the trail surface was rocks and roots (tough on my feet and ankles) but there were some magnificent views, my favorites at the grassy balds. For the first time we traversed a mountaintop the was covered with pine trees...dark and eerie.I used to get frustrated with the younger hikers flying past me and wished I had done this 30 years but I've realized I'm meant to be here now. We're all out here different reasons and experiences so you need to "Hike Your Own Hike" (HYOH). I'm doing the LP record version and they're doing 45.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Cherry Gap Shelter 

To: Greasy Creek Hostel
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day that did not go as planned. I was on the trail by 7AM and planned on doing 24 miles with hopes to get to Hampton, TN in 3 days (62 mIles away). Unfortunately my blistered foot was really hurting so I came off the trail at 7 miles to a hostel. My foot looks pretty nasty so I treated it as best I could and I'll assess my plans in morning. Disappointing but it's all part of the journey.I may have been a little too optimistic when setting up my itinerary but time will tell.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Greasy Creek Hostel

To: Doll Flats Tent Site
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: broken clouds

The GAME went into overtime today and hiked until it got dark covering 23.7 miles. It was very foggy all day until just before finishing (see photo). I'm sure there would have been some great views since I went up and over several knobs, bluffs, balds and mountains. At least the fog kept it cool which allowed me to hike as far as I did.Yesterday ended really well dispite a short hike in the morning. I was able to watch the Survivor finale on a 56" TV while eating Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream...a good day after all.I did some good bandage work in the morning so my foot felt pretty good on today's hike.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Doll Flats Tent Site

To: Vango Hostel
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

A couple more milestones today. I've finished NC and will just be in TN until I reach VA (59.3 miles away) and I passed the 400 mile mark. The weather was mostly cloudy and cool so it was comfortable for hiking. The terrain and trail surface weren't bad and the trail went by a couple of beautiful waterfalls and had a few nice vistas. I'm in a bunk house now and it's raining...hopefully it will be clear in the morning.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Vango Hostel

To: Braemar Castle Hostel in Hampton, TN 
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

The morning was cool and drizzly which is very comfortable for me for hiking. The trail was pretty dismal since several miles of it were where fires had occurred recently (damp charred smell).The weather cleared midday and this was probably most spectacular part of the trail for me so far. The trail passed through wonderful rock formations, by impressive waterfall and meandered next to a fast flowing river which we crossed several times over handsome bridges.The day ended with a 1,700 foot climb up over a mountain.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Braemar Castle Hostel in Hampton, TN 

To: Double Springs Shelter 
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: scattered clouds

After some rain last night it was great weather today . The trail skirted Watauga Lake and then climbed along a ridge for most of the day. Unfortunately the ridge was pretty wide and flanked by trees so there were limited views.I took my 5th spill today when I slipped in mud. First thing I thought: ankles-check, poles-check, pride-slightly bruised. It's a good thing Nancy wasn't there cause she'd be rolling on the ground.Today was the first day I did not see another thru-hiker heading north although I did see quite a few section or day hikers.At the end of the day the trail meandered through beautiful pastures. I got to the shelter just before a downpour. Tenting is my favorite but I slept in the shelter so I wouldn't have to deal with a wet tent.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Double Springs Shelter 

To: Woodchuck Hostel in Damascus, VA 
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

Another day of great weather, cool and sunny. I was up and out early and moved pretty briskly since the trail terrain was pretty moderate and eventually descended into Damascus, VA. I'm done with TN and will now be in VA for a while since about a quarter of the AT is in this state.I'm at a great hostile now (which includes breakfast!) with several hikers I've met along the trail. Note: I typically post several pictures each day (unless it's raining) but can only attach one to the written section. You can scroll through all the pictures by tagging "photos" at the left side of the page.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Woodchuck Hostel in Damascus, VA 

To: Tented Next to Beech Mountain Road
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

I was contemplating a zero day but I felt good, clean clothes and body, a full belly, and the forecast was good. I was planning to have breakfast and head right out but it was a good group with conversation about trail mishaps, ailments and other stories so I didn't leave until 9. The trail goes through town and when I saw Megan (who stayed at the same hostile last night and shelter the night before) said to me "What time is it?...It's GAME Time!"Before the trail headed into the woods a hiker who I had not met said he was heading to Katahdin to flip-flop (start from GA and head NoBo, then ME and head SoBo to complete). He came off the trail because he got bit by a baby Copper Snake. Of course less than a mile later I see my first snake...quick stepped by it.The hiking was good and I ended up "cowboy camping" (setting up next to the trail not at a shelter or campsite) with Simple from Houston who will head home soon since he's out of money.It was a clear night so I slept without the fly on my tent...beautiful stars.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Tented Next to Beech Mountain Road

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

The terrain and views were great today but the most of the trail surface was rough feet and ankles. I was planning to go further but it was slow going with all the rocks and roots.I went through Grayson Highlands where there are wild ponies grazing. There's a 1/2 mile spur trail to the top of Mount Rogers (highest point in VA, no views, pine trees) but I didn't take it since I had done it 3 years ago with Matt and Ben.I'm more than 500 miles now.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter 
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

A good day all around today with good weather, good trail surface, moderate trail terrain and good milage.I listen to music once in a while on the trail, sometimes Tim Janis (soothing instrumental) in mornings but mostly I have it on shuffle. This afternoon a pod cast from 2/2/10 by Angel Greene (running friend) came on. Her music is "fine tunage", soulful music that I use to listen to when I was at school in New Orleans listening to WYLD radio station. In her podcast she even played a song I requested (Plane Love by Jeffrey Osborne). I felt like she was hiking with me so thanks Angel!
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Trimpi Shelter 

To: Marion, VA 
Miles today: 10.0

A little shocker this morning when I came across a snake. A short hiking day today since I needed to head into town to resupply, do laundry, and shower. Hitch hiking has gone really well recently, first car picked me up. I'm in Marion, VA and my chores are done and I had great chimichangas for dinner at Mi Puerto.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Marion, VA 

To: Tented Next to a River Adjacent the Trail
Miles today: 23.0

Today was a long day but good. I first needed to hitch 5 miles back to the trail. Bruce, who I had seen the last 2 days section hiking, first stopped but he was heading to breakfast first. I already had eaten 2 Poptarts and had 2 more planned for the trail (the added benefit of eating is it lightens your pack) so I kept hitching. I was picked up by Raven who I had also seen on the trail section hiking with Tumbleweed. Thanks Raven!I was hoping to make it to a shelter 26 miles away but ran out of daylight so I tented next to a river...perfect spot! The sound of the river helped me sleep. When I popped out of the tent in the middle of the night to pee there were hundreds of fireflies...amazing sight!Milestone...I'm more than one quarter done! I think wow, I'm ALREADY one quarter done! Then I think wow, I'm ONLY one quarter done! I just look at each day separately as a new adventure.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was a nice day of resting, eating and resupplying. I even got a massage by the owner Neville. Her grandparents use to own it. She met her husband Michael when he was thru-hiking in 2005 and she was visiting here grandparents. The hostel was a little slice of heaven.
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Rice Field Shelter 
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

I got a later than usual start since there was an issue with the water system at the hostel and the shower wasn't available until 7AM.There was a fair amount of ascending and descending but the trail surface was pretty good. There was a downpour about halfway through but I kept hiking...I like how it cools things off.The shelter I'm at tonight has a great setting next to a grassy bald with views to West Virginia. We got to see a beautiful sunset.
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Rice Field Shelter 

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I had my longest hike today at 25.3 miles. My pace was good for most of the day until I reached a quarry field for a couple of miles that really slowed my down. I hiked the last mile in the dark then had a package of tuna before hitting the hay.After 6 weeks out here I've dropped 25 pounds (210 to 185) and I'm now the fittest I've been since 2000 when I had my marathon PR. I feel I've been fueling myself well all day since I still energetic towards the end of the day. Someone asked me if I've seen much wildlife. I've seen deer, rabbits, a raccoon, wild turkeys, mice, 3 snakes, a turtle, toads, but I haven't seen a bear. I did meet Bear Wall last night who's somewhat of a legend (news travels pretty quickly up and down the trail). He was with a group that saw a cub and then the mother bear came out and started chasing them. When he noticed the bear went into a gallop he stopped and raised his poles above his head and started making as much noise as he could (you make yourself appear as large as possible and make noise when confrontedby a bear). The others followed suit and the bear stopped and headed into the woods.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter 
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A big climb at the beginning of the day but a fairly comfortable day. Love when the trail travels through pastures. After 6 weeks out here I've dropped 25 pounds (210 to 185) and I'm now the fittest I've been since 2000 when I had my marathon PR. I feel I've been fueling myself well all day since I'm still energetic towards the end of the day.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: Niday Shelter 

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a fun day since I hiked most of it with Gibby (64, Louisiana, the epitome of a southern gentleman, finished 700 miles section hiking today in 41 days, no zero days, always on the trail by 6:30AM, inspirational hiker, he'll do Franconia Notch to Katahdin in August to complete all the sections) and Pace (24, Colorado, hikes without poles, bright guy, very adventurous). Those two have been sheltering together for the last 3 weeks. They seem very different but mesh really well on the trail.We went past Dragons Tooth at the end of the day which had some extremely difficult rock scrambling.We had an all-you-can-eat dinner at a local restaurant and we're now tenting at a pretty crowded hostel.
Date: 2016-06-06
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Daleville, VA 
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: broken clouds

Although it was pretty warm it was great day hiking with a lot of beautiful rock formations and vistas. I covered over 25 miles since I wanted to get into town to resupply, do laundry and shower.I got some trail magic from Full Throttle's sweet wife Michelle (Delaware). I met Full Throttle at Woods Hole Hostel...great guy. Michelle hiked the first 500 miles with him and realized thru-hiking wasn't for her so she was at a road crossing offering trail magic to hikers...great timing for me...thanks Michelle!
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Daleville, VA 

To: Wilson Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

It was a relaxing day, before, during, and after the hike. I took my time getting stuff done since it was a hot day and I knew I wasn't planning to hike too far. I had breakfast, went to the store to resupply, started laundry, then had another breakfast.I then walked to the post office (about a mile) to pick up "Superfeet" that I had ordered and shipped to Daleville. They are sole inserts that two guys around my age had recommended back in Damascus. They felt good today but the true test will be after a day of higher milage.I left town around 2:30 and got to the shelter around 7:30 with plenty of daylight to have dinner and hang my bear bag.
Date: 2016-06-08
From: Wilson Creek Shelter 

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

It was a comfortable day...sunny, cool and very windy, with moderate terrain. About 4 miles from the shelter I was planning to stay at I got some great trail magic. Two women from Wisconsin were handing out beer, soda and snacks. I had a 312 beer from Chicago (which I've only had once when I finished the marathon there) and a ton of hummus. One of the women (Cupcake) had thru-hiked in 2011 and she wanted to give back to the trail.When I got to the shelter it was the biggest I've seen (sleeps 20) and had cool design. Only 8 of us staying there so plenty of personal space.
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter 

To: Glascow, VA
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: few clouds

There was a lot of ascending (about 4,500 feet) and descending (about 5,000 feet) today. The trail surface was a little rough on my feet at times and it got pretty warm in the afternoon. I had made bologna and cheese sandwiches and Daleville and it was like eating a gourmet meal. I wish had a nice glass of wine to wash it down. (Pete, does red or white pair best with bologna and cheese?)I'm in Glasgow now where they have a free shelter with port-o-johns, electricity, and a hot shower in the center of town...score!
Date: 2016-06-10
From: Glascow, VA

To: Tented Next to Pedlar River Bridge 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I've had pretty good luck recently hitching a ride usually within half an hour. I've discovered that most of the people that pick me up are visiting the area and are not locals. I got a ride into town from a couple from Charlottesville, VA that were kayaking on the James River. I got a ride back to the trail from a couple from the Netherlands that were visiting the States for 3 weeks.I was back on the trail a little after noon and hiked until it got dark. Set up my tent at a nice brush cleared area next to a river.
Date: 2016-06-11
From: Tented Next to Pedlar River Bridge 

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was all about the trail magic. 7 miles into the hike I came upon two women giving Trail Magic. They had hiked the trail 10 years ago and drove from Indiana to give back. I ate lots of pumpkin bread, banana bread, molasses cookies and brownies...sweet!16 miles into the hike I came upon 6 guys from the North Carolina area that had hike the trail 3 previous years (two guys had done the AT in 95 days in between college semesters). I had a double cheeseburger, chips, 2 beers, 2 Cokes, an orange, an apple, and a Twix bar. I was there for 2 hours with a bunch of other thru-hikers enjoying the feast.I was so jacked that I hiked the last 4.3 miles the fastest to date.I was the only one at the shelter that night which was a first for me.
Date: 2016-06-12
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was a tough day hiking. We went up and over a couple of mountains and the trail surface for most of the day was very rocky, plus it was in the 90s.I hiked some and ate meals with Soul Flower (69, Washington) today. She books along on the flats and the downhillshower but she says se puts it in granny gear on the uphills. She started her thru-hike last year and got to 693 miles, then went home since her son finished his residency. She was planning to come back to the trail but had issues with her Achilles and her doctor recommended not returning. She started again from Springer Mountain because she wanted to complete the thru-hike. She section hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail over the last 20 years. Sweet, strong, amazing woman.
Date: 2016-06-13
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA 
Miles today: 20.8

I always have a little extra kick in my step when I'm heading into a town where I know I can have some good meals and clean up. The terrain wasn't too bad. It was pretty rocky in the middle section but I moved along pretty well.There haven't been many north bound thru-hikers that I've seen while hiking the last few days. I believe I'm between bubbles so I'll probably catch up with larger groups soon. The AT meanders a lot since it follows mountain ridges, rivers, town streets, bridges, avoids private properties, cuts through private properties, and switchbacks up and down mountains and hills. The trail is 2,189 miles but as the crow flies it's 1,117 miles.
Date: 2016-06-14
From: Waynesboro, VA 

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

I had a fantastic Italian dinner last night and finished it off with tiramisu. I then headed to an ice cream place for a sundae recommended by one of the locals leaving the restaurant.This morning I had breakfast at the hotel then went to the Dollar General to resupply (awesome place!..inexpensive and has pretty much everything). When I got back to the hotel to have my second breakfast I saw Soul Flower...with a broken hand! She tried hitching into town (3.7 miles) yesterday evening but no luck so she started walking. Eventually while walking in the shoulder she tripped on a stick hidden in the grass and broke her hand. She finally got to the hotel at 4AM after going to the hospital. She plans to go to Phoenix to have surgery then head to Katahdin once it's healed and head south until she reaches Waynesboro. She has such a positive attitude and amazing fortitude. I do hope to cross paths on the trail.I'm now in the Shenandoah National Park which I like so far since the trail surface is good and the terrain is moderate. I just did 7.7 miles to the first shelter since the second one was over 20 miles away. I enjoyed getting here with plenty of daylight left and time to relax.
Date: 2016-06-15
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I hiked a marathon today. I was up and out by 6:30. At mile 21 I even did a half mile side trail to stop at the Wayside Inn to get a blackberry milk shake that other hikers had recommended. I took my pack off to go there which felt so nice. I got to the shelter with enough daylight to make my dinner and hang my bear bag.I stayed in the shelter since there was a chance of rain.
Date: 2016-06-16
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

With another early start today it was a leisurely day with a nice easy pace and lots of breaks to eat. I was planning to get to the Lewis Campground to shower, do laundry, and eat dinner, then head to the Shelter a mile beyond. Smurf, Turtle (just celebrated 2 year anniversary) and Fun Guy arrived while I was eating and waiting for laundry to dry. I met them earlier in the day when I was having my first lunch...good kids. It then started lightning and pouring so we all hung out on the porch of the store and drank mojitos. Turtle then fanagled us a cabin at the campground for $50 (regularly $150)...sweet!
Date: 2016-06-17
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Byrds Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was raining a bit when I started out this morning but it was cool and comfortable. It didn't get too hot all day. Fortunately the only rain we've had recently was last night and this morning so my feet have been dry for over a week. The trail followed the ridge most of the day and there were some get views of the Shenandoah Valley.I stopped at Big Meadow Lodge to eat lunch and later at Skyland Resort to have a cookie and a beer.The trail is close to and crosses Skyline Drive so it's odd to see and hear cars frequently.
Date: 2016-06-18
From: Byrds Nest #3 Hut

To: Tented Next to Skyline Drive
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Fun day today since I scored trail magic twice. Had a beer and some snacks at the first one. Later in the day I saw a sign that said Trail Magic until 2PM at a pinic area 5 miles ahead. It was just after noon so I hiked the fastest I could to get there in time. Just before getting there I see another one of the signs. I had misread the first sign since it actually read "Trail Magic 2PM until?". I was a tired idiot but got to fill my belly.So I've hiked over 950 miles and I have not seen a bear! Early in the day two girls doing a 3.4 mile day hike asked if I'd hike down with them because they just saw a bear on the trail just around the bend. I thought to myself, finally I'll see one, but of course the bear was gone. Later in day I was hiking with a group and the lead guy saw a bear. I rushed ahead to see it but it was out of sight when I got there. Big Red (who just got out of the Coast Guard in Boston) said the trail goes by a zoo in NY and maybe I'll see one then.When I got to the shelter I planning to stay at it was packed so I hiked until dark and tented near Skyline Drive, a very comfortable spot. I'll be heading into town tomorrow so I'll get there earlier with less miles to hike.
Date: 2016-06-19
From: Tented Next to Skyline Drive

To: Fort Royal, VA 
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: few clouds

I was up and out early this morning so that I could get to town to rest for a while and resupply. I must be catching up with the next bubble because the trail has gotten a lot more crowded. That's good and bad...more people to meet but also more competition for finding flat areas to tent at the shelters.I'mout of the Shenandoah National Park now which had moderate terrain and mostly less rocky trail surface.When I got to town I was heading to grab lunch and another hiker at the hotel said "hey, do you want some food?". There was a wedding yesterday and they gave the hiker's a bunch of hamburgers, corn, and potato salad...Town Magic! I'm sharing a room with Turbo (19, Salisbury, MA, hiked the 48 4,000 footers in NH in 3 months). Great kid!