morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: broken clouds

August 13I am at Punchbowl Shelter tenting tonight after 15.1 miles. From the shelter this morning I had to climb Bald Knob (not bald) and then began a long down hill from over 4000 ft. to almost 1000 ft.. Then a climb back up to 2500 ft. where the shelter is for tonight. It is HOT!!!I have seen a turtle and some frogs. I have also found out my camera is not working. So I am now just using my iPhone for pictures. For now. I have hiked every day for over 2 weeks now. I have covered 228.3 miles since leaving Harpers Ferry. That gives me an average of 15.22 miles per day since returning to the south. I need to think about taking a zero. It it needs to be in a place where I can see what is ailing my camera and get a new one if needed. August 14I am at Stanimal's 328 Hostel this time in Glasgow, VA. Yes, he owns more than one. I was at his place in Waynesboro 4 days ago. I went 10.5 miles today. Glascow is a Very small place. There are two restaurants. Both were closed today. I shopped for my needed groceries at Dollar General. Then I went 30 yards to the other small grocery store to buy a sandwich and some chips. The manager is this place fixed me some supper and will fix me breakfast in the morning. I got on the trail about 6:10 this morning. Right as it was beginning to lighten up a bit. I saw a bear this morning before leaving the shelter area. He was just roaming through the camping area where I was. It was still mostly dark and kinda spooky seeing his eyes glowing in the dark with my headlamp pointing at him. That would be bear #7! Thinking of doing slackpack hike tomorrow. Foghat
Date: 2017-08-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 31.8
Weather: clear sky

August 15 & 16Somehow my finger touched a wrong place on my phone screen and I deleted yesterday's and today's notes before getting them posted to my journal. So, I will summarize. Yesterday I did a slackpack and stayed another night at Stanimal's. There was a little bit of drizzle early in the day but mostly it was a very nice 14.9 miles. I also met Smitty coming in the opposite direction. He had been off the trail for a family emergency but is back now. It was good to see him! At the end of the hike someone was doing trail magic and gave me a Dr. Pepper and some Fritos. I'm easy!Today after 16.9 miles I am at Cove Mtn. Shelter. Hot dry day. Not much water along the way. And none at the shelter. I had to fill my water bottles and bags at Jenning's Creek and haul that additional 9 pounds of water weight in my pack up 1000 feet and 3.2 miles! I saw 2 deer and a black snake. Foghat
Date: 2017-08-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 40.4
Weather: broken clouds

August 17I am at the Fullhardt Knob Shelter after a 20 mile day. The first half of the day was nice and I got 9 of my miles in before 10 AM. Then the afternoon turned brutal. The temperature was 90 and most all the streams and springs were dry. I finally found some water in Wilson Creek. I loaded up my belly and my bags and bottles but I still had 7 - 8 miles to go. This shelter has a cistern to collect water from rain gutters. And there was water in it!!! So I have drank, eaten, and feeling good again. This morning before leaving the shelter I saw bear number 8 walking about 30 yards away. I also saw another turtle. Tomorrow the trail will go through Daleville where I hope to get a meal and maybe a Gatorade or a beer!! Oh! Also I am now 2/3 of the way through with the whole trail!!August 18I am at the Campbell Shelter after 20.4 miles. The last 2 nights I have the shelters to myself and it is looking that way tonight too. Fine by me! I got off to a fine start this morning! I was sitting in the early morning darkness drinking some cold coffee with my legs hanging off the floor platform when all of a sudden a mouse decided he wanted to use my leg as his way to get into the shelter! I jumped and spilled my coffee. Our old friend the s-word just slipped out so naturally. Also, this morning I got stung by a yellow jacket on my arm. I never saw a nest. Just random I guess. I didn't stop in Daleville this morning. I probably should have. The temperature was a little lower and more comfortable but still water is not plentiful. There was water at a shelter I passed and also at the one I am at now. I walked Tinker's Cliffs today and saw some awesome views of the valley below. Tomorrow I will visit McAfee's Knob and then head for the town of Roanoke. Foghat
Date: 2017-08-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.4

August 19I am in the Hampton Inn in Roanoke after 4.4 miles. I got on the trail about 6:20 or so and quickly climbed close to 1000 feet to get to McAfee's Knob. The most photographed spot on the AT. A girl there started asking me questions about my pack and as I was talking to her the sun broke the horizon. I said "Oops, I have to get that." And took a couple of pictures and got her to take some of me. It was a great moment. I think you will like the pictures. I got to the road intersection and got an Uber ride into town getting to the Hampton in time for breakfast!! I have spent the day getting some groceries and getting a new camera. Planning on a zero tomorrow. Still a couple more things I need including rest. August 20It will be another day at the Hampton Inn. Zero miles. Now when I say "0" miles, that means trail miles. I had to do a lot of walking yesterday. To get from the hotel to Walmart, Best Buy, back to Walmart, back to the hotel while carrying several bags involved a lot of exertion. But I did have good meals at Longhorn and also a Chinese buffet. I spent some time cleaning stuff, and repackaging groceries, and familiarizing myself with my new camera. It is a Fugifilm camera less expensive that my broken one but with many of the same features. And it has a better interface with my phone. Now I have to get by the post office tomorrow morning to send the old one back home. Today I need to go by a outdoor supply place to replace my deteriorating shirt, get some fuel, and see if I want to replace my shoes. The ones I am using now have close to 1000 miles on them. Tomorrow will be back on trail and experiencing the eclipse!Foghat
Date: 2017-08-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 65.7
Weather: scattered clouds

August 21I am at the Pickle Branch Shelter tenting tonight after a tough 12.1 miles. The trail had some rocky steep terrain and some very significant climbs. I didn't get started till 9:30 due to needing to get to the post office when they opened to send a package containing my old camera back home. Right now I am a part of a group of 7 Flip Floppers! Some knew others but no one knew all. We all had lunch together at a convenience store and then went as fast as we could to try to get to Dragon's Tooth as a good high place from which to see the eclipse. I got there with like 1 or 2 minutes to spare. Other people were there and shared the special glasses. It was great! This group may separate due to different paces but for now there are me, Smitty, Hot Tub, Chainsaw, Luna, Mona Lisa, and Spice. No signal tonight!August 22Ok. Today was a lesson in flexibility! It was another hot day with little available water along the way. The plan was to go Sarver Hollow Shelter at about 16.1 miles. There were some strenuous climbs and rocky ridge walks. Then the shelter was .4 miles down a steep rocky trail down hill from the AT. I was first there and quickly started to go the water which was supposed to be a spring. There was no water to be found! By the I was joined by Smitty and Luna. So we went back up hill to the trail to keep the others from coming down there and to decide what to do. In the guide was mentioned a campsite with water 3.1 miles away and down hill. But what if it didn't have water? Then we wouldn't have water or a cell phone signal. So we called a hostel we had seen advertised and they agreed to pick us up at a highway in 2 1/2 hours and it was 4 miles for us. So off we went. Made our appointment and headed to Four Pines Hostel. Got some food, water, showers, laundry, and a bed!! Dehydration is more likely to cause problems for you than a bear. Don't underestimate your water needs!! August 23Bailey Gap Shelter after 17.1 miles. I got a late start since we had to be shuttled from the hostel for 30 miles, after breakfast and after laundry. I had two strong climbs and was carrying more water weight than usual. But I also found water that was a real Godsend up on top of the ridge which you would have thought would be dry. So plenty of water tonight!! But no signal. August 24Rice Field Shelter after 16.5 miles. Got started about 7:30 and had good water before climbing. Still carrying more water than usual. Today's shelter has a wonderful view and I am looking forward to the sunset. I saw bear number 9 today. I was walking through an old orchard and the bear was standing under an apple tree with his back to me. I was about 30 yards away and made a kissing noise and he took off. He was a juvenile and less than 100 pounds. Tomorrow will be a short 7 or so miles into town. Foghat
Date: 2017-08-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 33.2
Weather: broken clouds

August 26Let me start this note by letting you know that today is the 40th anniversary of my and Tammy's first date! We went to see Starwars! May the Force be with you!!I am at the Holiday Motor Lodge in Pearisburg, VA. Yesterday I walked 6.9 miles to get into town. Once I got into town I was offered a ride by a lady who saw me walking and she brought me the last couple of miles to the motel. I have gotten pretty good at getting things done that need doing once I get into town. I had showered, done laundry, and bought groceries within an hour and a half. I spent the afternoon getting stuff out of my pack for a planned slackpack, back washed my water filter, ate at a Mexican place, took a nap, and watched Tarzan. I met Smitty and Chainsaw at the Chinese restaurant for dinner. Today at 6 AM, Smitty, Chainsaw, Mona Lisa, and I were being shuttled out to the trail for a long slackpack, 26.3 miles. The temperature was in the 50's this morning and the trail was pretty easy. We crossed paths with Hot tub, Luna, and Spice going the other way with full packs. It was a really good hike today. We ate at the Mexican place again tonight. Tomorrow we will be back on the trail moving south with full packs. Tomorrow I will go under 600 miles to the finish line. Foghat
Date: 2017-08-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 51.9

August 27I am at Lick Skillet Hostel after 25.2 miles. I really didn't plan on that many miles. But I did want to stay with my buds and they were going to go 18 miles and stay at a hostel. Well, turned out that one was closed for renovation. So some quick phone calls were made and a new plan came out that involved more miles but a place to stay, a bed, food, and a ride to a trailhead that will allow another 25 mile slackpack tomorrow and another night here. The slackpack part of this is what makes it possible for me. To be relieved of most of my pack weight is enormous in what my legs and feet can stand. Chainsaw has to get off the trail for a little while for family reasons but should rejoin us in a week or so. Hot tub, Luna, and Spice are with full packs about 9 miles back. More good news! Jack will be coming up to join me hiking for 3 days this coming Labor Day weekend!! We will end up in Damascus on Monday and then he will head back to Atlanta on Tuesday. I am so glad to get to spend that time with him!! August 28Again at Lick Skillet Hostel after a 26.7 mile slackpack. Man, I am tired! My feet hurt. Smitty, Mona Lisa, and I have done 78.2 miles in the last 3 days. Ok, so no more long days for a while. Today, the trail had some very beautiful open forest areas and also some grassy pastures to walk through. Very nice. Still long though. Mongol, the owner of the hostel, fixed us a delicious supper of beans and Boston Butt! He is also washing our clothes and will shuttle us back to the trail tomorrow as we move on south. I think that because of these long mileage days I am going to be able to take a zero day in Marion, VA prior to Jack's arrival on Saturday. Foghat
Date: 2017-08-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 23.9

August 29Chatfield Shelter after 17.1 miles. With a full pack. We had to wait for the post office to open Smitty could get a package. Then we were shuttled out to the trail by Mongol. We got started about 9:30 and there were some pretty significant climbs. We had to walk through the small town of Atkins where we had quick Mexican meal and also to pick up a package for Mona Lisa. Then on up to the shelter. Tomorrow will be a short day of about 7 miles to get into Marion. August 30I am at the Econo Lodge in Marion, VA after 6.8 miles. Smitty, Mona Lisa, and I had a quiet night interrupted only by an occasional owl and Mona Lisa talking in her sleep. This morning's hike was short but pretty strenuous with a 1000 foot climb to start us off. Mona Lisa continued on and Smitty and I got a shuttle to our motel. After we got here we found out they don have guest laundry! Well, that is sort of important! Drat! So I walked across the street to another motel and explained my situation. A little green exchanged hands and now I have clean clothes! I have also bought a few groceries. Smitty will leave tomorrow. I will stay here one more day and then be in a position on Friday to easily meet Jack on Saturday!! Foghat
Date: 2017-09-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: fog

August 31I am still at the Econo Lodge in Marion on a very rainy zero day. No miles today. But that does not mean I have not been busy. I have been making phone calls to loved ones. I have been looking ahead to try and have a plan of some sort for the next couple of weeks. I don't want to lose the companionship of the crew of 7 that I posted a picture of a few days ago. But I am so looking forward to my time with Jack!!!!! So once Jack and I part on Tuesday morning of next week I will be attempting to catch up to my buds. Weather will be an issue. The rain, though very needed, will affect my distance, where I camp, and how I camp. Plus add to that the individual plans of each of the group of buddies and you can see how difficult it is to maintain contact and intersect with them. I have just recently found the wonderful world of podcasts. Many of you will already know about this but for me they are new and wonderful. First, for some reason the birds of the south are not as vocal as the ones up north. At least not where I have been. So in the afternoons I have been listening to a variety of podcasts. These are kind of like TV shows but only audio. Like the old timey radio shows. I can put in my ear buds and select a podcast and the for an hour or so,while I am walking, I can listen to a story, or a educational piece, or a philosophy, or even study a language (Italian) while I walk. It helps take my mind off fatigue and shortens the day a bit. I love it! Just got through eating at The Wooden Pickle in downtown Marion. Very good! Now ready for a nap. If I have been boring lately with too much focus on mileage and logistics, I apologize. I have been away from home for 4 1/2 months now. Like every other project, this one must also have an end. I do want to finish. But at the right time and I want to finish well! I want to get back to those who love me but also to see and smell the roses along the way. Be patient with me! I will get there! September 1I am at the approximately named Hurricane Shelter after 19.2 miles today. I say that because much of the weather today has been affected by the remnants of Hurricane Harvey which has wondered away from Texas and is in mid-America somewhere. It has been windy, raining some, and foggy today. Now that I am in the shelter it is getting colder. I started hiking today with Hot tub, but he went on another 4 miles or so to the next shelter. Smitty is a day ahead. Mona Lisa is 2 days ahead. Luna and Spice are one shelter back. Tomorrow I will get on the trail by 7 and should get to where I am to meet Jack by 8 to 8:30. It may be raining some more but I am looking forward to seeing him and we will climb Virginia's highest mountain and go through Grayson Highlands together. Foghat
Date: 2017-09-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 44.2
Weather: clear sky

September 2We are at Thomas Knob Shelter after 16.1 miles. Jack arrived on time at the designated spot via shuttle. So good to see him!! It was a very windy, drizzling, foggy day. We climbed Mt. Rogers and entered Grayson Highlands. There were few ponies but the ones we did see were beautiful and one was a very friendly greeter! The shelter was a large one with an upper loft. It is supposed to sleep 16 people. When we got there, there were over 20 people on the lower level plus 4 dogs. And the upper part had one girl who said there would be 7 sleeping up there plus 1 dog. Problem was, almost none of those there intended to stay the night. They were just waiting out the rain. But they were occupying space so that no one who wanted to stay could set up in. Finally it all settled out. Jack set up his tent and I slept in the loft. There were a very nice group of 4 men who really appreciated my thru hiker status. September 3 Saunders Shelter after 18.8 miles. We were on the trail by a little after 7 this morning and in much better weather. It was cool at first and then warmed a little. But the sun showed and felt good. We had some climbs today but overall it was mostly downhill from Mt. Rogers. Here at the shelter we have a bear hanging out. Number 10 for me. From what people have written in the shelter register he is a regular and they have named him Brian. He doesn't look threatening but he doesn't scare easily and keeps coming back. I have hung our food bags high. Tomorrow Damascus is about 9 miles away! September 4Jack and I are in Damascus at The Montgomery Homestead Inn after 9.3 miles. The trail goes right through the town. Our hostess is very nice and has met our needs. Tomorrow Jack will take me to the trailhead and I will do a 21 or so mile slackpack back to Damascus. He will then return to Atlanta. The next day, Wednesday, I will use a shuttle to take me to the same spot and proceed on south. Foghat
Date: 2017-09-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 42.3
Weather: light rain

September 5I did a slackpack today of 21.7 miles back into Damascus from TN Hwy 91. Jack took me to the trail head. It was hard to watch him leave. I have so enjoyed his presence with me the last 3 days. Today's hike was pretty easy. I finished the 21.7 miles in 7 hours and 15 minutes. But I have accomplished 2 things! One, I am under 500 miles till I finish. 447.3 to be exact. Also, I have completed Virginia!!! That took a long time! One quarter of the trail is in Virginia and sometimes it seems as though you will never get through it. It was a pleasure. But I am now moving on into Tennessee!! 11 states down and 3 to go! September 6I am at the Boots Off Hostel after 20.6 miles. I had intended to do 18 miles and stay in a shelter. But I learned at the beginning of my hike today that the shelter was closed due to "aggressive bear activity." So I called the historic make sure they had room and adjusted my plan. And, guess what!! Most all of my fellow Flip Flop hiker buddies are here! Smitty, Hot tub, Mona Lisa, and Chainsaw. 2 of them did a slackpack back to here so technically they are still 20 miles ahead of me. But for tonight we are reunited! Today started off raining and cold but eventually the sun burned through and it was a nice afternoon. I miss Jack! Foghat
Date: 2017-09-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 55.0
Weather: clear sky

September 7I am at the Black Bear Resort and Hostel after 8.5 miles. A short day for me to be sure. Made shorter by yesterday's extra miles caused by the closing of the shelter I planned on. All things work out. This is a family owned enterprise and has a very personal touch. Today I got to see Laurel Falls, which were very beautiful and might have been tempted to go for a swim if it had not been unseasonably cold at 50 degrees. I am in the bunk room by myself and tomorrow I will be shuttled to a place 25 trail miles from here and will slackpack back to here. I have no signal here but I am aware of Hurricane Irma and watching it as best I can. It may impact my journey! September 8Another night at The Black Bear Resort and Hostel after a 25.1 mile slackpack. I now have less than 400 miles to go!! Today's hike was a good one. I covered the miles in 9 hours! But I really had to move to get er done! But the terrain was accommodating and the weather was good. It started out at 43 degrees this morning. I met Smitty and Hot tub on the trail going the opposite direction. I talked them into another slackpack tomorrow of 22 miles and a stay at Mountain Harbor Hostel. That will put us closer to Erwin, TN and safety in case Hurricane Irma comes our way. I saw some deer today. A doe and three fawns with their spots still on. I have washed me and my clothes tonight. My legs are ready to rest!September 9Today I am at Mountain Harbor Hostel near Elk Park, NC. I slackpacked 21.4 miles today. I really did some mountains today! Roan Mountain was the biggest at 6212 feet. But after that was Round Bald, Jane Bald, Little Hump Mt. , and then Hump Mt.. It was nice not carrying all my stuff over all those mountains. The guy taking me to the trail from the last hostel dropped off my stuff at tonight's hostel. I just had to hike! The shelter I have a picture of is the highest shelter on the whole AT. It was a gorgeous and cool day with many great views of surrounding mountains and the area. I passed by Smitty and Hot tub going the opposite direction along the way. We will all be going the same way tomorrow. We will be in Erwin, TN on Monday afternoon and if needed will ride out the storm there. I hate to lose a day this close to home but will be careful. I saw a doe with 3 fawns today and got some pictures of a couple of them.Foghat
Date: 2017-09-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: clear sky

September 10I am tenting tonight at a campsite just south of the peak of Unaka Mt. after 16 miles. My stay at Mountain Harbor was very comfortable and I had a wonderful gormet and large breakfast. I was then shuttled to the trail and got started hiking about 9:30. It was a beautiful and cool day in the forest. Smitty caught up to me at a shelter we considered but we were thinking that with the rain coming tomorrow afternoon, we would like to go a few more miles to get over the mountain and closer to Erwin to make tomorrow's hike a little shorter. So went another 4 miles to this campsite. Hot tub came in about 45 minutes later. So tomorrow we have about 13-14 miles to go to get to Uncle Johnnies Hostel where Mona Lisa and Chainsaw are. I think the 5 of us will be sharing a cabin. Tuesday is supposed to be when the weather is bad. We'll see!! September 11I am at Uncle Johnnie's Hostel in Erwin,TN after 13.6 miles. It was cold and windy last night. I had my clothes on, my jacket, a sleeping bag liner, all inside my sleeping bag. I was on the trail by 7:15 and trying to beat the predicted rain. I made it to the hostel just as it was beginning to drizzle at 12:20. Just in time to for the 12:30 shuttle to lunch at a pizza buffet place. Smitty and Hot tub got here a little later. Hot tub chose to get his own little cabin but the rest of us are sharing one. We have wifi but not much of a phone signal. I am trying to keep up with friends and loved ones and how they weathered the storm. Prayers and thoughts for you all!!! No hiking today. Rest and food. I am planning to do a 24+ mile slackpack tomorrow.