morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Piped spring mile 295.4

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: light rain

Today's journal is partly aspirational. Looks like I am going to have no connectivity soon so I'll just post what I think happened after I have no bars. I woke up to sleet pounding on my tent. There was almost an inch in places. Finally it abated and I started hiking. I texted my dad to send back the long underwear and fleece that I just sent home because the cold weather was over. Ha! I got to the "bad weather" trail junction near Firescald Knob. This is a "blue blaze" and is to be avoided by thru hikers who have promised to faithfully follow every white blaze to Maine. The clouds and fog began to break up and I got some nice views. The rocks were not as bad as I expected. I added a photo for Howard's Rock that was placed in 2015. He was evidently a master trail builder. What a great memorial! I got to Jerry Cabin and found slobs had left garbage in the fire pit. From comments in Guthooks this is not the first time for the slobs. (note: I packed out the garbage the next day). It started raining soon after I arrived at Jerry's Cabin so I camped there. A lot of my gear got wet overnight.
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Hiker Paradise Hostel
Miles today: 9.3

Yeah, I didn't get past Jerry's Cabin when the rain really let loose yesterday. The shelter was full so I camped. A lot of my stuff got wet. I was up early and made it to the top of Big Butt Peak. There was some rocky sections near the summit. I'm really ready to get to the new Hiker's Paradise hostel at Rector Laurel Road. I am hoping to dry out my gear.
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Hiker Paradise Hostel

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I arrived at the Hiker Paradise Hostel too late to get a bunk so I ended up tenting by the creek in back of the Hostel for a modest fee. At least I had pizza and soda. I was able to get everything dried out as the weather improved the next morning. I got a shuttle back to the trail crossing and hiked to the Hogback Ridge Shelter by 5pm and decided to stay in the shelter for once. Some other guys arrived soon and we discussed the question of whether to attend Tail Days via a shuttle from Erwin. I've decided not to do this and would like to hike on from Erwin (after a zero to get to Walmart). I've been really liking my trail runners. But my gaiters are really an important part of keeping my feet dry with the lower shoes. Tomorrow I am heading for Big Bald Shelter and the climb over Big Bald.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Big Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.1

I got moving out of Hogback Ridge Shelter through some mist but made it down to Sam's Gap at the I-26 crossing. There was very nice trail magic! Thanks and much appreciated. There was sufficient connectivity to call and wish my mom a happy Mother's Day. Then a long uphill out of Sam's Gap past an open meadow with nice views. Finally the uphill to the summit of Big Bald where I had great views but some darker clouds were moving in so I continued down to the shelter.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I had the upper deck in Big Bald Shelter to myself. Nobody wanted to climb up there. I got going the next morning and passed over Little Bald and High Rocks. Not many camping options so I made it to No Business Knob Shelter despite the uphill at the end. I got a nice level campsite. I thought I was getting in late at 7pm but eventually there were 14 tents there. I am glad I have a reservation at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel for tomorrow. Erwin will be a great opportunity for resupply. If it's warm I might even try a swim in the river.
Date: 2016-05-10
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

It was a great morning to get up and moving from the tent city at No Business Knob Shelter. After a minor climb I was rewarded by views of the Nolichucky River as the trail descended toward Erwin, TN. I could see people rafting on the river and I began to think about going in for a swim. I checked into Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky River Hostel and found an extremely well provisioned hiker box. I was able to replace my trowel that I lost two days ago. I am taking a zero day tomorrow in order to head out to Walmart and have a nice lunch downtown. Uncle Johnny's runs a nice shuttle downtown.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was totally pouring. I got up for the 8:30 shuttle to the preferred breakfast restaurant. Yum! It was still pouring. I am using today to resupply and some R&R. Will hike on tomorrow with less rain. I was glad to see my friend Nemo show up this afternoon. He had been nursing an injury back at Hot Springs.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

To: Curley Maple Shelter
Miles today: 4.2

After another night at Uncle Johnny's I got up and took the shuttle to a good breakfast then the Post Office where I mailed some things ahead. The weather was looking better and I got packed up and moving. I heard a lot about everyone going to Trail Days. I am hoping that the actual AT will be somewhat deserted over the next few days as all the hikers go to Damascus for that party. I crossed the CSX track before heading up a valley with numerous stream crossings on foot bridges. The creek is identified as the Jones Branch. Since I had a late start I reached my destination of the Curley Maple Shelter in good time. Nice shelter that was built in 2010. I've heard it will be cold again over the weekend. I am hoping to make it to the Greasy Creek Friendly by Saturday night.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Curley Maple Shelter

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Had a nice night at Curley Maple Shelter. Had a nice conversation with fellow hikers. Got moving again as the weather improved. It was nice as I made my way up Beauty Spot. What a fine view and it would have been fun to have a kite up there. I heard there would be 20 tents at the campsite on Unaka Mountain so I stopped and camped at Beauty Spot Gap where there was a gushing piped spring.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Spring and campsite mile 363.5
Miles today: 10.2

I stopped at Beauty Spot Gap last night because of the potential huge number of tents at the campsite further up the mountain and there is no water there. Great spring at Beauty Spot Gap so I had a restful night. The next morning I got up Unaka Mountain faster than I thought. There were a lot of campers at mile 354 and the sites were not level so I felt I made the right decision. I continued over the mountain and past the shelter as it clouded up and felt colder. I read such wonderful comments about campsite potential at the spring at mile 363.5 and got there a little after 5pm. It was an old apple orchard and is a great campsite. Tomorrow I will do a nero to the Greasy Creek Friendly.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Spring and campsite mile 363.5

To: Greasy Creek Friendly
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

It was a cold night at the campsite at mile 363.5. But I was thinking that I would have a brief hike down to the Greasy Creek Friendly where I would resupply and have a nice evening and be ready to hike north Monday morning. When I arrived at the side trail junction leading to the Greasy Creek Friendly there was a sign that nobody would be there until Monday afternoon. Obviously they had all gone to Trail Days in Damascus and nobody would be home. This was a problem for me since I had two resupply boxes mailed there. I had no idea they would be closed. I was running low on food and could not just hike on and not get my resupply. So I hiked down anyway despite some vague warnings from others who I met at the trail junction. When I arrived the hostel was deserted. There was a house phone outside with a few notes and I was able to contact a neighbor who was able to let me in to access the mail drop boxes. I was able to retrieve one of the two but realized since I had mailed from Erwin, that the second one had not been delivered yet. So I decided to just camp there. There were two cats for company but nobody else. There was also some guy who called the house phone and seemed to know a lot about my equipment so I began to think he was lurking in the woods near the house. The sun started to go down and it was quite cold. The yellow cat went back into the house through a cat door. Too cold for him. But I then received a message that everyone was returning from Damascus that evening and I was greatly relieved when they arrived around 8:30pm.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Greasy Creek Friendly

To: Greasy Creek Friendly
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After my anxiety of being home alone at the Greasy Creek Friendly while everyone was at Trail Days, it became instantly better when everyone returned. Someone actually went the distance last night to get me a few items from McDonalds. The closest one is not close. So today I've been doing laundry, working out my next thru hike on the Japanese Tokai Shinzen Hodo, and feeling no pain. My missing resupply box I shipped from Erwin showed up with the 2pm delivery so all is good. I believe I've worked out a slack pack deal for tomorrow. All is well except it would be great if it was warmer. I guess this affects the whole East so I'm probably not alone.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Carver's Gap

To: Spring and campsite 386.3
Miles today: 8.0

My hiking companion decided to take a zero at Greasy Creek Friendly after twisting his ankle yesterday. I was dropped off at Carver Gap and continued hiking. I passed the famous Overmountain Shelter. Looked like a great place for a huge crowd. I continued on toward Hump Mountain. Loved the views from the long balds but it looked like rain and I decided to camp at the spring at mile 386.3 where there was a great campsite. Good rock to sit on. Still cold up there.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Spring and campsite 386.3

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light rain

I was in the clouds for Hump Mountain and the rest of the Roan Highlands. No views until I began to descend. Got to Mountain Harbour in good time. Very nice here. I got two resupply boxes (one from home and one I had mailed from Erwin). I have way too much now but will need it for the longer stretch to Damascus with no resupply.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 8.8

Had a great breakfast at Mountain Harbour and headed out. I passed Jones Falls and Sugar Hollow (with great views of the Elk River). Elk River had great swimming holes but it's still way too cold. Got to Mountaineer Shelter where there is another waterfall. Signs warned against wading but it was too cold anyway.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Black Bear Hostel

To: Pond Flats campsite
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

After a nice breakfast at Black Bear I was eager to see Laurel Fork Falls. It was gushing but signs warned against the danger of swimming. Of course it was too cold anyway (though I saw a hiker who did go in). Hiked up past the shelter but stopped at Pond Flats. It seems the emergency campsite near Watauga Lake that was put in to allow hikers a place to camp to get around the "bad bear" that closed Watauga Lake shelter has now been discovered by the bear. I read several reports that the bear had to be chased off. So I stopped at a place before any recent bear issues.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Pond Flats campsite

To: Spring at 434.5
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Had to get up early to get past the bad bear at Watauga Lake. Nice day and getting warmer. I hoped that bear would be asleep during the day and did not see him. Walked several miles down to Watauga Lake but forgot that there was a water faucet at the picnic area. Oh well. Hiked around the lake and over the dam. After Wilbur Dam Road, the 1000' climb began to get to the ridge. Thank you bear! I found a nice campsite at the spring a mile before the shelter.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Spring at 434.5

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great campsite at the spring at mile 434.5 (not mentioned in any guide) to myself when I arrived but it soon filled up. I was able to show a late-arriving hiker to a tent site a bit further away but still quite nice. The next morning I got started on my hike to Iron Mountain Shelter. Had no problems but as afternoon progressed I encountered my first bear on the AT. This bear wasn't that big. I made noise and yelled at it and it ran off. I was glad it didn't try to follow me. I arrived at the shelter and found a good tent site close by that was very level with leaf cover. More hikers started coming in. I heard from one that he had seen the same bear I had encountered. Then around 10:30 PM a group of three hikers arrived and said they had seen three bears. They were evidently doing the 50K Laurel Fork Shelter to Damascus challenge but were freaked out by all the bears.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It was going to be an easy hike. But I went through a gate at the end of a pasture instead of taking the hiker ladder and neglected to see the barbed wire at 6 feet. Ended up with a gash in my scalp. I had a first aid kit and eventually stopped the bleeding. Then I called my doctor back in NY who looked up my medical records and said I had to get off the trail immediately and get a tetanus shot. Others I talked too questioned the need for it but I figured it might be a good idea and at the same time I was annoyed that it never came up before I left for the trail. I arranged to be picked up at Low Gap and some other guys came along. I called the clinic at Damascus, but the tetanus inoculation was on back order there, so I had to do into Abingtodon. The shuttle cost $100, but it was necessary. I was shuttled to the clinic and got my shot as well and a further disinfecting of my scalp wound. Back to the trail at Low Gap after first scoring a quick burger at Wendy's. As I arrived back at Low Gap, there were a number of hikers waiting there. One of them asked if he could get a ride back into Damascus. As he left the others told me that he had decided five minutes before the shuttle arrived that he was going to start hitch-hiking. He though it was like magic that the shuttle arrived only after five minutes. I told the others of my misfortune. They enjoyed my story until I described the fact that I bought Wendy's. "No!. Don't talk about Wendy's! Talk about the shot!."
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It felt like it would be a hot day. I got moving out of Abingdon Gap Shelter with no further bears or injuries. It was quite a feeling to cross the border. Three states now done. I continued into Damascus where I checked into the Woodchuck Hostel. After a long shower I feel human again and am now having a good dinner and craft beer at the Damascus Old Mill.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a nice time at the Woodchuck Hostel for a day of R & R. My sore arm from the tetanus shot is getting better. Got my resupply box. It was rainy and the weather cooled off. Enjoyed the microbrewery. I was finally able to call my friend in Japan who I hiked with in the past. I've invited him to hike with me on the AT but not sure he can make it this summer. I do plan to hike with him in Japan next spring after I complete my AT thru hike.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Damascus

To: Campsite mile 475.6
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: few clouds

It was hot and humid on my way out of Damascus. I also have the feeling that after almost 3 months some of my gear is falling apart, especially my shirt. I stayed at a great campsite next to the Laurel Creek which is a big creek. It was great to cool off in that water.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Campsite mile 475.6

To: Virginia Creeper Trail Junction
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It was really steamy and I was just drenched. The daily shower did not help. But I got to the shelter. When all my stuff is wet, it adds pounds and that is not helping. I had more issues to deal with on the phone so I stopped and camped by the creek at the Virginia Creeper Trail junction.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite at mile 490.5
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

I got moving from the shelter. Somehow my iPhone glass got cracked. I got a signal and was able to convince Apple to replace the phone under the warranty. I spent the afternoon climbing to over 5000 feet again and had a fantastic view from Buzzard Rock. It is less hot and humid up here. I'm heading for the campsite and spring at 490.5.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Campsite at mile 490.5

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up after a pretty useless day yesterday. Had to deal with iphone warranties and a variety of hassles from off the trail that always intrude. But today I got a good start and made it to Wise Shelter that was close to Big Wilson Creek. It was hot, humid, and rainy but I managed to cool off nicely.
Date: 2016-06-06
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter/Mt. Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I swept Trimpi Shelter and headed down to the VA672 road crossing. My dad was meeting me for 3 days of slack packing. He took my pack and also the pack of a fellow hiker whose dog was limping. He was so glad to be free of his dog pack. He drove over to the parking lot at Mt. Rogers Visitor Center and began hiking back to meet me half-way. It was such a relief to get a clean shirt and not have rain for once. In fact the weather kept improving all day. I finally met up with him after a few miles and we hiked back to the car. Needed to get there before 4:30 since the lock the place up. My friend with the dog is going off the trail and her dad is picking her up at 5pm. Partnership Shelter was certainly a fancy one.
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Partnership Shelter/Mt. Rogers Visitor Center

To: Davis Valley Road
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

After a nice night in a comfortable hotel in Wytheville, my dad dropped me off at the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center and I started hiking toward Atkins. Had some nice conversations with hikers along the way and met my dad hiking the other way near Chatfield Shelter. Sections of the trail were a little muddy but the weather was perfect with sun, low humidity, and low 70's. There was trail magic at the schoolhouse at the Settlers' Museum. Thanks Methodists! We finished our hike at the Davis Valley Road after a brief visit to the Davis Cemetery. Nice up on that hill. Back to the hotel and a good dinner.
Date: 2016-06-08
From: Davis Valley Road

To: Possum Creek Parking area
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

This is my last slack pack day. My dad dropped me off at Davis Valley Road and I began hiking to meet him on the trail somewhere before the Possum Creek Campground and parking area. Awesome weather. Sunny, nice breeze, only around 70, low humidity, perfect for hiking. I climbed out of the fields near Davis Valley and encountered my dad as he was eating lunch at a spring near the top of the ridge. I continued up to the "1/4" sign. It felt great to have come this far. We continued on past scenic hilly fields and an old mill to reach Possum Creek. Now that I have completed 1/4 of the AT I will be heading north with my dad to take care of some administrative and medical chores. I hope to be back on the trail next week though I am going to "flip" north to continue the AT through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. I'll be back to Virginia in the fall.
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Possum Creek Parking area

To: Upstate NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Following my hike to Possum Creek, my dad took me back home on Friday (6/10). I spent the week after with a lot of maintenance crap. Medical, bureaucratic, resupply, etc. My doctor was impressed by my weight loss as a result of the AT diet. I also got a new pack (Hyperlight), a new 40 degree sleeping bag, new water filter, and other useful gear such as an inReach satellite communication unit. I used the time to Nikwax and Premethrin my tent and clothes. The time flew by and it was time to rejoin the AT. Some years ago I thru-hiked the Northville-Lake Placid Trail in the NY Adirondacks. It was wonderful that I did it in August. I swam every day in a creek, waterfall, or lake. The more I read about the AT in Maine, the more it sounded like the Adirondacks only longer and better with more lakes, waterfalls and creeks. But I really did not want to experience Maine with falling leaves or falling snow. So this has become my flip-flop. I will be starting across the MA/Vermont border and finishing the three northern states during the warm summer. I will finish the middle part of the trail once I have completed the north. I call this "living the northern summer". I will start on Friday.
Date: 2016-06-17
From: Rte 2 crossing mile 1592.2

To: Creek at 1596.7
Miles today: 4.5

My dad drove me across to North Adams, MA through the Albany/Troy, NY area and route 2 into Massachusetts. I had only been in MA once before in Boston and this part of the state is way nicer. We did a pack shake-down at Graylock Park and I was ready to resume the AT. I crossed the street and back so that the next time I could just go straight to the park without having the cross again. I said goodbye to my dad and crossed the stream on the foot bridge and quickly left North Adams behind. I met a few other hikers. Some had come all the way from Springer. One couple started Feb. 11. There is no way I was going to be able to do that and not be shoveling snow by the time I got here. My pack is a *lot* lighter and it makes a big difference. Afternoon was waning as I started. I got to Pete's Spring. A sign said to treat the water. Sigh. I climbed further and reached the border into Vermont where there was a large sign announcing the start of the Long Trail. I'll be following the combined AT/LT until the Maine junction around Rutland. I was born in Vermont. But my parents moved away when I was 2. I still have 2 cousins living in the state. So this is a rediscovery of my roots. Hey, Bernie Sanders is here too.I continued to the first creek that had a nice grassy campsite.
Date: 2016-06-18
From: Creek at 1596.7

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a comfortable and restful sleep at the campsite at 1596.7. Another beautiful day and time for me to begin living the northern summer. There were some mosquitos but no black flies so no worries. Vermud only had some mud. It has been dry but so far creeks are still ok. Had a nice hike past the Seth Warner shelter and up some hills and finally arriving at Congdon Shelter where I got the last tent space. Time for a swim in that big creek. Tomorrow is supposed to be hot.
Date: 2016-06-19
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

Had a nice evening at Congdon Shelter and I was glad to get a tent site. Had a nice conversation with a fellow hiker from Bavaria, Germany. Interesting that someone from Bavaria with all the trails and great hiking there would come here. Beautiful morning. Got moving and crossed the big creek and went up Harmon Hill where I could see the town of Bennington. Then the descent to Woodford Hollow. It was hot and it was great to take a nice dip in a deep hole in the creek before heading up to the Nauheim Shelter. It was a steep climb and I felt hot very soon after starting up there. I arrived around 6pm and got a nice tent site. Some of the same people from the night before. But it got crowded as evening came on. People still arriving. A few mosquitos were buzzing so I was glad to be in my tent.