morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Just past Hogback Overlook

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice views in the morning. Stopped at Gravel Springs Hut for water. People there were just getting going. Stopped again later for water at a spring. Met Dame Quixote there, whom we had met previously while doing laundry at Loft Mountain Campground. In the afternoon, it got very hot, but we persevered, and got to the road about 3. After a quick hitch from nice woman from Puerto Rico, we got to the hotel, took showers, did laundry, and went out for dinner at a restaurant that in a converted feed mill. A welcome break.   Today, we crossed the northern park boundary, so I have completed my hike through Shenendoah National Park, my longest and best AT hike so far. The trails here are very well-maintained and well-marked, and relatively easy. I was glad that I was able to keep up with the real thruhikers and do better than some of them. It was really fun for me to see all aspects of thruhiker life--town stops, shelters, tenting, planning (and replanning) the day's itinerary, and doing the miles.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Front Royal

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

After a good breakfast at the Quality Inn, we took a taxi to the trail about 7. We stopped at Jim and Molly Denton Shelter--an excellent shelter with a porch and comfortable chairs. We rested there a long while and talked to Lucky Day and Sunsuko (?). Shortly after we left there, we found trail magic under a tree--apples, chips, and soda! While we were sitting there enjoying it, a bear walked down the road toward us, obviously hoping to get some trail magic for himself. Bob got this good picture of him with his phone.   The trail was nice, and we moved quickly along until it started to thunder. By then we were just outside Manassus Gap Shelter, so we dished in there and waited it out with Lucky Day, Sunsuko, and several others.   When the rain stopped and the weather map showed a gap until the next storm, we packed up and took off, hoping to camp before it started raining again. But when we got to Dick's Dome shelter, it was thundering again and so we went in (my preference but not Bob's). Six of us are squeezed into this four-person pentagonal shelter--a very poor design--with others tenting outside. It didn't really start to rain until 6:30. By then, we had washed up, organized our stuff, and cooked and eaten dinner. Even now, the rain just comes and goes.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The morning hike was easy, mostly flat or downhill on smooth trail, so we quickly did the first 9 miles. After that, it was about 10 more miles to Bear's Den, which we thought we could do easily, so we proceeded with that goal in mind. The "roller coaster," many steep hills with rocky trail, made it much harder than we thought. It took us until about 6:30 to get here. We were very tired, but it was well worth it. We were warmly welcomed by our host, Justin ("Deal"), who showed us around this beautiful stone building. We are sleeping in bunkbeds downstairs. We got the special deal--beds, showers (with towels, wash cloths, soap, shampoo), laundry (and clothes to wear while doing it), pizza, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, soda--everything out hearts desired. Other hikers here include Mapmaker and Doc, with whom we've been hiking for the last few days.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Campsite, 3.5 miles from Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Took our time packing up and eating breakfast ab ut still left Bear's Den about 7. We walked at a leisurely pace, stopping first at a rocky viewpoint, where I saw a turkey vulture take off. Shortly after that, we crossed the Virginia-West Virginia boder and found trail magic (Bed Lite on ice) left by Coffee-to-Go, Meat, and Glasses. Even though it was only 10 a.m., we each had a can.    Late in the day, about 3, we stopped at David Lesser shelter to get water. While Bob walked 2.5 down and back to the spring, I had a nice rest at that beautiful shelter. It has a large deck with benches all around, a picnic table with a roof over it, a swing, and the same comfortable chairs as Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. The shelter itself is very large and has two windows, making it very light inside--altogether, the nicest shelter I've seen. It also has nice campsites with benches and tent platforms. But it was early and Bob wanted to get closer to Harpers Ferry so we could get there in time for breakfast.    We walked until about 5:45 to this designated campsite 3.5 miles from Harpers Ferry. We are camping here with, Payman and Two Steps, a German couple, whom Bob knew earlier and I had met a day or two ago.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Campsite, 3.5 miles from Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry!
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got going about 6 in an effort to avoid rain predicted for 7. Aside from a little drizzle, we did it. We got here about 8 a.m., walked down the hill and had breakfast at Town Inn. Then we walked back up to the ATC headquarters, where Bob got his picture taken, and they had a sparkling grape juice toast to him for completing his third complete AT hike--really nice. Payman and Two Steps were also here and joined in the toast. We are staying at the Town Inn in bunk beds. Very comfy. Having a nice restful day.   Congratulations Bamboo Bob!
Date: 2012-04-30
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Next section of the AT. Ended my October 2011 hike at Davenport Gap as planned. The next section is the longest time/distance I have spent on the AT. It will be a new experience as my son and a co-worker will be hiking with me. At 55, hiking with a 19 and 20 something should be interesting.    When I mentioned my plans to my co-worker, he asked if he could come. I said it could be great, but wanted him to know that I was limited in my daily abilities. I was planning on hiking 10-14 miles a day, no more, but no less. He would be responsible for his own food, and his share of the costs of shuttling, gas & hotel. Since we haven't hiked together before, compatibility is something to be worked for.   My son, the 19 year old, is familiar with his old dad, and manages to convince me I can do more that I think I can (or maybe that is, should). I really enjoy having him along. He really thinks and having time to share with him is always a pleasure. Not always easy, because he thinks much deeper than I do, but it lets me know that my wife and I have done the job God gave us to do. I have been making arrangements for our Shuttle from Erwin to Davenport and have reserved a motel room on the way for all three of us to share. My son and I will leave Birmingham about 5pm Friday, pick up my co-worker in Huntsville and drive to Cleveland, TN, to spend the night. We will eat breakfast at the hotel and leave as early as possible so that we can drop our food boxes in Hot Springs and make it to Erwin, TN, by noon. I hope to get to Davenport by 2pm and hike at least 4-6 miles before dark. We will be near the longest days of the year, so we can hike pretty late. We will need the stretch after parts of 2 days in the car.
Date: 2012-05-04
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   BCM is my trail name. That is short for Bass Clarinet Man. I began playing Bass Clarinet when I was 13 and now 42 years later still enjoy it. I work for an Outdoor Retail Company, Mountain High Outfitters, in Birmingham, AL. My wife and I have lived there for over 20 years. I have a 15 year old daughter as well as my 19 year old son. My first wife has been married to me for almost 33 years and has shared several trips with me. My son, an Eagle Scout, (I am a lowly Star Scout) has been hiking with me, since he was a baby, first in Child Carrier and later on his own. Our first long distance trip was from Amicalola Falls to Testnatee Gap on the AT for his Hiking Merit Badge. My daughter has hiked and backpacked with us, but doesn't see it as something she wants to do.    I carry a cell phone, SPOT (Satellite Personal Online Tracker), a Nook. I previously carried a Kindle, but the Nook is smaller, lighter, and the battery is reputed to last longer. The Nook is my Bible, nightly entertainment, and hopefully sometime soon will be my Data Book.   I am planning on carrying the ATC or National Geographic map for Davenport to Damascus and the AT Guide by AWOL. I am also considering carrying the Pocket Guide by AntiGravity Gear. I plan on splitting this up between the 3 us so everyone will have something in case we get separated.
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Plan for the hike is a follows:Davenport Gap Mile 236 Day1 camp Painter Branch Mile 240.7Day 2 camp Roaring Fork Shelter Mile 253.8Day 3 camp Deer Park Mountain Shelter 268.6 Day 4 camp Rich Mountain Fire Tower Trail Mile 280.0         The day will include resupply, wash clothes, shower in Hot SpringsDay 5 camp Little Laurel Shelter Mile 291.4Day 6 camp Flint Mt. Shelter Mile 304.1Day 7 camp Springs Mile 316Day 8 camp Mile 328.2 Day 9 Erwin Mile 339.9These may change due to physical capacity, weather, or downright cussedness.
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Home

To: Cleveland, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Bad news/Good News - My son got a Summer job. He will start on 5/26 and won't be able to make the trip. Errrrrrrrrr. I will miss him.Got off work at 4pm. Drove to Decatur where I had supper and filled the gas tank while I waited for a Severe Thunderstorm to pass through Huntsville. Picked up Jarod at the MHO in the Bridge Street Mall. Had a pleasant drive to Cleveland with only 2 problems. Missed the turn onto I24 and then went to the wrong exit for the hotel. We arrived about 10:30pm ET after losing an hour due to time change.
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Cleveland, TN

To: Painters Branch Campsite
Miles today: 4.7

Up at 5:15, got out of the motel and purchased some supplies at Wally World. Then came back and ate the Free Continental Breakfast. Choices were cereal, Waffles and Honey Buns. Made it back on the road at 7am   Stopped to get TN map to use to get to Hot Springs to leave my drop box at Bluff Mt. Outfitters. Discovered we had actually gotten on the wrong interstate and had to go back a couple of miles. We then followed the map to Hot Springs. Unfortunately, a bridge was out and we had to detour. It took about half an hour longer. Dropped off the box and took the road to Erwin. With only one bad turn, we made to to Erwin by 11:50. 15 minutes early. Ron was waiting for us at the Holiday Inn Express and had made arrangements for me to leave my car there. We picked up food at the store next to the hotel and headed for Davenport Gap.   We made it to Davenport Gap, took pictures and we were on the trail by 2:30. It was an easy downhill to I40 and the blazes saw us to steps on the otherside.    The stairs were steep as was the entire initial climb. I was leading, pacing myself, when Jarod asked to go ahead. I moved out of the way and he moved quickly ahead. However about 400 yards ahead, he was sitting on the side of the trail in some respiritory distress. I stopped for a short break and we discussed pacing and the rest step. We got up and continued up the hill at my pace.    We reached Painters Creek Campsites about 5pm. We stopped at the 1st site, but moved to the 2nd after we ate. There was not a good place for Bear Bagging, but we did what we could (successfully as no bear got our food). Two different couples stayed at a campsite further up the creek. It was larger, flatter and better in many ways.   Jarod had some problems as I mentioned, but steadied. I must have been more tired than I thought, because I crashed shortly after setting up. I forgot to take my Alleve and Antacid pill (keeps the Alleve from upsetting my stomach). I woke up at 11:30, took my meds, journaled, worked on my Daniel Bible Study and went back to sleep about 12:30.
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Painters Branch Campsite

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Up at 5:30 and out of camp by 7:05. We hit the top of Snowbird by 8:20.Snowbird Mt. is topped by an FAA facility. It is the first AT mountain that is actually bald since Siler's Bald south of the Smokies. While I was taking pictures, Jarod let me know he was really hurting in his knees. We were thinking that he would slow down and make it to Hot Springs and call for someone to pick him up.    We made it to Groundhog Shelter by 10. A couple that I later met as Aaron and Jackie pointed me to the shelter trail. I watered up, snacked, a discussed the trail with a beautiful young lady who was southbound with her boyfriend, and waited for Jarod. Once he arrived, I got a report on his condition and continued on. I ran into 2 southbound hikers, unfortunately I forgot their names. I made Brown Gap by 2 and Max Patch by 5.   Max Patch was beautiful, gorgeous, and amazing. You can see for 360 degrees, the trail coming up, and most of the Northern Part of the Smokies. I thought about pitching my tarp and watching the sunset and sunrise as the weather was perfect. But I decided to move on to Roaring Fork Shelter. I figured I would need the extra miles.   I ran into a thruhiker with a lot of Tattoos just before Max Patch. I think his trail name was Pappa Tatts. We had seen him at Davenport Gap.   Jarod made it to Max Patch. Unfortunately his knees betrayed him in the stream before the climb up to Max Patch. He slipped on the rocks and twisted his ankle. He climbed the Patch to tell me and then went down to the parking lot below Max Patch and got a ride out.   I continued on down the trail off Max Patch to Roaring Fork. I was alone at the shelter and decided to hammock outside. Got water, cooked, ate, and spent the night in my hammock. Read my Bible Study, my book, Tom Clancy's Red Rabbit, and planned my day for tomorrow. Think I might shoot for Hot Springs.
Date: 2012-05-21
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was cold in my hammock last night. Needed my wings on the side to really be comfortable. Boiled water, and had my Quaker Oat Squares and Raisin Bran with hot milk. Love that Nido, the only powdered milk worth drinking. I was on the trail by 7:30. It was downhill to Lennox Gap by 9. Fast due to shallow descent. The climb to Walnut Mt. Shelter was hard but I really wanted that privy. The climb up Bluff Mountain just really took it out of me. Aaron and Jackie passed me like I was standing still. When I finally gasped my way to the top, Bean, a lady thruhiker from Nashville, was eating in a pile of rocks. I took a seat, had lunch and a nap. I woke up with Mark, a SOBO section hiker came by.    Long 4.1 down to Garenflo Gap. Where I ran into Sharon, the president of the Lebanon, PA Hiking Club and her 2 companions. They were moving slowly. I think the youngest member was 60 and the oldest around 70. I took a break at Log Cabin Road and prepared myself for what I remembered was a long climb up Deer Mt. I discovered it wasn't too bad, but after covering 15.0 miles, I was beat. My dream of Hot Springs was over, but I comforted myself that it was much cheaper that way.   As rain seemed to be on the way, I took a place in the shelter with Matt, a SOBO thruhiker. An interesting man, an officer on a Container ship. He works 6 mos on, 6 mos off. He decided he was going to hike the AT or at least a large part of it. He was Flip-Flopping from Harpers Ferry to Springer then Harpers Ferry north until he ran out of time.   Doc was tenting with Chris. Doc, real name is Norbert, is a 2009 thruhiker guiding Chris for the first part of a 6 week section hike. Chris is the son of a friend of Doc's. Neat folks. I ran into them again in Hot Springs, before I left.   Sharon and her two companions tented after arriving just before dark.   Poor Matt. He told me in the morning, he had never stayed in a shelter with a more restless hiker. I apologized, Matt was a good guy. Even loaned me some TP. I thought I slept OK, but then I am used to waking up in the middle of the night. Usually I don't disturb anyone else because I am in my Hammock. I typically don't hear myself snoring, belching or farting. All things Matt mentioned that I did. Sigghhhhh. It is tough being a 55 year old hiker
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 12.7

Stiff climb to Camp Creek Bald. I took the trail to the fire tower. When I got to what I thought was the tower it was surrounded by a fence. Then I went a little further and saw a road to the right up to the true summit. There was the old fire tower. The top was locked, but from the last platform I was above the trees and could take pictures. I also had a 5 bar cell connection and I called everyone I knew. No one was home except Jarod. I woke him up. He told me he was home and OK. He gave me some information on the Interstate thru Chattanooga.   I went down to Bear Wallow Gap thru White Rock Cliff and Blackstack Cliffs. The trail to Firescald Knob was a rock garden with climbs. Tight corners and grabby vegetation. When they built that trail, they took you to a great view, but it hurts to get there. The View from Firescald Knob was almost worth it. I took my lunch in the sun and dried out my boots.   Once you finish that you get to climb to Bald Ridge which is bald and then to Big Bald which isn't. I apparently missed a photo op on Big Bald, a big rock along Bald Ridge. There was a dark cloud and thunder and I didn't want to be in a thunderstorm on top of an exposed ridge.   Then there was Jerry Cabin Shelter. The Cloud had past and left bright shiny day. My boots and socks were still wet even after Firescald knob and I took another break and gave my stuff a chance to dry while I took a watered up, snacked, and took a nap.   Then Big Butt and the downhill forever on an old Forest Service Road into Flint Gap. Along the way, there is a relatively flat section with the Shelton Gravesite near the end of the flat section. Shortly thereafter it crash dives. Your toe and toe knuckles jam into the toes of your boots, no matter how tight you get your boots.    I arrived at Flint Mt. Shelter after a long, long day. The side trips and nap at Jerry Cabin, had delayed me so I arrived about 6pm, exhausted. I decided to stay in the shelter. Took a sponge bath at the privy and talked with the only other hiker, Three Moons. He got his trail name because he was out for 3 months. He was taking his time, hiking from shelter to shelter. Good company, but not on my schedule. I wished I had 3 months.   May God go with you, Three Moons.
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Flint Mt. Shelter

To: Low Gap campsite with Piped Spring
Miles today: 14.8

OK. I planned to take it easy today. I had convinced myself last night that I didn't want any long days after the difficult day going over Firescald Knob. I was only going to Hogback Ridge Shelter, but I made there by 1:15. I couldn't stop. I was on a roll. I finally ended my day at a campsite with a piped spring about 6.1 miles from Hogback Ridge shelter and 3.7 miles after Sams Gap.   Up late about 6 and didn't get out of camp until 8:15. Told 3 Moons, I was probably going to stay at Hogback Ridge Shelter. Made Devil Fork Gap by 9 and Lick Rock by 12:30. I arrived a Hogback Ridge at 1:15. I ate lunch, called home, and watered up. Now watering up at Hogback Ridge is a lengthy process. the water trail is about 3/10 of a mile. It is difficult to get to the water without getting your feet wet. Since I was in Crocs, I got my feet wet. The return to the shelter was uncomfortable as I imagined blisters etc... .    Just as I packed up to leave about 3, 3 Moons came in. He was disappointed that I was leaving, but said "See you up the trail". I arrived at Sam's Gap at 4 and the campsite by 6:10. I was alone and felt vulnerable to bears for some reason. I hung hammock/tarp and my bear bag rope, ate dinner, washed my clothes and me, and barely had time to think about anything else before I crashed. My headlamp was apparently clicked on and my batteries were very low.   Except for an empty cooler coming down into Sam's gap, Lick Rock, the only really bright spot today was running into Potlikker and Chef-Boy-R-Dee from Baton Rouge, LA, near Lick Rock.
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Low Gap campsite with Piped Spring

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Tonight is a big night at No Business Knob Shelter. We have Achilles, Sam, Miles, Benjy the dog, Esther, and Nathan. This is the largest group I have been with since Deer Mountain Shelter just before Hot Springs.   Up at 4, I didn't sleep well because my hammock tried to throw me out. I was on the trail by 7. Hit Big Bald, another absolutely Gorgeous Bald with 360 degree views at 9:15. Made Big Bald Shelter at 10:00    Between Big Bald and Big Bald Shelter, I ran into Laura and Alex, Laura's husband/Alex's Dad, a Bird banding team with helpers from North Buncombe High School in Weaverville, NC, and a hiker out "to keep his wind". A large number of Pink Rhododenrons were just beginning to fill out with blossoms and it was a wonderful morning.    As I climbed Little Bald (which isn't bald), I met Achilles, Christian, and Trey. Achilles was hiking to redo the trail he did at 15, Christian was taking a nap near the top of Little Bald. Trey was doing a 2 day out and back from Either Sams or Allan Gap to Erwin. He blew by me like I was standing still.    Down into Spivey Gap where I found a cooler full of Cold Drinks. TRAIL MAGIC! Well it had started out that way, but all that was left was Diet Coke. Needless to say after 7 days with no soft drinks, I had a diet coke. To the TRAIL ANGEL of Spivey Gap, THANK YOU!   Coming up out of Spivey Gap was not what I expected it to be. It was about a 30% grade for 1.5 miles. It was hard and unexpected. My data book was showing a 20% grade for 3 miles. Well if you take a 30% grade and a 10% grade over 3 miles I guess it averages into 20%. At the top I came across a stream and soaked my feet in it for 10 minutes. They were NUMB when they came out. Then there was an easy down and a sharp climb to the No Business Knob shelter reaching it about 5:30. We talked, played cards, shared food, and generally had a good time. I went to bed about 8:30 as I was headed into Erwin early as it is supposed to be a hot day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: few clouds

My Hammock treated me with respect last night. It lay flat and generally allowed me to move as needed. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. It started out warm and humid and ended quite cool and humid. I had folded half my tarp back for ventilation, but the night was still. I slept on top of my sleeping bag, but then as the night cooled down, I got cold and had to get into the bag and that woke me up. I read Red Rabbit and did some extra Daniel Study, spent some time in prayer for the hikers I have met.   I was up at 5:30, had a nutragrain bars for Breakfast and was out by 6:30. I made Uncle Johnnies Hostel at 9;30 and the Motel by 10:30 after having a Gatorade with Sprite at Uncle Johnnies.    The 1 mile hike up the road to the Holiday Inn Express was almost completely out in the sun. Even at 10 in the morning it was hot, humid and getting more so. I made it to the Hotel, reserved a room for the night and drove to the Huddle House for Breakfast. When I got back to the Motel about 11:30, they had a room ready to go. In the room I called home to let them know my plans. I took a shower and then a bath. Lay down on the bed to fill in my journal and crashed until 4:30.    At 4:30, I decided to get some supper. I ran into a hiker in front of the hotel and took him to Walmart and then out to eat at a Mexican Restaurant. I don't remember his name, but he was from Texas, a vet with medical discharge, divorced and hiking the trail to get it back together. I brought him back to the Hotel and we went our separate ways.   I crashed by 10pm after watching Star Wars III.