morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Stealth Camping North of USFS 148A

To: .3 South of Top of Bluff Mountain 
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Great views from Max Patch and some incredible trail magic by a group of 2014 thru hikers. They had all the magic: fruit,breakfast casserole,drinks,chicken,veggies etc. UNBELIEVABLE!! Rainbow,Thigh Gap and Young Guns all showed up. Finally left our gracious host and set up our tents in the rain .3 miles from the top of Bluff Mountain in No Name Gap. Right Click and myself are starting to do 10 plus miles per day.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: .3 South of Top of Bluff Mountain 

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Started 0805 arrived in Hot Springs NC at 1500hrs. Ate lunch at the Smokey Mountain Diner then got picked up Ritchie and Amanda Tannerhill who is putting us up in their house. Ritchie and Right Click know each other professionally. After laundry and showers we went to Crabtree Baptist Church where Ritchie is a youth minister. It's pretty cool we were on the youth groups prayer board. All prayers and support is greatly appreciated.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

My current weight is 226.8, started 244.5. Not a bad weight loss program. Great zero day and resupply. Attended two functions with Ritchie and Right Click who try to put a face on recovery and help supply recovery support services, pretty cool stuff. It's amazing the people I've met and just how everything works out, I'm truly blessed.
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Hot Springs NC

To: .7 miles N of Tanyard Gap
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: scattered clouds

HAPPY Anniversary My Love!!!!! Got out of Hot Springs at 1315 arrived at tent site 1715hrs just .7 miles north US25 & 75 overpass, Tanyard Gap. Ran into lots of hikers I know and didn't want to get to far ahead of them or take another zero. Right Click and myself put in a few hours and tented.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: .7 miles N of Tanyard Gap

To: Spring Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: light rain

Forgot in yesterday's post to put my pack weight with 5 days of food and 48oz of water was 31.48lbs. Very short day, Nero,waiting on Stix and Rock Steady who caught us at Spring Mountain Shelter. Sun, rain, windy, hot then cool all in 30 minutes today.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Spring Mountain Shelter 

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Started 0830 arrived 1915hrs at Jerry Cabin Shelter. What a great day. First 15+ mile day. Incredible views along White Rock Cliffs. Hiked with Right Click, Rock Steady and Stix. Ran into Free at Last, a 75 year old woman hiking shelter to shelter. She must leave zero dark thirty. Also saw Gravity and her 16 year old daughter, Rabbit. Bounced back and forth from TN and NC. Stopped by Moms Place for a hotdog and soda. Passed the 300 mile marker and I'm ready for sleep at 2100hrs.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter 

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2

Started 0830ish arrived 1910hrs at Hogback Ridge Shelter. Back to back 15+ mile days. Today's hike was a little tougher, more up hills. Stix didn't make it into camp because of a nose bleed. Young Gun delivered the message.
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter 

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Sticx showed up in the middle of the night. Started 0830 arrived 1815hrs at Whistling Gap. Day started rainy then cleared up as we hiked. The winds started picking up and I prayed the storms would miss us. No Stix at 2000hrs. Walked across a beautiful bald, Big Bald at 5516'
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Whistling Gap

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Started 0815 arrived Johnny's Hostel, Erwin,TN at 1630hrs. It appears Stix got a ride into Erwin because she was already at the motel. We're spending the night at Motel 8. Once again storms and rain at night but clearing as we hiked. Not a bad four days of hiking, 57.6 miles, great views and alot of known hikers.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Erwin TN

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Resupplied and did laundry. Erwin isn't the most hiker friendly town. The town is spread out over three exits and closes early. Saw Animal at Johnny's Hostel and unfortunately he's headed off the trail and back to Texas because of his knee. My pack weight with six days of food and one liter of water was 35.19lbs. Headed out of Erwin at 1520 arrived at Curley Maple Gap Shelter at 1730hrs. It's amazing how much you feel the extra weight after resupply. Giggles and Shits (2 people) just showed up at the shelter, been almost a week since I've seen them. Their really funny characters. Tink and Wolf Pine also showed up. Their all telling Spider story's who was a mess last night at Motel 8. There is also the double track train story that kept us from eating for over 45 minutes.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter 

To: Cherry Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Started 0830 arrived 1630hrs at Cherry Gap Shelter. Hiked by myself today, Right Click, Rock Steady and Stix never caught me. BT was doing trail magic at Indian Gap, coffee,sweet tea, brownies, banana bread and fruit. Beauty Spot was a nice grass bald and Unaka Mountain was a fir tree canopy forest (5180') both were awesome and beautiful.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Hughes Gap Rd.

To: Overmountain Shelter 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

Started 0815 arrived 1900hrs at Overmountain Shelter. Started the morning with a 2200' four mile climb. Roan Mountain is the last time above 6000' until Mt.Washington in NH. Roan Mt. Shelter is highest shelter on the AT at 6275'. We had lunch there and it snowed then hailed. We later passed over two balds then stopped at Stan Murray Shelter and ate dinner while we waited for the rain to stop before heading off to Overmountain Shelter. Overmountain Shelter is a converted barn. Meet Paradox for the first time, so there was five of us hiking together.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Overmountain Shelter 

To: Roan Mountain B & B - US19E
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 10:00 arrived US19E at 1530hrs. Winter is back!! Cold, icy and windy and we got to hike across several balds. Everyone fell at least once except for Rock Steady. Between Stix's ankle and the weather we opted to go to Roan Mountain B & B. What a great choice and decision. Shower, laundry and BBQ and we stayed with a couple from NJ along with fellow hiker General Burnside. Second state down, good bye NC. The two worst days weather wise has been the two days we crossed the NC state line, Bly Gap and today.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Roan Mountain B & B - US19E

To: USFS 239
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

Started 0930 arrived USFS 239 at 1900 hrs. What a difference 24 hours makes in weather and trail terrain. Great hiking day, spent three hours for lunch at the 400 mile marker along the Elk River. Forgot we also had a big breakfast before hitting the trail. Right Click, Stix and myself stayed just off USFS 239, Rock Steady and Paradox hiked on a short distance.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: USFS 239

To: Black Bear Resort Dennis Cove Rd USFS 50
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Started 0830 arrived 1400 hrs. at Black Bear Resort on Dennis cove Road, USFS 50. Stix and myself hiked together all day. Saw Chip Monk on the trail and at the hostel. Square Peg was also taking a zero day at the hostel. When the hostel shuttle took us to McDonald's we saw all sorts of hikers. In the town of Hampton, TN your chooses are McDonald's or Subway. Today was another great weather and terrain day. The five of us rented a cabin instead of staying in the bunk house which saved us six dollars each.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Black Bear Resort Dennis Cove Rd USFS 50

To: Just North of Wilbur Dam Road
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Started 0845 arrived 1800 hrs. at a camp site just north of Wilbur Dam Road. There was a four mile section of trail closed because of bear activity and Wilbur Dam Road was the north side of this restricted area. These bears must be pretty smart to know not to cross the road? Right Click set off early to try to make it to Damascus to meet his daughter who's going to hike with him / us for a few weeks. Rock Steady, Stix, Paradox, Chip Monk and myself hiked together all day except for when Chip Monk blue blazed on the high water trail and skipped the down hill to the falls. Nice water falls and lake hiking today.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Just North of Wilbur Dam Road

To: .5 Miles before TN 91 
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0800 arrived 1930 hrs. at camp site .5 miles before TN 91. Chip Monk stayed back at last shelter. Four of us hiked 4.1 more miles to stealth camp just before RT. 91. The terrain was nice , weather was hot until a late afternoon shower cooled things down. First 50 days I'm averaging 8.942 miles per day including zero days. This should rise as I hike more 12 and 15+ mile days.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: .5 Miles before TN 91 

To: Unnamed Gap - 2.5 miles South of VA state line
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Started 0845 arrived 2000 hrs. at Unnamed Gap which is 2.5 south of the VA state line. Right Click and his daughter caught us, but they camped at the shelter 3 miles back. The weather was a little cooler today and the terrain was great again. I understand hikers calling the trail thru TN the "TN highway" Giggles and Shits both went to the hospital. Shits due to vomiting and diarrhea and Giggles was dehydrated.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Unnamed Gap - 2.5 miles South of VA state line

To: Damascus, VA - HOME
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: broken clouds

Started 0753 arrived 1001 hrs in Damascus, VA. Short day, earliest start and perfect down hill terrain with three or four little bumps. I averaged 3.5 miles per hour from the TN/VA state line to the welcome to Damascus sign. I'm renting a car to surprise mom for Mother's Day and to see the family. I'll be returning to Damascus for Trail Days the 15-17 of May. Then I'll start trying to catch up with the band / group. Good bye TN and thanks for the nice terrain and trail. Third state down and now entering VA. VA has 25% of the AT in it with 550.3 miles of trail.Before heading home I took Stix to the AT&T store to replace her phone, caught up with hikers at the Woodchuck Hostel and had dinner with many. Hugs, fist bumps and best wishes proceeded the good byes.Happy trails and hope to see them soon.
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Damascus, VA - HOME

To: Damascus, VA - HOME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Purchased a pair of Brooks Cascadia 9's to start hiking in. They weight 1 lb. 8 oz. vs. the Vasque boots at 3 lbs. 1 oz. per pair. I'm also leaving my stove at home and going cold meals only or purchased hot meals in towns. That takes 10.4 oz plus the fuel canister out of my pack. If I was further north I would serious consider dumping my sleeping bag and tent and take just my tent fly and sleeping bag liner but that while be decided later in 150-200 miles. This puts my base pack weight at about 21 lbs. My pack weight with 5.5 days food and 2 liters of water was 36-37 lbs.21 lbs base weight12 lbs food 4.4 lbs water----37.4 totalI'll reweigh at the outfitters in Damascus.
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Damascus, VA - HOME

To: Damascus, VA - HOME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I'll be leaving home and heading back to the trail early tomorrow morning. It appears I'm about 75 miles behind the group. I'm going to skip Trail Days and set off in pursuit of Katahdin and the group. I hope to catch the group before Harpers Ferry / the end of June. Called my mom and dad to say I'd be heading off and my mom repeated how surprised and happy she was to have seen me. Love you both.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Damascus, VA - HOME

To: Whitetop Laurel Creek
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left home in MD. at 0130 arrived in Marion, VA about 0800. Meet Right Click, Rock Steady, Paradox and Sami now called Tough Love at the Econo Lodge and took them to WalMart and the Post Office. Then I returned the rental and got a ride into Damascus. I started hiking at 1130, stopped at Subway and restarted 1200. Found out this morning Stix is off the trail due to two stress fractures in her foot. She might be back in 2-3 weeks?? The new trail running shoes are alot lighter and appear to be taken some stress off my knees. Not the ideal break in, also very little support compared to the Vasquez boots. Arrived at tenting area next to Whitetop Laurel Creek at 1915 hrs. To tired to get to the shelter even though it was only 1.6 more miles.
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Whitetop Laurel Creek

To: Thomas Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0830 arrived 1900 hrs. at Thomas Knob Shelter. Hiked basically by myself all day. It's alot harder to not miss my wife and dog after being home for six days. Meet another thru hiker from Baltimore, MD, Josh - Oriole who started on the 7th of April. Saw some feral ponies and deer today. Hoping the sky clears up for tomorrow morning so I can enjoy some of the vistas along the Highlands section of trial. This is supposedly some BEST on the trail.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Thomas Knob Shelter 

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4

Early start today, 0715 arrived Hurricane Mountain Shelter at 1715 hrs. Was thinking about pushing on, but the rain solved that decision. Ran into Atlas and Little Bear again today,but hiked mostly solo again. Passed the 500 mile marker this morning at 0845. Also finished hiking thru the highlands which was awesome. More ponies and colts as well.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter 

To: Partnership Shelter 
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Was by myself at shelter last night after Atlas and Little Bear went down by the creek to tent until 2200 hrs when another hiker showed up. Started out at 0730 arrived 1845 hrs. at Partnership Shelter. Can tell Trail Days is over, ran into the Twins, Young Gun and Evergreen and her group and dog. Saw a group of girls hiking without shoes and leaves to cover their breast. Very interesting, where is fall when you need it?This shelter has a sink, shower and a cinder block restroom. Awesome shelter.This is my longest day at 18.8 miles, I hope this becomes a trend.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Partnership Shelter 

To: US 11, I-81 & VA 683 - Groseclose, VA
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Forgot to say thanks to Nomad and his friend for the chips and wild hog they grilled - good stuff. It made Partnership Shelter that much better. Started 0730 arrived at the Relax Inn - US 11, I 81 and VA 683 - Groseclose VA at 1445 hrs. Hiked with Evergreen and her dog, Witch, Bumble Bee and ?? some today. Nice weather, hike and trail today. Received trail magic at the Settlers Museum and Lindamood Schoolhouse from a Baptist Church group. Trail magic is always appreciated and makes your day better and restores my hope in humanity.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: US 11, I-81 & VA 683 - Groseclose, VA

To: Lynn Camp Creek 
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Left hotel before 0800 and went to the Barn Restaurant for breakfast. Started hiking 0845 arrived 1945hrs at Lynn Camp Creek, 1.1 miles N of Knot Maul Branch Shelter. Passed the quarter of the way to Katahdin marker. Celebrated with Evergreen, Carmen (dog), Witch, Bumble Bee, Weazly, Young Gun, Rainbow, Johnny Adventure and Pathfinder. Later on I received trail magic of sodas and PB&J sandwich at mile marker 554.0 with Young Gun, Rainbow and Corky. The others went swimming. Corky is on her second thru hike wearing Croc's with inserts. She's hiking home also to Front Royal, VA. I fell today, winding up on my knees. Felt it would be a good time to say thanks for everything, so I said a little prayer.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Lynn Camp Creek 

To: 1.6 Miles South of VA623
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0800 arrived at tenting area 1815hrs, about 1.6 miles south of VA 623 between Chestnut Knot Shelter and Jenkins Shelter. I'm by myself tenting, it appears I'm getting shin splints in my right leg. I hope not but I'm going to take some vitamin "I" and take it easy. Hiked with Young Gun and Rainbow who went on to Jenkins Shelter. Nice weather and trail, it's a shame my leg was hurting. It was ideal for bigger miles.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: 1.6 Miles South of VA623

To: 1.6 Miles South of VA623
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's 1130 and I haven't gotten out of my tent yet, still raining and just tired. Right Click and the band are in Pearisburg. Not sure if I'll get there to see Ronnie and Lisa this weekend or not, laying here isn't getting me any closer. It appears I'm zeroing in the woods. I hope I'm more mentally into it tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-22
From: 1.6 Miles South of VA623

To: Helveys Mill Shelter 
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: few clouds

Started 0715 arrived 1830hrs at Helveys Mill Shelter. Doesn't appear I'll get a chance to hook up with Ronnie and Lisa but thanks for the invite. It's greatly appreciated. I hiked my longest day, not bad for being in a mentally down state. I was ready to leave the trail, then things got better. Received some trail magic at US52, soda's and water. Two hikers said I was hiking home and that made me feel better also.
Date: 2015-05-23
From: Helveys Mill Shelter 

To: Wapiti Shelter 
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: clear sky

Started 0730 arrived 1930hrs at Wapiti Shelter. Another record day at 24.2 miles, also passed the 600 mile marker. Saw the same guy who was at Fontana Dam doing a documentary and trail magic. I think his name is No Pants. There is only four of us at the shelter. Right Click always said "the first 600 miles is only training", I guess training is over and it's time to HIKE.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Wapiti Shelter 

To: 2.9 Miles South of Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Started 0830 arrived 1800hrs 5.9 miles N of Doc's Knob Shelter, just before Angels Rest Lookout and 2.9 S of Pearisburg. Even though it should have been a relativity easy day compared to the last two it was a struggle. Because I was tired as were my legs. Camped early so I could get into town early. The Canadians, Frank, Jester, Harry Potter and others all camped down by the spring.
Date: 2015-05-25
From: 2.9 Miles South of Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 2.9

Got up early to watch the sunrise at the overlook. Then returned to camp to back up and do the short hike into Pearisburg. I met Resolute, who I haven't seen since the Smokey's, getting ready to get back on the trail. Got to hotel about 0830 and started my town chores of showering, laundry, eating and resupply. Finished tasks by 1100hrs and I'm going to take it easy and rest in Pearisburg, VA.
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Left hotel at 0730 and hiked back the .9 miles to the trailhead. Started 0800 arrived 1730hrs at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. Had a midday thunderstorm which I hiked thru. Then it cleared up and gave me a chance to dry out a little. I'm pushing on even though I'm not all mentally into it.
Date: 2015-05-27
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter 

To: Laurel Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0630 arrived 1730hrs at Laurel Creek Shelter. Two big hill climbs today followed by lots of loose rocks on both up and down hills. Hiked with Yoda who is from Savannah, GA and a retired Army Ranger. Going to take it a little easier tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Laurel Creek Shelter 

To: Niday Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Started 0800 arrived Niday Shelter 1600hrs. Steep hills and lots of rock hopping along the ridge line. Yoda and I decided to stay at this shelter everyone else moved on, I'm sure we will get more people as the evening progress. Wolf Pine and Tink showed up at 1715hrs. Atlas and Little Bear also showed up. Overdue showed up and at 2000hrs she passed out and became incoherent. We decided to set off her Spot Tracking device to alert Emergency Response. I ran down the hill (my first night hike) and found two sheriffs, a search and rescue person and the fire chief. I gave them the information we had gathered and a detail of Overdues day along with her location. After we had six people we started back up the mountain carrying a stokes basket. Overdue most likely was very dehydrated. Because she lost consciousness twice the medical personnel said she had to be removed from the mountain. I pray all is well with her. At 2300hrs all the emergency personnel and Overdue had left and we tried to get some sleep. I was impressed that the Spot worked so well, only three hours to remove someone from the top of a mountain.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Niday Shelter 

To: 4 Pines Hostel 
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Started 0605 arrived 1630hrs at 4 Pines Hostel on VA624, Newport Road. Passed the 700 mile marker today and climbed Dragons Tooth. Dragons Tooth was rock climbing not hiking. Hiked together with Yoda all day, still getting beaten on the up hills. There is alot of hikers st the hostel: Chip Monk, Wallet, Crispy, Chief Two Sticks, Rope Burn and others. Pretty cool hostel and great host and people. Had dinner at the Homestead Restaurant in Catawba,VA , HIGHLY Recommended.
Date: 2015-05-30
From: 4 Pines Hostel 

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

Left the hostel 0900 and walked down to the trailhead. Yoda ran down to a store while I watched the packs. We started hiking down the trail at 0930 arrived at Lamberts Meadow Campsite at 2030hrs. Had to hike farther than we wanted to be able to camp with a water source. Saw a small fawn and my first Eastern Diamondback Rattle snake today. Hiked past McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs as well. Nice hiking day but it's starting to warm up.
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Daleville,VA - US220, VA816

To: Daleville,VA - US220, VA816
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to take a zero. I know my body is happy with the decision. I forgot to mention my latest foot issue. When we stayed at the 4 Pines Hostel I went to setup my tent and I was pushing a tent peg into the ground wearing flip flops. The tent peg came thru my flip flop and cut between my toes on my right foot. Not my swiftest move.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Daleville,VA - US220, VA816

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 18.5

Started 0800 which is early to get out of town, arrived 1730hrs at Bobblets Gap Shelter. Didn't beat the rain so I got a free shower. We also hiked farther then planned because we were at our targeted shelter at 1400hrs.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter 

To: Petites Gap BRP mp71.0
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Started 0730 and ran into an issue early on. Yoda speared himself on a pine tree that had fallen across the trail. It appears he did some internal damage because blood started coming out of his penis. Called 911 at 0812, emergency personnel arrived 0945. They did their assessment and at 1010hrs they started down the hill and I started up the hill. Hope to see Yoda soon, I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Afterwards I ran into Young Gun and Rainbow and I received an invite to stay at Rainbow's parents house. Great trail magic.Heard from Yoda and it appears he tore his urethra and will receive surgery. It will take him 1-3 weeks to recover. So as you can see day three of rain had its ups and downs.Oh forgot about Couchy sweeping the shelter in her bra. I didn't even ask.Second medical emergency in eight days. Hope that's not a trend.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Petites Gap BRP mp71.0

To: Johns Hollow Shelter 
Miles today: 11.6

Got a chance to weigh myself, currently 203.6, I've lost 40.9lbs. I'm pack weight negative. Got a ride up to Kroger's and did a resupply so I can skip Glasgow, VA. Started hiking about 1000hrs arrived 1730hrs at Johns Hollow Shelter. Hiked mostly with Father Goose who is section hiking Damascus to Harpers Ferry and is from China, Maine. Saw an odd object in the sky called the sun, nice and warm and dry.