morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

To quote an AT Trailjournals writer from 2013: "The AT kicked my (behind) today." In part due to a) back-to-back 17-milers; b) not having energy when I needed it (late morning and late afternoon uphills and c) steep long rocky uphills for the last 5 miles and especially the last 2 miles, where I just had to put my head in a zone and push through (thanks to Springsteen's "Factory" for helping me through). All in all though, nothing to complain about - a beautiful sunny day hiking in the woods for 10 hours. Plus a new record for earliest start on the trail - 725am. Camped tonight at Mt Roan Shelter, highest shelter on the AT at 6194'. OK, short and sweet for today, really tired, going to sleep, goodnight.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel/ Roan Mt, TN
Miles today: 15.8

After awakening to a brilliant sunrise and admiring my well-executed foodbag hanging from the prior night, I began a much appreciated 700'descent off Roan Mt. Because much of the trail is tree-covered, it has been rare to be able to look back or forward and see peaks climbed or about to be climbed. Got a chance to do that in Carver's Gap on a rest break and see yesterday's ascent path up Roan. A very sunny, windy, and warm day, perfect for climbing and crossing balds - 3 in a row this AM - Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Grassy Bald (hmmm, that might have been a good trailname for me). After a lunch break at Yellow Mountain Gap, the 2 biggest climbs began over Little Hump Mt and Hump Mt. The latter was bald-like and particularly steep with several false summits (meaning when you think you can see the top, there is more climbing when you reach that point). Actually got passed by a dog on that ascent (see photo - "Dog on my Blog"). The views on all today's climbs were another reminder of how lucky we are to be out here - green valleys and rolling mountains in all directions. The day's climb down 2500' was mostly a rocky road but like the ice cream had a sweet ending. The Mountain Harbour Hostel was a delight - goats, horses, a stream running past the barn/hostel. All the hostel spots were taken, so I tented on site. But no problem...still had all hostel amenities available - shower, laundry done for me, and plenty of food for sale. Some familiar faces (Brother man, Hobo Nobo) and an overall friendly group made Mountain Harbour a place to remember. Into my tent by the stream and a good night's sleep.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel/ Roan Mt, TN

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Today can only be described as "started out great and just kept getting better". Mountain Harbour Hostel serves a $12 fresh home-cooked all-you-can-eat breakfast, which they describe as " the best on the AT". Not sure if that's true, but it's the best I've had yet by far. Two helpings of waffles, hash browns, sausage, ham, pastry, fresh strawberries, coffee and OJ...mmm. 20-25 of us eating and no one waddled away without a full smile or full belly. Stuffed fresh laundry in my pack, resupplied some food, and on my way for what was planned as my longest day yet. Whoever said breakfast is the most important meal of the day was right today as I just powered over hill and dale all day. An early 800' climb but the hills melted like butter on a waffle on a sunny day. (Aside: if it appears that I/thruhikers only think about food, that is not exactly true. Our priorities are food, weather, where to camp, food, water, food, terrain, and...food). Then a nice long downhill leading to lunch at Mountaineer Falls. A small group was moving out as I walked in so I enjoyed lunch quietly with my feet soaking in icy water, green forest in front, and a spilling waterfall behind. After lunch, climbed up the falls to refill bottles with the coldest freshest water I've ever had. After drinking from all these streams, tap water will never be the same. Joined briefly by Hobo Nobo and Caddy as I packed to go. Rest of the day was gently rolling uphills (passed the 400 mile mark!) until a tough last 1.5 miles that took every ounce of energy to ascend. Finally arrived at Moreland Gap Shelter having completed my longest day at 18.9 miles! Some familiar faces at camp (Brotherman, Madcap, and Pink Panther). A quick dinner and off to well-earned sleep in the tent. The elusive 20-mile day gets closer!
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Watauga Lake (stealth campsite)
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Many highlights today so I'll get right to them. A long 6+ mile downhill to start. Pleasant views along the way including an old barn and small pond. My morning destination day was Black Bear Resort and Hostel for lunch and food re-supply. If it seems like I'm resupplying food more often, it is a conscious strategy. I definitely need to eat more as I'm burning more calories than I'm using (i.e. losing weight, which is normal for everyone out here, but I need to put some back on). Second, there is an ongoing challenge to maintain the right mix between meal/dinner foods and snack food. One must snack throughout the day to maintain energy levels for 9-10 hours of hiking. For me, this includes, dried fruit, nuts, granola/fruit bars, etc. Lastly, I am trying to not carry so much food at one time (less pack weight to carry), thus more frequent resupply. In short, lose weight, maintain strength, carry a lighter pack, walk faster. The Black Bear was a half-mile walk off the trail but so worth it. Was able to enjoy a filling lunch on a sunny porch overlooking a babbling creek. Joined for a while there by Bliss and Mocha Pot, whom I had passed at their camp earlier today. Also saw Madcap and Pink Panther there. After a quick icy foot soak in the creek, back to the trail. Crossed a picturesque footbridge flanked by high stone cliffs that were canyon-like and reminded me of hiking in the Southwest. Soon arrived at Laurel Falls, approximately 75-foot high waterfall that cascades into a rocky pool/swimming hole that many enjoyed for wading, dunking, and for the adventurous - jumping into. After a 30 minute wading break, and a mile or so hike along the river, the hard work started - an 1800' climb in 2.5 miles. Made it with a lot of effort, and then it was decision time. With all the day's activity slowing me down, should I camp at the mountaintop or go on? To make it to the next shelter site, I would have to hike into darkness. Decided to go for it, and if I didn't make it, to just camp in the woods. There are some who night-hike by headlamp, but I'm not ready for that yet. Despite a brisk pace, I didn't make it to the shelter site, but instead stealth-camped (i.e. just plopped the tent down at a flat spot along Watauga Lake at 730pm. A first for me to camp alone and not at a shelter site (fyi, the most of my destinations are shelter sites, I prefer my tent and rarely sleep in the shelter). I've reached a point of confidence in my camping skills such that as long as I have water, I'm prepared to camp alone and at random places in the woods. All in all, a satisfying day -- a quick dinner in the growing darkness and into the tent for the night.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Watauga Lake (stealth campsite)

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to a shimmering sunrise over Watauga Lake and spent some time catching up on my journal writing. Lately, I've been waking up between 6a an 630a without setting an alarm. A minor crisis as my Steri-Pen (water purifying instrument) died, or more specifically I think the batteries died. Second time this has happened on the trip but something I'll have to check when I get to Damascus in a few days. Will use water purifying tablets until then since those were my backup batteries. The hike today started pretty flat and boring with the only "highlight" occurring while crossing Watauga Lake Dam. No markers explaining the dam's history or purpose, so onward. Long uphill 5 mile climb to Vandeventer Shelter where I saw fellow thruhiker Ireland for the first time in 10 days, and met a few other new folks, including Rod N Reel, whose bear bag was torn down by a bear last night. Hang 'em high, campers. Mostly rolling gradual uphills for the next 7 miles until hitting camp at Iron Mountain Shelter about 530pm. Just as I got my tent set up, the rain started and I didn't leave the tent for the rest of the night. Made some chicken teriyaki and rice in the vestibule (rain-protected front door area) of my tent. Did some more journal updating while someone up at the shelter played guitar and sang. A pleasant way to drift off to sleep. PS hit the 20% mark (440 miles) on the trail today!
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Awoke to "Freebird" song in my head, left over from last night's guitarist. That was soon replaced somehow by "I am the Walrus". And appropriately so, as just as I got 100 yards down the trail, the rains began and I was wet as a walrus. Interesting how one's sense of modesty can change on the AT - changed from shorts to rain pants while standing under a rhododendron bush, so yes, spent some time some time standing on the trail in my underwear. If anyone walked by, they'd understand, right? And speaking of surprises, today was full of them. First was a permanent bear-proof trail angel hiker box that is stocked on a regular basis by elementary school girls from a local Baptist church. It had just been filled with fresh ice, soda, snacks, and a journal to sign. A quick morning Pepsi and chocolate chip muffin and back to the trail. Surprise #2 a short while later was a mile long section of trail through a gated cow pasture. If I was a cow, this is where I would want to live. Rolling hills, beautiful views, room to roam and do cow things, and lots of funny thruhikers to look at. Partway through the pasture, I approached another trail magic table. Oddly, there were 6-8 tents pitched around it, but no people outside. On closer inspection, the table and surrounding coolers contained bottles of margarita mix and other assorted liquids. Clearly, a Cinque de Mayo party that went on about 4 days too long. I grabbed a handful of salsa chips and quietly moved on so as not to disturb the, errr, resting hikers. The 3rd and final surprise was coming face to face (snout?) with a herd of cows. They took only a passing interest in me as I passed by. The rest of the day passed quickly despite a few more rain showers, and with mostly downhills and a lighter pack, I covered the nearly 16 miles in under 8 hours (including a 1 hour lunch). A small but pleasant group at Abingdon Gap Shelter tonight. Greatly looking forward to meeting Sherri on the trail tomorrow for a hike into Damascus and a zero day on Monday!
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 9.9

Awoke to a foggy Tennessee morning excited to speed downhill to Damascus. As usual though, my attention was captured by the wealth of photo opportunities on the AT. Caught this time 5 minutes out of camp by a spider web shining in the morning glow and still moist from yesterday's rain. Thus properly motivated, and aided by a generous 1800' elevation drop and a lighter pack, sped at a very brisk pace (close to 3 mph) to Damascus. About 6.5 miles in, I reached the Tennessee/ Virginia border! Woohoo - 4 states down, and 10 to go. Honestly, that flew by. The trail crisscrosses Tennessee and North Carolina so many times, I didn't even realize when I had left NC for the last time. After a brief rest, made the final descent into town. Emerged from the shady woods into brilliant sunny Damascus, and waited on a sunny lawn until Sherri (trail angel) picked me up a short while later. Off to check in at the Lazy Fox Inn, and lunch on the porch overlooking Laurel Falls Creek. Looking forward to a day off tomorrow!
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0

Notes from 2 zero days in Damascus. Two nights at Lazy Fox Inn - 4 guest rooms and run by Ginny, 89 years old and owner for 25 years. Charming spot with back porch overlooking Laurel Creek. Two incredible breakfasts at Lazy Fox. Damascus is quaint and small ("815 people and no stoplights ") mountain town, formerly supported by mining, lumber, and a few factories - all 3 components of which have now subsided/ disappeared. Main industry is now ecotourism/ outdoor recreation - the AT, Virginia Creeper Trail, and numerous other hiking, historic, and music trails pass through or close by. Hiking, biking, and fishing related businesses, along with lodging and restaurants, dominate Damascus' small downtown. And like the other small Southern towns I've experienced so far, everyone is friendly and helpful as can be. Recommend Hey Joe's and Pork Bellies Southern BBQ for eating spots. Sherri and I took a drive back down trail to hike into Laurel Falls waterfall for a dip in the falls and for lunch. Beautiful day and scenery. Spent 3rd night at Dave's Place, a small hostel with cinder block bunkrooms. Much less fancy than the Lazy Fox but earthy. Spent our 2nd zero day walking, napping, and resupplying/ repairing equipment at Damascus' 2 outfitters - Mt Rogers Outfitters and Sundog Outfitters.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Damascus VA

To: Whitetop Mountain Rd Campsite
Miles today: 20.6

Awoke early at Dave's Place to get back on trail ASAP to attempt my first 20-mile hiking day. The ASAP part didn't quite happen as we lounged over pancakes and coffee at Mojoe's, so hit the ground at 845. A few changes for my venture starting today. On the big side, Sherri is leaving Florida for good, and we will be sharing the trip together as she will be doing short day hikes, some sightseeing, camping when possible, and providing trail support for me - a mobile trail angel! As a subset of that, today will be my first "slack packing" day - meaning I will carry only a small (lighter) backpack, while Sherri shuttles the rest of my gear to that night's camping spot. Thruhikers do this in various quantities (some not at all, though) and there are various outfitters/ shuttle services that will slackpack for a fee. And boy, did it make a difference, particularly on the uphills where I know I would have been struggling. Overall, a great weather and wildlife day. Saw snakes and a lizard and pasture cows. Passed fellow hiker Ireland on the way up. Last 3 miles were a 2000' climb up White top mountain where Sherri met me a few hundred yards down trail. First 20-miler and done in 10 hours! Pitched the tent beside the van, dinner by sunset, and into the tent for the night.
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Whitetop Mountain Rd Campsite

To: Abingdon VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain and high winds all night. My rain cover tent stake blew loose and water got in the rent overnight. Rain, thunder, and lightning was forecast all day and we thought it not good to be on a mountain ridge on those conditions so we decided to take a zero day. Drove to Abingdon; had a great breakfast at Wild Flour. Rented a hotel room, napped, dried out wet stuff, and caught up on the blog. Dinner at Heartwood - facility on Virginia Highlands Community College campus dedicated to music, arts and crafts, and food of SW Virginia. Stayed for a while after dinner to listen to live bluegrass music, then off to grocery store and back to the hotel.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Whitetop Mountain Rd Campsite

To: Fox Creek campsite
Miles today: 19.4

Back to the trail from Abingdon hiking at 845am. Very accomodating terrain (no steep ups or downs) and cool partly sunny weather. Highlight of the day was seeing 2 separate herds of wild ponies in Mt Rogers National Wildlife Area and Grayson Highlands State Park. Came over a rock ledge in Mt Rogers and being face to face with a dozen or so was pretty magical. They are used to people and just go about their business (eating) as long as one walks quietly among them. They were introduced into the area in the late 1960's to help control (eat) fast growing and invasive vegetation and apparently have thrived. Truly an amazing experience; will post pictures shortly after this post and will post on Youtube as soon as I figure that out. Saw another herd later, and then a few scattered lonely ponies. Much of the terrain following reminded me of descriptions of Colorado and Montana highlands that I've read about. Ended the day about 630pm with a nice long downhill to Fox Creek campground. Sherri met me there and in her new role as trail ambassador was chatting with my friend Ireland. A quick tent setup, and then a drive to the Loghouse restaurant for a pleasant and filling dinner.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Fox Creek campsite

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A cold night (frost on the tent rain cover) but the sleeping bag kept me cozy all night. Lots of folks with their trail horses at this campsite so woke to the braying of hungry horses. A couple of packets of apple cinnamon oatmeal and on the trail by 815am. Pretty uneventful morning; nothing to photograph and now that the trees are almost all leafed out, very little sunlight is getting through. Emerged at Rt 650/ Dickey Gap and coincidentally, Sherri pulled up in the van at the same time. Enjoyed a quick and filling lunch and powered up the waiting hill. Trail conditions were great the rest of the day (smooth and lots of downhill) and was able to make great time. Highlight of the day was meeting 6-8 cows grazing near/on the trail, including a floppy-eared baby cow running all around, including right up to me. Momma Cow and her posse were very protective of Baby. At one point, Momma had the trail blocked and her posse had me covered from the back and sides. Not sure Momma quite trusted me at all, but after some gentle talking, she let me by. This could be one of the funniest things that's happened to me on the trail - felt like I was trapped in a dark alley. Met by Sherri on the trail and arrived at Partnership Shelter tired and hungry at 630p but with a new record (23 miles!) and my tent already set up! Partnership Shelter is next to a National Parks Service Ranger Station and has a privy with locking door and toilet paper (oooh!), running water (aaah!), and a shower (wow!) - all rarities on the trail. Spread out in the parking lot for dinner, compared the day's photos, then off to the tent.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Pearisburg

To: Stealth campsite at mile 645 north of Pearisburg
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

Yesterday (May 23), Sherri and I did a 10-mile hike from Woods Hole Hostel down to the town of Pearisburg, where we had arranged a shuttle to give us a ride back to the hostel. A challenging but mostly downhill hike, and we spotted several deer. Neville also arranged for me to deliver a small package in Pearisburg to a waiting hiker (Pauline) who I didn't know. A surprise when we handed it off that we actually did know her - Doolittle who we had hiked with on the same schedule for almost a week!Today (May 24), we had planned an early getaway but delayed somewhat as Guthook had swollen feet and needed someone to drive him to Daleville (hour's drive away) to get new hiking shoes. As the saying goes "the Trail provides" - Sherri was taking a few days off-trail to visit my cousin in PA, so we were glad to take him since it was on our/her way and he was in need. I was dropped off in Pearisburg (with a full pack )where we had finished yesterday, and they continued driving north. A beautiful sunny start, and spoke with sister Karin and nephew Joseph (9th birthday yesterday!) on my way. Ate some wild strawberries, accidentally detoured into an interesting 19th century cemetery, re-adjusted to hiking with a full pack, got some great ridge-top views at lunch looking at the valley where I started the day, spoke with friend Kevin and got a Red Sox update , and generally had a pretty damn good day. Water sources got pretty scarce (and would be tomorrow morning too), so I cut the day a little short, and pitched my tent alone at a tiny campsite. Very peaceful and quiet spot.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Stealth campsite at mile 645 north of Pearisburg

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

A very tough day. Steep uphills, rocky flats, rocky and steep downhills, long mileage. In addition to the very hard work, working through some personal and emotional issues that I have not touched on much at all in the blog but are part of the experience and the healing and therapeutic benefits of being out here. All in all, a physically and mentally challenging day. Happy to finally get to a pleasant and quiet shelter after almost 11 hours on my feet.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Mile 671.5 at Rt 42 Newport VA/ Schwenksville PA
Miles today: 8.2

Started the day early with plans for a 19 mile day. At 2/3 up a long early uphill, was greeted by trail magic provider Super Dave, a Triple Crown (AT, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail) finisher with donuts, soda, and chocolate milk. Trail Magic 1 ! The sugar pushed me over the top and a chance for a cell signal and a phone call for the first time in 3 days. Sadly, in talking to Sherri, found out that my Aunt Mary in Pennsylvania had passed away yesterday. Hiked away and decided to get off the trail to get to PA by bus or plane. Reached Route 42 and decided to hitchhike. Within 5 minutes, a young couple with a dog in a pickup truck stopped and gave me a ride partway, dropping me off at a small grocery store in Newport. He had hiked the AT several years prior from Pearisburg to Hanover NH. Trail Magic 2 !. While figuring out my next move at the store, a fellow walking back to his motorcycle asked if i was a thruhiker and did i need a ride anywhere. He drove his bike a half hour back to his house, drove back to the store, and gave me a 45 minute ride to the Roanoke Airport. Turns out he had thru-hiked the entire AT over a several year period. Trail Magic 3 - the Trail provides! The AT community spirit flowed fully today. By 6pm, was on a flight to Philadelphia via New York; picked up by Sherri at the airport and in bed at cousin Nina's by 1am.Will be taking a few days off the trail until after funeral services.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Mile 671.5 at Rt 42 Newport VA/ Schwenksville PA

To: VA Rt 621/ Stealth campsite
Miles today: 11.4

May 30 - Left Pennsylvania mid-afternoon to head back to VA. Due to late departure, only made it as far as Newport VA, but enjoyed many eye-catching agricultural landscapes and a long sunset on the way. May 31 - Awoke early at Days Inn to continue our way back to the trailhead. A stop at the Troutville Post office for my food delivery (thanks, Dave G!), then to Daleville to the outfitters, grocery, and lunch. Saw Jolly Green Giant and Storm Crow in the parking lot; they are now 2-3 days ahead of me, hopefully I'll catch up soon. Finally back to trailhead on Rt 42 where I jumped off 5 days ago. Lots of early pasture walking, then past the Keffer Oak, the second largest oak on the AT - 18 feet around! Lot of cliff-walking during midday with great views and many hawk sightings. Nice long downhill 4 miles to end the day to VA Rt 621 where Sherri had already set up our new 2-person tent (thanks ). Cooked dinner by the creek and off to bed. A good distance (11.5 mi) to get the legs moving after 4 days off; back to full days tomorrow!