morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Laurel Creek

To: Stealth Site
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: light rain

I started my hiking day very early this morning. I had to meet my ride in front of the motel at 5:30 and was at the trail head before 6:00. This was the first morning I actually started hiking while it was still dark outside. It was also my longest hiking day at 22.1 miles!The weather was nice up until about 11 am and then it started to rain. I almost quit hiking several times during the day but on the occasions where the rain slowed down enough to set up my tent, there was no good camping sites. I finally found a suitable spot off the side of the trail at around 6:30. This is the first night of this trip where I'm camping totally alone. I only saw three other people all day. Two of them were thru-hikers I met in the past and one was a guy jogging. Usually I see 15 or more people throughout the day. I'm not sure where everyone is, but maybe they're holed up somewhere because of the rain. The young folks I hiked around the last couple of weeks had decided to do about 25 miles each day until Pearisburg. I'd rather go a little slower than that.Less people on the trail also means more animal sightings. I saw deer at three different locations today with at least three deer in each group. I also saw more squirrels and chipmunks than I usually do and although I never saw them, I heard turkeys several times today.Although everything else is wet, the inside of my tent is dry and warm. I'm safe and looking forward to a dryer, more pleasant day tomorrow. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Stealth Site

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

I ended the day with an incredible meal at Woods Hole Hostel. Mike and Neville are fantastic hosts. They are into sustainable living and produce much of, or procure locally, most of the food they serve. Woods Hole is also often referred to as the oldest hostel on the trail and was first operated by Neville's grandparents. The home and bunkhouse are both over 100 years old. I consider this another must stay if you are hiking the trail. In my opinion, "hiking" the trail is only part of the whole experience. Staying at the hostels and visiting the towns along the way allows you to get to know the other hikers better, meet the locals, and give a little back to the local economy.During my hike today, and here at the shelter, I got to see some folks I hadn't seen in days, even weeks, and I even caught up to two of my favorites, Sitting Bull and Bri. I've been hiking around both of them for several weeks now. I like them immensely and I start to worry about them if I haven't seen them in a while (I'm just a dad and can't help it). I was afraid I had fallen too far behind to catch up but was pleased as I could be when I found them here this evening. Both of them are under 21 but have excelled where many others have quit. Both have an excellent attitude every day. Both intend on becoming engineers and I have no doubt they will be very successful. I can't help but smile every time I see them.Tomorrow, I head into Pearisburg. I need to resupply and would like to take a zero but haven't decided for sure yet and may just press on for a few more days. My feet are sore right now due to the rocks on the trail but I have been told that the worst is over, at least for a while.But, tonight I'm safe, warm, and dry and about to go to sleep inside a beautiful 140-year-old log cabin. I'm sure I'll be dreaming about the wonderful breakfast I've heard about for the last 50 miles. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: A Wonderfully Dry Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

I managed an 18.4-mile day today, most of it in the rain. As we settled into the shelter, the rain stopped and now, just before dusk, the sun has broken through the clouds a couple of times. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a much dryer day.Unfortunately, the cell phone charger won't come on so I can't recharge my phone. I'm already down to less than half a charge and I am at least three days from a recharge so I'm really limited on use. I'll try to continue to post or will at least catch up as soon as possible.But tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: A Wonderfully Dry Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

After a night of rain, we woke to a little bit of sunshine this morning. But, it didn't last long and by noon it was raining again. By about 1:30, thunderstorms arrived. Itchy Feet and I took cover in a shelter to wait out the lightning and thunder but not before we were totally soaked for the second day in a row. We ended up waiting until just after four before was clear enough to safely continue on. We finally arrived at the shelter at about 6:15 after only hiking about 15.9 miles today. The best thing about the day was the short nap I had while we waited out the storm.I'm still dealing with a very limited power supply; my charger has failed and I'm down to about 30% charge. So, I need to keep these brief until I can get to a town.But tonight, I'm safe, warm, and in my dry clothes in a dry shelter. Hopefully, there will be a day filled with sunshine tomorrow. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

I woke this morning to another dreary day. It looked like it would rain at any moment but at about 11 the sun broke through the clouds for about an hour and then the clouds returned. The rain held off until just before we reached Laurel Creek Shelter.Our original plan was to continue on for a few more miles and then find a campsite. But with the rain, thunder, and lightning, we decided that stopping at the shelter might be a better idea. Of course, as soon as we settled in and finished dinner, the sun was out again. But, now just before dark, thunder is rolling off in the distance again. I guess we will know tomorrow if we should have stayed or gone on. That makes my total miles for today only 14.6. But, that's okay. I didn't get soaked today.Itchy Feet and I covered miles of forest destroyed by Gypsy Moths today. One shelter was closed for fear of falling trees. I'm hoping I see less of this as I travel north but I know they are in the New England states too.Currently, there are only four of us at the shelter but Friendly Ghost and Beetle said they started the hike today with 6 others. It might get crowded here quickly.Tonight, I'm out of the rain. I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: VA 621 - Ride to Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

For the third day in a row, it rained. It rained most of last night and continued through most of the day. The picture for today is from one of the rare moments when the rain stopped. Seven of us who had stayed at the shelter were basically hiking together in a loose group today. The trail was very rock covered and in an area called "The Ledges" and both were very steep and very slick. Itchy Feet has been having trouble with her knees and Beetle appears to have pulled a muscle in her thigh. We were planning a 22.5 mile day, but with the rain and the injuries, at a road crossing near the 15-mile mark we decided to call Four Pines Hostel and get shuttled in. Friendly Ghost was actually carrying both his and his wife's pack. Once I got to the road, I was able to drop my pack, hike back, and relieve him of the extra weight. It was only for about a half-mile or so but I know they appreciated the help.Initially, we were planning to "Slack Pack" (leave our regular packs at the hostel and only carry a small loaner pack with food and water, get dropped off where we were picked up today, and hike back to the hostel) but it is still raining, and is supposed to be worse tomorrow. The weather forecast is 100% chance of rain, up to 3 inches, flooding likely, with damaging wind and hail likely. Tomorrow's high is supposed to be 50°. Now, I usually don't mind hiking in the rain, but the Dragon's Tooth would have been tomorrow. It is considered hard and slightly dangerous when it is dry. It is supposed to be tough enough that rebar steps and holds have been installed in various locations. It is also supposed to be one of the highpoints to see in this area and I want to see it. Clinging to the side of a cliff in high wind and heavy rain and hail doesn't seem like the best way to see it. I also haven't zeroed in a while; tomorrow sounds like the right day to do one. We¢ll probably slack pack on Monday instead.I'm still without a backup battery for my phone. My wife is visiting next weekend and will bring me my extra battery from the house. Tonight, I'm at the hostel so I'll get a full charge but will have to be conservative while hiking. I still want to use it to take pictures but will need to keep my posts short.Tonight, has been like a family reunion. It seems like just about everyone I've met since I've been on the trail is here. Most are here because of the weather, some have been here for several days. It will be interesting to see who comes and goes tomorrow.It also seems that everything has budded, leafed, or bloomed during the last three days. The mountains are starting to come alive. The dogwoods, wild cherries, apple trees, redbuds, etc., are all covered with blooms and wild flowers are popping up everywhere. The next few days should be spectacular, especially when the sun comes back out.Tonight, I'm sleeping on a bench in a barn. Outside, it is pouring rain and I can hear thunder in the distance. But, I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

I enjoyed my zero day today at Four Pines Hostel. I've taken a couple of neros in the past two weeks but this was my first zero in a while. It also rained all day again today, so that was another nice reason for a break.I think this is eighth day of rain in a row. I doubt if it was the only reason, but a hiker I've been hiking with for a while decided to quit today. She just wasn't "feeling it" anymore.Tomorrow is supposed to be the same as today but I can't do two zeros in a row. Tuesday is supposed to be slightly better (I hope it is because I should hit McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs then and I really would like nice views of each of them). Finally, on Wednesday, it is supposed to be sunny again.The picture for tonight is the "Dragon Wagon". It is owned by Four Pines and is very well known and recognized by hikers and the locals in the area. They use it to shuttle hikers back and forth on the trail and to the local restaurant. While at the restaurant last night, I heard a mother threaten to purchase the van for her daughter's first car. The young girl really seemed concerned that it might actually happen.Tomorrow, I'll leave my sleeping area in the barn, be hauled in the "Dragon Wagon" 15 miles south with four others, and slack pack our way over "Dragon's Tooth" back to this hostel. Most likely, all of it will be in the rain. But as they say, "No Rain, No Maine". I'll dry. But tonight, I'm safe, dry, and warm. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-24
From: AT Trail at VA 621

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Today, I surpassed two milestones. I've now hiked just over 700 miles of the AT and today ends my second month on the trail. In just a couple of more days, I'll be 1/3 of the way done!Last night it rained all night long. Several times it rained so hard, the noise on the metal roof woke me up and that was while sleeping with earbuds listening to my iPod. This morning, when I woke it was still raining but I felt like I had to hike. Flooding was a concern and several of the streams that were just a trickle a few days ago were now major hazards. Luckily, we didn't have to cross any but several hikers going the other direction had to turn back. At least three hikers crossed the stream near where we had come off the trail two days ago and said the water was up to their waists and the current almost overpowering. They said they shouldn't have attempted it, and that they wouldn't try it again. Hermit, The Friendly Ghost, Beetle, and I completed a 15-mile section that took us past the Audie Murphy Memorial and Dragon's Tooth. It also brought us back to the hostel. It rained almost the whole time and the area around Dragon's Tooth was very slippery. Visibility wasn't very good because of the rain and fog, we were soaked to the skin, and the temperature was only around 47° but overall it was an enjoyable hike. The picture for today was taken during one of the rare moments when it had "almost" quit raining. As you can tell from the photo, in just the last two or three days, everything has turned green.The hostel we're staying in raises chickens, guinea fowl, and ducks so there is always an abundance of fresh eggs. I purchased a pound of bacon and a loaf of bread this evening at the nearby convenience store and plan to make breakfast in the morning for The Friendly Ghost, Beetle, and myself before heading out. They are planning to camp right before MacAfee's Knob but I'm hoping to make a couple of extra miles. As has become the norm, rain is predicted tomorrow morning but it is supposed to clear by the afternoon and the rest of the week is should be nice.My wife is going to meet me Friday morning and I'm really looking forward to spending the weekend with her (and doing some slack packing). I'm also getting rid of some of my winter gear and exchanging my sleeping bag for a lighter one. Remember, ounces add up to pounds and pounds equal pain. And, it's time to replace my boots for trail runners (I might be able to drop a pound right there). I haven't had any foot problems yet but changing shoes is always a concern.Even though the rain is still coming down hard tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry inside my barn for a third night. Hopefully, the next few days will be much dryer. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up again to another morning of rain. I took my time packing up and making breakfast (and wasting time) hoping the rain would stop before I headed out. But, by 10:30, I just couldn't wait any longer and headed out. I really wanted a nice day for McAfee Knob but had just about given up on the possibility. Even as I approached it, the rain came down harder and the fog begin to roll in. South bound day hikers on the trail were even telling me it wasn't worth the hike and to come back another day. But just as I arrived, the rain stopped and the fog begin to lift. Although, not perfect, it was much, much better than I thought it was going to be just a few minutes prior. I was the only person there at first but soon a very nice couple and their teenage son arrived and we took pictures for each other.As I left the knob, the clouds closed in again and it started to rain once more. But, just before the sun set, I saw a little bit of blue sky off in the distance and now that it's dark, I can see a few stars too. Hopefully, tomorrow is going to be beautiful! After all these days of rain, some sunshine would be wonderful.Like most hikers, I use trekking poles. I can't tell you how many times they have saved me from falling already and I consider them almost as important as the shoes I wear. But, they can all become a nuisance at times. A few days ago, I walked through a spider web. As I continued to hike, I reached up to wipe it off my face. Without noticing, my hiking pole was now raised to nose height, and sticking out straight in front of me. The trail made a slight bend and the other end of my pole struck a tree. Yes, I almost knocked myself out on the trail. Today, I did a similar thing trying to check the time on my watch. My recommendation, buy a good set of poles¢¦just don't hurt yourself with them.I heard from Beaker today. It appears the move is going well. I'm hoping it won't be long before he is back out here hiking with me.Tomorrow...Tinker Cliffs! Hopefully, in the sunshine! But tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry and in a shelter about a mile north of McAfee Knob. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke this morning at sunrise. Yes! I mean "sun" rise! The sky was a beautiful blue and the sun was visible most of the day. It was glorious!As I made my way towards Tinker Cliffs, the fog slowly rose up out of the valley and for just a bit I was concerned that the view would be obscured. But, by the time I had hiked the 5.5 miles from the shelter, the fog had completely disappeared and the view was incredible.Even after the cliffs, the rest of the hike was great. It was what I've always imagined a hiking day should be. The climbs weren't too bad and the trail was relatively free of rocks and roots.I reached Daleville at about 6 pm, checked into the "Super 8", showered, and then headed down to the Three Little Pigs Barbeque for some dinner. When I got there, I saw The Friendly Ghost and Better just getting ready to order. They invited me to sit with them and I had a great time visiting with them. My wife is coming for the weekend, I hope to do some slack packing but expect them to be at least a day ahead of me when I get back on the trail. They hike pretty quickly but we have often ended up at the same locations in the evening. They are a wonderful couple from Denmark and I hope I will eventually catch back up to them.I met a very likeable and funny young man a few days ago. His trail name is Bear Spray. He earned his name the day before he started his thru-hiker when he accidentally sprayed himself in the face, in his hotel room, with his bear spray. He said it was like mace x 10. He immediately ran into the bathroom and flooded his face with water until he could breathe again. Upon leaving the bathroom, he found that the whole second floor of the hotel had been evacuated. They eventually allowed everyone back in but had to replace (and charge him for) the mattress and bedding in his room. He is absolutely a trail legend for 2017. Thanks to all of you who have emailed me regarding trail magic. I never quite know when I'm going to hit a certain point but trail magic is always appreciated by everyone. Hopefully, I'll get to meet a few of you along the way.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry at the Super 8 in Daleville. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

I've had a wonderful day with my wife today. It is so nice to spend time with her. We started the day with breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then made a trip to two different outfitters to find me some replacement shoes. After that, we went out for ice cream, then back to the room to do laundry. Tonight, I took her to "The Home Place" for dinner. I'd eaten there while I was staying at the Four Pines Hostel and the owner of the outfitters recommended it for dinner. I was surprised to find that a place I¢d walked away from for two days was only 12 miles away by road. Ah, life at two miles per hour and along the long and winding trail, is quite different than life with an automobile at 60 mph. While at the restaurant, I ran into Jam and Engine and Caboose. It was very nice to see them again and I really hope to get to see them again, and again, all the way to Katahdan. I also met another hiker today for the first time. He seemed like a great guy and I hope to meet him more too. He goes by "Sarge". With a name like that, he has got to be an incredible person!I decided on Oboz Trail Runners for my next pair of shoes. They felt great on my feet and I like the traction. I've been wearing Oboz mid-height boots and they have treated me well. I'm hoping my new shoes are just as good. They also weigh about half what my boots weigh. This time, I did not go with the water proof. I found my boots stayed dry longer than most people's did but took days to dry out. Lower shoes are apt to get wet inside easier anyway and drying faster will be a big plus. And, I'm sure it will be much better for my feet.I was not on the trail today, so my photo is from the trail coming into Daleville two days ago (but I thought it was pretty good and wanted to share it).So tonight, I'm with my wife. I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-29
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I spent another relaxing day with my wife. I slept in (until 7 am) and did as little as I possibly could all day.  My body needed the rest.  But, I did manage to resupply at the local Kroger this afternoon and treat all my clothes, the exterior of my sleeping bag, and my tent footprint with Permethrin.  hoping it will cut down on mosquitoes and really reduce my chances of contacting Lyme Disease again. I contracted Lyme Disease during a hike a few years ago.  Luckily, I was bitten on the front of my thigh and,found the tick the day after my hike. I developed the bullseye bruise almost immediately.  I was able to see a doctor the very next day and was given the proper antibiotics.  No other symptoms ever materialized and I'd rather not press my luck with catching it again. My plan is to treat everything I can at least monthly.My wife is going to drop me back on the trail tomorrow morning at about 6 am before heading to the airport. Tomorrow is going to be a rough day. Not only will I be missing her, but I'm also planning a 20-mile day. I'll also be carrying 7 days worth of food and hope to make it all the way to Waynesboro before stopping again. Even though I got rid of most of my cold weather gear, replaced my boots with trail runners, and changed to a lighter sleeping bag, I still expect a heavy pack due to all the food.I didn't take any pictures today so I added another view from Tinker Cliffs from a few days ago.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry and spending one more night in my hotel room with my wife. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Harveys Knob Overlook

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a very long hiking day today. My wife dropped me off on the trail just before 6 am and I finally reached my shelter at about 6 pm this evening. Even with 7 days of food and a 5-mile long climb, I still managed to put in 20.8 miles. I actually feel pretty good. I'm sure part of the reason is due to the break, but I also think the new shoes and lightening my pack helped.Today's weather also played a role. I think the temperature stayed in the lower 70s all day. There was light cloud cover most of the day and a light wind which kept it comfortable. I hope tomorrow turns out nice too, but I know they are calling for rain the next few days. Hopefully, it won't be a repeat of last week.Once again, I'm in a shelter. I know for a person who said he rather tent, I've sure spent a lot of nights in them but we've just had so much rain lately. I just don't like packing away a wet tent.I have another long climb in the morning but after that, it should be about 15 miles of (basically) downhill. If the rain holds off or isn't too bad, I'd like to do another 20-mile day.  I think I made the right choice with my new shoes. No hot spots today. Let's see how they hold up.In less than a week, everything grew leaves and/or flowered. It was hazy today, so the views weren't very clear but I did take a few nice flower pictures. Tonight's photo is of one of them. I also saw three more snakes today¢¦all of them were Black Racers. I got a few good pictures of one of them too. I may use those pictures later.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.