morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

April 29th: Jan and I had another wonderful day together at Woods Hole. We left early this morning for the short trip into Pearisburg to run some quick errands including a stop at the local Walmart for a re-supply. After finishing our errands, we drove to Blacksburg, home of VA Tech. We walked around the campus taking in the sights and had lunch at a local rib joint so I could calorie up for the trail. Bought myself a nice cigar and a six pack of beer before heading back to Woods Hole. I will be hitting the trail tomorrow morning around 10:00 for the 80 mile 5 day hike to Catawba, VA and Jan will be heading to Charlotte airport headed for home.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

April 30th: Hiked 17.2 miles from Woods Hole to Rice Field Shelter. Total miles hiked: 637.6, 1548.3 to go. All good things must come to an end and at 10:00 this morning, Jan dropped me off at the trailhead on her way to the airport. I always hate goodbyes so rather than look back and watch the Jan drive away, I hit the trail hard. Only problem was I headed south bound instead of north and I didn't realize my mistake until I had hiked a mile and a half. By the time I got back to where I had started, an hour had elapsed and I had hiked 3 wasted miles. Not a good start to a lousy day. Once I got back on track I was able to make up for lost time and was so frustrated by my stupid mistake that I skipped my first break and slogged on. Made the 10 miles to Pearisburg by 3:00 and although I had planned to stop for a cold drink and hot meal I kept on hiking. The hike through Pearisburg brings you by the industrial section which included a huge chemical plant. The plant was so loud that it drowned out the train that was passing by at the same time. Get me out of here! I just put my head down and made a bee line for the woods on the other side of town. Trail was empty today and I never passed another soul the entire day on the trail. Got to the Rice Field Shelter ( a 20 mile 17 mile hike) around 6:30. Looks like I will be spending the night here alone with only the mice to keep me company. The shelter is in a beautiful location overlooking a huge field and the mountains beyond. After a quick supper, I lit up a Monte Cristo cigar that I bought in Blacksburg yesterday and sat back and enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the mountains. A decidedly good end to a not so good day.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Wind Rock
Miles today: 20.3

May 1st: Hiked 20.3 miles from Rice Field Shelter to Wind Rock. Total miles hiked: 657.9, 1528 to go. Today was a challenging day for a couple of reasons. I have been breaking in a new pair of trail runner shoes the past couple of days and although I like them and think they will work out fine, I am dealing with blisters again. Not as bad as last time but bad enough to slow me down. The second... reason for the challenging day were the trail conditions (not to mention a couple of steep climbs). In the late afternoon I hit a section of trail that was God Awful. I'm talking bad. For a good 2 miles the trail was covered with rocks in all shapes and sizes which made each step precarious and any chance for any hiking cadence all but impossible. Limped into Wind Rock at 6:30, a full 11 hours after starting my hike. The one bright spot to my day was a visit to "Captain's" . Located on the trail, the Captain's place is a private residence on a river that runs along side the AT. To get there, you must cross the river on a zip line which the Captain set up for that express purpose. When I got there, the Captain was not home but Diplomat, one of my hiking buddies was holding down the fort. Here's the deal: the Captain basically opens his home to through hikers. Hikers are welcome to pitch tents in his yard and on his back porch he has a refrigerator stocked from top to bottom with cold drinks. He even has a fire ring and a huge pile of fire wood. All of this is free of charge. My only regret was that I didn't get a chance to meet the Captain, another colorful character, no doubt, that makes the AT such a special place.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Wind Rock

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

May 2nd: Hiked 23.1 miles from Wind Rock to Niday Shelter. Total miles hiked: 681, 1504.9 to go. Today was both physically and mentally challenging. Put in a lot of miles with several steep climbs which culminated in a ridge trail that was mostly exposed rock. To date, I haven't hit anything as technically challenging and coming at the end of the day when the exhaustion was kicking in made it all the more difficult. One highlight of the day, however, was seeing Keiffer Oak, the largest oak tree on the AT. Estimated to be over 300 years old, it measures over 18 feet around. Quite a sight. Also enjoyed hiking through farmland, always one of my favorites. Tomorrow I plan on hiking 17 miles to a hostel for a hot shower and some light resupply. There is also a well known all you can eat restaurant in the town of Catawba that I hope to hit for dinner. still breaking in my new trail runners. Feet took a real beating today so I hope a lighter day will do me good.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Niday Shelter

To: VA 624
Miles today: 16.8

May 3rd: Hiked 16.8 miles from Niday Shelter to VA 624. Total miles hiked: 697.8, 1488.1 to go. Blisters again. Knew today would be tough so I hit the trail at 6:00, before first light. Rewarded with a really nice sunrise and a total of 8 deer near the trail. Had a couple of tough climbs which were really hard on my feet. About 5 miles in I came across the Audie Murphy Monument. Audie Murphy was the most highly decorated soldier in WWII and went on to a movie career following the war. he died in a plane crash close to the monument site in 1974. The VFW erected the monument but there was also a makeshift monument of stones piled high, presumably one at a time. I added one more before hitting the trail. The next memorable part of the day was hiking the Dragons Tooth, a huge stone monolith. Coming down was a little white knuckle on the poles considering I was wearing a 35 lb pack on narrow ledges with 25 foot drop offs. Made it down in one piece and I must say the views alone were worth it. Finally, I made it down to Four Pines Hostel where I am sharing a converted 3 bay garage with 10 or so fellow hikers. The highlight of the day was when Joe Mitchell, the proprietor and really good guy, shuttled 7 of us over to the Homeplace Restaurant, an all you can eat AT institution. Feet are really sore tonight so I may be taking another zero. Tomorrow morning will tell.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: VA 624

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

May 4th: Hiked 16.3 miles from VA 624 to Lamberts Meadow Shelter. Total miles hiked 714.1, 1471.8 to go. Today marks 2 months since I hit the trail. In some ways it seems like I have been out here forever and other ways it all seems compressed into a couple of short weeks. Really enjoyed today's hike but because of my blisters the last 3 miles was pure hell. I will be hiking into Daleville tomorrow (a short 9 mile hike) and I will stop by the full service outfitter to see about new hiking shoes. Also booked myself into the local HoJo's, yes they still exist. Back to the hike. Today was a beautiful day weather wise with sunshine and a gentle breeze. The morning was mostly flatland and for the second time this awesome journey I actually hiked through a field with a bunch (or is it a herd) of cows....I will leave it up to my VT cousins to answer that question. Later in the day, I reached McAfee Knob, the iconic AT vista with my new friend Caver. Took my picture on the famous rock outcrop. I will be posting the pic later and yes it is above a cliff and yes my heart was in my stomach but I said to myself I didn't walk over 700 miles to go half way so I dangled my legs over the side and tried my best to look cool. Late in the afternoon I reached Tinker Cliffs another blow your socks off AT ridge trail. The views were stunning but you had to pay attention because the trail literally came within a foot of sheer cliffs. The reason I am late posting is because Caver, Strider and Almost Lost showed up at the shelter at 9p.m. With two bottles of Wild Turkey and non-stop hilarious stories of their time on the trail where the met 2 years ago. Friends for life, the converged here this weekend to do a 20 mile hike and reconnect. Another AT moment.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: heavy intensity rain

May 5th: Hiked 9.4 miles from Lamberts Meadows to Daleville Total miles hiked 723.5, 1462.4 to go. I felt like today was a bonus day. Forecast called for rain but the day dawned with blue skies and sunshine. Feet still bothering me but thankfully the trail was relatively flat and rock free. Covered the 9 miles to Daleville quickly and booked myself a room at the Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge, a surprisingly nice room with a hiker friendly rate. When I got to the room and removed my boots, my feet were an absolute mess. To celebrate Cinco DeMayo I hit the Mexican restaurant across the street. Sat at the bar and had the fajitas, a frozen margarita and a Sam Adams beer. As I was getting ready to settle up, I checked my phone and had a text message from some old hiking buddies (a couple days ahead of me) that they had shuttled back to Daleville to avoid the rain and were meeting at the Mexican restaurant for dinner. There they were within 20 feet of the bar and there was I completely oblivious. Said a quick hello before hobbling back to my room to soak my sore feet. Tomorrow I will do my re- supply and hit the outfitter to see about new boots. Given the rain, this town should be hopping.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

May 6th: Zero Day If I had to get blisters, I couldn't have picked a better time. Been raining off and on all day and overall, a pretty miserable day. Talking even more rain for tomorrow and at this point in time I am thinking of taking tomorrow off as well. When I woke up this morning my feet were really sore with a steady throb. Around 10:00, I hobbled down to the local outfitter to see about new hiking shoes. After taking the measurements they recommended keeping the shoes that I already have. I should have known better but it is really important to break in new shoes gradually. Hiking 80 miles in 4 days was probably a bad idea. They did, however, recommend silk sock liners to reduce the friction. Hopefully that will do the trick. Spent the rest of the morning hours re-supplying for the next segment of my hike which will run about 80 miles. Soaked my feet 3 Xs today which helped but I think I will need more time to heal. Met a bunch of hikers at Three Piggies, a rib joint. Food was excellent and the beer was cold. The waitress, whose husband was at home watching the kids, offered us the use of their motor home for the night and when she saw me shuffling about on my broken feet, gave me her cell number and told me she could drive me to the doctors tomorrow if it gets any worse. One of many trail angels looking out for the hikers.....amazing.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0

May 7th: Zero Day Really bored hanging out in a hotel room watching bad TV but even if my feet were good to go (which they are not) I would still be bored silly in my hotel room watching bad TV. Heavy rain with thunder storms continue to be the story of the day. Hiking today would be miserable and potentially dangerous so I opted for boredom. Spending 2 days off the trail is just what the doctor ordered and with improving weather I should be good to go tomorrow. Ordered a pizza and plan on calling it an early night. Rain is still in the forecast for tomorrow but should be done by late afternoon. Given my ongoing foot issues, I am planning to hike to Wilson Creek only 9 miles away.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

May 8th: Hiked 11.2 miles from US 220 to Wilson Creek Shelter. Total miles hiked 734.7, 1451.2 to go. Woke up early and debated whether or not to take another zero but my feet were feeling better and the forecast looked promising so off I went. Between the silk sock liners and medicated blister pads I bought in Daleville, my feet held up really well today. The weather didn't cooperate, however, and a steady rain fell throughout the day. Calling for more rain with thunder and lightning tonight so I will be sleeping in the shelter. They say sunny skies tomorrow. We can only hope.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

May 9th: Hiked 20.8 miles from Wilson Creek Shelter to Bryant Ridge Shelter. Total miles hiked 755.5, 1430.4 to go. The nice thing about rainy days is that they make the sunny days all the more enjoyable and today was no exception. Morning dawned sunny and warm with blue skies. Had a couple of steep climbs but overall the trail was pretty flat. During the morning hours followed the Blue Ridge Parkway and anyone who has ever been fortunate enough to drive along this scenic route knows how beautiful this area is. Had really nice views of Sharp Top and Flat Top Mountains with several scenic vistas along the parkway. With temps in the low 80s it got a little warm for hiking in the afternoon but still a far cry better than the sizzling temps that await us in the coming summer months. Reached Bryant Ridge in the late afternoon and was treated to one of the nicest shelters I have seen to date. So nice in fact that I decided to keep my tent in the bag and sleep inside. Tomorrow begins with a 2000+ foot climb but after that the trail becomes more level. Should be able to make some good miles.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Big Cove Branch
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

May 10th: Hiked 20.7 miles from Bryant Ridge Shelter to Big Cove Branch. Total miles hiked: 776.2, 1409.7 to go. Sean saw his first bear! In an otherwise uneventful day, I finally saw a black bear while on the trail. It was late afternoon and I was hot and tired. I had just turned onto the Gunter Ridge Trail when I came across a deer in the middle of the trail. I could tell by its size that it was a juvenile. It showed more curiosity than fear and only moved off the trail when I got to within 10 feet. No big deal, I have seen this before. Just a couple of minutes later I heard a loud crashing noise in the underbrush to my right. I stopped thinking that it must be the mother deer. To my surprise, it was a black bear running in my direction towards the trail. When the bear got to within 25 feet or so, it saw me, came to a complete stop before doing a 180 and running back up the hill, disappearing into the underbrush. All of this happened in a few short seconds before I could react with fear or reach for my camera. Like the deer, the black bear wasn't a baby but definitely not an adult. The whole experience was really cool. Now I just need to see a rattle snake. Bears aside, today's hike was unremarkable. Most of the day was humid and uncomfortable and for the first time, I noticed that the bugs, including the biting variety, are getting bad. Another thing I noticed is that even at the higher elevations the leaves are filling in obscuring many of the pretty views which, up to now, I was beginning to take for granted. Tenting next to a swift moving mountain stream. Ate my dinner while soaking my feet in the cool water. Looks like rain, hopefully it blows over before morning.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Big Cove Branch

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

May 11th: Hiked 14.6 miles from Big Cove Branch to Punchbowl Shelter. Total miles hiked 790.8, 1395.1 to go. Want to take this opportunity to wish John and Crystal Morse a lifetime of health and happiness as husband and wife. It is times like this when you are reminded that life goes on when you are on the trail and unfortunately you miss out on some of life's big events. Wish I could have been there for the "I do's" and post nuptial bash. Sure everyone had/is having a great time. Hope Jack had one of his Noooooonan Drives. Today's hike was a tough one with several steep climbs. The weather was overcast and extremely humid. Spent the early hours hiking along the James River. there were tons of flowering plants along the trail which made for a pretty, not to mention fragrant, walk. For most of the day it was slow going. I knew I didn't have to go far because I have 2 days to cover the 26 miles to the town of Buena Vista, VA. I made arrangements to get picked up at VA 60 and will be spending the night at Blue Dog Art Cafe which doubles as a hiker hostel. Will need to pick up 3 days of provisions for Waynesboro, 57 miles north. Only have to hike 11 miles tomorrow which will be welcome relief.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: US 60
Miles today: 11.3

May 12th: Hiked a manageable 11.3 miles from Punchbowl Shelter to US 60. 802.1 miles hiked, 1383.8 to go. First of all, I want to wish my Mom and all you with kids young and old a great Mother's Day. Today was an awesome day for hiking. Perfect weather (and I mean perfect) with temps in the low 60s, brilliant sunshine and a steady breeze that kept the bugs at bay. Since I was planning to hit Buena Vista, a small trail town, I knew it would be short miles so I was able to slow it down and enjoy the trail to its fullest. One of the highlights was a short jaunt through a section of virgin forest. The trees were behemoths and made me feel that much smaller surrounded by such splendor. Tried to get pictures but in this case you couldn't see the trees through the forest but trust me, it was something to see. Also went through the remnants of the Brown Creek Mountain Community, a settlement for freed slaves. Nothing but stone walls and a couple of stone foundations. It's inhabitants sold out to the park service in 1920 and what little is left is being swallowed by time. Made it into town around 1:00, took a hot shower, hit the laundry mat and a local Italian restaurant for a late (and absurdly large) lunch. The food was excellent. Will be hitting the grocery store shortly to resupply for my hike tomorrow towards Waynesboro. Staying at the Blue Dog Art Cafe where they also maintain a hostel, a very comfortable place. Nice people too.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: US 60

To: Piney River North
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

May 13th: Hiked 12.1 miles from US 60 to Piney River North. Total miles hiked: 814.2, 1371.7 to go. Had a real nice stay at the Blue Dog Art Cafe in Buena Vista. Blue Dog, a local artist and entrepreneur totally gets how the hiker community can bring dollars to a small town like Buena Vista and she goes out of her way to attract and accommodate hikers on the trail. For just $20, she shuttles you from and back to the trailhead (total of 38 miles) puts you up for the night and gives you a complimentary breakfast at her cafe. She and her staff are super friendly and even shuttled us around town at no additional cost. Got back on the trail today at 11:15 which was a good way to work my sore feet back into action. On the way to the trailhead, Blue Dog told us that the temps are supposed to drop below freezing tonight in the mountains. Ok I thought, I will be in my tent I can handle this....But less than an hour into my hike after a 2000 foot climb, it started to snow. You gotta be kidding me, just a couple of days ago I'm complaining about the heat and bugs and now it's snowing on May 13th? Give me a break. Oh well, that is what makes the AT the AT. Getting such a late start I knew I wouldn't make big miles but for once I listened to my aching feet and got off the trail before my intended destination. Found a really nice place to make camp on a mountain stream. There I go again, drawn to running water like a moth to a flame. It is only 7:30 in the evening and already getting pretty cold as I lie in my tent. Rather than get my usual early start I plan on letting the morning sun warm things up before hitting the trail and if it takes me an additional day to reach Waynesboro, so be it.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Piney River North

To: Harpers Creek
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

May 14th: Hiked 16.1 miles from Piney River to Harpers Creek. Total miles hiked: 830.3, 1355.6 to go. Today was kind of a lazy day with a detour. The morning broke cold so I waited in my tent to let the sun work it's magic. As a result, I didn't get started until after 8:00, a late start for me. Around 10:00, while taking a break and cooling my feet, Sherpa happened along and told me he was heading to the trailhead in the town of Montebello to get a shuttle to the Dutch Haus B&B where they were offering a free lunch for thru-hikers. It was a 2 mile detour so my first inclination was to take a pass but I was also on the phone to Jan at the time who reminded me that I was doing the trail to meet people and experience the hiking culture so I said what the hey and started down the mile long (very steep) hill. Realizing that I would have to walk back up, I began to question my decision about half way down. Finally made it to the bottom of the hill and waited with Sherpa in a trailhead parking area for the shuttle to the B&B. about 20 minutes later Earl, who runs the Dutch Haus with his wife Lois, picked us up, along with Big Stick, and drove us to the B&B. the place is absolutely gorgeous and Earl and Lois could not have been nicer. Lois served us ziti and meatballs with Italian bread and cold drinks. Chocolate cake for desert and they wouldn't even let us clear our plates. Only on the AT will they pick you up, bring you to their place of business, feed you and drive you back free of charge. With a full stomach I walked the mile back up the steep hill not regretting one bit my decision to follow Sherpa down to Montebello. Made it back onto the trail around 1:00, a full 3 hours after I left it but didn't care at all. Jan was right. Meeting folks like Earl and Lois is a big part of the AT experience and their generosity typifies what I have encountered out here time and time again. The rest of the hike was pleasant with cool temps and stunning views from Priest Mountain. Got into Harpers Creek on the late side and by the time I cooked my dinner and set up camp it was getting dark. Plan on hiking around 18 miles tomorrow to give me a short day on Thursday when I hike into Waynesboro for resupply.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Harpers Creek

To: Rocks Overview
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

May 15th: Hiked 16.5 miles from Harpers Creek to Rocks overview. Total miles hiked: 846.8, 1349.4 to go. Today was a really good day on the trail. Like yesterday, I took it slow with more breaks than usual. My feet are still sore but continue to improve each day. Temps today were forecast to hit the high 80s low 90s but I spent much of the day at around 3000 feet where there was a steady breeze throughout the day. Lots of nice views particularly on the ridge trail on Cedar Cliffs. Towards the late afternoon the wind died down and things began to heat up. Rather than hike on, I found a level spot off the trail to pitch my tent and called it a day. Bugs got so bad that I was forced into my tent to a cold supper of cheese, pepperoni and peanut butter crackers. Yup, living large. Tomorrow I have a short 10.5 mile hike to Rockfish Gap and onto Waynesboro for resupply. I plan on spending the night at a new hostel in town before hitting the trail on Friday for the start of the Shenandoah National Park.