morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN.
Miles today: 11.2

I got up at 6:30and was on the trail by 8:10. Today turned out to be the fastest 11.2mile hike yet in only 5 hours and 10 minutes. The trail was very easy, as most of it was either flat or downhill. I did develop a couple of physical problems. My left knee continues to to have pain on the down slopes and I also developed a blister on each foot in the same spot. Hopefully taking the day off in Erwin will help both of these problems. I arrived at the Holiday Inn Express after 2 pm. I took my first shower in seven days, did my laundry, picked up my bounce box and started organizing my food drops for the next three weeks. Just as I was being shuttled into town to have dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, it started to rain. Looks like it could continue through the night and possibly rain some more tomorrow. I don't mind occasional rain, but if I was still on the trail that would have made 3 out of 4 nights with substantial rain. Tomorrow is a zero day in Erwin, TN. Staying dry!!
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Erwin, TN.

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Taking the day off to resupply and move my bounce box forward. Hopefully the days rest will benefit my knee and blisters. As luck would have it, I was off the trail as it rained all night and again this afternoon. I had planned to be in Elk Park, NC in four hiking days, but may need to extend it to five days due to some big up and downs.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Zero Day

To: Deep Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Caught a shuttle from the Holiday Inn Express to the Chestoa Bridge where I left the trail Tuesday. With my sore knee and several blisters, I'm taking my time and not pushing myself, plan to keep my mileage to 10-12 miles a day. I accomplished a 12 mile hike today without any additional knee problems, however, I did develop a couple of little blisters on my heal. The two bigger blisters that I taped with moleskin and duct tape seem to be improving, although they were sore by the end of the day. I'll retape all blisters tomorrow as I'm doing 12 miles to the Greasy Creek Hostel. Hopefully these physical problems will get better over the next three or four days.Once again I'm camping away from a shelter, so far only two tents as of 7pm.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Deep Gap Campsite

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

On the trail this morning at 8. The plan was to stay at the Greasy Creek Hostel tonight, but when I got to the Greasy Creek campsite I apparently missed the sign that pointed in the direction of the hostel. The fact that it was raining at the time and when I reread the directions in the trail guide I thought that I was to continue down the AT and look for the sign to the hostel. After walking for a mile in the rain and no sign, it was closer for me to proceed to the Clyde Smith shelter, which was only a mile away.Of course the shelter was full by the time I arrived, so I'm tenting tonight, fortunately the rain has let up so that I can keep everything dry. This could work to my advantage, as tomorrow I will be two miles closer to traversing Roan Mtn. at over 6000 feet.Tomorrows hike was originally planned for only 10 miles, but if the weather is good, my knee doesn't give out and the trail is good, I might go on to the next shelter, which would make it a 12.8 mile day.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 9.1

I had the best nights sleep yet on the trail last night. I only woke up twice during the night, usually it is at least five or six times. I guess the reason was do to not that many tents being around me, nice temps and no wind blowing like a freight train.Today was going to be a tough one, but it only got worse as after about an hour on the trail it started to rain. The challenge today was to hike over Roan Mountain, at 6259 feet. The ascent was muddy, very rocky and steep, but I made it to the summit around 1 o'clock. All day long the mountain was enclosed in low clouds, so there was nothing to view beyond 100 yds.I was going to stay in the shelter on top of the mountain, but decided to move on for another two miles and stay at Carvers Gap. What I didn't realize was there was not a campsite at this location, but there was this cleared mountain in front of me with clumps of rhododendron and a spectacular view of a mountain valley. This is what is known as stealth camping, when you do not camp in a designated area. My tent is set so that I can look out my opening and see the valley, in between the rain showers. Hope the rain moves out of the area tonight so that I can see what the sunrise looks like.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Carvers Gap

To: Bradley Gap
Miles today: 8.5

With the wind howling all night, whipping the sides of my tent, I only managed four or five hours of sleep. Around 6 am again I heard the sound of rain drops on my tent. After three nights and two days with rain, I was expecting the possibility of a third. All my gear and clothes that I've worn are damp, nothing is able to completely dry out. Fortunately that was all the rain for the day. I had everything packed and was on the trail by 9 am. As I started up the trail, the sun started to break through the clouds and revealed some spectacular mountain views.I walked along the grassy ridge for about three miles, all above 5500 feet. But the best treat of the day was Overmountain Shelter. This is a large, red, converted barn once used as a backdrop for the movie "Winter People". This is undoubtably one of the best shelters I've seen so far. Even though the trail was not that challenging I only put in 8.5 miles, because my reservation for the Mountain Harbour B&B and Hiker Hostel was not until tomorrow night. There were a lot of hikers planning to stay there tonight so I thought all the spaces would be taken before I got there and I would be tenting anyway. Besides another easy day today and a hike of only 6.3 miles tomorrow would be beneficial for my sore knees.So once again I'm camping solo, Bradley Gap is not an ideal campsite. It is clear of all trees in every direction and at 5000 feet could be very windy. My tent is in a slight depression, so hopefully the wind will just blow over the top, can't be as bad as last night. If the sky remains cloudless I might be able to see some stars for the first time on the AT.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Bradley Gap

To: Elk Park, NC
Miles today: 6.3

It was to cold to get out of the tent to look at the stars last night. When I awoke the temp was 30 degrees with some wind. I got everything packed and was on the trail by 7:45 for my big climb up Hump Mountain. Even though the climb was only 600 ft. higher than where I camped, the temp on top was around 25 degrees with a 20 mph wind, which made the wind chill around 11 degrees.After that it was all down hill, 2900 ft. descent into the Mountain Harbour Hostel. This is by far the best hostel I've stayed in. Another worthy note, I am officially out of North Carolina, the AT meanders around the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee. Two states down and twelve to go. In another five days I'll be out of the state of Tennessee .
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Elk Park, NC

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.5

I left the Mountain Harbour Hostel at 845, trying to do an 18.4 mile day. This will test both knees, even though they seem to be getting better, this will be the final exam. This was suppose to be an easy hike by Tennessee standards, but I came up a little short, about 2 miles short from the shelter that I had planned to stay in tonight. At 6 o'clock I decided that was enough and found a suitable campsite for the night. This makes three nights in a row that I've camped by myself. As of today I've completed over 400 miles of the AT.Haven't seen to many hikers on the trail today. Trail days in Damascus, Va. starts on Thursday and goes through the weekend. I'm assuming that a lot of the hikers are already there or within a two day hike. If I make it, it won't be until Saturday.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Campsite

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 7.9

When I awoke this morning I was optimistic about reaching Hampton, Tn. However it was apparent after a couple of miles that both knees where not going to let that happen. Fortunately there was a hostel just off the trail at Dennis Cove. I limped into the Kincora Hiking Hostel around 1pm and was able to catch a ride with Bob, the owner, into Hampton where I was staying at the Braeman Castle Hostel tonight. I came to realize that my hike for this year is probably over. Before I could tolerate and medicate the pain and not loose to much flexibility, but now the knees are just too stiff and medication does not seem to help. So the best thing is to see a doctor in Gainesville and figure out what is causing the problem. With 426.6 miles completed as of today, I am slightly over one-third of the planned hike for this year. One positive note, Jane was flying into Charlotte Friday, renting a car, and driving up to pick me up off the trail and spending a couple of nights at the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon, Va. for my birthday. Now I'll be flying back with her.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Dennis Cove

To: Hampton, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Stayed in the Braemar Castle Hostel last night and will again tonight. I took a walk this morning of about three miles to test my knees. Even walking on flat ground my knees are experiencing pain and that is even without carrying a pack.Had dinner tonight at the Lone Star Restaurant with Alex the manager of the hostel. He has completed the AT seven times in the last fifteen years. Also joining us was another Alex and his wife Nicole from Wisconsin. I've been bumping into them on the trail and other hostels over the last week.Jane will be picking me up tomorrow afternoon, then we'll drive to Abingdon and trail days in Damascus.
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Rehab

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've been home for about 10 days and was able to see an ortho doc last Wednesday. I was diagnosed with I T band syndrome, otherwise known as "runner's knee", or in my case "hiker's knee". Nothing serious, just requires a little rest and some physical therapy. I'm glad that I had the problem checked out, now I know how to deal with it on the trail.I'm hoping that I can return to the AT in three weeks, do another two weeks of hiking to test the knees. If I'm unable to return then, the month of August is possible.
Date: 2013-07-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After two and a half months off the trail, I'll be returning to complete my goal of hiking one half of the AT this year. The knees feel good and I'll resume where I departed the trail at Hampton, TN. on July 30th.My main concern is conditioning. It's hard to do any training in Florida in the summer, however I was able to do some backpacking and day hikes in the Rocky Mountains within the last two weeks. My friends and I were able hike up to elevations of 12,500 ft. with full backpacks. Needless to say I was sucking air big time as I had come from near sea level.The plan is to finish this section at Harpers Ferry, W.VA. within six weeks. It is going to tough as I'll have to average over 100 miles per week. Hopefully the terrain and weather will cooperate.
Date: 2013-07-30
From: Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Spent the night at Scott's in Lenoir, N.C. last night. Scott has been gracious enough to shuttle me to my starting point at Dennis Cove and will pick me up when I decide to leave the trail, hopefully in about six weeks.Finally started the hike at 11 am. The big obstacle today was Pond Mountain, as it was 2000 ft. up and 2000 ft. down. It was not very difficult as the trail was not very rocky and one of the smoothest sections that I've encountered yet. It was a good way to get the legs broken in, as I've been off the triail for almost two and a half months. The day was pleasant, overcast and temps in the mid 70's.When I reached the shelter at 5:30, Lone Wolf, a ridge runner and his dog, Duncan were already there. Lone Wolf said there have been reports of an aggressive momma bear with cub in the area and he was going to try and run it off with Duncan. He also informed me that a lot of the water sources for the next 19 miles might be dry. I can carry enough water to make the distance, but that means I will not be able to cook and will be eating my meals cold (anything that doesn't require hot water to prepare the meal). He also said that it was suppose to start a rainy period tomorrow. If it rains that might eliminate the water problems .Well it's almost 9:00, need to turn in so that I can get an early start tomorrow and avoid the rain.
Date: 2013-07-31
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 2:30 this morning with the sound of rain drops hitting my tent. Guess the rain arrived about twelve hours early from what was forecasted. After a break in the rain, I packed up all my gear and was on the trail at 9:10.My main concern was conserving enough water to last the two days where water along the trail was in short supply.My goal today was to reach Iron Mountain Shelter, which was a little over fourteen mile away. Under my best hiking conditioning, I should have been able to hike this distance in 8-9 hours. By noon I realized that I was going to have to change plans as I had only hiked around 5 miles by my estimation and didn't seem to have any energy. Even though it was overcast and there were occasional light rains, I was drinking a lot of water.About 12:30, I came across a spring and topped off my water bottles. I'm hoping this will provide an extra cushion through this area.I thought that I was going to be in the shelter by myself tonight, but three guys from Ohio just walked into the shelter at around 6:30.
Date: 2013-08-01
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Last night it rained most of the night, fortunately I was in the shelter and was able to keep everything dry. The rain finally stopped at 7:00 and I was able to get on the trail by 8:20. Temps have been around 60 for lows and 70 for highs, but with close to 100 per cent humidity everything has a dampness to it and never feels completely dry.The morning started with a lot of fog and by 11:00 the sun had burned it off. Overall it was a pleasant day for hiking and the trail was fairly easy. This section of trail is nicknamed the "Tennessee Turnpike", as it is the easiest section of trail in Tennessee.So much for a water shortage. I came across several springs and streams that were flowing that are suppose to be dry this time of year. I guess the abnormal rainfall has kept everything flowing.I arrived at the shelter around 5:30, changed into clean cloths all the way around, fixed a fantastic dinner of Mountain House Sweet and Sour Pork w/rice and got everything else squared away. It's 7:45 now and the Ohio hikers haven't arrived yet, I might be here tonight by myself.Big day tomorrow, I have to hike over 18 miles in order to make it to Damascus, Va., where I'll take two zero days. I can do it if the "Tennessee Turnpike" is cooperative, planning to arrive in Damascus by 6:00. Wel that's it for tonight, big day tomorrow.
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

The Ohio boys never arrived at the shelter, I guess they stayed at a campsite before reaching the shelter. So it was another night alone in the mountains, however this time it was in a shelter. I've been on the trail four days now and haven't met any thru hikers, just section and day hikers. I think it's going to be lonely for the next six weeks, as most hikers that started in March or April are up into New York or further north. I saw only four hikers today and they were heading south.The weather was pleasant today and no rain. I hit the trail at 7:55 for my 18.5 mile hike, the longest to date. I estimated it would take 9 hrs. to hike into Damascus, plus allowing for a one hour lunch and rest period, that I wouldn't arrive there until around 6:00. I nailed the arrival time dead on.I landed a bed in the bunk house at the Hiker's Hostel, but only for tonight, as they have reservations for all their beds the next two nights. Damascus doesn't have a motel, however there are at least a dozen hostels and B&B's.Notable first today: 1) ate my first blackberries on the trail, real tiny and a little sour, probably 1 to 2 weeks before they hit their prime. 2) left " no privy" Tennessee today and entered Virginia. None of the shelters in Tennessee have privies, I guess they think dispersing poop all around the shelter is better than concentrating it in one place.Looks like I'll be spending Sat. and Sun. in Damascus, as I won't be able to forward my bounce box until Monday morning after the post office opens. This is probably for the best, as my knees and shoulders are sore and could use some rest. I need to be pain free when I climb Mt. Rogers next week, the last 5,000 ft. plus mountain on this end of the AT.
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

I arose this morning and went straight to the Cowboy Deli for breakfast. They make the best blueberry pancakes that I've eaten on the trail.Next it was to the post office to pick up my bounce box. While on the way there I saw the Damascus "Old Mill" Inn and stopped in to see if they had a vacancy for the next two nights. The inn is more centrally located to all the best places in Damascus. They had one room left, but I 'd have to wait until noon to claim it, so I took it.Went back to the hostel to gather my pack and when I returned to the Inn they informed me that they were overbooked, but that the inn had a cabin less than a half mile outside of town on the river. I wasn't to pleased having to hike back and forth to town, until I saw the cabin. It is really nice, with a jacuzzi tub four feet away from the bed, a nice porch with rocking chairs over looking the river, kitchen, tv, fireplace and one of the nicest bathrooms in these here parts. Turned out to be a great deal. Oh, I can even have a complimentary breakfast every morning at the Inn. Wish you could be here Jane. Dinner tonight at the Blue Blaze Cafe.
Date: 2013-08-04
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day Damascus
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a R & R day, knees and feet are feeling much better. Spent the time organizing my bounce box and getting it ready to be shipped Monday morning. Also updated my trail journal and watched some tv.I hate taking two zero days together, but really didn't have a choice. I think my aching body will thank me later.
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Zero Day Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

I was up this morning at 7:00, finished packing my backpack, left the cabin at 8:00, walked the half mile to the inn for breakfast, delivered my bounce box to the post office and was on the trail at 9:00.Today's hike was easy, only two climbs, one of 900 feet and the other of 1300 feet. As I wasn't trying to press my self, I reached the shelter at 3:00 and called it a day. So far I 'm the only person hear, but it's early.
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Whitetop Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Last night was another lonely night, as no one showed up at the shelter. I was up at 6:00, packed and on the trail at 7:40. The weather has been nice the last two days, but is expected to change over the next few days.Today's main obstacle was climbing Whitetop Mtn. This is a two thousand foot climb, to an elevation of 5,150 feet.the payoff was the amazing view from Buzzard Rock, and outcrop on Whitetop Mtn. All you could see in all directions were mountains.There is an assortment of fruit trees and berries on this mountain. Lots of blueberries and blackberries that are within one to two weeks of being ripe and some fruit trees that I was unable to identify. Tonight I'm camping at a campsite, there are four or five others here so I won't be completely alone.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Whitetop Mountain Campsite

To: Greyson Highlands State Park
Miles today: 11.8

I was up this mourning at 6:00 and on the trail at 7:45. Today I'll spend all day above 4,400 feet, unfortunately it was foggy all day, which lead to rain that started around 1:30. So even though there are suppose to be great views of the surrounding area, I couldn't see anything more than 200 yards away.The trail was brutal, some of the rockiest sections I've encountered yet. This area is known as the Greyson Highlands. Scottish immigrants settled here because it reminded them of Scotland. I can't over emphasize how daunting it is climbing over miles and miles of rock and with rain on top.One good thing that happened, I was able to see about a dozen of the Greyson Highlands ponies. These little ponies backs are only about waist high and are cute, friendly ponies. They come right up to you and want to lick you, I've been told that they want to lick the salt off your body. They didn't get any salt from me as I was wearing my rain suit.Tonight I'm camping at the camp grounds in Greyson Highlands State Park, a two mile detour off the trail. I really messed up doing this as there was a shelter on the AT about two miles in the direction I was going, now tomorrow morning I have about four miles to make up. Plus it's probably going to rain tonight and I'll have to pack up in the morning with wet gear. I had planned for a 14 mile hike tomorrow, but this miscalculation makes it 18 miles. The plan was to arrive in Marion, Va. late Friday afternoon. However if the trail is difficult, that is rocky and lots of up and downs, I might not make Marion until Saturday morning.An additional note, I passed the largest number of hikers going south today. There must have been at least 30-40, one Boy Scout troop, two different groups of high school kids and several groups of two or three hikers. Everyone is going south, didn't see any hikers going north.
Date: 2013-08-08
From: Greyson Highlands State Park

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

I was up and out of the park by 7:40, then had to back track four miles to Wise Shelter where I should have stayed last night. I didn't get there until 9:45. This will set me back as I had planned to do 14 miles today in order to get into Marion late Friday afternoon.After enduring more rain and a rocky trail, I decided to cut it short and stay at the Hurricane Mtn. Shelter. The plan for tomorrow is a short 5.2 mile hike to Dickey Gap (State Rd. 16) and attempt to hitch hike the fourteen miles into Marion. This is so that I can pick up my bounce box at the post office before they close.When I arrived at the shelter around 5:30, there were already five hikers there. They offered to make room for me, so I took them up on there offer. Normally I would set up my tent, but it was suppose to rain tonight, so I thought the shelter would be a better choice. They were all from Ohio and were doing a week of section hiking going south. They were all friendly and were interested in my hiking experience up this point. Naturally we talked a bit about Ohio State, Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow.Reached another milestone today, completed 500 plus miles.