morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Low Gap

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 15.2

Cool and windy. Crossed TN/VA border, only 11 more states to go. Staying at Clifton Inn with Tags and Newton. May stay here tomorrow as Damascus is famous trail town and plan to look around. Met many thru hikers at dinner: Fifteen, dipNsip, Snot Rocket, Blacksquash, and Why Not.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

As Damascus is famous trail town, we took a day here in the Clifton Inn. Ate heartily at the Blue Blaze Cafe. David, whose home is the Clifton Inn, took Mother Teresa, Tags and I to Sugarland, TN yo the Mooreland sisters General Store where we were treated to some of the best Bluegrass music I have ever heard - a genuine slice of Americana. I was thrilled to be able to witness this every Sat nite event - people playing music just for the shear joy of playing and entertaining. We may be taking another day on Damascus as we talked to Mitch who came back into town after ugly rains and winds forced nearly 25 hikers to vacate their hike over Mount Rogers. Worse is forecast for tomorrow, so we'll likely stay put.
Date: 2013-05-07
To: Thomas Knob
Miles today: 16.2

Cool and rainy.   Thunder last 3 hrs hiking and trail flowed like a stream. We followed VA Creeper trail for awhile. Had a small wild pony nibble my elbow when we entered the Grayson Highlands. Shelters so full we had to tent on bald with the eild ponies grazing around our tents all night.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Thomas Knob

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Cool and rainy, again. Hiked in downpour. Again shoes and sox soaked. When I took my sox soaked off, imagine two large white prunes. Feet more susceptible to blistering when wet; got blister on heel. Passed 500 miles today. Can yo believe it; I can't. Due to pending rains, Mother T went to town with two Aussie hikers. Wild ponies continue to graze by my tent all night. Hear loud munching and snorting; I guess ee have invaded their turf..
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 19.8

Some rain overnite; but in AM sun was shining and perfect hiking weather. Had great trail magic provided by local brownie troop. Had a first since college days, hitchhiked to town. A guy going to his Thurs poker game drove us to Travel Inn where we are working diligently to dry our gear.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Lick Creek Footbridge

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Temp when we broke camp was 33 degees. Nice cool day for hiking. The hike up to Chestnut Knob was extremely picturesque; however the hike on to Jenkins shelter was via ridgeline was rocky and difficult. We planned 18 - 20 miles but were exhausted and quit short of that.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

Weather ideal, trail ideal for hiking; 23.8 miles, new personal best. May have extracted a price, feet and shoulders sore from long day. Hiked with Tags and Mother T; we were the onle ones at the shelter. Trail magic: Angus' mom and dad met him at road with beer and cupcakes to celebrate his 25th B'Day.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

First taste of really hot weather hiking. Took side trip to Trent's Grocery where we ate BBQ and milkshakes. Took a second side trip to Dismal Falls where I took advantage of Mother Natures ice cold whirlpool bath to soak my sore feet.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 17.2

Another warm and beezy hiking day. Views were special, especially at Angel's Rest. Tags was picked up by his son; they are headed to FL to help celebrate Tag's wife's 60th B'Day. Mother T got a ride with the Aussie's to head back to Ashville to help her son.celebrate his graduation and I new personal job with forestry service.My ankle and leg above ankle are red and swollen. I plan to visit local hospital for check and to relax at Plaza Motel for a few days.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Awoke with Ankle somewhat sore and swollen and red so hiked (3.5 miles)to to local ER. X-ray for possible stress fracture was negative, thank goodness. Dr. Miller believes I most likely have cellulitis and shin splint and provided a course of antibiotics and anti-inflamatory with advice to rest it for a few days. I'm following his instructions and just lounging in my room at the Plaza Motel.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: the Captains
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: clear sky

Apologize for slow entry of data-forgot my password.Tags and Mother T both returned from their off-trail visits; and we took off hiking again. My shin splint (or whatever) seems about same. Weather muggy and hot. Went from winter to summer-skipped Spring. Ended up at the Captains which one reaches by a chair pulley system to cross river.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: the Captains

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

Hot and humid, again. Leg about same-ok for hiking but slightly re and swollen. Trail magic: Foster beer at road crossing. I don't drink but it was nice and cold, so..... Saw a Timbler Rattler on edge of trail. Blow up pic to see his black diamond shaped head. They look ten timers meaner on the trail than in a zoo.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: VA 621 Craig Creek Rd
Miles today: 13.8

Hot and humid with T'Storms. Hiked by Keiffer Oak, over 18Mount feet in circumference and over 300Mount yrs old. Trail featured large rock slopes at several degree angle which made progress extremely slow. Also hiked thru picturesque pastureland requiring multiple climbs over fence stiles.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: VA 621 Craig Creek Rd

To: VA 624 Newport Rd
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Hot and humid with threat of rain all day but held up til we reached 4 Pines Hostel where we spent the nite in a barn. T'stormed all nite but we were dry in the barn. Ate an incredible family style served meal with BBQ; fried chicken; roast beef; and country ham at Homeplace Restaurant.Oh, we also hiked past the Audie Murphy monument where the most decorated WWII soldier died grom an airplane crash.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: VA 624 Newport Rd

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

Weather front changed things dramatically. Cold and extremely windy. Avoided another wicked T'storm last nite by returning to 4 Pines and sleeping again in barn-stayed dry. Views from McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs were awesome; however the winds were so strong we hestitated to get too close to edge lest a gust blow us off the mountain.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Lamberts Meadow Campsite

To: US 220 Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Great weather today. Interesting to sleep in tent with winds howling in trees. However, I took an Advil PM and slept thru the winds. Staying at HoJo Express in Daleville. Re-provisioning for hike out towards Buchannen, VA.
Date: 2013-05-26
From: US 220 Daleville, VA

To: Bearwallow Gap, Buchanan, VA
Miles today: 21.6

Weather absolutely perfect for hiking. Tags suffered episode of Vertigo so ZEROed while Mother T and I slackpacked 21.6 miles to Buchanan. Saw a small copperhead at our planned water stop. Also saw a 1 or 2 day old fawn on the trail. Shuttled back to Daleville by Dale who gave the grand your of historic Buchanan.
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Bearwallow Gap, Buchanan, VA

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

70's and overcast - perfect for hiking. Spring blooms proliferate along trail- rhododendrum; mountain laurel; and mountain azaleas are all gorgeous now. Here's yours truly sniffing a rhoddie- which offers little fragrance. Trail magic at swimming hole- soda and snacks.
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Beuna Vista, VA

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

ZEROed in Buena Vista. Sister Sue and her husband Guido visited; took us to lunch in Lexington; and ferried us around to re-supply and change to a different motel. It was great to see them.Note: Failed to mention yesterday a new phenomenon on trail now, cicadas. At times the sound is deafening. I thought at first it was the sound of sirens.
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Buena Vista

To: Spy Rock Rd
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Warm and sunny; good day for hiking. Elected to stay at Dutch Haus hostel. Five of us in bunkhouse: Tags, Mother T, Home Brew, Slim Jim. Fed an outstanding dinner by Ms. Lois. Rode to Dutch Haus in the back of pickup which is ok except when hurtling down steep rock strew road -with a bit scarey.
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Spy Rock Rd

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

80's and sunny. Hiked with Tags, Mother, Slim Jim and two German hikers. Started day with another fantastic breakfast at Dutch Haus and were returned by pickup truck to Spy Rock. Accomplished huge miles today including Priest Mnt, a 3000day ft descent and three more climbs up three ridge mnt. Soaked feet after descent in the Tye river.
Date: 2013-06-02
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Warm with threat of rain but none. Hiked with Tags, Mother, and Slim Jim. Due to threat of rain, hiked long hours to get in to Waynesboro. Trail Angel Joan gave us a ride from trail head to Quality Inn. Fantastic trail magic today at Reed's Gap: sausage and egg biscuit, watermelon, strawberries, and gatorade. Tomorrow starts the Shenandoah National Park (SNP).
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

NERO; started hiking around 1:30 PM. Spent time at outfitters with Tags having to get his Osprey pack replaced due to wear-no cost replacement. Got ride, drinks, and snacks from former thru hiker, Santa's Helper. Peaches joined Slim Jim, Tags, MotherT and myself for the hike. Tented near shelter with probably 15 other hikers.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Awoke dry, packed up and started hiking towards Big Meadows Lodge. Immediately the rains started and intensified all day.   We were drenched and the trail became a small stream. Just slogged thru to reach the Lodge where we were able to get rooms, hot shower, laundry, and good food. Will ZERO at Lodge as tropical storm Andrea is expected to bring more heavy rain with flashflooding. My left shin started giving me some pain, again,so the layover should provide some help.
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

ZERO. Waited a day for tropical storm Andrea to drop its rain. Park ranger Enidina who gave us a ride to and from a campground asked if she could join us for dinner at the Wayside where she deftly grabbed our dinner checks and paid our bill. Intersting as we had tried to buy her dinner for helping us.
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Pass Mountain Shelter

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: moderate rain

Yesterday Mother T and Tags fell. Tags OK; however Mother T's hand was swollen an she thinks it is broken. Hiked to Elk Wallow Wayside this AM where park ranger gave her a ride to Lurray where she got x-ray. Unfortunately radiologist not on duty so she could not get an official verdict. The park ranger fetched her and she has resumed hiking with us with an ace bandage.
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Hostel
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: moderate rain

Spent last night in shelter and managed to stay despite heavy rains. Hiked short miles in heavy rains to Front Royal Hostel where we were able to get shower, laundry, and re-sopplied for planned 4water day trek to Harpers Ferry, WV.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: VA 605 Morgan Mill Rd
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Spotted bear cub on trail today. Started hikingand the "roller coaster" a 14 mile section of 14 ups and downs-to a good cardio workout. Talked 2 young day hikers in to giving us a ride to Bears Den Hostel. This is a really nice layover- an old stone castle geared towards providing hikers relief from the trail. Queen Diva provided trail magic in the form of dinner for nearly 30an or so hikers. Thanks!
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Blackburn ATC Center

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 11.9

Weather excellent for hiking in to Harpers Ferry, the ceremonial halfway point. Arrived at ATC HQ where I had my picture taken as #494it thru hiker this year to reach Harpers. Staying at Quality Hotel where I've been blessed to be visited by my children: Kirk, Donna, and Dana.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Carried to trailhead by trail angel Ms Janet. Crossed WV/MD Border by crossing Potomac River. Easy section hiking along C&O towpath. Soon encountered "rocks". Planned to have fancy dinner at Boonsboro;alas all restaurants booked up for Fathers Day- settled for pizza.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Dahlgren Backpack Campground was quite nice-showers, etc. Was expecting to get nice meal at South Mnt Inn but because it was Fathers Day this great grandfather didn't have reservation so no entrance. Hike was long and difficult due to large sections of "rocks", yielding sore feet.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Antietam Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: broken clouds

Ideal hiking conditions after night of heavy rains. Took a nice break during middle of the day at Caledonia State Park enjoying sunshine (to dry our gear), soda, and ice cream. Believe I've succeeded in arranging a ride to get to my 50th High School Reunion over this weekend.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Passed actual halfway point (1093 miles). Witnessed the half gallon ice cream halfway challenge. Several including Peaches were successful. I settled on just a pint. Staying at Ironmasters Mansion, a beautiful old home fixed up as a hostel for AT hikers. Lazed at Fuller Lake.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Clarks Creek
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

After an interesting visit to my hometown of Federalsburg, MD to attend 50th High School Reunion I resumed hiking following a stay at the Doyle Hotel in Duncanon, PA. Serious trail magic at day end, hot dogs, soda, and snacks followed by another trail angel with pizza and soda.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: PA 72

To: Pine Grove, PA
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Hiked a little over 10 miles to NERO in Pine Grove. Experienced serious thunderstorm last night. Heard sirens in Lickdale indicating a tornado warning. Staying at Comfort Inn and are busy drying everything. Saw copperheads today: one in water and one on trail.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sheltered in Eagles Nest Shelter as it continued to rain. Difficult hiking due to rocks wih a steep descent into Port Clinto. A kind local resident took us to Cabellas where I purchased a new pr of shoes- Merrell Moab Ventilator mids; hoping for a bit more ankle protectio as we hike thru "Rocksylvania". Slept on floor of town pavillion, avoiding yet another strong thunderstorm.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Summit
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hot and humid. Got caught in thunderstorm just as we were ending the day's hike. Tented in back of Blue Mountain Summit B&B. Ate at B&B and enjoyed "blues" band entertainment.. Heavy, heavy thunderstorms but tent kept me dry. Now discussing our mileage in "miles to go " vs "miles hiked" as we have less than 1000I to go.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

Clouxy with intermitant rain. Trip from Palmerton Jailhouse hostel back to AT was adventurous. Initial section of trail ran ankle deep in water from last night's rain. Hike included detour around superfund site. Lots of ripe blacberries and blueberries.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Rattlesnake Spring

To: Culvers Gap
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Very hot and humid but again no rain. MOSQUITOS! Hiked past some nice beaver ponds. Tags got sick on the trail and we arranged a ride for him to a motel. Might have been the heat? Tented at Stokes State Park. Had shower but in five minutes was again dreched in sweat.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hot and threatening BUT no rain. Awoke from heat episode OK and ready to continue. Interesti.g hike with diverse terrain including an aluminum ladder fastened against a particlarly large rock. Crossed NJ/ NY border. Another state knocked off my list. After heat exhaustion yesterday, today I fared much better.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Bear Mnt, Perkins Memorial Tower

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 9.2

Cloudy and not as hot. Spent night in Holiday Inn Express. Another rough day for Tags, so he has decided to terminate his hike. Mother T back and strong as ever. Fun hike today over the Hudson River (near West Point) and through a small but nice Zoo- I actually saw two bears. Staying at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Fahnstock State Park
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Intermitant rain showers and not quite as hot. Stayed at Graymoor Spiritual Learning Center under a Pavillion so stayed dry. Hiked to Clarence Fahnstock State Park and again stayed under their Pavillion. Extremely interesting visit in Pavillion as initially filled wih foreign guests from Georgia, all of whom were drunk on vodka. park rangers looked for one of them who later showed up having fallen asleep in the woods.
Date: 2013-07-14
From: Fahnstock State Park

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Very hot and humid with countless mosquitos. Hiked to RPH Shelter where trail maintainers were having a huge event to build a new bridge and and do trail maintenance. As a bonus thet fex thru hikers grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and all the sides. We ate and rested there for over three hrs. Then ee hiked another five miles to a deli for late afternoon meal. Next we hiked on to the Morgan Stewart Shelter where we camped after a long hot day of hiking. Headed to Pawling, NY today.
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Kent, CN

To: Wesr Cornwall, CT
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Very hot; nice long stretch along Houstonic where we were able to cool off in the water. Stayed at Bearded Woods where we experienced the best hospitality. Our friend and fellow thru hiker, Kokopelli, raved how he had gotten Thanksgiving Dinner in July the previous year. After our daily hike Hudson and Big Lu surprised us by having an entire Thanksgiving Dinner. Awesome.
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Wesr Cornwall, CT

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Mother T, Peaches, Kokopelli (and DeeDee) and I hiked together today. Warm with plenty of mosquitos. Another great night at Bearded Woods. Hiked past waterfall at Falls Village, CT and swam to keep cool. Checked out a rattlesnake den at Belters Bump; saw huge skin nut no live rattlesnakes. Headed for what is purported to be the toughest hike in CT/MA tomorrow.
Date: 2013-07-19
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Komopelli, Peaches, Mother T and I said hoodbye to Bearded Woods and hiked up 4to mountains: Lions Head, Bear Mnt, My Race a.nd Mt Everett. Passed 1500 miles and crossed CT/MA orddr. Te.ting at Glen Brook Sbelter.
Date: 2013-07-21
From: East Mountain Retreat Center

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 9.29
Weather: broken clouds

Not quite as hot and humid. Made the bezt of short hiking mileage. Hitched in to Vreat Barington for breakfast at McDonalds and re-supply. Hitched back to trailbead and hiked to Beartown State Park for a swim. Wonderful couple there offered to sbare tbeir lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers and tea.
Date: 2013-07-23
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: few clouds

Mother T and I (Peaches zeroed at Upper Goose Pond) hiked to Dalton. A few showers but some cooler and only a few mosquitos.. Stpped at Cookie Lady for cookies, hard boiled eggs and lemonade. Army Ant' s brother, Paul, provided trail magic - gatorade. Staying at Shamrock Inn. Giving serious consideration to getting off the trail - satisfied but somewhat exhausted.
Date: 2013-07-24
From: Dalton, MA

To: Pittsfield, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Have reached the difficult decision to terminate my hike. I am completely satisfied with my hike but have grown extremely tired. I cannot say enough positve things about my trip. The trail people that I have hiked with are all amazing - what strength and resolve. My faith in humanity has improved through the generosity and kindness of complete strangers (trail angels). I know that I am a better person for having made the attempt to thru hike. I have no regrets. Thanks to everyone who encouraged and supported me.
Date: 2013-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello everyone!   Welcome to my online hiking journal.   Starting March 8, I plan to hike all 2186 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.   Growing up in scouts, I always thought hiking the Appalachian Trail would be an incredible journey. However, I never seriously thought about attempting it until my cousin completed his through hike in 2006. . I followed his progress the whole way, and I have been wanting to do it every since. While I'm not near the writer Mitch is, I have promised my family and friends that I would maintain this journal so they can keep track of my progress.   Training and Gear Update: Over the last couple of months, my training has primarily consisted of day hikes every other day at Oak Mountain and Cheaha State Park and some stair climbing with a full pack.   I have been gradually increasing the weight of my pack and mileage per day.   I'm currently hiking 10 to 15 miles per trip with a 30lb pack and hoping my pack never exceeds 35lbs while on the trail.   I almost have all of my gear finalized except for a few minor items.   My base weight of my pack (without food and water) is about 21lbs, and I hope to get it down under 20lbs.
Date: 2013-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I got a ride to the hiker hostel today in Dahlonega, GA, and the hostel will shuttle me to Springer Mountain in the morning. My former scoutmaster, Mr. Wright, agreed to drive me up since we all thought my mom would be a nervous wreck, which I think was a great decision. Plus, if anybody was going to drop me off in the woods, then I thought I better let the pro handle it. I appreciated the ride and enjoyed catching up with him.The hiker hostel is a really nice place and probably one of the best hostels on the trail. I have met several other thru-hikers staying here tonight that I will start with in the morning. They are expecting 50 to 100 thru-hikers starting the trail tomorrow since this weekend is the kickoff weekend, but I hope it's not that many.