morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Hogback Ridge

To: No Business Knob
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

My first 20-mile day, and a perfect day for it - not a cloud in the sky. The day started out cold but warmed by mid-morning. The views from Big Bald were terrific, could almost see to the Atlantic. I'm now hiking in my "stomping grounds" and plan to spend some nights at home in Johnson City and hike with some friends and daughter, Meagan.Hiked quite a ways with Sharky today, and we had some good "rethink" conversation as the miles seemed to slip away with little effort. I even told him my encounter with Bigfoot on that leg of the trail (that's my story and I'm sticking to it).A very nice, rewarding tired tonight. A 3/4 moon shines overhead, the trail waits for tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: No Business Knob

To: Nolichucky River, Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

A relatively short hike today down to the Nolichucky River and Uncle Johnny's Hostel. Met a lot of new hikers there and connected with others I have missed for the last few days.Can't say enough about Uncle Johnny's - it is a "must stop" for thru-hikers. They are all very accomadating and do their best to make the stay an enjoyable rest stop. Really neat.One of the main tasks of the day - eat, eat, eat. I ate.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Nolichucky River, Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: few clouds

Left Uncle Johnny's under a bright spring sky, walked the trail along and up from the Nolichucky, watched a train cross the trestle over the river, and spooked 2 turkeys out from the bushes. As I hiked along Jones Branch I imagined the brook trout that lay beneath the surface. The trout will have to wait, however, since the trail beckons and the wife awaits.Jill picked me up and I headed home for the first time since starting just over a month ago. Oh, the luxury of a bed, my own bed. I don't know how to act.Homemade chili tonight -----Yum!
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Iron Mtn. Gap
Miles today: 10.8

Today I hiked with a good friend from Johnson City, Jonathan Moore. His Dad took us to the trailhead and picked us up at Iron Mtn. Gap.The day started with iffy weather with threats of t-storms, but we avoided the rain and had rather pleasant weather. Rain moved in just after we got off the trail. The views of the Erwin valley from Beauty Spot were great and the "black forest" top of Unaka was a very different experience.After an enjoyable day of hiking and talking with trail and friend, I'm now back at home with family. Ah, I'm getting spoiled already.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Iron Mtn. Gap

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 14.0

Another day of passing clouds and showers and blue sky and a very difficult hike uphill from Iron Mtn. Gap to Carvers Gap (top of Roan Mountain). The good news - my daughter, Meagan (trailname, "Animal Crackers") joined me for the day and we hufffed and puffed together.Didn't see many hikers on the trail today. The only thru-hiker was Bahama Dave and a couple of day-hikers. Maybe there were some zero days taken. There are many changes in terrain on the section we hiked today, largely because of the elevation changes, I presume. We are seeing more and more wild flowers beginning to bloom. The next few weeks should be a real treat for the senses.Again, nice to be near home with family and friends. I'm getting the best of both worlds for a few days.Another of the lessons I'm learning, maybe one of the hardest of all - to enjoy the moment. I'm actually learning to enjoy the moment.My best thoughts to all....   the jouney continues....
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Carvers Gap

To: Past Doll Flats (Mile 385)
Miles today: 12.1

After a leisurely breakfast with Jill at Atlanta Bread in Johnson City, I found myself in the foggy, cold, windy heights of Roan Mountain. Not long after coming down from those elevations, the sky cleared and I hiked through some truly different areas: Little Hump and Hump Mountains. At the time I was the only hiker on the trail, so it was very daunting as I hiked over them (hard to explain).I tented on a knoll around the 385-mile point (about a mile from 19E), built a campfire and watched an outstanding sunset across the mountains. Ramon noodles with salmon never tasted so good!the journey continues...
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Past Doll Flats (Mile 385)

To: Knoll past Moreland Gap
Miles today: 20.0

Another landmark day: 400 miles. This was significant to me because from the start I felt that reaching the 400-mile point (close to home) would mean my chances of reaching Maine were greatly improved. Of course, that's probably just in the mind, but that counts. Also did another 20-mile day. As a result of that I hit the tent before sundown and went to sleep quickly.ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Knoll past Moreland Gap

To: Hampton
Miles today: 8.6

Woke to a spectacular spring morning. Starting hiking on familiar turf and hiked through the Laurel Fork canyon. This is my favorite flyfishing destination, and I pictured all the wild brown trout that I've held (and that have held me) as I walked beside those clear/golden waters.Jill picked me up in Hampton, so I'm experiencing the best of both worlds while I'm close to home. Enjoy the moment...
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Hampton

To: Vandeventer
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Did not get on the trail until after 11:00 AM. Had another leisurely breakfast with Jill (I'm getting spoiled hiking so close to home).The steep uphills going over Pond Mtn. were not unexpected since I'd hiked it several times before. But the stretch between Watauga Dam Rd. and Vandeventer were real kickers - especially on a warm day. I sweated more today than any other on the trail. I kept thinking, "What's that smell? Oh! It's me."The wild flowers are really starting to come out, and the dogwoods and wild azelas were beautiful. Ah, spring on the AT.From the ridge at Vandeventer the view of Watauga Lake and mountains beyond is one I'll remember. Worth the steep climb.Sharky is leading a group of about 10 hikers out of here 3:30 in the morning for a 33-mile jaunt to Damascus to be inducted into the "Twinkletoes-yellow-shoelaces-hikers club". That's a story for the historians of the AT.As for me...well, each hiker must hike his own hike...the journey continues...
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Hwy 91

To: McQueens Gap
Miles today: 10.2

      THE NIGHT OF THE WILDCATSince I was near the road when I finished yesterday, I tented off the trail about 50-60 yards in the woods. I settled into a good, restful sleep until about 4:00 this morning. The sound of a blood-chilling, vibrado, sceaming animal pierced the night. I could hear its plodding footsteps through the leaves and twigs followed about every 10 seconds by its cry.Deciding that it would be better facing my adversary outside the tent, I grabbed my pepper spray and headlamp (thinking the light would scare it away) and stood by the tent peering into the night woods. But it remained unseen - not unheard. The screams and footbeats appeared to be going the other way, so I returned to my tent but not to sleep.A few minutes later I heard footsteps again coming through the woods and coming in the direction of my tent. This time I grabbed headlamp, pepper spray and added trekking pole and whistle to my defenses. As I stood there I tried to convince myself that this time it was only a coon, but then came another hair-raising scream a few yards away. I blew my whistle as loudly as I could and hoped for the best. At that point he decided to end his moments of terrorism, and I could hear his retreat in the opposite direction.A few hours later my friends, Dan and Jerry, arrived to hike with me for the day. After I related the story to them, Dan told me of an article in the trail book that he had which mentioned hiker reports of wildcats in that area that had awakened them in the night. Now I can verify the story as well. (Actually I was rescued out of the mouth of the wildcat by Dan and Jerry. They are true friends and real American heros.)The hike today with friends just added more to the pleasure I've been experiencing. We managed to solve most of the problems of the world as we walked, but not all. We had to save some for the next hike.When we got to the road crossing at Hwy. 421, the Trail Angels from Shady Valley 1st Baptist Church were there with more goodies and essentials for hikers than any setup I've seen thus far. What a great bunch of people. They certainly will brighten up many hiker's day. Rethink Moment: The trail is always a friend when hiked with friends.Thanks Dan and Jerry
Date: 2008-04-27
From: McQueens Gap

To: Feathercamp Branch
Miles today: 16.7

Made very good time between McQueen's Gap and Damascus. Entered my 4th state, VA, as the storm clouds approached from the west. As I came down into Damascus, the rain came down as well - in buckets. Stopped by Cowboys and ate a late lunch of chicken livers, potatoes, and deviled eggs. Decided to hike another 5 miles in the rain before tenting down. Rain stopped in evening, but remained overcast.Saw many bikers coming down off Creeper Trail, drenched and cold. At least I had my rain gear. Virginia welcomed me with open skies.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Feathercamp Branch

To: Before Deep Gap
Miles today: 18.8

Rained off and on during the night and contiued today. Most of day was slogging, and it began turning colding hiking up White Top. I should have kept my winter gear another day. As I began climbing toward Mt. Rogers, I decided to find a flat spot and pitch tent and was joined by Hometown. The wind seem to be blowing the clouds away and it turned cooler by evening.Hope to have good views of Mt. Rogers tomorrow.Days like today make it tougher to keep spirits up, but the spring flowers and realization of blue skies returning help keep me renewed. Being here is my choice, and there's no "rethinking" about the journey.Quote of the day: "Every day is different, and it's different every day." (Hometown quoting from a "Goosecreek Symphony" song)
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Before Deep Gap

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: broken clouds

Oh, what a night!The hope of clearing skies last evening vanished as the cold front moved in. The driving snow began hitting the tent early in the night, and temps dropped to below freezing.But the worst was yet to come. I became sick to my stomach. Don't know if it was something I ate or a bug, but for 2 hours I tried to lose my dinner before finally losing everything. All this in a snowstorm.It was 11:00 before I crawled out of the tent and shoveled the snow off and began packing up. The sickness left me weak, absolutely no energy, but I knew I'd better get to the next shelter and at least dry to get out of the snow. Of course the climb was all up and I hopped in the sleeping bag when I arrived at the shelter and stayed there. No appetite, no socializing, just wanting to recover and get my energy back.Virginia, why won't you be kind?
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 21.4

How quickly things can change on the trail.After being in my sleeping bag for about 15 hours and enduring one of the coldest nights yet (suspect 20 or lower), the sun was bright this morning and skies were crystal clear. After beating my shoes on the floor to thaw them out (everyone's were frozen solid), I got to hiking. Just to be back and going again revived me, and going across Grayson Highlands and its very different landscape put a spring back in my step.Then there were the wild ponies - I'd heard about them and there they were waiting, peaceful and serene. We both belonged there in that moment.I just kept hiking today until I got to Dicky Gap (went over 500-mile point today). Tented off the trail and will walk to Troutdale tomorrow where Jill will pick me up for daughter Meagan's graduation from ETSU on Saturday. It will be probably my last chance to be at home till the end of the hike, so I'm looking forward to being with family for 3 days. Then, the journey continues...
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Dickey Gap

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

The reality of the hike northward began to sink in as I watched Jill drive away after dropping me off this morning. I'll not see her for about a month, since we plan to meet at Harper's Ferry to celebrate the "halfway" point.It didn't take long for the trail to remind me that it sets my pace. My body again had to get used to the ups and downs. I retired my first hiking shoes in Johnson City and purchased some Merrell's that feel much different than my New Balance, but so far they are comfortable and seem to offer plenty of support.Starting to see more of the meadows and farming valleys that VA is known for. There's still many miles left in this state.Lots of hikers camping at Partnership tonight. There's a phone for pizza delivery at the Welcome Center, so many are taking advantage of that. Today is bittersweet - it's great to be back on the trail, and I'm missing my family after such a wonderful weekend with them. Such is life . . . the journey continues. . .
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Crawfish Valley/Reed Creek
Miles today: 17.9

Hiked through much variety today - many meadows and rolling hills. Spring has sprung with a spectacular array of colors, and it was quite an enjoyable hike.Stopped by The Barn Restaurant at the I-81 crossing near Atkins. Had their roast beef for lunch - not bad. Tonight's campsite is by a stream, and I have a campfire going. So nice.Rethink moment: I've started taking more breaks along the way each day. It's the enjoyment of the journey that matters, not the destination.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Crawfish Valley/Reed Creek

To: Past Chestnut Knob
Miles today: 16.7

Not long after starting this morning I passed a rock beside the trail which had scratched on it: "AT 544 1/4". It was about 10 yards later that I realized what it meant - the 1/4 point! My daughter, Kellie, finished her freshman year of college today, so she also reached her 1/4 point. (She reminded me that I would finish before her, however.)Today was a study in terrain contrasts. I climbed a small mountain and then went into a series of pastures/meadows. The scenery was really peaceful, very serene. The most interesting farmhouse also had what looked to be an old gristmill by the stream. It was a step back in time. Many of the valleys that I'm noiw seeing appear unspoiled and unhindered. The only other hiker that I met all day was "Liz" - a solitary day under perfect blue skies.
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Past Chestnut Knob

To: Past "Trail Boss"
Miles today: 17.6

Had some light rain during the night, but stayed dry in my little abode. Fairly easy hiking today with some moderate uphills. Biggest challenge in this area is water - it is often many miles between sources.The area around Chestnut Knob offers some outstanding views. It is a large grassy bald and is said to be "God's thumbprint". There is almost a bowl formed around it by the opposing high ridges.A thunderstorm rolled in late in the afternoon, so I pitched the tent just in time to avoid getting soaked. I'm getting good at fast homesteading.
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Jenny Knob

To: N. Ribble Trail
Miles today: 18.7

Hiked with 2 friends from hometown, Steve (The Raven) and Joby (Iron Monger). We started at 8 and finished up at 7. Long hiking day but we stopped at Trent's Grocery for a pizza lunch.Iron Monger had 2 good reasons to celebrate this weekend - he finished his masters degree in economics and had a birthday.Always good to see and hike with friends - makes the trail even happier!
Date: 2008-05-11
From: N. Ribble Trail

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The wind howled all night. The perfect spring day of yesterday turned into a wintry, blustery day. Raven and Iron Monger only had a couple of miles to hike to their truck, so I bid them farewell and headed toward Pearisburg. There was a long ridgeline to cross and the winds blew me sideways the whole way. As I entered Pearisburg a thunderstorm hit. But a big Hardees burger eased the discomfort. Troutbum was there with the same idea.Checked into the Plaza Motel and began R & R.
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Pearisburg

To: Bailey Gap
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike made up for yesterday's zero. It was such a perfect hiking day that I really didn't feel the miles until the last 3 (the steepest of the day).There were plenty of hikers in Pearisburg, but I saw none on the trail today and am here at the shelter by myself. Obviously I'm between groups right now.The whippoorwill has begun his solitary song (will he ever learn the 2nd verse?).
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Bailey Gap

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

There's a chance of rain tonight, so I'm holed up at the shelter - a nice one with covered porch tucked in a hollow. There's the remnants of an old hand-hewn log cabin down by the spring (the Sarver's?). Really is a step back in time to think what life must have been like for these pioneers.It is another solitary night by myself, and the whippoorwill is still on verse one.Life's just a walk in the woods.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain came in tonight, so I'm glad to be in a shelter. Also glad to be with other hikers for a change. Jim (section hiker) and Circumstance are with me. Others are on the hill tenting. A good night ahead listening to the rain and an occasional snore.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

After a night of steady rain, the sky dawned blue and the sun was bright. I got off to an early start and had some moderate uphills to Dragon's Tooth. But the downhill from Dragon's Tooth was something else - very precarious and tricky. One wrong step and injury was certain. Lots of rock overhangs to navigate, so hiking was very slow and deliberate.The afternoon's weather turned around from the morning calm - dark clouds moved in and the wind became brutal (guessing 40-60 mph). Since I had many ridges to go over, it hit me full force. The highlight of the day was McAfee Knob. Quite an awesome view from there. Also, Tinkers Cliffs were breathtaking. Lucky for me the wind was blowing me away from the cliffs and not over them.I saw my first lady slippers today (pink) and the rhodadendrum (spelling?) were in full bloom coming down from Dragon's Tooth. At times I was in sensory overload from the natural beauty.Went past the 700-mile point today around McAfee Knob. Another milestone.Camping tonight with a couple of section hikers from the area (Brian and Mack). Very tired, but a good tired.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Lamberts Meadow Campsite

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: few clouds

Got an early start (7:00) in order to get to Daleville and begin some R&R. Arrived at 11:00 and made my way to Wendys to begin eating. It is a great day to hike, and I almost feel bad taking time off to rest, but I said "almost".I'll stay here at HoJo's, resupply, regroup, rest, and eat. And I might even have a hot shower and do laundry.The trail will be there tomorrow, and I'll be back on it.Rethink moment: I'm realizing just how much all my life's experiences are coming together to help me in this hike. That's where age and experience are a benefit, even though the body lacks some of its youthful vigor. the journey continues . . .(Today is my 2-month point from start day)
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Daleville

To: Bobbletts Gap
Miles today: 18.5

Big breakfast at HOJO's and back on the trail. Hike from D'ville was one of easiest in a while. Good many hikers at shelter area tonight including some SOBOs doing a section hike from Wilmington, NC - they know Crabbie Appleton, so I told them of my early hikes with him from Springer.The trail was good today, the night is refreshing, the journey continues...
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Bobbletts Gap

To: Cornelius Creek
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today's exciting news came from a message left by Jill on my phone - Great friends, Keith and Susan, became grandparents! Baby was early but big and healthy, and I know from experience that they are flying high right now. Susan is also retiring next week after many years as a teacher, so their trail is filled with joy.All this makes my steps lighter today and more joyful as well - We are blessed!
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Cornelius Creek

To: Matts Creek
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Rained most of night, but woke to cloudy and blustery. Stayed that way most of the day, but as I write the sky is again turning clear and blue. I'm tenting by a stream along with Shiloh, Mt. Sailor and son, Christian, and Mrs. Limestone and Limestone. Covered stretch in 8 hrs. today, so there's plenty of time to unwind and enjoy company of other hikers.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Matts Creek

To: Browns Mtn. Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

An early climb over a couple of peaks got my blood flowing (started hiking at 7:00), but rest of day was a gentle up and down. Good views of distant mountains to the south and bridge over James River that was crossed earlier. It's neat to look back and realize where I've been and how far I've come over the hours. Passed Browns Mtn. Creek community remains where freed slaves lived from Civil War to the early 1900's. Another passage back in time.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Browns Mtn. Creek Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Breezy and cool, but deep blue sky with puffy white clouds - it could not have been a better day for hiking. Started the day with a quick 2000-ft. climb but had it done early and they went into a series of minor ups and downs. Wildflowers are bursting forth everywhere - saw first Jack-in-the-pulpits today.Over the 800-mile point today. Confidence continues to build with each 100-mile landmark. Thoughts today centered on family - I miss them terribly, but am grateful for their support and encouragement.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 29.4
Weather: few clouds

What a day of hiking! Very difficult terrain and almost 30 miles. It was a day that I just kept hiking, knowing that each step brought me closer to Waynesboro for a needed resupply. I'm running low on food (actually out), so it was essential to get close today and have an easy jaunt in the morning.Tomorrow I eat!
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

After a marathon day yesterday, today was all about recovery and relaxation. I got a ride from Rockfish to Waynesboro from Roy and was in my motel room and in the shower by 9:30AM. I'm a new man.As much as I enjoy the trail, there is a real need to get renewed about once a week with a shower and food that doesn't come out of a pouch. Tomorrow I start the Shen's.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro

To: Above Turk Gap
Miles today: 12.5

Leisurely breakfast this morning with Apostle, Shiloh, and a man from Vancouver Island, CA on vacation. He was educating me on the area in which he lived, and I was relating the AT experience to him. It was an enjoyable hour spent with new friends. One of the pleasures of the trail.Began the hike in SNP today and caught up with Shiloh and Apostle and hiked with them to the campsite. Shiloh is currently sawing a cord of wood in his tent - he gets to sleep quickly. Really enjoying getting to know and hike with these two amigos. Also saw Pipper and Mr. Burns who are camping somewhere just ahead.Great sunset view from on top of mountain - restful night ahead - the journey continues...