morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Dickeys Gap

To: Settlers Museum
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We had it all today. Rocky, sloppy trail. Cold one minute hot the next. Sunshine and blue sky which changed into a downpour. Mountain trails are unpredictable. It is best to anticipate and don rain gear if your gut says so. We hiked our longest distance so far today. 22.7 miles. I am happy to settle on 15 to 16 but we are pushing hard for Roanoke. The scenery today was much like what we have experienced previously. We did see some beautiful meadows and wildflowers. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Settlers Museum

To: O'lystery Pavillion
Miles today: 15.3

Another milestone occurred during a beautiful day. The wind was howling and it threatened rain early. We felt a few drops and that was it. My feet did not hurt today and my bruised shinbone did not bother me. It was a great day. We passed through beautiful woods and even more beautiful meadows. The rhododendron is blooming and wildflowers are really dressing up the meadows. The milestone is that we passed the 1/4 way mark. Only 1641 miles to go. Tomorrow promises to be another rain free beautiful day. I am content and happy. Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: O'lystery Pavillion

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

"Virginia Blues". The 1/4 way point is where psychological walls tend to spring up. I have no problem and do not anticipate one. I am homesick. I haven't experienced that since I was 12. The trail today was not remarkable at all. Somewhat drab relative to past sections. Beautiful vistas did appear near the end of the hike. Was glad to see them given that 90% of the trail was uphill. Very hard work. I am content and happy to be here. Met some more hikers today who are so fired up. But so am I. This hike is bringing awareness and enlightenment. I am very glad that I am doing it. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: VA 615
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

The shelter at Chestnut Knob is unique in that it is fully enclosed. We had good conversation with numerous hikers, cooked, had dinner and called it a night. It rained most of the night. The trail today was described as easy as we exited the shelter. I think the person who said that should get a new dictionary. The AT is never easy. We hiked through forest that is carbon copy of past forest. Fatiguing uphills over vast fields of rock. After seven hours, forty minutes, and 15.4 miles we arrived at Laurel Creek on USFS road 615. The foot bridge is nice and the area around the bridge offers convenient access to the stream. I stuck bare feet in the stream for 5 seconds. The water ice cold. My feet rejuvenated. Cold water splashed on my hair and face and I am good to go. We will hike a little over 18 miles tomorrow. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-11
From: VA 615

To: US 52
Miles today: 6.9

We hiked a ridge line today that was nearly rock free. Much of the trail was pine needles that are very soft and feel good under foot. Everday, although difficult, is great on the trail. It stormed last night so the forest was damp. The trail, while muddy in spots, was mostly damp. There is not anything remarkable to report about today's hike. It was short as we needed a nearo day for some r and r. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-12
From: US 52

To: VA 606
Miles today: 18.4

The trail was confusion at the start today. Bald Eagle and I walked down a highway crossing I-77 to the trail entering the woods at a confluence of trails. Finding the correct one we start climbing as the trail serpentines through damp, verdant forest. It is lush and inviting. The forecast for rain misses the mark as we walk under a cloudless sky. This changes in the afternoon as bruised clouds gather and spit rain briefly. We luck out. This hike is for a friend in Nashville who is battling a health challenge. I pray for Karen to heal quickly and exit the hospital to return to her normal life. I will hope and pray for Karen this hike and the days and months ahead. These majestic woods seem to amplify this hope and prayer. Bald Eagle and I celebrated another milestone today. We passed the 600 mile mark! Our perseverance is paying off as the miles add up. And guess what? We are enjoying this very much as each step brings us closer to Mt. Katahdin. Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: VA 606

To: Woods Hole
Miles today: 15.2

Ominous clouds were our canopy this morning as we entered the trail for the 15.2 mile trek to Woods Hole. Over night rain had the trail looking more like a pig sty than a trail. We were careful with foot placement and managed to stay vertical all day. The foot bridges were very slippery. The trail skirted streams 80% of the distance today. They are high, fast and very loud due to the recent rain. We ate our lunch at a shelter that has a dark history. 2 hikers were befriended by a third who murdered them as they slept in 1981 at the shelter. There was a rare mauling in the Smokey's a couple of days ago. A bear bit a hiker through his tent. The hiker was able to get out and luckily had a cell signal and called a park ranger. The bear shredded the tent. The only plausible explanation is the hiker had food in his tent. Bears are just coming out of hibernation and are ravenous. That is why I carry a paracord to throw over a limb and suspend my food 10 - 12' above the ground. This limb is a good distance from the tent. No bear sighting yet. Maybe tomorrow. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Woods Hole

To: Cross Clendennin Road
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Brrrr! The temperature this morning at 7:30 was 35 degrees. Mix in a strong, gusting wind and it is down to 27. We kept moving with plenty of climbing and it actually felt good. The trail was unlike any section so far. It skirted a chemical plant, landfill, and a polluted stream. We were disappointed but hiked on and got it done. We did take a side trail that took us by Pearis Cemetery where Pearisburg's namesake is buried. Captain Pearis served in the Revolutionary War and died in 1746. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Cross Clendennin Road

To: VA 635
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A 1.5 mile climb began our hike today. 37 degrees with the wind blowing not quite as strong as usual. The climb took us to the ridge and 3500'. We walked this ridge for 14 miles. Often hundreds of feet of boulder field. The trail crisscrossed the Virginia and West Virginia State Lines. Descending we skirted a stream which was the first water we encountered all day. Fortunately we had plenty of water for the hike when we began. There will be more tomorrow as there is a 90% chance of rain. No rain, no Maine. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-17
From: VA 635

To: VA 42
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Overcast skies and spitting rain. We began the long, rocky climb in dismal conditions. We were wet inside our rain gear from sweat and outside from rain. We were slipping and sliding and maintaining focus on each step to try to remain vertical. I had a couple of close calls but never fell. The trail was a copy of hundreds of miles of woods that we had traversed. It was a long walk today that seemingly would never end. We finally got to the last few miles to end the day with a long climb and even longer descent. Rain forecast for tomorrow. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-18
From: VA 42

To: VA 620
Miles today: 18.8

The degree of difficulty of todays trail is hard to describe. The first 2 miles is a steep climb. We ascended into the clouds on a stony path that was often muddy. The temp was 52 degrees and grew colder as we gained altitude. The clouds were not spitting rain but the trees were with every gust. We walked the 3500' ridgeline that brought us upon very dangerous slabs of wet stone. Slip and you go down the sliding board of a slab and over the edge into free fall. There is a precipice on top of the slabs that were sure to claim you should you venture to far that way. It was a precarious balancing act that required strict focus. I do not like heights and this gave me the heebie jeebies. This went on for at least 1000' of trail. We passed the eastern continental divide which was interesting. We also passed the oldest oak tree on the trail. 3 centuries old. What will tomorrow bring? I will find out. Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: VA 620

To: VA 311
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We made it uphill a mile before rain began. The rain continued all morning as we covered rocky, muddy trail. The pace a little slower today as I am nursing a sore toe. We arrive at the cloudy summit and "Dragons Tooth". This traverse is scary enough in dry conditions and absolutely menacing in the wet conditions today. Narrow ledges with precipices waiting to claim you with one misstep. I was elated to make it thru unscathed. How do hikers accompanied by their beloved hounds get thru this? It is tricky enough without an animal to be concerned about. Bald Eagle and I enjoyed another milestone. 700 mile mark today! One day at a time, one challenge at a time, and one foot in front of the other. We will eventually find ourselves at the summit of Mt. Katahdin. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-20
From: VA 311

To: Scorched Earth Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A steady 4 mile climb took us to McAfee Knob and clouds. Elated to make it to the most photographed point on the AT and somewhat deflated that it was socked in. We were there for 10 minutes and continued our hike to arrive at Tinker Cliffs. The trail skirted the very edge of the cliffs. We stopped for a moment to speak to the young lady in the picture. She was sitting at the very edge of the precipice. She seemed to be simply enjoying the view and the quiet. She was very nice even though I interrupted her meditation to comment on her lack of fear. Her being at that edge gave me the heebie jeebies. The clouds had dissipated and the view of the valley was breathtaking. Limping along with a sore toe was well worth it. Sore toe and aching knee I am determined more than ever to get to Maine to experience the people and the places along the trail. I am constantly in awe of both. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Scorched Earth Gap

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

What? No rain? Finally we were dry as we started today's hike. A broken cloud deck, temperature in the high 50's, a promise of sunshine, and birds singing. A great beginning to a walk. The relatively dry terrain was a welcome sight as we began a short climb. We straddled the ridgeline and stayed there for hours today. Pine needles carpeted the trail for a few miles then turning to bare earth, then rocks. At times the shoulders of the trail gave way to precipices with very, very, long drops. A couple of overlooks yielded views of distant mountains that awed. The mountains made me wonder how many moonshiners were nestled in their bosom at that very moment. "White Lightning " is readily available in these mountain communities. The AT is always difficult but occasionally we hike sections that are less difficult. Today was such a trail. Forgiving until the last few miles and then gnarly. Seems to always happen that way. I guess if it did not I would not experience the personal growth I am. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Daleville, VA

To: Black Horse Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I am enjoying the time spent in Virginia. The trail has been breathtaking in areas and downright gnarly in others. McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs, breathtaking. Dragons Tooth, aptly named for I think dragons are gnarly. There has been miles and miles of less than exciting terrain but the views have made up for it. The forest is lush and rightfully so. It has rained everyday for three weeks! The flora is encapsulating the trail with leaves, mountain laurel, and rhododendrons in many sections. It is fun to wade through this. Bald Eagle and I passed the one third mark today. We were fired up to have covered over 730 miles. Many conquered obstacles lay in our wake, many, many more lay before us. I have derived personal growth from this and expect much more. Deprivation has spawned a renewal of spirit and appreciation. We paralleled the Blue Ridge Parkway today. We will be in the more populous part of it soon. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and shakes will be readily available. I have lost 12 pounds and I intend to recapture some of that. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Black Horse Gap

To: Jennings Creek 
Miles today: 13.6

A comfortable 57 degrees and a canvas of blue sky promised a beautiful day for communing with Mother nature. Spirits high and a bounce in our step we put trail behind us quickly. Crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway numerous times and stopping at view points for pictures. We greeted many hikers that we know. All had big smiles like ours. It was a great morning. The afternoon blue sky was broken with fluffy clouds with temperatures rising to the high 60's. The sun felt good shining through trees and creating a strobe effect as we walked. The first half of today's trail skirted a closed portion of the Blue Ridge due to construction. We will enter a busy section soon. Fingers crossed that the fair weather continues. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Jennings Creek 

To: Thunder Ridge Overlook (BRP)
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The AT never lets you down. Of 15.4 miles, 15.3 were uphill. Of course that's not true. At least 10 miles was steep uphill. Like much of Virginia trail there was little difference. Rocky and hard on the feet. I was very glad when I reached my destination. I have been on the trail 2 months and 10 days. I have my trail legs now. I have written a few lines about that. "When you get your trail legs." My good friend and fellow aviator uttered this phrase the first time it hit my ears. "Sky King" thru-hiked in 2009. I have been on this adventure for over 2 months and have heard that phrase many times. I have heard of frog legs, chicken legs, turkey legs, crab legs, skinny legs, fat legs, hairy legs, short legs, long legs, and peg legs but never trail legs. And how long does it take to acquire a shiny, new set of trail legs? I have heard 1, 1 1/2, 2 months. How do you know when your trail legs have arrived? I think one has his or her trail legs when the following occurs:* Steep uphills are of no concern. One foot in front of the other until gravity is no longer a battle* When steep descents no longer burn your toes and balls of your feet since you have learned to plant your heel and roll your foot* You understand that late in the day fatigue breeds complacency and focus on each step must be practiced. (A face plant resulting in a couple of bruised ribs and very sore shoulder taught me that)* Multitasking while negotiating extremely narrow trail is a big no-no! Very steep mountain sides await the careless hiker who steps on soft trail shoulder while concentrating on the beef jerky in a difficult backpack or obscures vision with a bandana while tending the ever present runny nose. * Having your tent and related components readily available when camping in the face of a storm. Pitching said tent efficiently and swiftly in inclement weather. * Loading your backpack so that unloading is easier.I am sure this is an abbreviated list and I will learn more as I hike. When I began this great adventure I had no idea there is so much to learn about a walk in the woods. A couple of notes about the list of legs. * My Sister has a Yorkshire Terrier. She has a leash for this dog that has the following written in bold letters down the leash, "ONE OF US HAS HAIRY LEGS!" I had to share that. My Sister has since bought a razor. * I had dinner one night in a restaurant noted for delicious frog legs. When the waitress greeted us to take our order I asked if she had frog legs. She responded with an enthusiastic "Yes I do." So I said, "Well hop back there and get me a beer!" Y'all stay safe out there. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Thunder Ridge Overlook (BRP)

To: Janes River Foot Bridge
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

I hiked this section with my friends Russell and Ford. 2 great guys who I thoroughly enjoy walking with. We climbed some very steep terrain. Ford said that it was so steep he nearly touched his nose as he climbed. I lost my favorite bandana on the trail the day before. A few miles into the hike today Ford pointed to a cooler size rock on the side of the trail and, lo and behold, there lay my bandana! Hikers most certainly have a golden thread running through the fabric of their soul. The terrain today was more attractive than previous terrain. It skirted streams and the James River. We eventually arrived at the James River Foot Bridge. This is a foot bridge named after a trail maintainer named Foot. I am leaving the trail today and returning home. After having a nasty corn cut out of my toe last week the problem has surfaced again. I have to correct this before continuing. I am sure that most, if not all, long distance hikers suffer foot pain. I have endured this for over 500 miles. Chronic pain is difficult to ignore and shadows the beauty of the AT experience. My friend and fellow hiker, Bald Eagle, has taken a break in the pursuit of his 20 year dream of hiking the AT. I am fortunate to have walked over 750 miles with him for I learned volumes about the AT and negotiating it. Thanks to Mrs. Bald Eagle, Trail Angel with the purest wings of all. Blue Skies
Date: 2015-08-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone, my name is Bryant.March 2016 I will begin my Appalachian Trail thru hike! I have been completely obsessed with the AT over the past few months. Before this obsession with the AT I had only been on one overnight backpacking trip, which I took in 2006 with one of my best friends, Eric, who successfully thru hiked the AT in 2012 with the trail name "Bomber". We hiked Mt. Marshall in the Adirondacks. I never gave any thought to the AT in the past. Even when my friend Eric was on his thru hike I just thought, "you are absolutely crazy". But now I understand, it is not a feeling you can shake, it is a feeling that overtakes you, and you know you just NEED to do this. I got that feeling in May and it keeps growing.Since getting this idea back in May, I have gone on a couple trips on the AT, and have loved every second of it. I am currently training for the trail by going on overnight trips on the weekends. I will post a tentative gear list within the next couple weeks.Thanks for reading. I look forward to updating everyone on my progress.- Bryant
Date: 2015-08-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone!Below I have A gear List, though It is not entirely complete. I have weighed every item I plan on taking. I will be buying some items to replace/upgrade what is on this list. A few of the items I plan on getting are the the ENO Sub 7 hammock and Helios straps, as well as a down jacket, cold weather sleeping bag, and a lighter pot set. I am currently planning a trip to the Adirondacks in September where Eric("Bomber", from here on out) and I will be hiking 7 of the high peaks. I just ordered "AWOL on the Appalachian Trail" and am very excited to start reading it. Although this gear list is going to change, I wanted to post it so we can see the progression from now to the time I get on the AT. Please, if you do have any suggestions, let me know. https://www.geargrams.com/list?id=26051 Thank you all for reading,- Bryant
Date: 2015-10-01
To: The Adirondacks
Miles today: 0.0

Last Week I went to the Adirondacks with Bomber. We hiked up 9 of the high peaks in 3 days. We started at the Adirondack Loj, where we had to get Bear Canisters. Neither of us where happy about adding a couple extra pounds to our packs for the canister, but it is required for the High Peaks Wilderness.The first day we hiked up Wright Peak(4,580 ft), which has debris from a B-47 Bomber plane crash near the summit. then, we hiked up to Algonquin(5114 ft) and Iroquois(4,840 ft) before taking a steep decent down to Lake Colden, where we hung out Hammocks for the night.We woke up and hit the trail around 7:15am to begin our accent up Mt. Colden(4,714 ft) while eating a delicious danish. once at the Summit of Colden we dried out our gear, then headed down the opposite side we came. I left my pack at the Feldspar Lean To, then slack packed Cliff Mtn(3,960 ft) which had some of the steepest sections of the entire trip...and no view. After Cliff, we got on the trail for Redfield(4,606 ft), which follows a river up most of the way. The second night we camped in the Lean To. Day 3 we started with Gray(4,840 ft) then went to Skylight(4,920 ft). Skylight was my favorite of the trip. When hiking up Skylight you are suppose to carry a rock up and place it at the summit for good weather. From Skylight we ascended to the highest point in New York, Mt Marcy(5,344 ft). Once we where done enjoying the beautiful views from Marcy, we hiked 7 miles back to the Adirondack Loj.
Date: 2016-03-06
To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

I am at Springer mountain shelter. Today I did the approach trail from top of the falls. When I got to the top of Springer mountain I signed the log book, and found a note from A friend who is a week ahead of me, telling me to "hurry up!". I am currently laying in my hammock, about to go to sleep. I had a campfire with a couple from Mississippi who are out for the weekend. I am anticipating a glorious night of sleep.
Date: 2016-03-07
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked 7.9 miles today. I am trying to pace myself to only 8 miles per day for the first few days. I got to the Shelter a little after 1pm. I am just going to relax the rest of the day, then sleep when the sun goes down. I do not have the hiker appetite yet. I am sure I will have leftover food by the time I get to Neel Gap. The couple from Mississippi that were out for the weekend gave me a Mountain House Mac n Cheese this morning, so I have even more food.
Date: 2016-03-08
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.7

It has been the longest day on the trail so far. I left camp at 7:30 am, and got to my next camp around 4:30pm. A couple of the guys I have been hiking with just went to hitch a ride into Suches, so hopefully I will be drinking a delicious Diet Coke soon. Speaking of Coke, my buddy Jon just got a job at Coca-Cola. Congrats Jon! I am currently listening to some tunes, then I will cook dinner and hangout around a campfire. Tomorrow I will be in Neel Gap....and here comes the Diet Coke, bye.
Date: 2016-03-09
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.9

The last couple days I have been hiking with Mumble, Long Shank, and Max. We hiked up Blood Mountain today, it took awhile to get up, but we got down in about 40 minutes. We all rented a cabin at Blood Mountain Cabins. I was able to resupply at Mountain Crossings. I only got enough for 3 days, But I should be in Hiawassee on the 3rd day. Rain is in the forecast. I think I am going to take it slow tomorrow. I just took my first shower since starting the trail on Sunday. We got some pizzas cooking in the oven, and I got some Diet Coke and Yoo Hoo. I am just going to relax the rest of the night.
Date: 2016-03-10
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night in the cabin, the 4 of us were just hanging out, and at 8:30pm we heard a knock on the door. Long Shank answered it and it was a man wearing an A.T. shirt. He asked if we bought any beer, Long Shank said "no", the man then gave us 9 beers. His name was Thor, that is his real name, not a trail name. We invited him in and talked for a few hours while I drank water and they drank all the beer. Thor had thru hiked The A.T. in 1999, and has thru hiked The P.C.T. twice. He just noticed some hikers were staying in the cabin next to his and decided to give us some trail magic.Today, we took it slow because there were so many great views. First we went back to Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap to eat breakfast. 6 miles into the day we had some more trail magic. A couple of guys had pop, chips, candy, and little Debbie snacks for us. I had a Moon Pie and bag of Cheetos while drinking a Diet Coke.