morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: moderate rain

I made it to Damascus, but not until after a long day of hiking with considerable pain in my left shin just above the ankle. I definitely have pretty bad shin splints, and need at least one day off. I was planning to zero in Damascus anyway, so this hasn't changed my plans too much. I may consider taking two days off to be sure my leg is healing. We'll see.There are a LOT of thru-hikers in town. The Hiker's Inn was full, but the proprietor called around and found a private room for me in town.I am staying at the Clifton Street Inn, which is not mentioned in AWOL's guide. It is really a private home with only two rooms for rent. I am the only one here. This is fine since I needed a quiet place to get a good night's sleep (it has been several days). Went to dinner at the Blue Blaze Cafe, and had a burger (sans bun) for the first time on this trip. It tasted very good! Also had a glass of wine, which was hard to come by in Tennesee.Planning to go to the P.O. and Library tomorrow.I hope I have learned my lesson about trying to push too many miles. I'll rest and ice my leg, and hope for the best.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I am taking a zero day in Damascus. My left leg is very, very sore from shin splints (at least, I think it is shin splints). Other hikers have been suffering from them as well, and there is no shortage of advice on how to deal with them. I am icing, taking Ibuprofen, and staying off my feet as much as possible. The proprietor of the Clifton Street Inn has loaned me his bicycle for as long as I am staying at his place. Thanks, David!I am thinking about trying to find a walk-in clinic tomorrow to get some professional advice. In the meantime, it is just eat, sleep, bike, and update my journal.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another zero day today. I was able to get an appointment at the local clinic in Damascus this morning, and the news was fairly encouraging. The nurse said I was doing the right thing by icing and resting my leg, and that it should start to improve. She also suggested a cortisone shot, and I went ahead and got it. She said that I need to cut back on the mileage, and I plan to do that for awhile. To be safe, I am taking tomorrow off as well. I am going to use the mountain bike that David loaned me, and get a shuttle up to the top of the Virginia Creeper Trail and ride the 17 miles back downhill into Damascus. It turns out that this is one of the most popular activities in Damascus. There are four or five places that rent bikes and do the shuttles. I checked a couple of places, and they already have quite a few people signed up for tomorrow. I will probably do one of the afternoon shuttles since it is supposed to get into the 70s tomorrow afternoon. I don't know if any of the other thru-hikers are planning to do this. Quite a few are leaving today.I'm not at all worried about losing too much time, because I have been ahead of schedule. Also, I've been told that the trail is pretty easy for awhile past here. I am just going to listen to my body, and do only as many miles as my leg can handle.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I hope this is my last zero day in Damascus. I think my shin splints are getting better, but I did feel it on the bike ride.The bike ride was from Whitetop station back into Damascus on the Virginia Creeper Trail. It turns out that this is one of the most popular activities in Damascus. There are a bunch of bike rental companies that will shuttle people up to the highest point on the trail (Whitetop) from which it is all downhill 17 miles back into Damascus. This is a rail-trail, and the grade is very consistent, the path is mostly smooth gravel, and there are many trestle from the old railroad. It runs along the Laurel Creek, which is very pretty. I had a very nice ride, and even met some other thru-hikers at the Creeper Trailside Cafe that is right on the trail about 6 miles before you get back to Damascus.I also spent some time at the library updating my journal, and, of course, had dinner one more time at the Blue Blaze Cafe.I hope to hike out tomorrow (Friday), but am planning to take it really slowly. I may go only five miles. It is supposed to be partly cloudy with a high of 75 degrees.Wish me luck.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today was difficult both mentally and physically.I left my comfortable oasis, and started towalk, but my boots bothered my shin splints.I had to go to the outfitters, and buy some trail shoes and insoles.Despite this, I had a significant amount ofpain, and could only make it to Saunders shelter.That's not that bad, but all day I questioned whether I should even continue this trip.I am here with half
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Whitetop Mountain Rd. campsites

To: Big Wilson Creek campsite
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

Could not go any further.One Day and Fun Size caught up with me today.Haven't seen them since Georgia, I think.They made a hilarious video to celebrate 500 miles.Be sure to check it out when they post it!This was the only thing that made me laugh today.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Big Wilson Creek campsite

To: Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel
Miles today: 16.1

Continuing to take Ibuprofen and wrap my leg. Nice smooth trail and uphills made it tolerable to do 16 miles.Weather is supposed to turn bad tonight.Will pick up my mail drop at the P.O. tomorrow, then decide what to do.Finally have a Sprint signal!Comfortable hostel. Mary is very nice.Soaking my leg in a big bucket of very cold well water.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel

To: Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Took a zero day today.The weather was awful, with high winds, rain, and snow.I was planning to hike this afternoon, but decided against it.Penguinman, Rockfish, and I are the only ones here again tonight.I soaked my foot, tried to keep it elevated, and did some massage on it.I also spent part of the day reading the Bible, and other literature provided by the hostel owners.It was nice to be inside on a miserable day.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Yes, I hiked over 21 miles today. I can hardly believe it myself. Today I hiked without pain nearly all day! My shin splints did not bother me much at all today. I give credit to the combination of the therapy I did and the Bible readings! It did feel like a minor miracle.It was an emotional day for me as well. I was happy to be walking without pain, but I was very disappointed with myself for having been such a whiner about my shin splints.I am so fortunate to be out here hiking the AT, and I've come so far, that I have absolutely no reason to complain.(There is more to this story, and I will add it later.)
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Trent's Grocery

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Sunny and warm. Easy walk into Woods Hole Hostel.This is a great place to stay. There are about 14 of us here tonight, and dinner was quite an experience. Great food and great conversation. Neville and Michael are very nice people. I am staying in a room in the house, but most people are in the bunkhouse.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4

Another beautiful day!Maureen and Catherine picked me up at the Dairy Queen. I just had to stop and get a milkshake.I'd been thinking about it all day!Last night at Woods Hole was very restful. I think it would be nice to bring Maureen and Catherine here on Wednesday night. We are discussing that possibility. We are staying at the Trinkle Mansion B&B in Wytheville, VA.This is a gorgeous historical mansion converted to an inn.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: The Captain's home
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was not easy saying goodbye to Maureen and Catherine this morning.It was a good day for hiking though. After a long climb out of Pearisburg, the trail flattened out considerably.I was able to hike at a good pace for most of the day. The new Keen shoes I am wearing now seem to be fine.I am tenting at the Captain's place at mile 652. You have to take a zip line over the river to get here!Sunshine and Young Beard are here as well as three other thru hikers.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Lots of rain in the afternoon today. Mc Afee Knob was pretty cool, but Tinker Cliffs was amazing.I would like to come back and spend a day there.Raining lightly at the shelter now, and thunderstorms are still possible overnight.tooNot looking too good for tomorrow either."New" hiking shoes seemed to work well today, but maybe it was just the smooth trail.I will reserve judgement for now.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4

I set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. to get an early start into Daleville, but when it went off there was a thunderstorm going on. I actually didn't get out of my bag until 7:30. I decided to have a regular breakfast, and I didn't start hiking until 9. It rained most of the morning, but the trail wasn't too hard so it went fairly well. The new boots seem to be working out OK. There was some flooding on short auctions of the trail today, but nothing serious.I got to Daleville at 12:45 p.m. and went right to the Howard Johnson's. I spent three afternoon doing laundry, sorting through my gear, and planning the next few days.Batman, Mama Bear, Rambo, and I went to dinner at the 3 Lil' Pigs BBQ.Excellent food!
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I decided not to leave town today due to the high probability of severe thunderstorms in the afternoon. Of course, they never materialized. But we had a good day talking and eating and drinking (coffee and/or alcohol). Hoping to head out early tomorrow, and work off some of the excess calories!
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA US 250
Miles today: 5.0

Got up early, and arrived at Rockfish Gap at 8:15 a.m.Grease Spot and I got a ride almost immediately from "Yellow Truck".We were at the Quality Inn by 9, and in our room by 10.This made it really easy to get all of our chores done, and have plenty of time to relax.It was a warm sunny day.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Waynesboro, VA US 250

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

Another warm sunny day. We got a late start due to a Post Office visit, and sorting everything out.We got back on the trail at 11:45. The first thing we had to do was self-register for the backcountry permit. I decided to go ahead and try for the shelter at 20.6 miles. After a long afternoon and evening I arrived at the hut at 9 p.m. I had trouble finding a tent site in the dark, but I'm all set now.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Compton Gap Trail

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Long stop in Front Royal to resupply, and have some good coffee. Sunny and warm most of the day. Hung out in the Daily Grind Caf© drinking Latte for a few hours, then hiked out to the first shelter. Decided to stay there when the Thunderstorms threatened, and that was a good decision! We had a safe and dry vantage point to watch the rain and the very nearby lightning.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 28.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day in the fog and mist. Twelve hours of constant sweating up and down the Roller Coaster! So great to get to the hostel, shower, and do laundry! Feet hurt from all the rocks, too! Can't believe there is only one other thru-hiker here, and some section hikers. Very nice hostel!
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Cloudy weather all day today. Stopped by the Blackburn AT Center for a cold drink and just to see the place. Had a quick lunch, then hiked back UP to the AT. Don't believe the sign that says it is only 0.2 miles down to the Center. Nice place, though. The rocky stretches of trail really beat up my feet today. Then the thunderstorm hit with about three miles to go into town. Oh well, it was good to get into a dry hotel room at the Econolodge. Will get the photo taken at the ATC Center in the morning.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

I got a slow start this morning because I had to go to the Post Office and the ATC Center, and also because it is hard to leave a nice warm cushy hotel room to go hiking. The P.O. visit was quick, but at the ATC I got my photo taken (I am #135 of the thru-hikers so far), and I spent a fair amount of time looking at the other photos of hikers. Also, there were some people there that I had recently met, and we spent some time talking. After that I followed the AT into the historic section of town, and I had to stop and get some coffee and ice cream, and buy some fuel at the outfitters.At about 2 p.m. I walked across the bridge to the C&O Canal towpath, and followed the path along the river. The Potomac was roaring due to the heavy rains yesterday and last night. Unfortunately, I was having trouble appreciating it due to my sore feet. Once I started up the climb to Weverton Cliffs, I faced another issue. The gypsy moth caterpillars (inchworms, whatever) were descending from the trees on their threads, and they were everywhere! I had to climb all the way up to the cliffs waving my poles in front of me. It was maddening. I could also hear what sounded like rain (it was a very sunny morning). This was the caterpillar poop falling to the ground. The trees were being thoroughly defoliated.Fortunately, the infestation seemed to be only on the river side of the mountain, and that situation improved as I got up over the ridge. Unfortunately, the rocks on the ridge were really hurting my feet for miles. I finally made it to this shelter, and I'm happy to be off my feet. This was a tough day. There are three other thru-hikers in the shelter tonight.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: The Free State Hostel 
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a fair amount of trouble with my right knee today. It is somewhat swollen, and it was stiff and sore all day. I have been having some minor problems with it for about a week, but today was the first day that it swelled up, and the pain was worse today. I took some Ibuprofen in the middle of the day, and that seemed to help a bit. I decided to come to this hostel (only 0.3 miles off the trail) so that I could ice it.Today my feet were less sore than yesterday, and the weather was very pleasant, so that helped somewhat as well.Should reach the MD-PA border tomorrow. Looking forward to a visit from one or two of my sisters.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: The Free State Hostel 

To: PenMar Park, MD
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a good night at the Free State hiker hostel, but a tough day hiking today.My foot hurt and my knee hurt, especially the latter. It really swelled up quite a bit.I made it to PenMar Park at about 1:30, and Thayer and Mary pulled in minutes later.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: PenMar Park, MD

To: Harrisonburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Thayer, Mary, and I spent most of the day in Harpers Ferry learning a lot about Civil War history.It was a beautiful day, but I probably spent to much time on my feet for a zero day.We are staying at my cousin Kate's house tonight and tomorrow night.
Date: 2014-05-30
From: PA 183 (and Jonathan's house)

To: Jonathan's house
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was able to go to a walk-in clinic in Allentown this morning, and they looked at my knee and took x-rays, and referred me to an orthopedic clinic. I was able to get an appointment there later in the morning. The doctor drained about 40cc of fluid from my right knee, and gave me a corticosteroid injection. She said it would be best if I could stop hiking for two weeks (!), but said it should be at least three days. Unfortunately, this means no hiking with Jonathan this weekend, and it also means getting further behind where I would like to be. However, my son and daughter-in-law are treating me very well, and we are planning some tourist activities while I am here. It's a mixed blessing that the weather is perfect for hiking!
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Jonathan's house

To: Jonathan's house
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Jonathan and I went for a long, but easy, walk at the Trexler Nature Preserve.It was a beautiful day. Joanne had to help with a bridal shower, so she could not go with us.We had nice cookout at the house later in the day.I had another fun and relaxing day today. I am getting spoiled!
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Millbrook-Blairstown Rd.
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

Slackpacking from the Millbrook-Blairstown Road crossing back to the hostel.Yes, this is my very first slackpack, and southbound no less!My knee was not too bad, but it hurt quite a bit at the end of the day.I am icing it.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Millbrook-Blairstown Rd.

To: Stokes State Forest
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Actually, we are staying in a cabin, which is much nicer than a shelter.My knee was not bad until the final two miles, which were downhill.I have iced it a few times this afternoon, but it is still somewhat sore.This was another slackpack today.By the way, the weather has been foggy and drizzly, but the hiking hasn't been too bad.
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Stokes State Forest

To: NJ 23
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Slackpacked today from NJ 206 to NJ 23 at High Point State Park.Heavy rain for an hour at the beginning of the hike. Not too bad after noon.Tiring day with rocks and ups and downs all day. My knee is very sore.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: NJ 23

To: NJ 23, High Point Motel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I decided to not hike today because I was awake from about midnight until 4 a.m. due to pain in my knee.I iced my knee and did stretching exercises and massage on it several times today, and I'm planning to hike tomorrow. The swelling is down considerably, so I'm hoping for the best.The weather is supposed to be very nice tomorrow.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: NJ 23, High Point Motel

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Princess, Rocketman, and I slackpacked from Liberty Corners Rd. to Warwick Turnpike today.We are staying at Anton's on the Lake in Greenwood Lake, NY.The weather was perfect for hiking. Beautiful day!
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: Village Vista Trail, Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 5.7

We started hiking today from Lakes Road, and headed south. It was a bit of a late start for us since we didn't get on the trail until about 8:15.I almost decided not to hike today, but I knew that I would have a couple of places that I could bail out if necessary. My leg bothered me from the beginning, so I took the Village Vista trail at the 5.7 mile mark and hiked down into town. This side trail goes right back into the middle of the village at one of the ballparks.Princess and Rocketman continued to Warwick Turnpike, which was the goal for the day. Rocketman showed me some good photos of the rocks I missed as well as the NY/NJ border.It was another gorgeous sunny day.
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Village Vista Trail, Greenwood Lake

To: Greenwood Lake, NY, Anton's on the Lake
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I opted to not hike today since my knee was still sore. Princess and Rocketman hiked from Lakes Road to Arden Valley Road, a distance of 13.9 miles. I think I made the right decision since they told me that it was difficult hiking with lots of rocks and ups and downs. However, this is yet another section that I will have to go back and hike at some point.I did have a relaxing day in town. It was sunny and warm. I even had gluten-free french toast at one of the restaurants in town. This was a first on the trail for me. Unfortunately, there was no real maple syrup; only some phony corn syrup stuff that had a picture of a maple leaf on the label. Pathetic!Greenwood Lake is a nice little town, and it has just about everything you need within walking distance, but the big supermarket is over in Warwick. That's a fair distance away. Fortunately, with my current slackpacking and in-town zero days, I don't need much resupply.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Arden Valley Road

To: Bear Mountain Bridge
Miles today: 14.3

My leg did fairly well for most of the day today, despite the ups and downs and rocks. The trail wasn't all that bad today, but the final two miles down Bear Mountain on all the rock steps were very hard on my knee. I was very glad to get down to the bottom. We walked around the lake and through the zoo, passing the lowest point on the AT by the bear cage. The bear in the cage was only the second one I have seen on the entire hike. The other one was the one by the road in DWG when we were driving to the trailhead. Other that that, I have not seen a single bear in 1400 miles on the AT. It must be the bear repellant clothing I am wearing!I am very happy to have reached Bear Mountain. As I mentioned in my intro, this area is one of the first places that I hiked and backpacked when I was a kid. It's probably fitting that I will be ending my hike near here tomorrow.We are staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Fort Montgomery, which is a 1.6 miles walk from the bridge along route 9W. This was a fairly unpleasant walk along a very busy road even though there is a sidewalk.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Bear Mountain Bridge

To: Canopus Hill Road
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

My hike is now officially over. I will not be returning to the trail. Unfortunately, my knee is only getting worse, and it is time to go home and let it heal. I was able to hike nearly 1400 miles, and maybe someday I will be able to come back and make it the rest of the way to Katahdin. I wish everyone still out there hiking the best of luck. It was a pleasure meeting and hiking with many different thru hikers on this journey, and I will try to follow as many as possible through their journals.
Date: 2014-06-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We are looking forward to enjoying God's creation while thru-hiking the 2,180 mile Appalachian Trail for charity! Although we will face many challenges, the positive aspects of the hike will greatly outweigh them. Not only will we raise funds for mental health, but we will also gain a new perspective on life, grow closer to each other and to the Lord, and hopefully help others along the way to do the same.Having lost an immediate family member to her struggle with mental disorders, Michael knows firsthand the impact that mental illness can have on one's life. Being a special education teacher, Kelly has also witnessed the impact. Therefore, both of us realize the significance of research for the prevention, treatment, and cure of mental illness.Our goal is to raise at least $5 per mile hiked ($10,900). To support our hike, please find us on the "Sponsor a Hiker" page at hikeformentalhealth.org. Thank you! "Your word is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path." Psalm 119:105