morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Ridgetop Tent Site

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a windy night, I got up for an early start and was on the trail by 7:00. The first 3 miles were real gentle, and I met several people I had hiked with the day before. They were camped by a large stream and I stopped to fill up with water. Immediately the trail started up. It was pretty steep, and then turned rocky. Then it turned rockier, and then it was all rock. For a while I was part hiker and part rock climber. I met up with a couple other guys, and we helped each other stay on the trail and find the best way down. We came by the Dragon's Tooth section and then descended the trail. It was real technical and by far the hardest rock climb yet!I got to the hostel right at noon and Joe the owner shuttled me to the Homeplace restaurant. Good Company and Cupcake joined me and we had a great lunch. All you can eat fried chicken, roast beef, and country ham. Vegetables, drink, and peach cobbler. AYCE! Wow! A thru hikers dream!After getting back to the hostel, I left my gear and slack packed 6 more miles. Just after I started hiking this afternoon, I passed the 700 mile mark. It's really hard for me to think that I have hiked 700 miles. It's even harder to think that there is another 1500 to go. I know The Lord will give me strength has I trust Him. Joe picked me up, took me and several other hikers to a local convenience/grocery store. I grabbed a few things, got back to the hostel, took a shower, and am ready to hit the sack. One humorous story. Yesterday I was walking on relatively level trail. A rock (one of thousands) was sticking up about 6 inches in the trail. I thought I would go to the left, then decided to go to the right. Then I proceeded to trip over the rock. I may be too dumb to make it to Maine! Then again, that may help!Later on . .
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Daleville
Miles today: 20.0

The day started out early with Joe (the hostel owner) dropping me off at the AT trailhead at 6:00. To say I had the trail to myself was an understatement. The day before the parking lot was jammed when I had arrived Sunday afternoon. On Monday morning I was the only hiker in sight. I was what is known as a web buster. I got all the spider webs since I was first hiker down the trail. No problem! It was great to be out. Joe's girlfriend had told me the trail was good walking, and for the most part she was right. I got to McAfee Knob about 7:00 and what I had hoped to avoid, I didn't! McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed places on the AT. There is a rock ledge that juts out over a 100 ft drop, and a hiker can stand or sit on it and have a picture made with the Virginia Appalachians in the background. Great shot! Problem! It takes a hiker and a photographer. I had no photographer! I waited around for 15 minutes, gave up on anyone coming, took a selfie, and moved on. I had fully intended on hanging with one hand off the ledge and waving with the other. Well, maybe not quite! The trail had a few moderate rock climbs but nothing too bad. It rained off and on most of the morning, and I put my rain suit on and took it off 3 times. The best way to make it stop raining is put on your rain suit. I had to laugh! I think God probably chuckled too! I had a first today. A bad first! I had my first bad fall. I've fallen down a couple times, but not hard. Today was real hard! I was coming down some rocks, and they were wet from the rain. I thought I had a footing, and suddenly both my feet flew out from under me. I landed flat on my rear and my right elbow slammed into the rock. I laid there for a moment taking inventory of what was damaged and what still worked. Thankfully, nothing serious! Sore butt, sore elbow, and damaged pride. Whew! Don't want to do that again. Got into Daleville about 3:00, and booked into the Howard Johnson. It is very hiker friendly. I'm sharing a room with Good Company and Cupcake. Just after I checked in, Grouch (a thru hiker my age from Daytona Beach) checked into the room next door. I asked if he wanted to go get something to eat, so we walked down to a BBQ place about 1/4 mile away. They give all hikers free banana pudding. Pretty cool! It was real good and Grouch was great company. I hope we can meet up some more. I'm hoping for as big day tomorrow, so I'll close. Later on . .
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Daleville

To: Carillon Beach Florida
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! What a day! Let's see where do I start? Okay. Two weeks ago or so, I was looking ahead at the trail guide and just happened to notice that the AT went 13 miles from the Roanoke airport. My little mind started turning and I thought, "Wonder when I'll be there?" Well, as it turned out it was going to be around May 5th or 6th. My wife(Trisha who I call Bean), my two oldest daughters(Sunshine and Summer), and all five of my grandkids were going to be at the beach, in Florida, May 3-10. Sooooo, I wondered what would the chances be of me getting a ticket (that wouldn't break the bank) from Roanoke to the Gulf area? I thought about it a couple days as I hiked and wondered, "Should I really try this?" That day I met a hiker going south. His name was Dogman (he hiked with a dog). We talked briefly and he told me he had thru hiked 2 years ago. His parting word of advice was this, "Keep it fun. Don't get up every morning and treat it like a job! Keep it fun!" The more I thought about what he said, the more determined I was to bring my plan to fruition. I found a ticket online while I was in Bland, bought it, and began to make plans to see the crew. The great thing was, they had no idea!This morning, I got a shuttle pick up at the hotel at 6:00, and flew out of Roanoke at 7:30. I arrived at Ft Walton Beach via Charlotte at 10:30 AM. I went to Party City and bought a balloon and face paint, then to Target for some shorts, a polo shirt, and swim suit, and drove the 40 miles to Carillon Beach. I ordered a Dominos pizza to be delivered to the guard station at Carillon Beach and then met the delivery lady there. The guard and delivery lady were great and helped with the plan. I put on dark glasses, made my gray beard black, stuffed the balloon under my shirt, and put on her Dominos hat. I walked up to the door while the driver took pictures and banged on the door. In my best gruff Mexican accent (gotta love that Alfredo) I said ,"Pizza delivery!" It worked perfect! Bean came to the door with the grandkids behind her. She opened the door and looked right at me. "Wrong house," she said as she closed the door. I said, "It's for Summer Branch from David Branch!" "Oh," she said, and called for Summer. Decker John was standing there looking at me and when Bean turned around to get Summer, I said in my normal voice, "Hello Decker John. How are you?" Well, somewhere there someone yelled, "Papa!", and the fun began. I plan to be here until Thursday morning when I fly back to Roanoke. David Branch, my son-in-law, is meeting me at the airport and going to hike Friday, Saturday, and part of Sunday with me. It is so good to see everyone, and the surprise made it that much better. Dogman, great advice! Keep it fun!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Daleville

To: Bearwallow Gap
Miles today: 21.0

Two wonderful days at the beach with my wife, all 3 daughters (Kady flew down Tuesday evening), and the grandchildren ended Thursday morning when I flew back to Virginia. It was a great break from the trail, and being with the family was so good. David Branch picked me up at the Roanoke airport and we went straight to Cracker Barrel. (We're both big fans of CB!) We then went to the Howard Johnson Express in Daleville, got a room, and got our packs ready for hiking. This morning after breakfast we headed out. Back on the trail! David was faster on the trail this morning (young, strong legs), but as the day went on, we were able to hike together. It is a real blessing to have him here, and it is great to get to spend this time with him. This afternoon we met Runaway and Grasshopper hiking south. They were a couple I have met several times in the past who knew of my plans to go to Florida. They were excited to hear of my adventure, and it was great to see them again. They have a home here in this part of VA, and are shuttling themselves and doing some slack packing for a few days. Sounds fun!With the threat of rain, David and I decided to hike a few extra miles and try to get to a local hotel for the night. When we came out on the road, we immediately got a hitch, and then when he dropped us off at a convenience store, we immediately got another ride to the hotel. Thanks Lord! It is now raining but we have showered, had supper, and are settled in for the night. Thanks again, Lord!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Bearwallow Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today started out wet, and then got wetter. After breakfast this morning, we got a ride back out to the AT. The rain came harder as the morning went on, and David and I just hiked along quietly in the rain. We met one couple from Switzerland but saw very few hikers. I think most of them were in the shelters or hostels. We did have one guy pass us in poncho. When we came to a road crossing about noon, we realized there was a campground about 1 1/2 miles down the road. We decided to hitch down there, dry out, and decide what to do. When we got here to the campground, they had a small cabin they rented us for $40 which included a shower and a shuttle back to trail. We took it and then ordered a cheeseburger. After lunch we decided to do a 4 mile section hike that would bring us back to the area next to the campground. It took us less than two hours, and then the campground owner came and picked us up. She was very friendly and said she enjoyed picking up the hikers. After getting back to the campground, we washed clothes, showered, and were then going to get a hotdog for supper. We walked down to the camp store where the owner was eating with her family and they invited David and me to join them in their Mother's Day meal. Steak, green beans, deviled eggs, biscuits, and fresh strawberry pie! Wow! We couldn't believe it. A great way to end a soggy day!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Hwy 501
Miles today: 25.0

David and I started out this morning by a mountain stream where we had left off the afternoon before. The morning was warm and we were almost immediately covered in sweat! We hiked the ten milestone to our rendezvous point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and sat down to eat our lunch while we waited for David's ride. It never came! We waited 45 minutes and because we could not get cell coverage, we decided I would go on and David would try to hitch a ride. I found out later the shuttle driver got his instructions mixed up. David got a great ride all the way back to Dalesville, and the guy would not accept anything for the ride. Thanks again, Lord!I hit the trail and tried to put in some miles this PM. I had one tough climb around 2:00, and it was hot! Today's high was 82, and it is forecast to be 89 tomorrow. Hot hiking! Fortunately I was able to work out a slack pack for tomorrow. That will sure help. Today I met a couple day hikers headed south. As they passed me they commented on how beautiful the day was. I agreed and then quoted Psalms 118:24, " This is the day that The Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Wonderful verse! What makes this verse even more wonderful than we sometimes realize is the day that the Psalmist is referring to. The terrible and yet perfect day being mentioned was the the day our Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, was rejected on Calvary. That is the amazing day the our Lord has made! He loved you and I so much that He took my sin on Himself and died on the cross, and now I can know forgiveness and peace. Yes, it is a day worth rejoicing!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Hwy 501

To: US 60 Buena Vista VA
Miles today: 22.0

Today was a hot one! The forecast did not disappoint, and the first steps on the trail this morning were up. It was about a 2200 ft climb, and some of it was pretty steep. We got it done, and when I reached the top I sat down. It is amazing how taking a break like that refreshes. The rest of the day was quite uneventful. An interesting fact is that I have not seen another thru hiker hiking in the last two days. Normally I will pass someone, or they will pass me. If not while hiking, almost always during lunch or breaks. The last two days, no one!Tonight I got my feet up as soon as I got back off the trail. My feet are hurting a little after 25 and 22 mile days. Tomorrow I'm going to let up a little. I plan to be tenting the next two days, and I'll end the day a little earlier. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-13
From: US 60 Buena Vista VA

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiking Virginia has been interesting! It has not been extremely difficult, but it seems like every day there is some element just so one doesn't think Virginia is easy. Today started with a pretty long climb and then ended with a climb. Sweet thing is though, I am able to journal from my tent. It is hard for me to believe, as I've said before, that I'm out here in the middle of the wilderness sending this on an IPad. I saw a few hikers today, but not many. I think a lot of the thru hikers have gone back to Damascus for Trail Days. Trail Days take place each May for several days. Around 25,000 people crowd into the little town of Damascus, VA to celebrate the AT. It is quite the time, but I think I'll just stay on the AT. As Jerimiah Johnson said, "I been to a city."Yesterday a noteworthy event took place that I failed to mention. I went past the 800 mile mark late yesterday. I wrote it on a rock with charcoal just so to impress it on myself. I don't want to let the accomplishments get lost in a goal that is still way out there. If 800 miles is as far as I get, then I'm that successful! My goal is 2,186 miles and I will be disappointed if I don't make it. However, each mile I hike is an accomplishment! It's a little like life. We shouldn't let the small successes get lost in the wake of big events. God gives us daily choices. We can succeed or fail. We should celebrate those little successes. God does!Later on. . .
Date: 2014-05-14
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Dripping Rock BRP
Miles today: 20.0

Today was a red letter day! The AT does not come real close to Richmond, but I decided to try to look up an old friend. Gary Criswell and I went to college together for four years. We played baseball together in college for four years, were suite mates two years, he was in my wedding, and on and on. Then life happened. We hadn't seen each other for 38 years. I called him yesterday, told him I was hiking the AT and would be about an hour and a half from him, how about dinner? He graciously agreed, and he picked me up off the trail this afternoon. We drove to a great restaurant and spent the next 3 hours catching up and reliving old experiences. It was fantastic to see him again and renew our friendship. It's amazing how you can be so close to someone and then just lose touch for so long. The hiking today was tough. Real rocky and a lot of steep uphill. The bugs were terrible last night where I tented, and this morning they were already swarming. I hurried and broke camp and didn't eat much breakfast. I think it caught up with me on the uphill climbs. I need to learn to give my body what it needs before exertion. Had a first today! A snake! If they stay like this one it will be fine with me. An 18" Garter snake is just about the right size and kind for me!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Dripping Rock BRP

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 14.0

This morning I got a pleasant surprise! I had just finished my breakfast in the hotel lobby, and was going back upstairs to get my pack. As I rounded the corner I was met by a familiar face! Grouch! I hadn't seen him since before I left for my Florida trip. I knew he was in ahead of me on the of me on the trail, but I had no idea he was in the same hotel as me, and actually right across the hall. He had taken a zero day yesterday, and was taking another one today. We shared "Howdys" and agreed to have supper together when I got back from hiking today. I was only doing 14 miles today as I hiked into Waynesboro. The weather forecast was for real bad storms moving in this afternoon and tonight, but I hoped to get my hike in before they arrived. Almost! The hiking was real nice. Smooth path, good breeze (even a little mist at first), and a lot of level or slight downhill. I made real good time, and had about 12 miles done by 1:30. It started to rumble and then the bottom fell out! The last hour it poured. I'm not exactly sure why I wear a rain suit. I was soaked from sweat! Really the reason I wear rain gear is to keep my feet dry. No, really! By wearing rain pants,it sheds the water outside my boots, and thus keeps my feet dry. Wet feet are blistered feet. I've had almost no problems with my feet, and don't want to change that now. The shuttle driver, Dubose, picked me up in the pouring rain, and we stopped by an outfitter on the way back to town. I needed a new pair of pants. I've lost so much weight (around 30 pounds), that my pants are puckered up and causes sores where my pack waist belt rubs against them. When I got back to the hotel, I showered and then Grouch and I walked in the rain over to Cracker Barrel and chowed down! I mean we forevermore ate for a while! (As Jerry Clower would say!) When we left we walked to Wal-Mart where I bought a few groceries, and then headed back to our rooms. They are expecting 3-4 inches of rain tonight, so tomorrow may be interesting!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro VA

To: Jones Run Skyline Drive
Miles today: 22.0

Today was fairly light from a hiking routine. I entered the Shenandoah National Park this morning and the trail is fairly easy. Not too many hard climbs, and the AT winds back and forth across the Skyline Drive. There was a lot of water on the trail as we had received between 3 and 4 inches since yesterday afternoon. It had cleared off by this morning, and the weather was real nice to hike. I had a first today. I went the wrong way on the AT! Yep! I was cruising along when I came to a stream. I assumed the trail went across the stream so I proceeded to find some rocks I could step on and get across. Once there, I realized the trail did not cross the stream, so I went back across. When I did, I got back on the trail going back the way I had just come. I was moving right along when fortunately I met a couple I had shuttled with yesterday. He recognized me and asked if I was hiking back into Waynesboro. No I answered, " I'm headed north." "No you're not," he replied. I'm so thankful he was there to correct me. I lost about 30 minutes, but it could have been a lot more. I have no since of direction, and need to pay better attention. It was good to get to meet the couple, Rogue and Trillium from Atlanta, but I hated wasting the time and effort. Oh well, could have been worse!I also saw the 2nd snake for the 2nd day! Same size (18"), but this was a black snake. Harmless and helpful, but still.... A Snake!I'm journaling from my tent again tonight, in a campground operated by the National Park Service. Not sure why I'm here, it cost $15 and I could tent for free on the AT. Maybe it's the Sundrop and Chex mix I bought at the camp store that drew me in!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Jones Run Skyline Drive

To: Signal Knob 
Miles today: 17.0

This has not been a normal day on the AT. Today I made a major change of plans, but it was well worth it. Bean (my wife Trisha) and I have talked for some time about her coming and hiking the trail with me through the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). As it turned out, I got to the SNP sooner than expected, and she was not able to leave to come until this coming Monday. So this morning, I got a shuttle from Loft Mountain Campground to Front Royal and skipped about 80 miles of the AT in the SNP. I started hiking today at 11:00 and did 17 miles north of Front Royal. I will hike the rest of the way into Harpers Ferry, and Bean will pick me up there Monday night and we will then go back to SNP and hike the rest of the AT in the SNP. I am thrilled that Bean is coming to hike!The shuttle I got this morning was from Sharon's Shuttles. Sharon and Tom Johnson are some of the greatest Trail Angels imaginable. Today at the end of my hike, Tom came, picked me up, brought me back to their house, fed me supper, let me shower, and then will take me back to the trail in the morning. All this and they didn't want to take anything for it! Amazing! Really special people. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Signal Knob 

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 17.0

Crazy! I got to the hostel around 3:00, had a lot of free time, and then forgot to write my journal. So here it is at 2:30 AM Monday morning and I woke up and remembered. Today hike was eventful for a couple of reasons. I went past the 900 mile distance! That's adding up. As I've gotten stronger, the days have gotten longer, the trail a tad easier (some days), and with maybe a little more drive, I have added more miles per week. 900 miles is a long way, and yet, it's not half way! Wow! The other reason today's hike was significant was because I went through the Roller Coaster! I actually started it and will finish it today. You may remember me mentioning PUDs. PUDs is a hiker term for Pointless Ups and Downs. The Roller Coaster is the prime example on AT of a PUD! It is a series of 10 tightly packed peaks and valleys. So you go steep up and then steep down. Then you repeat, and repeat, and repeat, . . . Just another fun day on the AT!Today I plan to hike into Harpers Ferry, get a room, and wait for Bean who is driving up from TN. Then on Tuesday we will drive back to SNP and begin hiking there. I am so excited about her coming. Can't wait!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: ATC Side Trail
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was an exceptional day in several ways! A few days ago my good friend Dr. Bill Rice called me and said that he and his wife, Mary, were going to be in northern Virginia and would like to see if they could meet up with me. Bill is an evangelist and speaks all over the country and they travel in a motor home. I was thrilled that they would make that effort and at the possibility of seeing them. This morning after a few more phone calls, they picked me up where the AT crosses VA Highway 7. We drove a few miles to a little community called Roundhill, and had breakfast at a little local diner, Tammy's. We had the best time just talking and sharing for an hour and a half, and then they dropped me back off at the trail and were on their way. What a special treat and by the way, Bill could get work driving an 18-wheeler the way he backs that motor home with a car trailer on the back!Today was also special because I hiked into Harpers Ferry, the home of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Tonight Bean is driving here and we are staying in a Bed and Breakfast two doors down from the ATC. I'm so looking forward to the next few days hiking and relaxing with her. Our plan is to drive back tomorrow to the SNP and then make plans from there. Later on . . .