morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-08
From: Erwin TN

To: Unaka Mountain 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Thoroughly Enjoyed the Holiday Inn, but I did not sleep that well. 6:30 wake up call and I fell back asleep until 7:45am. I ate two large plates of eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy and more. Miss Janet came by again & I went to the Food Lion for a few choice items that I could not pick up at the other place yesterday. She had a few light bulbs out in the back and her one turn signal was not working properly. I replaced the bulb and diagnosed her turn signal switch bad. Back at the hotel, I got packed up and was out walking towards the trail by noon. I walked the mile+ back to the AT and stopped by Uncle Johnnys Hostel to see who was there. Whiffle Chicken had just arrived and he also said that Snackasaurus Rex and Sasafrass were there as well.I headed out and it rained on and off as I hiked. At the Beauty Spot there was a sign posted recommending hikers NOT to camp there. It stated that it was due to locals driving vehicles up and in the tenting area. When I walked, I saw tire tracks all around the tenting area and fire pit on the top. I could only imagine the rude awakening that some hikers must have had.I passed the peak of Unaka Mt and it was turning dusk. At the top was a dense spruce forrest. Maybe a half a mile past this I found another soft spruce area perfect for camping. As I set up camp it was drizzling very little, but more damp due to being above 5000 feet and in the cloud cover. It is suppose to get down to around 40F tonight.At and after Erwin, a lot of hikers have been getting sick with diarehha & vommiting. I was told by another hiker that one of the schools in Erwin was even closed temperarily due to this. So far, so good for me.
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Unaka Mountain 

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.1

I slept good on the soft forest ground and decided to roll over and sleep late. I didn't get on the trail to just before 9am and skipped breakfast (mostly) because it had started to sprinkle a little. I ate at cherry gap shelter down the trail. Another wet day. Held up at the shelter after eating for a couple of hours to see if the rain would break. It slowed up at one point and I took the opportunity to push onward. I was not planning on stopping at Greasy Creek Freindly, but I do not relish hiking in the rain. Even less when it is cooler out. I made this a shorter day and headed down the side trail 0.6 to the hostel. Connie does a nice job of running this hostel that she lives at. A little particular (ocd), but it is her place so she can run it as she sees fit. I showered and placed my laundry by the washer in cue. We ordered out and a double burger and FF and onion rings found their way into my grateful tummy.There are many hikers here and some that I did not run into before. These included Houdini (Sawyer), a gentleman from Ireland, Central Booking, Free, King, Yellow Submarine (last day on trail), Riff Raff, Lizzie (2011 thru hiker), Jiffy Pop, Brooke, Running Water, Hercules & Zena.Thanks again Connie for your hospitality.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Rain stopped last night. The well known neighbor to the hostel proceeded with his usual wake up call at 5:00 am and started and reved up his atv for a while. Then at 6:00 am he started his lawn mower for about an hour (less muffler). No gun shots this morning. He has been doing this for years, everyone has hobbies.The hike was cold and crisp going up Little Rock Knob. I could see my breath. A long challenging hike going up Roan Mt to the peak at above 6200ft. REALLY COLD up at Roan Knob Shelter where I took my lunch. Definately some ice cold water from the spring down from the shelter. This was too cold for my liking and I hiked to Overmountain shelter. This is a converted barn and is unique. In the guide book it says it fits 20 people, but this could easily be doubled if needed. Gorgeous views from the shelter! It is like a painting. Great day to be out here thru hiking. Previously today above Carvers Gap, Round Bald was awesome as well.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Roan Mt TN US19E
Miles today: 9.2

Well here I am officially 'One' Month on the trail. Awesome views from the barn/shelter of the moon last night to boot. Some mice activity, but I did not notice it much due to the snoring, farting and restlessness of my neighbor. I know if I do not want to deal with this, I can pitch the tent. One hiker (poor girl) was wretching most of the night and obviously has 'the sickness' that has been affecting so many of us.Long and beautiful uphill (1.5mi) to Little Hump Mountain w/ excellent clearing and/or balds. Even steeper up hill to Hump Mountain with almost all of it exposed. I renamed this the never ending mountain due to multiple false summits. You think that you are there and then oops! You have another stretch to go up, then oops...you get the idea. On the bright side, besides the wind, the weather was excellent. Sunshine and puffy white clouds were in ample supply. The temps have warmed up today somewhat.At the top of Never ending Mountain, I ran into two section hikers that had stayed at the Overmountain Shelter last night. T-time and Dreadlocks. In talking with them, it was told that they had a car and were hiking down to it in a very motivated fashion. This was due to T-time having a job interview this very afternoon. They offered me a ride into town and I accepted on the provision that I could keep up with them. They were definately setting the pace and I was hiked much faster down hill than I usually do. Partway down, someone had left some 'beer magic' at a campsite and I partook of the gift of Busch. As we reached the Gap where they were parked, we were met by two women with clipboards and surveys. They were from the TN Department of health and were investigating the 'sickness' that was going around. This must be bigger than I origionally thought. After providing them with the information I could, they stated that it was not yet determined if it was bacterial (like from a water/food source) or viral and was being transmitted between people.T-time and Dreadlocks dropped me in town (THANKS AGAIN!) and I headed for Bobs Dairland for the biggest burger I have ever eaten. It was the 'Holy Cow' burger and included 3 freshly ground patties, cheese, chilli, onion rings, ham, bacon, slaw and other good for you toppings. Just for good measure I got a side of fries with it. Wow, It never stood a chance. I resupplied and hitched to the Mountain Harbour Hostel.The hosel was very rustic and beautiful. Horses and goats dotted the landscape and a stream ran down the middle of it. I set up my tent next to the stream and was happy with my choice to stay here, even after not even a ten mile day. I would never remember doing 16+ miles today, but would remember this hostel.At 5pm a shuttle went back into town and I split a pizza with Plodder at a delicious Wood Fired Pizza Place. I followed this with a milkshake from the Dairyland and chatted with the dozen or so hikers that were in town. When I got back, I called home and talked with my family and daughter. All is well. It is all good.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Roan Mt TN US19E

To: Dennis Cove Rd 
Miles today: 24.4

Long hike towday. I put in one ear bud to my MP3 player and listened to a good portion of Ghandi's autobiography on audiobook. It started clouding up and looking like rain so I pushed to Kincora Hostel (24+ miles). This was my longest day yet and my right quad was letting me know this a few miles out from my destination. When I got there, Baltimore Jack was helping out the owner Bob Peoples and handed me a bowl of vegetables, potatoes and chicken. THANKS SO MUCH JACK!I also recognized a thru hiker - the Sicilian Gypsy who I had met at the PA Ruck and she had also taken one of Warren Doyle's ATI Classes. She was joined by her husband and son and they were headed for Trail Days. Others that were at the hostel were Blue Sky (not Blue Skies from my hometown), South Paw, Lizzie, Puddle Jumper, Slayer & Professor. Bob provides this establishment and services at a loss to thru hikers and only requests a $5 donation. He has been doing this for many years and Kincora is very well known to the hiking community.I found out some more information about the beaty spot incident. Five hikers were tenting up there when a local man, strung out on drugs, came roaring up in his pick up truck and held the hikers at gun point. He had made them get out of thier tents and lay down on the ground. When he was distracted, the hikers jumped him and hog tied him and called the police. Disturbing, especially since this was a day or two before I came through.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Dennis Cove Rd 

To: US321 Hampton TN
Miles today: 8.7

Rainy Day.I was not feeling very motivated. I Hiked only 8 miles or so up and over the mountain and hitched a ride back to town to resupply and go to McDonalds. I was not feeling my best and seem to be fighting off something (I hope it is not the sickness). I decided to call Black Bear Resort and have them shuttle me to thier location. Nice hostel, hot clean showers, laundry, friendly and well stocked with short term resupply (and beer to boot!). The health department has an informational sheet posted here identifying the sickness as norovirus. Many people are filing in. Rain has been steady throughout the day. It is supposed to rain tomorrow as well. Planning on getting out in the late morning back to the trail. Three days to Damascus and Trail Days. Trail Days is the biggest hiking get together in the USA and should be an experience.
Date: 2012-05-14
From: US321 Hampton TN

To: TN91 Shady Valley TN
Miles today: 20.4

Later Start out of Black Bear Hostel. Had to wait a while for the shuttle out. I got back on the trail just after 10am. Wild Bill was dropped here as well. The forcast called for more rain. Met up with Sicilian Gypsy and her son Gabe before having lunch at Vandeventer Shelter. This was the shelter where a woman was murdered back in 1975, supposedly for her backpack. I was planning on stopping at the next shelter (Iron Mountain) but called up Warren Doyle to see if he was doing any shuttling from TN91. I was suprised to get him on the phone directly and was delighted that he was able to pick me up. Between Iron Mt Shelter and TN91 I came into some severe thunderstorms. I had a prearranged time to meet Warren and found myself quickly jogging through the electrical store to the road. I was early for the meeting and took refuge under an awning from the trail head sign and continued to watch the lightening. After a ride to the Folk School, I realized how far the drive was for him. Thanks again Warren! You have gone above and beyond.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: TN91 Shady Valley TN

To: Damascus, Va
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Great to stay at Warren's Folk School again and he has made multiple additions to it since I took the ATI class here a year ago. Another couple buildings including a beautiful bath house. He was conducting another ATI class this week and I got to meet Tim from NY, Tom from Kansas and two sisters (Susan & Pat) from N Carolina. They were a great bunch of folks and it was interesting talking with them and seeing them participating in the class that I did last May. Warren shuttled me out in the morning to the trail head and arranged to pick me up in Damascus around dinner time. I hiked the less difficult 22 miles into Damascus and joined the ATI Class for dinner. Awesome hiking and being able to take advantage of a bunk and shower at the end of the day!
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Whitetop Mountain

To: Fox Creek VA603
Miles today: 19.4

Gorgeous weather and Hike today. Broke camp and on the trail by 7:30 am. Headed down Whitetop Mountain then back up to Mt Rogers (the highest peak in VA). On the way up to Mt Rogers there was a blue blaze trail over a little fence and wild ponies were roaming on the hillside. Many eagerly approached me & licked/nipped at me and my sweaty clothes. I'm sure they were looking for handouts. After Mt Rogers and into the Grayson Highlands there were two more groups of wild ponies. This along with the unparalleled scenery made for a most memorable day. I also received a wonderful bit of trail magic from Pinata who thru hiked in 2006. A delicious bag of sweet snap peas, carrots and celery along with ranch dip. You rock Pinata!I once again called Warren Doyle and he once again went out of his way to bring me back to Damascus for Trail Days. He extended an invitation to stay at his place for the weekend as well so I would have a roof over my head, facilities and not have to stay down in tent city during Trail Days. I did not expect such continued hospitality and am very grateful for it. Thanks so much!
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Damascus, Va

To: Damascus, VA - Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero Day for Trail Days. It was great to walk around and see the multitudes of hikers that were gathered. Many were hiker acquaintances that were ahead or behind me on the trail. Everyone wondered where everyone else was and shared in good food, drink and fellowship. Vendor tents/stands were set up in the park and tent city was a good distance down the road and some gear repair tents were set up there as well. I participated in some scheduled events/programs and even tried (semi-succefully) to engage in the beginners lesson of 'Contra Dancing'. Tomorrow I plan on taking in a few more programs including Jennifer Pharr Davis' program on her experiences on the AT.
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Damascus, VA - Trail Days

To: Damascus, VA - Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good times at Trail Days, plus I got to spend some time with the current ATI participants Tom/Tim, both great people. The hiker parade was interesting with the water fights (water guns, hoses, buckets & balloons). Some were thrown most viciously. I felt sorry for some of the dogs and small children that were involved. Although I enjoyed all the socialising and experiences, I am getting a little antsy and am looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow.As far as this trail journal, it is very time consuming and I have decided to only update it when it is more convenient. This may be when I am in towns (probably just summaries or sections), or it may be after I finish the trail. I plan on keeping up with my written journal and transposing it later. I have tried hard to keep up with it, but feel that it is detracting somewhat from my time out here and feel the time may be better spent taking in other experiences.I have just mailed home the data card from my camera and hope to have many pictures posted up shortly. Hopefully a picture is worth a thousand words and that may have to suffice until my next update.Thank You all for your continued support and I will see you up the trail!
Date: 2012-05-26
From: VA606 (Trents Grocery)

To: Sugar Run Gap (Woods Hole Hostel)
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Resting here at Woods Hole Hostel. Very Rustic Hostel with all the necessary facilities (shower, laundry, bunkhouse, etc). Satellite internet connection for the computer so I thought I would post a short update (it has been close to a week). After leaving Trail Days, I needed to plan around a mail drop (gear swap) in Pearisburg. I either needed to hike extra fast, or take it a little slower due to the Post office being closed on Sunday. I decided to slow down and enjoy a little more. This slowing down has improved my outlook on the hike. Talking with family and friends also helps keep the attitude positive.I have been hiking the past few days with the Troverts and 65. We seem to be stopping at the same places. Good people and although I hike alone, it is nice to have conversation with them. The Troverts have a trail journals and keep it updated (unlike someONE). 65 (who is actually 73) is in the middle of hiking from Key West to Canada. Little Wolf was also hiking with us, but decided to get off the trail in Bland. Sorry to see him go.I have enjoyed the changing scenery with forest to cow pastures. I have also enjoyed the towns (Atkins, Bland & Pearisburg tomorrow). Trents Grocery was a nice surprise with a shower/laundry house and tenting for $6. Woods Hole is touted as a 'little slice of heaven' and has so far lived up to those high expectations.The hike continues to be difficult. Physically, the 'King of Pain' over the past week has been my knees. A close second is the arches of my feet. Mentally, I have ups and downs each day. I find myself down especially when I am tired, have a long day (with no time for much else) and/or there is crappy weather. Other than dealing with those times, the hike is awesome. It is amazing that ONE can plan this and just go out and make it happen. What ever your 'hike' may be, don't put it off. Start planning and working for it, otherwise it will pass you by.Thanks for all the continued support from everyone. I couldn't do this without YOU!
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Sugar Run Gap (Woods Hole Hostel)

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Short day into town, just the way I like it. This gives me more time to enjoy and explore. Thanks to Babbling Brook and McDuff for the ride into town. Holiday Lodge Motel had a pool that was just opened yesterday. The Chineese Buffet probably lost money on me. I roomed with 65 and Badger. Forgetting about the Memorial Day Holiday, I will need to take a zero tomorow since the Post office is closed. I will swap out my gear with the mail drop on Tuesday morning.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Pearisburg VA

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

Happy Memorial Day! Zero day here at the Hotel. R&R with other hikers around pool. Split the room with Badger, Semple See & Hot Wheels to keep costs down. Caught up with phone calls and enjoyed the restful day! A/C and movies with takeout. Awesome break from the trail...
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: few clouds

Hot and VERY Humid. Late start after swapping out gear for warmer weather items. Sent home the heavier cold weather gear. Heading out, I stopped for lunch at DQ & saw King, Trooper & Jiffy Pop who had just arrived.It didn't take long to be drenched by sweat going up the hill out of town. EZ Nomad and High Gear had passed me on the way up. I haven't seen High Gear for hundreds of miles. I didn't recognize him initially with the beard and some pounds missing. Heavy storms were in the forcast and they started right after I reached the first shelter. It was early, but with the lightening combined with open ridge walking, I decided it was in my best interest to call it a short day. I will make up for it tomorrow. Hikers in shelter included: EZ Nomad, High Gear, Animal, Gravy, Dimples, Veggie Tails, Jr Mint, Thin Timber & Semple See. A few beers (not bears) found thier way to the shelter as well as a small amount of JD. Some close lightening strikes added to the early evening entertainment.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Very Foggy/Cloudy in morning. I was first one out a little before 8am. Late starting crowd today. Longest day yet, I pushed 25 miles. Getting to the shelter, there were two others there. A section hiker from Miami (sorry, forgot name) and Knocksville (who I had seen in the shelter journals). We all opted to Tent and the shelter sat empty for the evening except for food bags hanging from the mice strings.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Hard day w/ 2 challenging uphills & rocky ridge walks. I met Flops and EMT when I arrived at shelter. It was only 4pm but I was beat. EMT pressed on and Knocksville arrived to take his place. The others stayed in the shelter, as it started to rain, but I opted for my tent again. My single walled tent is not the best in the rain (compared to heavier Big Agnes or MSR semi free standing models), but I have learned to set it up lower (if chance of rain) to help avoid splash back from the rain hitting the ground. The plan is to get an early enough start and head to Four Pines Hostel and get shuttled in for dinner at the Homeplace. They are known for a excellent Homestyle served dinner in Catawba.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Niday Shelter

To: VA 624 Newport Rd
Miles today: 16.8

Crossed paths with Knocksville most the day. Challenging climb along ridge (lots of rocks) to the Dragons Tooth. Every small summit/peak, I thought was the last, but they kept coming. Very humid again. Rain/Storms were emminent. The Dragons tooth was a large rock monolith and looked pretty cool. It was even cooler to climb up it. The view of rain storms one ridge over made me hustle down and pick up my pace a little. It was a difficult section to make any kind of time though. The climb down from the ridge was one of the most challenging yet. There were even metal rungs installed in some of the rock faces to make it possible to get through the terrain. Hand over hand scrambling made treking poles obsolete. The rain started lightly and wet/slippery rocks added to the challenges.I got to Joes Four Pines Hostel in time to get showered before being shuttled to an awesome meal at the Homeplace Restaurant. When I got back, I found Baltimore Jack cooking at the house. He invited me in to eat with them and I somehow found the room to eat a little more. Great cooking with a pasta dish, pork and a fresh salad. YUM! Thanks again Jack! If you keep feeding me like this, I may be the first thru hiker to GAIN weight on the trail! I made reservations at the Holiday Inn in Troutville for Sunday night (still using my priority club points for a free stay). I will weigh myself there, but I have lost some weight.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: VA 624 Newport Rd

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

GREAT DAY! This is one of the best yet. Awesome Temps (cooler) with a breeze. Humidity was lower due to the storms last night. McAfee Knob was everything I thought it would be. Of course I got my picture taken of dangling my feet off the edge. Most Excellent view. Tinker Cliffs had a great view as well. Today, I didn't worry about making miles. It felt like a day hike back home with the Allentown Hiking Club. Just moseying down the trail, enjoying all of it.I got to the shelter around 4 and set up my tent. It was buggy, so I climbed in and hung out under my bug netting. Caught up on my journal and was going to start listening to War & Peace audiobook, but realized that I didn't download the 1st part. Only parts 2-10...Silly me.