morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Upper Laurel Fork, tent site

To: Waycaster Spring, tent site
Miles today: 14.2

Day 54Woke up a little later this morning. Must have been the soothing sound of the nearby rapids. As I lay on my tent tonight I hear a similar sound; just a little less intense. Stream is about 50 yards away.Started hiking around 8am and finished about 5:30. Highlight of the day came late in the afternoon via the extraordinary Laurel Falls (see pic), But it did not come easy. It was a steep 400+ decent over a very rocky course. I fell once and tweaked by ankle. Hiked over a mile after that but it is still a little sore. The test will be how it feels in the morning. Taking Alleeve and hoping for the best. First thing tomorrow is an 1700 foot ascent to test it out.Although the last forecast I heard was for a good chance of thunderstorms today, they did not materialize. It was a little cooler ( probably in the 70's) and mostly sunny. There were many families taking advantage of the nice day to visit the Falls. After several days of successful bear bag hanging lately, I had a terrible time tonight. Took about 10 throws to get my line over the branch of choice. Then after I attached my food bag and started hoisting it up, the branch broke. Took awhile to find another good candidate branch. Then about another dozen or so throws before success. Why do tiles darn bears have to like people food? Have about 6 miles of hiking tomorrow before going into Hampton, TN for resupply. Depending on how my ankle feels I'll either go to a hostel for the night or come right back to the AT and get some more miles in.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Waycaster Spring, tent site

To: Hikers Haven, Hampton, TN
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 55A short day today to get to a hostel and resupply before the final push into Damascus, VA. Even though it was short there was a kind of tough 1700 foot elevation gain before going right back down to Watauga Lake (see pic of lake and dam from high above). Even with cool temps there were hikers and townies swimming at the lake. Got a quick shuttle from "Hiker Haven Hostel" in Hampton, TN run by Jeff & Claire. It is definitely not a 5A type of place; but, it is quite hiker friendly and has everything needed on premises between it and a grocery store right next door. My ankle tweak yesterday has not caused me any problems today, although still a little tender. So all is well. It is just shortly afternoon and I've had a good meal and my clothes are in the dryer. Soon my shower will be done and then plenty of time for resupply and rest before dinner. A quick 5 minute shuttle in the morning and the hike will resume. There is a hiker here today that is blind. He has a dog. Still I don't understand at all how he does it. He says he can't wait until VA where the AT gets less rocky and rooty. He and several others were just picked up by "Miss Janet". It is the first time I've met her after hearing about her since the early days of my hike. She has a large old van and does nothing but shuttle hikers all over the place. A real life AT legend.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Hikers Haven, Hampton, TN

To: Hotel in Elizabethton, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Day 56Did not get to hike today. Last night at the Hiker Haven Hostel there were 3 of us in the bunk house. Two of us came down with vomiting and diarrhea. Mine started at about 5am. This morning I got a ride to a motel in Elizabethton to recover in peace and quiet. Am feeling somewhat better tonight; but, still weak so will likely will take another zero tomorrow. Doubt it was the concerning Norovirus. That lasts two days and I'm getting better on less than one.Also there was a fierce thunderstorm last evening. Glad I was in the bunkhouse listening to it pound down on the roof. Felt sorry for several hikers that headed out yesterday and had to endure the storm up in the mountains.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Hotel in Elizabethton, TN

To: Hotel in Elizabethton, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Day 57What a boring day. Stuck in a motel room recovering (?) from yesterday's diarrhea problems. Problem is that as of this evening I am still having the same issue. Maybe I do have the Norovirus after all. So, tomorrow is now questionable as well.All that is within walking distance here is a Big Lots store, a drive thru hot hog stand, an Arby's, a dominos pizza and a nursing home. So much excitement! I did watch a quite interesting Billy Crystal special on HBO today called 700 Sundays. It was about the first 14 years of his family life growing up until his father died.
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Hotel in Elizabethton, TN

To: Hotel in Elizabethton, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Day 58Another very boring day on Elizabethton, TN. The highlight of today was walking to Arby's for lunch and then getting stranded there for two hours as I waited for rain to stop so I could walk back to the hotel. Finally feeling better so tomorrow I'm back on trail. FINALLY!!!
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Hotel in Elizabethton, TN

To: Unnamed campground in W. TN
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: mist

Day 59Such a welcome change to be out of the motel room and back hiking the AT. Although still a little weak feeling, I had a good day. On Wednesday and Thursday mornings I talked with an older gentleman at the motel breakfast area. Turns out he is the driver for his daughter-in-law who is slack packing a section of the AT. He's up and eating while she sleeps late in the room. Turns out it was very beneficial meeting him. I was ready to hike this morning and trying to call the shuttle that brought me over the other day. Tried several times and they were not answering the phone. I was so sick of being in that room, I went out into the lobby to continue trying. Then the old man and his hiker came up to check out. I struck up a conversation and in no time they offered to give me a ride - even though we were starting our hikes from different locations. So "Monkey Mama" and Clyde saved the day with their generosity. And at 8:50 I was on the trail hiking around Watuga Lake to the dam. She had already done that section and was starting from the dam about 4 miles ahead of me. Later I had a phone message from the shuttle that they saw I had called; but, they were shuttling several hikers to Damascus to attend Trail Days. In the motel this morning I checked today's forecast and no mention of rain. But shortly after noon it did shower for a little while then turned nice. While taking a short break at a shelter it started again and actually hailed for a few minutes. At tonight's campsite it also has rained. While I was eating dinner I heard the first clap of thunder. Hurriedly finishing dinner I tried to get my bear bag hung before the rain started. Picked a good branch and got the first throw over exactly where I wanted. Attached the bag and started pulling it up.....and the branch broke and feel to the ground. As the rain started I grabbed the bag, rope and water bottle and headed for my tent. About 30 minutes later I was able to go out and get it hung.Going to be colder tonight than I've experienced for a long time. Both days and nights will be below average for several days. Latest forecast says there could be snow at 5.000 feet. This camp is at 3,850. At this site is a father/son from NH and one other guy.Pic today is a family that greeted me just as my hike was about to start this morning.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Unnamed campground in W. TN

To: Double Spring Gap campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 60Today started with a cold morning (nearly freezing), a wet tent from last nights rain and high expectations. It was hard forcing myself to get out of the sleeping bag and face the cold. But I did and got hiking at 7:50. From reviewing my AT Guide last night it looked like today's hiking was relatively flat and I thought it a great day to shoot for my first 20 mile day. As it turns out I did not make the 20; but, did have a personal best of 16 miles. Several factors played into the missed opportunity: got a late start, lost time talking with people I ran across( about half a hour each at a trail magic event and later with a disabled Iraq War vet) and the trail was not as flat or easy as it seemed on paper. Oh well - maybe some other day.At one point today the trail went through a pasture area filled with cows and young calfs. There were several styles to climb over that separated different pastures. As I was going through this area I kept my eyes pealed for any bulls that may not like my presence. Did not see any. While I walking through I wondered if my bright orange ball cap would have the same effect as red on bulls. Was ready to sacrifice it if need be. Later in talking to another hiker found out that they would not put bulls in the same pasture with nursing calfs. The trail magic mentioned earlier was by a local church group. Apparently they restock it each day but do not always man it. The food and drinks were inside a steel, bear proof container. So hikers could just open it and help themselves. I'll post a picture of it and the related sign in the photo album.Today was the last full day in TN. Will enter Virginia tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Double Spring Gap campsite

To: Damascus, Va
Miles today: 13.3

Day 61Today's milestone: Done with TN and into Virginia. Spending the night at "Hikers Inn" a real nice hostel in Damascus. It has both private rooms and a bunk house. Even the bunk house which is my choice is nice. It is literally only 8 feet behind the main residence and only 4 bunks in a good sized room with adjoining bath/shower. Clean and comfortable. Right now I'm wearing loaned scrubs after a shower while my clothes are being washed. Today was the last of a 3 day Trail Days event in Damascus. Is a huge annual event that brings approx 15,000 people into this town of just over 1,000 population. Most hikers ( from current and previous years) are housed in a "tent city" on the outskirts of town. Many hiking equipment suppliers from all over come as well. There was a parade of hikers by year earlier today. Unfortunately not arriving until 2:30 most activities were over. I did get to meet Bill Walker (aka Skywalker). He is I think 6'10", hence the trail name. His book about his AT thru hike was among the first few I read last year. My plans were to arrive earlier until the 3 sick days back on Hampton messed things up.The next milestone will NOT be another state. The AT lasts for over 500 miles in VA, the longest of any state and about one fourth of the whole trail. I'm now at mile marker 467. So I'll hike further than I have to date and still be in VA.The trail has been very lonely the last few days. Many hikers who are near push hard to get to Damascus for Trail Days. And ones that would have been behind me and caught up, arranged for shuttles to get there. Then they'll go back and pick up their hike from where they were. I have played hop scotch with a father(from NH) and son (from CA) and camped together the last two nights. Tomorrow's plans are to pick up a supply package at the PO, resupply locally for whatever else I need and get back on the trail by early afternoon.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Damascus, Va

To: Saunters Shelter
Miles today: 9.2

Day 62NOTE: big delay I'm posting due to poor cell service. Catching up on 5/23 after reaching town.Woke up from a good nights sleep at my favorite hostel yet. Then I had time to kill. I reviewed Trail Journals of some of my friends while lying in bed and then went out for breakfast. Went back to the hostel and changed into my hiking gear. Finally it was time for the post office to open at 8:30. About a half hour walking round trip and it was successful -meaning my package from Wendy was there. First task was to review the pages from the AT Guide Wendy sent and determine where my next possible resupply town would be. Based upon the mileage to there I determined 5 days of food was needed. Next reviewed the food I had available and made a shopping list. Then off walking again to an outfitter and a Dollar General. Back to the hostel to pack up. Left the hostel around 10:30 and began hiking. In Damascus the AT runs through town. Just before it leaves town is a Subway. So, a final town meal later I'm hiking again. Other than getting a late start, nothing really exciting about today's hike. There were several flat, easy sections. And one of the things I do not like, a long uphill at the end of the day, But, such is the life of an AT hiker - you have to take what the trail gives you. The trail was a bit more crowded today with a bubble of hikers that were leaving town after attending the big Trail Days celebration in Damascus. At this location tonight is a group of college students from a private college in Newport News, VA. There are about 20 of them hiking as part of a course they're taking. When I arrived they were sitting in a grassy area with their prof giving a lecture. I could hear him talking as I set up my tent. All I got from it was: blah, blah, blah, blah, etc. Today's pic is a little waterfalls right along the trail. In fact I'm standing on a couple of logs that is part of the trail as I snap the photo.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Saunters Shelter

To: Campsites by Whitetop Mtn. Rd.
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 63Got an early start today at 7:00am. And it was off to the races with easy trail. Got about 9 miles in when I stopped for lunch. Then a 1,750 uphill on Whitetop Mountain took forever. So, just an average mileage day after all. Once on top of treeless Whitetop the views were fantastic. Nice of the AT people to provide se reward for such hard work.Today's pic is of flowering Rhodidendrums near a mountain top. Spring has arrived even at higher elevations.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Campsites by Whitetop Mtn. Rd.

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 64A very long day - hiking from 7am to 6pm. Did get a new record daily high of 17.7 miles. Also another milestone - over 500 miles to date.Under normal trail conditions I think it could have been a 20 miler. A very large portion of the day the trail was quite rocky. That really slows things down as you have to be very careful of your footing. The most interesting area today was Grayson Highlands State Park, it is famous for it's free roaming Shetland horses and ponies. And also for terrain that resembles Scotland. I was disappointed to find out the large herd of ponies was on a side trail today - not on the AT. Heard that from a section hiker who saw them. Then just as I was leaving the park I did see a small group of them (see pic). The terrain was large grass covered rolling hills with outcrops of rocks all over the place.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 65Overnight last evening there was a strong thunderstorm. Fortunately I was warm and dry in my tent and stayed that way throughout. However strong wind gusts that were prevalent yesterday contained even after the storm. It's strange I'm the mountains how you can hear the wind gusts building up long before they arrive. Guess they start down lower and come up the ravines/ridges building as they proceed. Sounds neat.Today's hike was pretty uneventful lasting from 8am until around 5 pm. It did set me up with what should be a reasonable distance to town tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Mt Rogers Visitor Center, Marion, VA
Miles today: 10.7

Day 66Today is my 8th consecutive day of hiking, totaling 105 miles during that time. Woke up eager to get to town for a day off (a zero). Got a very early start at 6:50 and made it to the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center at about 11:30. From there the city of Marion, VA has a city transit bus pick up hikers 3 times a day for rides into town ( about 6 miles). So now I'm settled into another low rate hiker oriented motel with a real bed. There are at least another 25 other hikers here also.If all the AT was as easy as today, I would be much further along. The trail had very few rocky or rooty areas which allowed smooth sailing. I actually ran into trail magic about 7:20 this morning. A tent canopy set up in the woods with no one around by a church group. Had a can of ginger ale and an oatmeal cookie for my second breakfast. To be honest, over the last couple of days I've been thinking of calling it quits. Nothing is wrong and I feel good physically. Just was getting a little tired of the day to day routine. Wendy will be returning from PA on Sunday down I-77 which is only about 20 miles from here. It would be easy to get a ride over to Wytheville and have her pick me up with no detour involved. However, after reviewing my AT a Guide Book I want to continue on to enjoy the terrain coming up. Most hikers say the VA section (although long) is much easier. Basically you get up on mountain ridges and stay there on fairly level hikes for many miles at a time. I'll make a final decision in the morning. But as it stands right now, it is looking like hiking onward.Today's pic is of a stile. Seen quite a few of these lately. For those unfamiliar with them, they are basically steps built over pasture fences. So people (i.e. Hikers) can cross over the fence and animals cannot. Comes in handy in case a mad bull is after you??. Sometimes they are hard to navigate with a 35+ pound backpack being totted around on your back.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Mt Rogers Visitor Center, Marion, VA

To: Wytheville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Day 67As mentioned yesterday, I've been thinking about getting off the trail. After trying to think through all the pro's and con's of continuing, I have conclusively decided to permanently end my AT thru-hike. I am now sitting in a hotel in Wytheville, VA after getting a ride over from Marion earlier this afternoon. Wendy should be getting here around noon tomorrow on her way home from PA. I've been vascilating over this for several days.....going back and forth several times. Bottom line is that the "will to continue" was just not strong enough to go on for much longer. And rather than go on for another week or two and have Wendy make another long drive to pick me up, I'll just take advantage of her coming through this area now. Last time I went home it was a snap decision after a few bad days on the trail. It is a popular saying on the trail to not quit on a bad day. This time that is not true. I've had a string of good days and racked up some of my bigger mileage days. I am very comfortable with what I have accomplished ....over 500 miles of backpacking in the woods. I've told fellow hikers on several occasions that if it ends today, it was still a fantastic journey that I will always remember and appreciate the opportunity to do. I really feel this way.For my many journal readers, again I appreciate the overwhelming support and encouragement you've shown. I hope you will continue to visit my site. I plan on posting for at least another week or so. Plans are to give you a more detailed description of what a hikers life is like. And also to try to explain the mind set of hiking and deciding to stop in more detail. So please stay tuned in until I advise when my final post is written.Thanks, ACHIN
Date: 2014-05-25
To: Day 1 Home
Miles today: 0.0

Home Day 1Got home about 4:30 this afternoon. Wendy picked me up in Wytheville about 11am and we had lunch at a Cracker Barrel right there. I drove the rest of the way home.....at speeds about 35 times as fast as I'm use to traveling. Only highlight of the trip was when we were on the North side of Aiken and experienced a thunderstorm. The temperature dropped from 85 to 65 in just a few minutes. That in itself was okay; but, not the associated hail storm. Sounded like Wendy's car was really getting pounded hard and we were concerned about dents ( which had happened to one of our cars in Aiken previously). However, when we stopped for gas thankfully we could not see any dents.So my journey has come full circle. Great to be home with Wendy. Starting tomorrow I'm sure will start the process of getting back together with the rest of the family, friends and neighbors. Please remember to keep looking at this site for a little while longer. Still have more to post about details of my hike and more personal thoughts about the experience.
Date: 2014-05-26
To: Day 2 Home
Miles today: 0.0

Morning MattersFirst of post hike, more detailed insights into my AT experiences.Thought I'd use today's narrative to give a little insight to a typical day. Starting the day at midnight, I get up sometime in the wee hours to pee. This means getting out of the sleeping bag, finding my glasses, headlamp and crocs. Exiting the tent I find the nearest tree as possible that will not interfere with other campers. Then return and settle back into the sleeping bag again. As a side note I've learned to always put everything on the same place each night. Saves lots of time to know where something is. That is true of inside the tent and also inside the backpack.Generally I wake to birds chirping around 6am. Go out to pee again and retrieve my bear bag from its tree branch. Returning to my tent I make up a batch of oatmeal and whey powder with cold water for breakfast. Then of course it's cleaning up after eating by licking clean the spoon and adding more water to the bowl and finger cleaning it. All breakfast utensils, bowls and food bag are squared away for packing. Then I change clothes into what I'm wearing to hike that day(which is in itself a little tricky inside a tent that let's me sit up on one end with the other end only about 18" high). Then I start packing up. Clothes not being worn go into the clothes bag( which is also my pillow when turned inside out so the fleece side is out). The sleeping bag has to be stuffed into its stuff sack which with the straps pulled tight compresses it quite a bit to save room. At this point I start loading my backpack. First the sleeping bag stuff sack, then the clothes bag, then various smaller items on top of that ( cooking pot set, medical bag, electronics bag, bubble jacket, water bag/filter bag, toilet paper ziplock bag and the sleeping bag liner). Lastly in goes the food bag so it is most assessable for lunch/snack breaks).Then it time to exit the tent and pull remaining items out. That includes the backpack, water bottles(2), crocs and sleeping pad. Next is taking down the tent, folding it reasonably well and rolling it up making sure the tent stakes and folded up poles are rolled inside. The next part sounds easy; is not. The rolled up tent goes into it's tubelike cover. Not an easy task with cold fingers and/or a wet tent. Lastly the moisture proof ground cover that is under the tent at night is folded up as well as possible and hopefully fairly clean and dry. Now all items that go on the outside of the backpack are stowed or strapped on. That includes the water bottles, sleeping pad(which folds up in an accordion like fashion), ground cover and lastly tent. At this point everything is loaded and I do a final check to make sure all straps are tightened and look around to make sure I didn't miss anything. One last look at my AT Guide to see what is coming up, picking up my hiking poles, checking my watch and take off hiking. The whole above process takes about one hour.Since this turned out to be so lengthy, I'll save the rest of a typical day for another posting.Pic today is something at home that I did not see on the AT, flowering cacti in our yard.