morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2023-04-20
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 22.8

Today was a hot day. Most hikers left the shelter area at least an hour before me - I left at 8.It didn't help that I had a big climb right off the bat to Big Butt Mountain.  It featured a scenic trudge walk though. On the way, I discovered that I had serious dehydration. I immediately drank a liter and a half of water, and started taking a big gulp of water every half hour or so. My condition gradually improved, but I still have a lot of hydrating to make up for.It was a long, slow day in the heat. I was on my own for most of the day, except for a few hikers around 10 and 5.I skipped a dry campsite I intended to use and headed to the next shelter. There I found Benny, Spoon, and others to chat with over dinner. I imagine the others were tempted by the hostel near Devil's Fork Gap. Then again, a couple of them, like My Way, are distance junkies, so they might be even further ahead.
Date: 2023-04-21
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7

It was a cooler day, though it still got warm. My dehydration problem slowly improved, but I still need to drink more water.It was a very scenic morning. I climbed up to Big Bald Knob from Sam's Gap, along with a few small groups of weekend backpackers and day hikers. It was a fantastic view that rivaled the one on Max Patch, though I was on Big Bald Knob around 11, well after daybreak.On the way up, there was a cooler full of trail magic! Plastic bags with a hard boiled egg, 2 slices of cheese, a banana slice, and a cookie, plus vans of La Croix.The rest of the day was leapfrogging between day hikers when I took breaks, to Spivey Gap. I pressed on to the next shelter, running into Nick along the way. I found Benny at the shelter and chatted with him, plus Spoon, Ronin, Scoops, Reacher Man, and My Way during dinner.
Date: 2023-04-22
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Asheville
Miles today: 6.2

Today was a break day to see family in Asheville!It started out with a downpour early this morning. Then scattered to steady showers until around 8. Mostly downhill for 6 miles with some scenic overlooks of Erwin. I got to Uncle Johnny's hostel just in time to get some provisions and catch a shuttle into the center of Erwin.I chilled at a coffee shops for a couple hours, then looked at Erwin Outdoor Supply before meeting Aunt Mary and heading to Asheville. Beautiful drive!I resupplied and my aunt paid for most of the resupply items while I was fetching codes for bulk items. I hope to PayPal her back. I showered, did laundry, dried out my gear, and chatted with Aunt Mary and Uncle Randy. Then we went out to eat at 828 with my cousin Melissa. Everything there tasted amazing! I walked around Beaver Lake and hit the hay.Hope to hit the trail again tomorrow.
Date: 2023-04-23
From: Asheville

To: Campsite below Rock Pillars
Miles today: 22.4

After a great night's sleep at my Aunt and uncle's home in Asheville, Uncle Randy dropped me back off at Uncle Johnny's hostel around 9.The day started out a little warn and sunny, but eventually became mostly cool, overcast, and windy. It's great hiking weather, but a little chilly during breaks. But because of that, and some easier terrain stretches, I was still able to get in a substantial day.The highlight was the beauty spot, where I had lunch. After that, there were a couple moderate climbs. The shelters from Erwin to VA don't have privies, so I tanked up on water at a spot before Cherry Gap Shelter where I ran into Nick again, and looked around for a decent flat spot for my tent. I eventually found one beyond Iron Mountain Gap, about 0.3 miles south of the peak with the rock pillars, with a nice view of the sunset through the trees. It was windy and cold, though.
Date: 2023-04-24
From: Campsite below Rock Pillars

To: Campsite below Little Hump Mountain
Miles today: 21.8

The weather was clear and sunny, but very chilly this morning. I walked with a winter hat and two additional top layers for 90 minutes, when it was finally too warm for them.The climb up to Roan Mountain was moderate but very long. I also carried about 3 liters of water up, which didn't help things. As I reached 6000 feet again during the colder weather here, I noticed patches of ice and even icicles. On the way I met C from Front Royal, VA, who was crushing the climb.I made a brief side trip to the Roan High Knob Shelter - the highest shelter on the AT - but I saw no one there. Totally reasonable given how cold it was up there. I prized the brief warm spots in the sunlight as I descended to Carvers Gap in what was otherwise another delightful alpine zone.Once I got to Carvers Gap, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there was trail magic in the parking lot! A big team of trail angels hosted quite a trail magic lunch banquet. Grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, lentil soup, hot water with tea and coffee mixes, fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade banana bread, hard boiled eggs, and a smorgasboard of hiker treats and resupply items. I was handed a freshly finished grilled cheese as soon as I got there and was handed another after so finished my first one! I was delighted to enjoy this warm lunch, and thankful that it was out in the warm sun.After a while of eating and gathering a few treats, I started hiking towards the Roan Highland balds, the country opened up. NC mountains on one side, TN mountains on the other. The views were spectacular up Round and Jane balds. After an hour of descent I started up one last bald for the day to Little Hump, which was again spectacular, then set up camp just past the next water source I found beyond and below the summit. Despite being hundreds of feet higher than yesterday's camp, there was less wind, which made for an easier and more comfortable dinner.
Date: 2023-04-25
From: Campsite below Little Hump Mountain

To: Campsite beyond Hardcore Cascades
Miles today: 23.6

The day started out sunny and cold, but without the bitter wind from yesterday morning. The climb up to and descent from Hump Mountain was the first part of the morning and best part of the day. It raised my spirits. While my time in the Roan Highlands was over, I looked forward to the slightly warmer temperatures at lower elevations.I was not thrilled that I would have to road walk and hitch to the town of Roan Mountain from Hwy 19E, so I pressed on, as I already had plenty of food to get to Hampton. I spotted a few scenic views every once in a while.I saw a trail maintainer painting the blazes near the Isaacs Cemetery. It was the first time I had ever seen that. He explained that in this section, the grass grows waist deep in June, and he has to weedwhack the area so that the back of the thru hiker bubble cam get through the section. I had no idea trail maintainers had to do so much work regularly for the trail's benefit. I thanked him for his work.I saw a number of day hikers returning from Jones Falls, via a short blue blazed trail off the AT. If that alone did not already suggest I should do it, there were comments right on the sign to the falls, such as "100% Do It!" So I did, and was pleasantly surprised to see a waterfall that reminded me of Amicalola Falls.The AT was less difficult today than it was through Roan Highlands. I took advantage of this, and the milder spring weather, to hike a longer day. I was also concerned about steady rain tomorrow, and wanted to head for the hostel at US 321 without a full day of hiking.I ended up hiking a mile and some past Hardcore Cascade, where I found a weakly flowing water source and a few campsites. I was surprised to see that no one had taken any spots. But I enjoyed a peaceful evening at camp, with one less top layer than yesterday.
Date: 2023-04-26
From: Campsite beyond Hardcore Cascades

To: US 321
Miles today: 16.6

I was pleasantly surprised to have no rain and a little warmer weather to wake up to. The morning was partly sunny as I walked along the ridge and descended to Dennis Cove Rd.I followed a brief, flat area and descended to the lovely Laurel Falls. I noticed blooming laurel along the way. I followed the rapids then ascended to Pond Mountain. By this time, it was overcast. I found no pond at the summit, but took some water at a trickling source there.Light drizzle was on and off for the descent to US 321, about 2.6 miles from Hampton. I decided to make it a lower distance day, and stay the night at the nearby Boots Off Hostel. There I ran into Spoons again, as well as several others, including Gripper Overreach, a SOBO who started last August and took three months off over winter. Nutz, another hostel owner in VA, was there to provide a shuttle into town. We stopped at a grocery store and I grabbed some dinner to go at Subway.Back at the hostel, Fire and Mayhem were kind enough to make hot water for tea during dinner, and even offered some of their pasta. I enjoyed my first outdoor shower (in a sheltered area), and was impressed by the hostel's outdoor bathroom: it had a flushing toilet and sink with soap and paper towel dispenser.After dinner, people made a campfire, and Eggs and Homer provided music with the hostel guitar and drum. General conversation and merriment ensued.
Date: 2023-04-27
From: US 321

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 31.9

I got a decent night's sleep in the hostel bunkhouse. After a continental breakfast there, I started out on what began as a partly sunny day. I enjoyed the views of Watauga Lake and the dam.The rest of the day was hiking up and down ridges, with occasional views of the lake through the trees. The sky became overcast. Isolated droplets started around 11, then drizzle at 12:30. Showers on and off from 1:30 onward.I made my way quickly past two shelters. With more rain, I used the next two shelters for breaks. I was moving fairly quickly through the miles. The hostel hostess mentioned that the 21 miles of the AT heading to Damascus are the easiest 21 miles of the AT.After lunch at Iron Mountain Shelter, I headed mostly downhill to a parking lot. Across the road was a gated entry into an open area on the AT.I suddenly remembered that this was the southernmost tip of the AT section that was part of a 100-mile Figure-8 route that I hiked with DCUL over Thanksgiving 2020. I was excited to reconnect with the familiar. If that wasn't enough, there was also trail magic in the form of packaged dessert snacks and V8 Splash bottles. That really boosted my morale in the rain. I was also excited that I had hiked 5 miles in 90 minutes. All this excitement gave me great vibes heading into Double Springs Shelter.At that point, I had hiked just under 24 miles. There were still showers, but it was lightening up. It was almost 6, but given that the trail was moving so quickly for me, and that I'd prefer to head into Damascus sooner, I decided to go for the first 30+ mile day of my thru hike to Abingdon Gap Shelter. It was also cold, and I thought by hiking that I could make some more progress instead of being stuck in a sleeping bag for a couple extra hours.The trail remained pretty easy - more climbing to a ridge and descending from it. The showers remained, but were on for a while. Then the wind picked up, which made the hiking less pleasant. The showers became rain. Hypothermic conditions for sure. I jogged through much of the downhill. I finally got to Abingdon Gap Shelter around 8:30. I set up my tent and ate dinner there, then soon passed out.I don't know if I'd make the same decision to get the 30 mile day again.
Date: 2023-04-28
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Campsite near Feathercamp and US 58
Miles today: 15.8

The overnight rain subsided around 6am, as forecasted, and I was pleased to find a sunny morning to start breaking camp. The hike mostly downhill to Damascus was very pleasant, with sunlight beaming through clearing fog, and a more distant, concentrated fog above some mountains that I could see through the trees. I recall my hike to Damascus taking less time than expected on my previous trip to this area, from the same shelter, but when it took me a little under 3 hours to hike the nearly 10 miles, I was still surprised.It was a relief and I felt a sense of accomplishment to reach Damascus, even though I had not yet hiked 500 miles of the trail. So much of the town seemed to cater to hikers. Easy walk into downtown right on the trail. Lots of places to stay, though some are pricey. A few outfitter stores. Multiple restaurants, pubs, and cafes.After getting more fuel and a start on food resupply at Damascus Outfitters, I ate a late breakfast at the Damascus Diner. The food was ok, but I had a better experience at Mojo's Cafe the last time I visited. I stopped at the Broken Fiddle Hostel to shower, do laundry, and I listened to music and chatted a little with Timber, Laid Back, and Pinto while recharging phones. I walked to the grocery store to have a resupply of food for a few days.By this time it was early evening. Already feeling refreshed from the shower and wearing clean clothes, plus lounging around most of the day and eating brunch and snacks, I didn't really feel like spending the night. I had just stayed at a hostel Wednesday night, and was starting to feel spoiled with all these overnight options. Besides, Grayson Highlands was coming up. With sporadic showers in the afternoon, I noticed that it was forecasted to be mostly sunny tomorrow, and rainy the following day. I wanted to camp out at a great spot near Thomas Knob Shelter with good weather - about 30 miles away.So, I decided to hike out of town in the evening for a few miles. But not without a big dinner at Wicked Chicken! The food was awesome. Ribeye steak, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus with a tossed salad and lemon blueberry cheesecake. I would not be hungry the rest of the night. I hiked in a couple hours to a campsite right off of US 58 and retired just before steady showers started.
Date: 2023-04-29
From: Campsite near Feathercamp and US 58

To: Campsite past Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0

I didn't sleep that well, mostly because I had to get up to go to the bathroom four times during the night.  I was reluctant to start packing up at 6:30, but the weather was nice. I got started at about 8.I could feel the extra weight from three to four days of food with a full can of fuel during the climbs today. After stopping at Lost Mountain Shelter for lunch, I hiked a couple hours to the Buzzard Rock overlook beneath the summit of Whitetop Mountain. By this time it was around 70. It was rough climbing up at first, but the temperature cooled as I approached 5000 feet. The overlook, which I had already been to on two previous extended weekend backpacking trips, is fantastic.After a break, another hour of hiking led me to Elk Garden Parking Lot, where the landscape opened up. I took another break and briefly encountered My Way. It is lovely to hike in the open area, but then I had another 1000 feet to climb for a couple hours, mostly through trees, to another open area.There, I passed by Thomas Knob Shelter and set up my tent in an opening nearby - maybe 0.2 miles ahead. I did see some views in the open landscapes, but it showered a little before I found my campsite. Fog creeped in and the wind picked up a bit, and unfortunately, there was no sunset to see.
Date: 2023-04-30
From: Campsite past Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 25.0

It was a cold night, and rain and thunderstorms were forecasted for today. I woke up to scattered showers, which would occur until 2 for me. To my pleasant surprise, I could see the mountains and ponies grazing nearby.I took my time going through Grayson Highlands. I'd backpacked there four times, not including my thru hike: each time on a different route, but hiking the same area between Thomas Knob Shelter and Massie Gap. The terrain, overlooks, and ponies are interesting to me. Each time I chuckled at the large rocks in the middle of the trail that I didn't need, but today I was grateful for them.I hiked through the wet, muddy trail for most of the day. I had a lunch break at Old Orchard Shelter, where I met a couple section hikers who had covered everything north on the AT, up through the 100-mile Wilderness.The terrain got easier and less interesting as I continued further, and I was able to average 2.7 mph to camp. At 2, there was finally sunlight. I delighted in the end of my walk for the day, including passing by Comey Falls.The only tent sites left for me at the shelter area were muddy ones. I set up my tent the best I could, then chatted with Sungod and others during dinner.
Date: 2023-05-01
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Atkins/Marion
Miles today: 21.4

It was cold and windy all day, with intermittent sunlight making it a little warmer for a few moments. I don't think the high got much above 50.That and the relatively easy terrain got me to the Pat Jennings Visitor Center before noon, about an hour fewer of time than it took for about the same mileage yesterday. On the way, I ran into Feet, the first barefooter on my hike.Last night during dinner, I had heard about a cheap bus that stops there and goes to Marion. However, not having service on my phone the last few days, I glanced at the posted schedule and found that the next one would stop at 2:15. That was too long for me to wait, and all I really wanted was a meal and a few resupply items that I saw available in Atkins in my guide.After lunch, I pressed on for the next 11 miles to Atkins. I knew there would be three hill climbs and then a long descent. The second climb was pretty steep - maybe a 50% grade and reminded me of the climbs in North Carolina.On the way, there was an overlook of Walker Mountain and a charming walk through Virginia farm countryside. In an old schoolhouse, there was some trail magic of chewy candies and drink mixes.Instead of getting to Atkins around 4, it was more like 5. I was really hoping one of two restaurants would be open, but both were closed, being a Monday. Even the gas station advertising pizza slices had none. Then it began to shower. While all my faculties were in order, I wished I could have had a hot, prepared meal.I was disappointed with Atkins, but at least the people there were kind. At one gas station, a 2011 AT thru hiker, Little Drummer Boy, bought me a bag of trail mix I was intending to get as a form of trail magic.I ended up going to the nearby Relax Inn, which had no vacancy, and called the Merry Inn, a hostel in Marion. They had a bunk available and had free pickup and drop off at Atkins, with tips appreciated. I gladly took it, met the shuttle driver shortly, and headed to Marion. I was glad to recharge phones, shower, resupply, clean my clothes. I ate a medium pizza, tossed salad, and chicken taco at Moon Dog Pizza.
Date: 2023-05-02
From: Atkins/Marion

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 24.1

I woke up around 6ish, like always on my hike. I hadn't yet secured a shuttle ride back to Atkins, but was able to hop in to a 7:30 shuttle there at the last minute. I grabbed a chai latte, macarons, and other snacks at the Sister's Cafe. I rode with hikers George from Michigan, and Teressa and her friend Cassidy. I chatted briefly with Trip while eating some yogurt at the gas station. I started hiking around 8:30, a half hour later than I normally do.It was again cold and windy all day, with overnight lows forecasted to be in the low 30s. The next day looked pretty cold too, with a high under 50.I made my way up and down the ridges, and passed the quarter way mark for the AT. I enjoyed the views atop Walker Mountain. I descended past a farm, then ascended Brushy Mountain, then had a late lunch around 2 at Knot Maul Branch Shelter. I was leapfrogging with Teressa and Cassidy a bit. I saw Nick hike by during lunch and we chatted briefly.There was a long descent, then my first ford of this hike across Lick Creek, due to a washed out bridge. The guide said to expect knee deep water, but it was only ankle deep for me, thankfully. That my first ford is over 560 miles in, and the abundance of hostels, suggests how well established this trail is.I started the long climb up to Chestnut Knob Shelter around 4:30. It took me about 2.5 hours to ascend the 2000 feet over 4.5 miles, but I was glad to see the views on Chestnut Ridge along the way. I set up my tent, had dinner in the stone shelter while chatting with a bunch of kind hikers there, and enjoyed my five macarons for dessert.After midnight in bed, a man woke me and said that someone by my name had sent an SOS from my InReach, asking if it was me. I confirmed and was bewildered! I had never turned it on, let alone sent an SOS. I said I was fine, but felt bad for him, as he drove all the way up to Chestnut Knob in the middle of the night.I think it was a bad idea to keep the InReach in a stuff sack. From now on, I will keep it attached to a pack strap and isolate it in my tent. I would hate for that to happen again, not only for the unfortunate SAR volunteer, but also for potential emergency service charges. Doing it in NH would mean I'd lose most of my savings, I think!
Date: 2023-05-03
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 24.2

It was snowing when I woke up, and the bitter wind was steady, still with gusts up to 40mph. I started hiking with a winter hat and additional top layer around 8:15. Up and down ridges again. Because it was foggy during the snow showers, the main feature for the morning was the snow - itself an unusual presence in VA, let alone in May.I wouldn't be warm enough to take off the hat until 10, and the additional top layer until 11:30, when the scattered snow showers stopped.I had lunch at Jenkins Shelter, where I reunited with some of the people who stayed inside Chestnut Knob Shelter last night, including Meadow and Victory. They asked my name and if I was the one who sent off the SOS signal. Apparently the SAR volunteer headed into the shelter first to look for me, a natural choice. I am still embarrassed by the mistake.The sun sneaked in every once in a while, but the bitter wind continued on and off all day, lowering the ambient temperatures by 10-20 degrees. The gusts gradually became a little less forceful. There were next to no times where it was enjoyable to stop and have a break without wearing a thermal top layer and windbreaker. But the positive vibes with other hikers today helped keep things happier.The day did clear up as I made my way towards the bridge crossing US 52. I saw some great overlooks of Bland, VA and even enjoyed overlooks that included the highway. I leapfrogged with Mike a bit, who I first 4am into yesterday and had leapfrogged with then as well.The last two miles of the day were climbing up 600 feet - better than yesterday. I guess I took longer breaks, as the terrain today was not bad at all.I arrived to Helveys Mill Shelter and found a great spot to make camp for the first time since the day I left Damascus. I chatted a bit with Bumblebee from Ohio, Puff from Australia, Podcast who is currently living in Maryland, and Lorax from Ft Collins, CO. Trail Days was a big conversation topic.Bill -- who owns land close to the shelter and moved here from Fairfax, VA -- stopped by. He supplies thru hikers with water from the source, which is another 0.3 miles downhill, in addition to the 0.3 miles to get to the shelter from the AT. He also handed us some handmade, lightweight, small, AT commemorative woodwork medallions, as well as a BelVita breakfast bar.I love when days that don't start out so great end so happily.