morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-17
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today it was a short hike but also interesting. Went to McAfee's Knob, which is probably one of the most photographed sites on the AT. Also hiked over Tinker Cliffs, a spetacular walk along the edge of the 3000 ft. rocks with great views. Headed into Daleville, VA tomorrow morning to re-supply and eat some town food.
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Chilly 40 degrees this morning but the sun was out. Nice day to hike. Short but rocky trail to Daleville, VA. Got a really nice room at the Howard Johnson's motel which was only a couple hundred yards from the trail. After a much needed shower I walked about 1/2 mile to the Outfitter Store to replace my broken spork (plastic) with a titanium one and had one of my hiking poles fixed (bent) and replenished my fuel supply. Then, lunch at Wendy's and shopped for food for the coming week. I ran into "Slagline" and planned to join him for dinner a nice barbecue joint. All in all a great town stop. Forecast is for a nice day tomorrow. Planning a 18 mile day.
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was probably one of the most beautiful days on the trail so far (weather wise). Temperature started in the 30's and warmed to the 70's. Not a cloud to be seen. The trail was pretty smooth (no rocks) and the climbs moderate. The route followed alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway for many miles.I'm sharing the shelter tonight with my old buddy "Slagline". We have the place all to ourselves. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice as well.
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Another super weather day! Stopped for lunch at Jennings Creek and was just hoping to find a log or a rock to sit on. And ... found instead, a "Zero Day" camp full of young thru hikers that I had met along the way, some as far back as Georgia. They were all spending a zero day on the trail together in this great spot. They welcomed me in and handed me a cold beer to enjoy with my lunch. It was great to see them and chat for an hour or so. They were having a great time and so was I. It was tempting to stay, but I pushed on a few more miles to the Bryant Ridge Shelter. This shelter is really something two levels plus a nice porch area. It accommodates 20 people. So far I've got it all to myself. Spoke too soon, seven more hikers just pulled in. Before long the place pretty much filled up.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.2

Another perfect day. I had originally planned to hike only 10.3 miles, but the day was so nice and I felt great, so I hiked past the shelter 7 miles further to a really nice campsite with water close by. Also hiked under the "guillotine", a AT icon spot. Tomorrow I plan on a 19 mile day if possible. I really feel I'm getting much stronger. Today's hike had some pretty hard climbs as does tomorrow. I couldn't have done these kind of miles a few weeks ago.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Marble Spring Campsite

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

Up early and on the trail at 6:30 a.m. Long difficult hiking, but beautiful weather and scenery.Arriving at the Punchbowl Shelter area I was exhausted. The shelter area was really pretty. Pond, two springs and a great place to set up my tent. After cleaning up a little and cooking dinner things looked a little brighter.Looking forward to tomorrow when I'll meet up with Becky. She is driving down from Columbus, OH and plans to meet me at the Rt.60 road crossing. We plan to stay in Buena Vista but drive over to Lexington, VA tomorrow for a good dinner, and knock back a few cold ones.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Va. Rt. 60. Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 11.3

Nice hike today. Hot, but nice. The bugs almost ate me alive last night. My camp was at the edge of a charming pond...that produced an alarming number of biting insects. I was glad to be in my tent as the people in the shelter had no protection at all. A couple if people slept with head nets on. I hiked today thru some virgin forest and along a beautiful stream.I arrived at the trailhead at the VA Rt. 60 crossing about a half hour before Becky arrived and was chatting with "O.G.", "Samwise" and "Repunzel". They were hot and sweating from the 700 ft. climb to the road and we were all wishing for a cold drink. Becky pulled in with an ice filled cooler with water, pop and beer. Our hero!!Looking forward to a nice day in Buena Vista tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Va. Rt. 60. Buena Vista, VA

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Today's zero day was really fun.Got up early and drove to "Country Cookin' Restaurant for a nice breakfast and read the sunday paper. After breakfast we drove to Lexington, VA and walked around the campus of Washington and Lee College. Lexington is a really nice town and also the home of VMI.We then decided to drive to Waynesboro, VA to visit the outfitter there where I bought a new summer sleeping bag. Got a good sale price on a Marmot "Pounder" 45 degree synthetic bag that is light (1 lb.) and compresses to the size of a grapefruit. I also checked out a motel that I'll be staying in when I get there on Thursday or Friday.On the way back to Buena Vista we stopped at a new golf course and had lunch at the snack bar. Oh, we ran into "Slagline" last night and split a bottle of wine while my laundry dryed.
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Seely-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

Up early and had breakfast at Hardee's then Becky dropped me off at the trailhead and she headed back to Columbus. I had a pretty uneventful day hiking to the shelter where I decided to set up my tent even though there was no one in the shelter. Lots of bugs.I may try to do 20.6 miles tomorrow depending on the weather and how I feel. It's starting to rain.
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Seely-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: moderate rain

Made a poor decision last night. When I arrived the bugs were really bad. So... I decided to tent instead of using the shelter. Bad idea. About 9 p.m. a really bad thunderstorm blew in and went all night. Thunder, lighting and wind. I bet I didn't sleep 2 hours. In the morning I had to pack up a wet muddy tent and all my gear was either wet or damp. Oh, and it rained all day today. Tonight I'm in a shelter with a bunch of wet hikers and it's still raining hard. Bah!
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a really good nights sleep I was up early, ate a cold breakfast and was on the trail determined to cover the 22 miles to the Paul D. Wolfe shelter. This would put me in Waynesboro, VA on Thursday which was my original plan. The rain held off during the day, but it remained foggy and damp. Two big climbs to over 3000 feet but with no views. Much of the trail today was treacherous because of the rocks which were very slick. I still made it to the shelter by 6:30 p.m. The stream one needed to cross to get to the shelter was running very swift and deep because of all the rain and I had to scoot across a fallen log (on my butt) for about 20 yards to the other side. I chose not to attempt to walk across it because it was very slick. Didn't wish to crash within sight of the shelter. My longest day. The shelter was crowded but everybody made room. I had no sooner arrived than the rain began again. Tomorrow it's just 5 miles to Rockfish Gap and Waynesboro. It'll be a motel and a zero day to dry out, do laundry and prepare for Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained all night. But by the time I packed up and had breakfast, it had stopped and the sun came out. I arrived at the visitor's center at Rockfish Gap about 10:30 a.m. and a lady offered to haul me into Waynesboro. After a stop at the Post Office I went to the Quality Inn, got a room, shower and lunch. Life is looking better as I dry out my gear.
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Hut
Miles today: 7.0

I was fortunate to have arranged a ride with one of the many "Trail Angels" in Waynesboro for a ride to the trailhead. I tell you the town of Waynesboro really "gets it". Everyone I met was friendly and the entire town reaches out to the hikers. It'll always have a soft place in my heart. The town is good for the hikers and the hikers are good for the town.It was a short but plesant hike today. Wonderful weather and a nice shelter.
Date: 2009-05-31
From: Calf Mountain Hut

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

The shelter filled up last night and there were several hikers in tents. It rained hard about 4 a.m. and I was glad to be in the shelter. Got up early and hiked the 13 miles pretty quickly. It was a nice day but there were not many water sources along the way and when I got to the shelter the spring there was running a a mere trickle. I think the shelter will be full here tonight as well. Lots of section hikers in the park. I plan a long day tomorrow, 21.4 miles. So an early start is necessary.
Date: 2009-06-01
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

Up early and on the trail on a beautiful day. Saw lots of deer on the trail. I was able to make really good time today. Stopped by the Ranger Station for water and had a nice chat with the ranger.When I arrived at the shelter it was packed. A college group on a field trip. I grabbed one of the few good campsites and will be in my tent tonight. It'll be a lot quieter and I should sleep well.
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Pleasant easy hike today. Hot. Temperature was 90 degrees. Drank two Gatorade's and a bunch of water. Stopped by the Lewis Mountain Camp Store for a coke, ice cream and some M&M's. Decided to sleep in the shelter tonight because of the threat of thunder storms. Good group at the shelter. Lots of hikers in the park. Many, many section hikers. Pretty interesting folks (mainly). Another easy day tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-03
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 15.9

What a great day! The trail was just beautiful. Stopped at the Big Meadows Wayside for a really good breakfast and decided to hike past Rock Spring Hut (my original destination). It was a good choice. I no sooner arrived when a severe storm struck. High winds, big hail and much rain. I secured a nice room with a great view and had a swell dinner. Tomorrow it's off to Luray, VA.
Date: 2009-06-04
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Thornton Gap
Miles today: 9.7

Caught a ride into Luray and secured a room at the Budget Motel. Stopped by the Post Office and picked up my mail drop. Visited the outfitter store and replaced my water bag (old one leaked). Bought some new hiking pants.   The old ones were falling off (due to weight loss). I've gone from a 36" waist to a 34". Did my laundry, went out to eat and just hung out. It has rained all day and supposed to rain all day tomorrow. I'll be hiking anyway. Found a shuttle driver who is going to meet me at 7:30 a.m. to return me to the trail at Thornton Gap. I'm looking forward to getting back in the woods. Headed for Harpers Ferry this week and will have hiked over 1000 miles.
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Thornton Gap

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: moderate rain

Shuttle driver arrived on time and drove me back to Thornton Gap in the rain. Rained all day. Trail was muddy with lots of standing water. My boots are starting to fall apart, so my feet are wet. Stopped by the Elkwallow Wayside for a cheeseburger for lunch.Arrived wet and cold at the shelter. Good news is that it isn't crowded. Changed into some dry clothes and warmed up some. Tomorrow is supposed to be 80 degrees and sunny! Yea!
Date: 2009-06-06
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Mollie Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to a dry day! Sunny! I was the last one to leave the shelter today but hiked a fast 18.6 miles. Left the Shenandoah National Park today. It has been a really fine experience. Over 100 miles of quality hiking.
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Jim and Mollie Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: few clouds

Well, the shelter last night was great but...the two dogs owned by two couples that were section hiking were terrible. They tied them up on the deck for the night. Then every time time someone got up to pee or otherwise moved about the site, both dogs sounded like someone stuck their tails in a 220 volt socket. Then...the owners would shout "BE QUIET". This went on all night long!I was still up early and on the trail by 7:30. The hike today was best described as hot, bugs, weeds, mud, and hills.Got to the shelter about 5 p.m. and it was full of a bunch of section hikers and I really enjoyed their company. (no dogs). The only other thru hiker that came in was "Hot Pants". A middle-school administrator from North Carolina. He was a really fun guy who hiked so fast that he "blew the weeds flat".Tomorrow, I'm only going to Bears Den Hostel. 9.9 miles. It'll be over a section called "The roller coaster".
Date: 2009-06-08
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

Really tough 10 miles today across the "Roller Coaster" (repeated up and downs) 500-800 ft. climbs each. Temperature in the 80's with high humidity. After arriving at the Hostel it became evident that it was worth it. This place is fabulous. Very nice accommodations, plus they had a "hiker feed" for the 15-20 of us that stayed the night. Pulled pork barbecue, Cole slaw, etc., etc. Nice bunk, shower and laundry. Oh, and Ben and Jerry's ice cream.Another short day tomorrow to the Blackburn ATC Center. A free hostel. Then, Harpers Ferry, W.Va. (This place was built in 1933 as a summer home.)
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: few clouds

A really nice 8 mile hike today. Much easier than yesterday. When I arrived at the hostel, "Stud The Dud" (a thru hiker) was having lunch on the porch. I joined him and he related that he was feeling really poorly. Felt like the flu. He had had the caretaker shuttle him to town this morning to see a doctor. Turns out he has Lyme Disease. He had pulled about four deer ticks off a few days ago. The Dr. put him on a 21-day antibotic which should cure it. If you catch it while you still have the symptoms, you are OK. Otherwise, you'll have it for life.Well, darn. My watch just stopped and went blank. Maybe I can get a new one in town tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harper's Ferry, W.Va
Miles today: 12.0

Slept well on the screened porch while it stormed pretty much all night long. By morning it had stopped and I was back on the trail by 8 a.m. and had a good hike to Harper's Ferry. I arrived at the ATC headquarters and was warmly greeted and shown around. They took my picture and added it to the 2009 book of hikers that had made it this far. i was number 291 to pass thru. The staff informed me that approximately 1400 had started from Springer Mountain in Georgia. It made me feel pretty good that I have survived so far.Have a new pair of boots in my mail drop. My pack is really heavy with so much food. Got a room at the Town Inn in the old historic district. Plan to leave early and get back on the trail.
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Harper's Ferry, W.Va

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

This morning I left my room at the Town Inn and hiked thru the historic part of Harper's Ferry toward the Maryland border. The hike took me along the C&O Canal towpath. It was quiet and a little foggy. My mind wasn't on the hike as it had been. It was on my life before the hike. I have had this nagging feeling of longing to be back home. I am missing it a lot. I began to realize my homesickness was overtaking my desire to continue the hike. Arriving at the Shelter at 7 miles into the day I just sat down and contemplated about what to do. It became clear. I was going home. So...after hiking over 1000 miles and into the state of Maryland, I stood up and returned to Harper's Ferry, got a hotel room and called Becky. She'll be picking me up on Saturday for my return to Columbus, Ohio.I have no regrets. I have hiked further than most, not as far as others, had experiences, made friends, found out a lot about my abilities and saw things only a hiker can experience. While I did not complete a thru hike to Maine, the trip was a success for me.Reflecting on the kindness shown to me by friends and perfect strangers and the camaraderie of my fellow hikers, I realize these will be memories I will have forever.The AT was the toughest challenge I have ever attempted, but absolutely worth it. Will I ever attempt to finish it? That remains a "definite maybe."I am humbled by the encouragement afforded me by my family and friends. It kept me going during some really difficult sections. I look forward to returning to life off the trail, but...I also know I'll miss it...
Date: 2009-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My thoughts as I contemplate an attempt to thru-hike the AT:I set foot on the Appalachian Trail for the first time in September of 1993. I was following two first cousins who had been there before in previous years. Ever since that experience, I have imagined making an attempt to accomplish a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. This is my year to try. It is a natural time. I retired in May of 2006. My wife of 39 years died last year. I am fit. I am 62 years old, but in some ways I am at a beginning.The trail is advertised as 2,178 miles by foot from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katahdin Mountain, Maine traversing the spine of Appalachian Mountains. According to the Appalachian Trail Conference, 1600 people began in 2008 with the objective to complete a thru-hike. The full distance was completed by 345 people. That is about 21%. There are so many things to interrupt a thru-hike. Sickness, injury, loss of interest, needs at home. The list goes on. From what I have read, mental toughness and determination are more important than physical prowess to an individual wanting to go the distance. This makes sense to me. I expect cold, wet, tired, hungry, hot, sweaty, lonely, dirty with aches and bugs a plenty. I also expect views, nature, camaraderie, contemplation, exhilaration and a feeling of gratitude for simple comforts. With luck I will enjoy a huge sense of accomplishment when I top Katahdin.I take my first step on March 16, 2009. Actually one has to walk an 8.8 mile approach trail just to get to the beginning. There is something sinister in this, but it is the same for everyone. The mountain does not play favorites. To complete a thru-hike one has to summit Katahdin by October 15. If the winter weather sets in early, fewer days are available because the trail up Katahdin will be closed. That would be sad. I hope to make it in 6 months which means hiking 15 miles per day average with a rest day each week. My gear is assembled. All my equipment is tested and in good order. I have tested my hiking boots in wet conditions and my tent on a cold rainy overnight. My sleeping bag kept me warm with a single layer of clothing even though the temperature was just below freezing. My pack weighs approximately 35 pounds. I am learning to use my Blackberry so I can post a journal to a web site for family and friends to plot my progress. The day is quickly coming when there is nothing to do but take the first step rain or shine, cold or balmy. I hope my physical structure and my feet can take the abuse they are certain to suffer. I hope my mind can see beyond these difficulties to the wonderful things I will experience. I hope my walk feels like a never ending dance. Ken Jobe
Date: 2009-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Standing Rock Creek, TN. Trial hiked 4 miles with fianl pack. Weight was about 45 lbs. Sleet and snow in the air and lightly covering the ground. Around 32 degrees. Winter clothes selected for AT felt about right. Route included Fat Daddy's, Rattlesnake and Ditch Hollows. Tested camp crocs by wading the creek near the end of the hike. I did not remove heavy wool socks. Croc/sock combination worked well. Body performed well. A little discomfort in my left heel. All is ready for Springer on Monday.
Date: 2009-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dover, TN. Mailed my bounce bag to Gatlinburg, TN a few minutes ago. It will always be ahead of me and contains articles I will need in a few weeks. I expect to be in Gatlinburg in 3 weeks. My brother is taking me from Dover to the trail head in North Georgia. A 5 hour trip 1 way. Pretty nice.
Date: 2009-03-16
From: amicolola

To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.0

Just beyond the Springer summit. Officially on the AT. Rained all day. The statistics: 9.0 miles. 5.0 hrs. 2,082 ft elevation change. 30+ people started their thru-hike today. Pack weiged 48 lbs at the ranger station. Felt okay overall but I was ready to stop. Dinner was raman. Boiled egg. Dried apricots, jerky, tortilla and chai tea. Yum yum. I am thinking of how to shed a few lbs from pack. I hope to ship some expendible, previously critical, items home at Neels Gap.
Date: 2009-03-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.6

Finished day 2 two miles north of Hawk Mtn shelter. The sun was on my face today. What a change from yesterday. I am tired. But I am feeling stronger after eating. No blisters. Saw one guy with every other toe and heels taped. Salmon tortilla sandwich and mac and cheese for supper. Pretty nice. There were a lot of people at the shelter. I am alone in my spot. I wanted to get close to 10 miles. The shelter was full. Now to clean up and get a long sleep.
Date: 2009-03-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.3

Today was sunny and a perfect hiking temperature. It started by me finding a new small flashlight on the trail. I then found a coil of rope. I picked both up hoping to find the owner. Later there he was a young high student from Auburn AL. He was very glad to retrieve his gear. I later met his dad and older brother. Nice family. Today was easier. I have not inspected my feet yet. My view is too stunning to do anything but look, collect my thoughts and peck away on this BB. I have bruises on the top of both toes next to my big toes. Not blisters. Unfortunately they are a little longer than my big toes. Not good hiker toes. Still feeling some chronic ache in my left heel and right knee. My view is the greatest. I am sitting on a massive rock out cropping and looking forever south. I have this camp site to myself. The crowd, 18 hikers, left the trail 1 mile back at Woody Gap. I did not see them as I was behind. Got the news from a taxi who offered to take me to town. Mom if you are out there I am flossing and brushing twice daily. I am also cleaning body with a couple moist towlettes at the end of the day. In the store they are called baby wipes. On the Trail they are grunge gobblers.