morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Rich Mountain 

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Today I got a late start. I think it was around 8:45 when I left camp. Today's hike was 11.8 miles. I reached Little Laurel Shelter at 4:15. It was a partly cloudy day but I did get rained on in the afternoon. There wasn't much to look at today. I think tomorrow there are several spots that may have great views. The weather is supposed to be better. I met a couple of guys today that I had not seen before. We talked for a while. One is from Maine and the other is from Boston.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

At 2AM the stars were so bright and close I laid in my tent and watched until I fell asleep again. At 4AM the clouds had moved in and no stars were visible. I awoke at 6AM and as the sun rose I knew rain was a real likelihood. Left camp at 7:45 and at 9AM the ice storm started. It was strange to feel ice hitting my rain suit. I reached White Rock Cliffs at 10:30. The skies were a mix of clouds, fog and sunshine. Suddenly, the sun came out as I reached the best spot to take scenic pictures. I took as many as I could then had a candy bar break. I set there and took in the sights in the rain. As I descended the rock cliffs it started to snow. I could not believe by eyes. The sun was shining and it was snowing. It only lasted 30 minutes but it was strange beyond belief. I had lunch at Tery cabin shelter. After lunch I crossed the 300 mile mark and reached my destination at 4PM Flint Mountain Shelter. Today's hike was 12.6 miles and it was an enjoyable hike. today was a different day. I wish the weather was like this everyday. the snow would melt as soon as it hit the ground. the cliffs were very difficult to walk through. Boulder to boulder, a real challenge. to all of you back home, I wish you good health and happiness.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Flint Mtn Shelter

To: Campsite away from Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Did not want to get out of bed this morning. Had an ice shower this morning about 6:30AM. It was cold and there were ice crystals all around the tent. I managed to get up and break camp. Started my hike at 8:15 and had a great day. Finished my hike at 4:30PM at a campsite away from a shelter. I'm fairly sure today's hike was 13 miles. The sun was out nearly all day and I wore sunglasses. I'm about 22 miles from Erwin, TN where I get my next resupply. Personally I'm ready for summer. At the Hogback ridge Shelter, a local hiked 3 miles to bring AT hikers Beer and fruit. People are so thoughtful, its refreshing. I had an orange and it was delicious. I met some other hikers today. It was fun talking to them. Two young hikers from Michigan were very happy the local man brought beer. I think they will celebrate Earth day very well this afternoon. The weather forecast is for sunshine and warmer temperatures through the weekend. I've had a great day and look forward to tomorrow. I hope each of you enjoyed today as much as I did.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Campsite away from Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Temple Hill
Miles today: 16.5

Had a great day hiking. Perfect weather and a light backpack. Crossed Big Bald Summit at 11AM. I took many photos. It was spectacular. Traveled 2 miles to Bald Mtn Shelter and had a hot lunch. The original hike plan was to travel to Stone Step campsite for a 12.5 mile hike. This would set up a 12 mile hike on Friday into Erwin, TN for a hostel stay and resupply. but I felt like continuing on because I reached my planned campsite at 3PM, so I traveled to a site four miles further. I felt good and could have gone on but I didn't want to camp at the No Business Knob Shelter. Tomorrow I'll be in town around lunch. It's supposed to be another spring day. A bath and a cold drink are on my mind now and have been all day. Temperatures reached low 70's today and I sweated pretty good as I hiked up the 5500' mountain. The season is changing and flowers are starting to bloom. As I write this the birds are chirping away. Squirrels and chipmunks are in sight. I've seen a lot of deer tracks. I'm thinking of all you folks back home. I miss all of you and I'd love to walk around Bayshore just at sunrise. I tell you at that time of day the beauty rivals what I've seen here.
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Temple Hill

To: Uncle Johnnys Hostel
Miles today: 3.0

I hiked into Erwin, TN this morning. I arrived at Uncle Johnny's Hostel at 10:30AM. this place is crowded, all the cabins are taken, the bunks are filled and there must be at least a dozen tents pitched on the premises. I got my resupply and I have eaten all day. I was very surprised this morning when I put my back pack on the scales. My pack weighed 46lbs without food or water. I'll weight my pack in the morning fully loaded with food and water. I'll wager money I'll be near 60 lbs. My plans was to hike with a pack that weighed 36 lbs including food and water. The excessive weight of the pack has placed a real burden o my performance and my body. For now I'll continue as is, but when I reach Damascus VA. I will retool for summer and my pack will weight 35lbs fully loaded. I saw a few of the folks I met on the trail and we visited for a while.
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Uncle Johnnys Hostel

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I woke up at 4 AM. I wrote a couple of letters then I worked on my backpack. I was able to reduce my pack weight from 45 lb without food to 35 lb with food. It mad a big difference in my performance. Today I made 17 miles on a short day. Currently I'm at Cherry Gap Shelter. Today I wore shorts for the first time. The weather was sunny and the temperature reached the low 70's. It was a nice day to hike. I had a hot lunch at a creek and it was a delightful experience. Another hiker stopped and did the same. He took my picture and we talked. Tomorrow I'll climb Roan High Knob 6285' and if all goes well I'll try to reach Overmountain Shelter.
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Woke at 5AM. Left camp at 7:15 for a long days hike with Roan Mnt. 6250' and a smaller 4000' mnt. Before I departed camp an Owl landed in a nearby tree and I took several pictures. Today I took a lot of pictures. Early I took pictures of flowers as I approached the mountains I took vista shots. I felt strong all day and had a 20.5 mile hike. The wind has been strong all day and is still blowing. I hope to get a better nights sleep than last night. Some cracker in a tent next to mine had his head light on till 12 PM. Its so dark out here it was like having a headlight shining into my tent. It was a good day and supper sure hit the spot. Good night everyone.
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Laurel Fork
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: clear sky

Woke at 5AM and started today's hike at 7AM. The wind was horrible. I had to start the hike up two balds and the wind was so strong it was difficult to stay on the trail. After about two hours, I got back into the treeline and I stayed there for the remainder of the day. I took many pictures. That is until the camera broke. The only shots I missed were the Elk river and the mountaineer waterfalls. Today's hike was 23.5 miles. I camped beside a stream just over the 400 mile mark. Laurel Fork stream was the campsite. The stream is contaminated according to the guidebook. Lucky for me I stopped and had supper at mountaineer shelter. Water was fine. I filled my water containers. However, there were two campers that had a panic look when I told them the stream was contaminated. I don't have cell service at this location. I'll leave the trail tomorrow to resupply in Hampton, TN. Half the food I got in Erwin TN. I sent to Browns grocery and hotel. I'm just about out of food after tonight's supper. I may stay at the hostel tomorrow night and then two days till I reach Damascus, VA. I had a good day and I am tired. Good night to all of you. Thinking of home tonight.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Laurel Fork

To: US321
Miles today: 14.5

Started hike at 6:30 and arrived in Hampton , TN at 2:00. They had my package and I went to the hostel. I took a bath and shaved, then went back to the store and purchased some supplies. I had the hostel to myself. I had great cell service so I made five phone calls. I had sandwiches for supper. Then I charged all the electronics. After supper I watched a little TV then went to bed. I hiked about 14.5 miles. I met a fellow at a park and he helped figure out the problem with the camera. I took some pictures but I missed some opportunities at the Elk river and a waterfall.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: US321

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Mr. Brown from the Hostel carried me back to the trail head. I started my hike at 6:45 at Hwy 321 at Lake Watauga. That morning I didn't have a game plan. As I walked past the lake 10 miles long it occurred to me I needed to make at least 20 miles today so I could reach Damascus, VA by tomorrow night. Just then I came across two friends I had not seen since NOC. Matt and Luke were camped beside the lake, we talked and they hiked with me the remainder of the day. We arrived at the campsite at 5:30. Just after we made camp and had supper it started to rain. We retreated to our tents. We will visit in Damascus tomorrow.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Broke camp at 6:30 for a 21 mile hike to Damascus. I arrived at Damascus at 2 PM. I went to Post Office and the Sundog Outfitters. My pack weighed 35 lb with food but no water. At the PO I met another trail friend Kim from Atlanta. We talked and agreed to have supper at 6:00 with Luke and Matt and 10 other hikers. I stopped then and returned to the Lazy Fox Inn where I will stay the night. I purchased a new sleeping bag(summer bag}and a new backpack. I was able to reduce the weight by eight lbs. just on those two items. Miss Jenny is very kind and said breakfast will be served at 8AM. Cell service is poor but I was able to briefly talk with Linda. It turns out there is another box in the mail. I hope it arrives in the morning. My plan is to leave town around noon and make twelve miles to the the next shelter for overnight stay. I spent most of last night shifting my supplies from the old pack to the new pack. I hope I'll be able to see Luke, Matt and Kim before I depart. The last couple of days I have actually enjoyed myself. The trail has been dry , cool and yes I'm in Virginia. Hope all is well in Valparaiso, and I hope all of you are doing well.
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Woke 4:45AM and had coffee variety of Miss Jenny of the Lazy Fox Bed and Breakfast. I set on a front porch in a rocking chair and drank coffee until daybreak. Miss Jenny makes a real breakfast for her guests. She served breakfast at 8AM and it was more than you can imagine. After breakfast, I sent my backpack home. It was not easy task. I had to find a large enough box. That took some time. It started to rain and I thought I should go back to the Lazy Fox and sit on her front porch. At 11AM, I had mailed a resupply package to Atkins, VA some 80 miles north. I had mailed the backpack home and I was slowly walking out of Damascus. After an hour the rain stopped, I had been so busy I did not have a hike plan. I had eaten so much I didn't move very fast and I didn't want to move far. Kim said she was going to the first shelter some 9.5 miles from Damascus. I decided that would be fine. I took a lot of pictures, mostly of flowers and a running stream. Arrived at Saunders Shelter around 4PM and made camp. It was a nice relaxing hike and the shelter is one of the best I've seen. I was so full I didn't have lunch or a snack. Supper was coffee, noodles, early peas, dried fruit, cookies and a bag of peanuts. I've had a wonderful day. I developed tomorrows hike plan and I'm ready to resume my hike in the morning. It's great to be back on the trail. Good night all.
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Had a great hike today. There was a brief rain that spoiled my lunch break but I did get my coffee brewed and had a few cookies. Today's hike was from Saunders Shelter to Thomas Knob Shelter. This shelter is located on Mt Rogers, the highest point in Virginia. I took a lot of pictures. The view is as good as any I've seen yet. This morning I jumped a deer on the trail as I started my hike. He sprang down the ravine and turned and looked at me. He was perfectly still and perfectly colored and was certain I could not see him. I stood perfectly still but slowly raised my camera. The clouds were heavy so when I took the photo the flash went off and must have shocked the deer for he turned and raced down the ravine. I was tickled to see his surprise. He was young and still needs to learn the art of concealment. If he expects to live a long life. I took pictures of several new varieties of flowers today as well as yesterday. I took some pictures of the trail to note the terrain difference between Virginia and the other states. I also have noticed different trees. Today's hike was 18.6 miles, mostly uphill. I arrived at the shelter at 4:30. Tomorrow should be a good hike if the weather cooperates. Good night to all.
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

When I woke this morning, it was raining. The wind was blowing strong. It took a little extra sesolve to get out of my sack. I managed to get up, out and off I went at 6:30. I camped at Thomas Knob Shelter near the summit of Mt. Rogers. I encountered a strong wind and slick boulders the first three miles. It was all I could do to stay on my feet. I was able to take some great pictures of some wild horses. I reached Wise Shelter five miles away in 3 1/2 hours. It was terrible but I didn't fall. I took a hot lunch at Old Orchard Shelter. It was 1:00PM and I was not a happy hiker. At 2:30 I resumed my hike to old Orchard Shelter. The last leg of the hike was great. No rain, boulders, wind or mud. This leg was 5 miles and I covered it in 2 hours. Tonight I will stay in the shelter. It has started to rain heavy and I'm in no mood to set my tent in the rain. I had hoped to hike 21 miles today but after this morning I was glad to get the 16 miles that I covered. Just after I left the Old Orchard shelter for the last leg of the days hike Kim left to follow me. She spotted a bear less that a mile from the shelter we had lunch. She didn't think to take a picture. She was a little scared. She banged her hiking poles together and scared the bear away. I can't believe she didn't get a picture. The shelter I'm in is called Hurricane Shelter and it is nice. It was built in 2004 and the nicest shelter I've seen yet. I tried to build a fire but the wood is wet and I didn't have much luck. We didn't need a fire we were just bored. I have cell service and was able to talk to Linda. I sure hope the weather is better tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in the shelter last night. There were only three of us and it was raining. I woke at 4 AM and listened to the rain while I had coffee. At 6:30 I was ready to travel but it was raining heavy. I lingered at the shelter until 7AM and then braved the rain. I think it quit raining about two hours later. I took several pictures this morning. I had a hot lunch at 11:30 at Trimper Shelter. This is about nine miles from where I started. The plan was to reach Partnership shelter. This would give me a 20 mile hike for the day. This afternoon I saw a herd of deer but, I had packed the camera away to keep it dry. When I finally got the camera out the deer were already over the ridge. I arrived at the shelter at 3:30 and I ordered a pizza. This shelter is located at the visitor information center for Mt. Rogers National Park. The shelter also has a shower. I took a shower, shaved and had pizza. The only problem is that I was so hungry I ordered a large pizza and I'm sick. I'll have pizza in the morning, for lunch and maybe desert tomorrow night. Tomorrow I'll resupply at Atkins, VA then walk back to the trail and resume my hike. The Atkins Post Office is 3.5 miles from the trail so I'll walk 7 miles that don't count. Each day I see more signs of spring. The leaves on the tree, field flowers and other vegetation. it has not been as cold at night but it still gets down to 48-50 degrees. I'll send my photos and journal entries home tomorrow. Hope all is well at home.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Crawfish Valley campsite
Miles today: 18.0

This morning I did my first AT night hike. I was going to leave camp at 3:30AM, but as I woke up at 2AM it started raining heavy. I went back to sleep. At 4AM I awoke again and the rain had stopped. I left camp at 5AM. It got light by 6AM. I figured I would practice today for later necessity. It was strange and difficult. The trail was filled with large rocks and the air was filled with moisture (fog). I managed to travel 1 1/2 miles in one hour. Not so good but given the conditions I'm not disappointed. I covered the eleven miles to Atkins by 10:30. Then I had to hike 3 1/2 miles to the Post Office. After I got my supplies and mail from Linda I started walking back to the trail head. Two guys stopped and ask if I would like a ride. "Yes Sir", I said. They told me a large rain cell was approaching and they were right. Just as I got out of their car the bottom fell out. I stayed at the shell station and drank coffee and had some pizza from last night. After about two hours the rain stopped and off I went. It must have been around 2:30. I was only going to hike 3 miles and set camp. I hiked nearly seven miles and set camp at 5PM. Just as I set the tent it started to rain heavy again. I got inside and waited nearly an hour before the rain quit. I finished the pizza for supper and had some of the noodles left from the last resupply. I'm at a campsite adjacent to a stream. The guidebook calls this site Crawfish Valley Campsite. This morning just as light gave color to everything I was startled by the abrupt movement of a deer just a few feet away. The deer bolted just as I walked to within a foot of her. She moved down the ravine, I took a picture but the fog may have obscured her image in the photo. I took pictures of field flowers and trees sprouting in spring of rolling hills and historic sites. All things considered I had a grand day.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Crawfish Valley campsite

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: moderate rain

Started the day as usual. Left camp at 6:30 and hoped for a good days hike. The morning hike was nice walk in the woods. Had lunch at Knot Maul Branch Shelter. this was about nine miles and I arrived at the shelter at 10:30. I lingered there because it started to rain. I departed around 1:30 and had a rainy afternoon hike. There is no water at Chestnut Knob Shelter, so I stopped and filled all my water containers at a pond 1.8 miles from the shelter. I arrived at the shelter at 5:00 and set my tent. To my surprise the shelter was sitting on top of a mountain and it was solid rock under 2" of soil and sod. Therefore, I could not anchor my tent. No sooner than I pitched my tent the winds grew stronger and the rain became harder. I got into my tent and the winds kept getting stronger. This was not the night to have my tent poorly anchored. These were very strong winds. I would venture a guess on the order Tropical storm strength. It was my body and equipment that kept the tent stationary. I could not get out of the tent for fear that it would blow away, Around 11PM the storm passed and I was able to relax and get some sleep. At 3AM another storm approached, this time lightning and rain. Lightning popped all around me and I took every precaution because I knew I was a perfect target on the open hillside with my metal tent frame. The storm passed around 5:30. I relaxed and had coffee and oatmeal and made an effort to get underway. It was 7:30 before I started my hike. I was tired but the sun was shining.
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: USFS Road 282
Miles today: 20.0

I needed a good hike today. The sun was shining and the terrain was not difficult. Yesterdays hike was only 16 miles. The morning hike was 11 miles through a boulder path. I had two falls on the wet rocks. No damage was done, but I moved slower than usual. The afternoon hike was sunny and rainy. I put my rain suit on three times. When I reached the 20 mile mark I stopped for a break. I had hoped to travel 2 more miles. It started to rain and I said to heck with it. I pitched my tent next to the trail got inside, had supper and went to sleep.
Date: 2009-05-08
From: USFS Road 282

To: Kimberling Creek
Miles today: 20.0

This morning there is promise of blue skies. I left camp at 6:40 and to my surprise I hiked all day in sunshine. I broke my camera yesterday. Sure enough this morning I saw some of the most beautiful sights. Yellow birds, more butterflies than I have seen on the entire trip, a valley filled with fog that looked like a lake and some trail shots that would depict to travel conditions I confront in this region. I took a long lunch break and had a delightful afternoon hike. At 4:30PM I reached the 20 mile mark and decided to start looking for a place to set my tent. The skies were getting dark and if it startedto rain I wanted to be prepared. I wanted to hike until 7:00, set camp and hopefully have covered 25 miles. No such luck, within a mile I thought it best to get ready for rain. Good thing I did because a thunderstorm moved in. I was ready. Tomorrow I hope to reach Pearisburg, but it will be late when I get there if the weather cooperates. For now, its good night to all if my friends back home.
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Kimberling Creek

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 24.4
Weather: light rain

It rained much of last night and early this morning. I left camp as it started to rain again. Any hope of reaching Pearisburg today are gone. I'll do the best I can then enter town Sunday. Within an hour the rain stopped and the sun came out in its full glory. However it had rained so much last night the trail was under water and the creeks were all swollen. Not the best hiking conditions, I pressed on with wet feet. After a while it didn't bother me. It wasn't cold unless I stopped. Some of the streams were rising so fast and were so high the water was at my knees. After eight miles, i came to the first shelter-Wapiti Shelter. I did a foot check for blisters and had a snack. I pressed on. As I gained elevation water became less of a problem. I took a cold lunch at 12:00 and pressed on. At 2:54 I reached the second shelter- Doc's Knob Shelter. There was eight miles left to reach Pearisburg. I'm going to try to reach town. I picked up my pace and at 6:00PM I entered town. Tired, hungry and in need of a cup of coffee and a bath, I found a room at the Rendezvous motel. The lady who owns the motel let me borrow her car to go shop and get supper.
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Pearisburg, VA

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

Sunday I went and purchased a new camera and another backpack. I broke the back support on my new backpack and will need to ship it back to the manufacturer for repairs. I watched the weather report and it looks like rain Monday and for the rest of the week. I was able to talk to Mom, Jeff and Linda on Sunday. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there.