morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-03-04
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: light snow

The day before I left Rochester for my hike I stopped in REI with the gift card in hand that was given to me at my retirement party (thanks all) and purchased a fleece buff. This is the first time I have ever used a buff, traditionally I¢ve been a fleece hat kind of guy. There is actually an instructional YouTube video out showing all the different ways that a buff can be worn. After multiple viewings I finally felt comfortable enough taking the buff on the trail with me and not looking foolish when trying to put it on. I really like the buff, and wear it a lot when it¢s a cold day. Anyway the guys really teased me about it when I first put it on, saying that I was wearing a Dew Rag, that I looked like one mean bad a_ _ hombre and that I was ready for Compton. Told them I was wearing a buff and not a Dew Rag, and that I didn¢t know who/what/where about Compton. Compton they explained is Compton, California where basically folks with a free spirit lifestyle hang out partaking in generally illicit and illegal activities. I am a generally straight laced , conservative, law abiding individual - and I was pretty sure that my family would have me committed if I came home from the trail with Dew Rags in hand and instructed everyone to pack their bags because we¢re all headed to Compton. I think it¢s best if I continue to call my buff a buff, and not a Dew Rag.  As far as today¢s hike is concerned, it was a great day. Still cold this AM with temps in the 20s, but not as windy as yesterday. Clear skies and lots of sunshine affording awesome views. I hung out for awhile with Night Train on the summit of Big Bald Mt. enjoying 360 degree views from this expansive meadow covered summit. I also saw two white tailed deer scamper across the trail today, they were gone in a flash - no way could I get my camera out in time for a picture. The deer seemed very good size, larger than what I would typically see up north. After 3 consecutive long mileage days with lots of climbing elevation, my legs really felt it on the last climb of the day. I made it, but am looking forward to tomorrow¢s Nero in Erwin, TN. I¢d like to pass along my thanks to my former colleagues at DES, MCC, consultants, et . al. for following along on my trailjournals entries and offering your supportive comments.  Thank you, your support means a lot. I¢ll be posting this entry tomorrow as there¢s no cell coverage here at No Business Knob shelter. I have Verizon and they seem to provide the best coverage of anyone so far along the trail - but there are areas without a signal. In any event I am safe, warm and dry tonite in my tent, all is good.
Date: 2018-03-05
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 6.2

Nice short, easy downhill (mostly) hike today to Uncle Johnny¢s - a well known hostel on the AT. Uncle Johnny passed away quite suddenly 2 weeks ago. He purchased the hostel (it actually was just a private home) about 20 years ago and has been running it ever since along with his wife Charlotte.  From what I understand Uncle Johnny was well liked and respected by the hiking community and he will be missed. His wife Charlotte plans on continuing to run the hostel. We (the 4 horsemen) rented a 4 bed cabin for the night, divided between the 4 of us it was only slightly more than a bunk in the bunkhouse. Overall we enjoyed our Nobo day here. They cater to AT thru hikers and offer three round trip shuttle rides into town so that hikers can eat, shop, resupply, etc. They are also an outfitter and have resupply at reasonable prices - and sell full size Snickers bars for 40 cents if you can believe it. Friendly and helpful staff as well. Overall a good place to stay. I did the usual hiker routine of laundry, a shower, resupply shopping and eating. Lots of eating. Breakfast at Bojangles (sausage, biscuits and gravy, and a bacon with egg muffin), lunch at Pizza Plus (all you can eat pizza, salad and dessert for $8.49) and dinner at an a very nice Mexican restaurant (fajitas).  Once again I am quite stuffed, but I¢m not feeling guilty about it as I know the extra calories will be quickly burned off.  Back on the trail bright and early tomorrow. The forecast calls for rain the next couple days followed by very cold temps (teens overnite at the higher elevations where we will be camping) and snow. I sure hope I didn¢t send my microspikes home too early!I continue to meet other hikers every day, both section hikers and thru hikers. Interesting characters. On the trail I¢ve also crossed paths with several SOBOs (southbounders) who typically have started their hikes last summer. I¢ve always offered my congratulations on their imminent achievement of completing a thru hike, and with one exception have found them to be very pleasant/happy individuals as one would expect. The individual that was the exception seemed to have a real burr under his saddle, so I just moved on. As far as I¢m concerned the trail is no place for a sour attitude.I will be warm, safe and dry in our cabin tonite at Uncle Johnny¢s, goodnite everyone!
Date: 2018-03-07
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Winter made its grand entrance today. Started snowing as soon as we left the shelter, and became progressively heavier as the day went on. Accumulations I¢m estimating at 5-6¢, with drifts up to a foot. Temperatures dropped steadily during the day as well. It was a difficult day, lots of climbing elevation and cold, windy, snowy. I also had my first two slips and falls of the hike today. Nothing serious, I bounced back. I should put my microspikes on. Oh yeah, I mailed them back home when I was in Hot Springs. Carried them around for a couple hundred miles, then when I needed them I don¢t have them. Smart, real smart!!!We spent the nite at Roan High Knob Shelter, elevation 6,186, the highest shelter on the AT. There are 5 of us thru hikers staying at the shelter: Capt. Blackbeard, Night Train, Opa, Overhill and Research (with her dog Atticus).  We are bracing for a bitterly cold nite (we know how to pick the night of the year to stay at the highest shelter on the AT, don¢t we - HaHa).Just a quick note to my friend from Germany that has posted a couple of guest book entries. Thank you very much for your interest in my hike and your words of encouragement.  My German  is pretty rusty, but I can understand pretty much everything that you write. I was born in Munich,  and with my parents immigrated to the US in 1955 when I was three.  Vielen Dank mein freund fur deine wunsche!I am safe, dry and trying to stay warm in my sleeping bag in the shelter tonite.
Date: 2018-03-10
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Laurel Fork Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

The day started out with some light rain, occasionally with some snow mixed in, but the afternoon turned out real nice. We (Night Train, Capt. Blackbeard and I) and The Ghost are the only ones here at the shelter so far tonite, but you never know who might yet come rolling in. The shelter is on top of a rocky knob. I tried to pitch my tent in one of the only two halfway large enough and level enough sites that are here by the shelter to no avail (too rocky for the stakes), so I¢ll sleep in the shelter tonite, no big deal. Hiking this morning I came across a wooden bench right on the trail, that offered views back towards Roan Mt. where we were a couple days ago in the freezing cold, snow and wind. That is one tall mountain. We also walked past Laurel Falls, which is in a deep rocky gorge, and enjoyed the scenery. Folks may be wondering how we are able to follow the trail. Generally the trail is fairly evident as it has seen many footprints over the years, and it is also marked with 2¢ x 6¢ white paint marks on trees/rocks. These paint marks are called blazes (see photo), and the paint must be reflective as it stands out under a miners light beam pretty well at nite. The spacing of the blazes varies from as close as maybe 50¢ to what seems like a quarter mile apart or more. I guess spacing depends on the terrain, and perhaps also on the judgement of the hiking club/individual that is responsible for maintaining a given section of the trail. When there are two blazes, one on top of the other, it means pay attention as you may be coming to a trail intersection, a side trail leading to a water source or shelter, or possibly a sharp change in trail direction. I have gotten myself off trail a couple times, but fortunately realized it quickly and got back on trail. Got a chance to call and facetime with some of my family today, always good to touch base with them as I miss them dearly. Love you all!I am safe, warm and dry in the shelter tonite, all is well!
Date: 2018-03-11
From: Laurel Fork Shelter

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Daylight Savings Time is here. My Casio altimeter watch, which I like a lot, came with an instruction manual that was about an inch thick. I don¢t have it with me on the trail of course, but before leaving for my trip I read certain sections (with a magnifying glass....why do the guys that produce these manuals always use microscopic type) that I thought might be relevant - including the section on resetting the time. I knew this day was coming and have been concerned for awhile about my ability to reset the time. I am pleased to report that after numerous attempts I finally succeeded. Yippee!It rained off and on mist of the day, but temps were comfortably cool (30s) so overall not a bad day to be hiking. After all the rain we¢ve had so far, I am now quite adept at quickly getting in/out of raingear. The highlight of today¢s hike was walking along the shoreline of Watauga Lake and across the Watauga Dam, built by the TVA during the years 1942-1949.  We met on the trail today a Flip-Flopper, trail name Sharkey, and had a pleasant conversation with him. He started his hike in January from PA heading south to Springer, he will then get transportation north to Katahdin and complete his thru hike by hiking back south to PA. I am eating more these days in an attempt to stem my weight loss, and the past two days even took the time to stop and fix myself a hot lunch. I really like the new propane stuff that I purchased in Hot Springs, and have a system down now so that fixing something hot is relatively quick and easy. I had someone post a guest book entry asking about water purification. I use chlorine dioxide (Aqua Mira) drops, parts A and B. They are simple to use and effective. Other folks use a filter, but I¢ve never been a fan because they are prone to problems and require regular cleaning. I believe they are also susceptible to icing up when temps drop well below freezing. Several folks that I know have switched while on the trail this year from a filter to AquaMira drops. It is supposed to get cold again with some light snow. As long as it doesn¢t get colder than the teens overnite, I should be fine. Tomorrow we are planning on a big day (22 miles), and hope to be in Damascas on Tues with a 10 mile Nero. My nephew Matt, a St. Bonaventure graduate, wanted to make sure that I reported in my journal that the Bonnies are in the NCAA basketball tournament. You gotta love March Madness. Go Bonnies! I also spoke by phone with my brother John who lives in Winston Salem NC, and it looks like John and his wife Debby will be rendezvousing with me in Roanoke, VA. The timing looks to be about the last weekend in March. I am really looking forward to seeing them! John asked me what he could bring, I told him cookies and baked goods, Ha Ha!I am safe, warm and dry in my tent tonite, all is good.
Date: 2018-03-12
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Damascas, VA
Miles today: 32.4

This was a long and difficult day(and nite).  Stayed in my tent last nite and we had significant rain. Between the rain and cold temps I had a lot of condensation in my single wall tent, all my gear/clothing was pretty darn wet/damp. Anyway I packed up and was on the trail at 5 AM. I hiked alone for most of the day; Night Train caught me about 2 PM and we hiked together after that. It rained continuously for several hours after I broke camp, and on occasion the fog was so thick that I could hardly see my feet let alone the trail. About mid morning as the temps continued to drop it started snowing - not real heavy but fairly steadily for most of the day.  With the colder temps my wet pack started freezing up, it looked like a block of ice and straps became stiff and were difficult to adjust, water bottles started freezing, etc. I had no trouble keeping myself warm while hiking, but the minute I stopped for a few minutes for a snack, potty break, etc. I quickly became chilled. Best bet was to keep moving. The original plan was to hike 22.7 miles to Abingdon Gap shelter and spend the nite, but with the conditions being what they were Night Train and I elected to hike the additional 10 miles into Damascas and spend the nite at Woodchuck Hostel. A long day, 32.4 miles and 5,400 ft. of climbing elevation. Our first 30 mile day, yippee. We also today crossed over into VA. That makes 3 states down, only 11 more left, HaHa. We will be spending a Zero or two here at the hostel, getting dried out, resupplying, laundry, etc. The forecast calls for winter to hang on thru Wed. before temps moderate and return to normal. I am safe, warm and dry (finally) in the hostel tonite, looking forward to a Zero or two!
Date: 2018-03-13
From: Damascas, VA

To: Damascas, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Am taking a Zero here in Damascas at the Woodchuck Hostel. The hostel is full to capacity, there are a number of thru hikers staying here at least one, and possibly two, days including:  Night Train, Capt. Blackbeard, The Ghost, Chopsticks, T5000, Bobcat, Rain Man, Soaring Eagle, Mainer, Youngblood. The hostel owner Chuck (aka Woodchuck) is a nice guy and very accommodating. However when we first arrived late yesterday and walked in, chilled to the bone, we noticed that it wasn¢t that warm in here. As a matter of fact it was downright cold in our bunkroom. No wonder, Chuck had the thermostat set at 59 degrees!  We quickly had to remedy that. On a sad note Night Train is being forced to discontinue his thru hike attempt. He has been battling various ailments in his feet and knees, to the point that every step is painful and he is concerned that he may develop a more serious debilitating injury. He naturally is disappointed, but under the circumstances we can all understand why he is leaving the trail and sympathize with him. Injuries can happen at any time to any one of us as a result of the relentless pounding our bodies have to absorb. Night Train today rented a car from Enterprise, and will be driving back to his home in Georgia tomorrow. We will all miss Night Train, he was a great hiking partner and is a really good guy. I wish him only the best. On a side note I mentioned in an earlier entry how much trouble I was having with my single wall tent with moisture/condensation. Night Train had a Nemo Hornet Elite, practically brand new as he liked sleeping in shelters. The Nemo is a lightweight double wall tent that I was actually considering buying from a local outfitter here in town, based on the reviews. Night Train and I agreed on a price for his tent, it was a win-win for both of us, and I am now the proud owner of a Nemo tent. I mailed my old single wall tent back home, along with a couple of other items that I neither used nor need. The day was spent drying out gear, laundry and walking around town. Damascas is a nice little town, but it is not yet full-blown hiker season so all the restaurants and several of the shops are closed. However with a short half-mile walk to a little shopping center outside of town there is a nice supermarket and all you can eat pizza place which I frequented for lunch. For dinner four of us went in together on groceries and fixed ourselves an awesome meal using the kitchen here at the hostel. Ribeye steaks, baked beans, baked potatoes and corn on the con. Everything was delicious. As far as my weight loss is concerned I had been eating more on the trail the past four days and am happy to report that when I got on the scale here at the hostel in Damascas it showed that I had gained back about 1 pound. I know that¢s not much, but hey, it¢s better than losing weight. I am safe, warm and dry in the hostel tonite. Good nite!
Date: 2018-03-14
From: Beartree Gap Trail

To: Damascas, VA
Miles today: 12.3

Weather is still an issue here along the AT in VA. Cold and snow.  I am more than happy/able to hike in it, but with temps dipping back down into the teens overnite I was not real keen on sleeping in it. I guess this old man is getting soft, HaHa. My original plan was to take another Zero here at Woodchuck Hostel in Damascas and wait for things to warm up just a bit on Thursday, but then I had a brainstorm (every once in awhile the lightbulb turns on in the old noggin). Instead  this AM I grabbed a ride with Night Train at 5:30 (he had a rental car and was headed back home) and he was nice enough to drop me off about 12 trail miles north of here at the Beartree Gap Trail where it intersects VA 58.  A short 1/4 mile hike on this trail brought me to the AT, and from there I then hiked back to the hostel (carrying my full pack, not a slackpack).  Tomorrow after breakfast Woodchuck will shuttle me back up to the same location (Beartree Gap), from where I will continue my northbound journey. The trail this AM was snow covered (4-5¢ at the higher elevations, with drifts of maybe 8-10¢) and it was cold enough to start freezing water bottles. I was on the AT hiking at 6:30, and was back here at the hostel by noon. At least I got some miles in today, which was better than just sitting around all day. To be honest there¢s not a lot to do here in Damascas, there aren¢t any restaurants that are open and many of the shops are closed/vacant. I¢d go to a bar tonite and order some chicken wings and a soda just to watch some March Madness, but there¢s nothing open. Well the 4 Horsemen are no longer a foursome. Night Train is unfortunately off the trail, Jeep had to take some time off earlier but is back on the trail (he may catch me), and Capt. Blackbeard is ahead of me with the intention of hiking big miles (he has a work commitment and must be finished sometime in June). It was good while it lasted, I really enjoyed hiking with those guys. We plan on staying in touch, and hopefully we will be able to get together in the future. I today crossed paths with a local dayhiker, and he informed that up on Mt. Rogers they received 2 feet of snow. Oh boy, that¢s where I¢m headed tomorrow - we¢ll see how she goes. At least I won¢t be breaking trail, as I know that at least the following folks are ahead of me: Capt. Blackbeard, Bobcat, Sour Patch, Mainer, The Ghost and T5000. The hostel is not as full tonite, there are 7 of us here:  Mess, Youngblood and his Dad, Chopsticks, Jersey, Soaring Eagle and Opa. I am safe, warm and dry in my bunk at the hostel tonite, looking forward to hitting the trail again tomorrow. Goodnite!
Date: 2018-03-16
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Campsite at MP 519.5
Miles today: 21.1

The new tent that I bought from Night Train performed beautifully last nite. No condensation, everything was dry, and it stood up to some pretty stiff wind gusts. So far I am very pleased with the tent. When I woke up this AM the little pony, Buddy, was back standing guard over me right next to my tent. I think he likes me. While taking down my tent I conveyed to him my views on domestic issues, foreign affairs, the economy and other high level matters. I told Buddy that if he agrees with my views, he should simply keep all four hooves firmly on the ground. It¢s unanimous, Buddy agrees with me on every issue! I think I¢d get his vote if I were running for office. This morning it was full on winter conditions from the shelter all the way through Grayson Highlands. Cold temps (my water bottles were slushies), snow that in spots was up to me knees when stepping in postholes from those ahead of me, and some icy patches (I slipped and fell on my keister only once - which was pretty good with those conditions).  And man, was it windy - it was hard to stay upright under some of the gusts. The Highlands are beautiful, but to be honest I was glad to have them behind me. It was slow going. I did see about 8 more ponies along the way and told them where Buddy was hanging out, but they didn¢t seem interested in the least as they kept on munching whatever it was they were eating. In the afternoon, shortly past the Highlands, it was as if spring had sprung. Little/no snow on the trail, comfortable temps, and clear skies. I could make some miles given those conditions. All in all I am pleased with today¢s hike and mileage, am camped tonite by myself in an unofficial camping spot very close to Dickey Gap and VA 650. I hiked alone all day, which was fine - that doesn¢t bother me at all. I did cross paths with two young ladies headed southbound out for a weekend backpack with their dog. They had really huge packs, glad I wasn¢t carrying them. I also crossed paths with Bobcat and his friend Brenda, and we chatted for a bit. I did pass the 500 mile mark today, yippee! I am thoroughly enjoying my AT thru hike so far and am looking forward to the next 1,691 miles.  Thanks again to those of you that have posted entries in my guest book, I greatly appreciate your comments, words of encouragement, suggestions, etc. I am unable to post my journal entry tonite due to lack of a cell signal, so I will hopefully post tomorrow along with tomorrow¢s entry. Note also that uploading pictures requires a stronger signal, which is sometimes hard to come by on the trail. I have a nice picture that I took yesterday of the pony standing by the shelter, but was unable to upload it. Again I will try to upload tomorrow and update yesterday¢s journal entry with this picture. The hardest part about the hike so far is being away from my family. I dearly miss my wife Kayanne, the kids/grandkids, all of you - but know that you are always in my thoughts and in my heart as I am hiking on this wonderful trail called the AT. I am safe, warm and dry in my tent tonite. Goodnite.
Date: 2018-03-17
From: Campsite at MP 519.5

To: Mt. Rogers Visitor Center on VA 16
Miles today: 14.2

Had a good nite last nite at my stealth camping spot. Broke camp before the rain started and on the trail hiking by 5, arrived at VA 16 just after noon. Rain in the early morning, but after that the day turned out to be warm and sunny. Today¢s trail is in very good shape, was nicely graded - no steep grades either up or down. Crossed paths with thru hikers La Copa and Achilles. When I arrived at the visitor center lo and behold there were Capt. Blackbeard, The Ghost, Mainer, Sour Patch and T5000. They gave me a rousing reception and we exchanged fist bumps all around. It was so nice to see these friends, they are all young and strong and were getting ready to pound out some miles after spending the nite in Marion. They are all nice kids (I can call them that being the senior that I am) and I wish them nothing but the best.  Also I very fortuitously was offered a ride into Marion by a very nice man, Bill, a chemical engineer with Eastman Chemical. He dropped me, Achilles and David off at the Travel Inn, our destination for today¢s Nero. The usual for me:  picked up my maildrop (thanks Kayanne), shower, laundry, drying out gear and eating. This for me was followed by a little relaxing in front of the tube:  March Madness baby!Also today I met at VA 601 a group of 5 folks getting ready to undertake some trail maintenance. We chatted for awhile, had some laughs (they said they could tell by my accent that ¢...you¢re not from around these parts....¢), and I thanked them for all their hard work. I forgot to ask them what organization they were with, but it is only through the efforts of folks like these that the AT is such a beautiful trail.  My thanks to all the volunteers!I am safe, warm and dry in my motel room tonite, looking forward to hitting the trail again tomorrow. Goodnite!