morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-29
From: LambertÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Meadow 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 9.3

Headed out of Lambert¢s Meadow at 5:00 this morning, under a star filled sky and cool temperatures, to trek the 9.4 miles into the town of Daleville, VA. Other than a few boulders to climb over, and the ever present rocks and roots, the trail was good with a fair grade decent into town. I arrived at 9:15 and the Super 8 hotel clerk offered breakfast while she ensured a room was available for an early checkin. I shared a room with Ninja Mouse and soon we were fed, showered and I took time to post my journal entries as I haven¢t had service for a while. I then walked to the local outfitter to replace my shoes. These are the trail runners that I purchased in Hot Springs, NC. My left shoe had a blowout a week ago. After 455 miles, the shoes had also gotten small causing me to lose my second toe toenail on each foot and pinching my heel at the end of a day¢s hiking. I settled on a similar version of trail runner shoe with high-tops and a thicker sole to soften the impact of the rocks on my feet. I also purchased stove fuel, a thinner belt as my original heavier web belt began to cut into my waist, and a couple of cans of permethrin. Prior to setting out, I treated all of my clothes with permethrin by mixing a concentrate in a bucket, submerging my clothes, wringing them out and then line drying them. I then sprayed my pack, tent and any other gear in hopes to head off any ticks. Now that I¢m a third of the way on this journey, I¢ll use the pre-mixed spray on my pack, socks and clothing as ticks and lime disease remain a real concern. I then visited the grocery store for my food resupply and then to the Three Little Pigs Restraunt for lunch where they offered a free banana pudding dessert for hikers, complete with real vanilla wafers. Upon my return to the Super 8, which is a very nice hotel, I settled in with a beer, microwave popcorn, television for the first time in 5 weeks and a small garbage bag of ice on my ankle. I¢m dealing with what is obviously a high ankle sprain. The swelling is down and it feels better, but I¢ll have to make a decision on whether to take a zero and spend another night, or check out and start hiking again. At the moment though, I¢ll enjoy a climate I can control, a bed, a real bathroom and dinner later tonight.
Date: 2019-04-30
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up at my usual 4:00am and used the time to ice my ankle again until breakfast at 6:00. After breakfast, I set up a clothes line in the field behind the hotel, hung my clothes and pack and treated it all with permethrin. The remainder of the day was spent eating, resting and icing my ankle. At dinner tonight I saw a gentleman studying an AWOL-AT guide. I introduced myself thinking he was a thru hiker. It turns out that his name is Jimmy from Baton Rouge, who moved to Nashville after his retirement. His wife is a former AT thru hiker and he spends time during hiking season granting trail magic and helping hikers. I ate my meal at his table and learned that we had corresponded a few weeks ago by text message when someone referenced ¢a guy from Louisiana¢ and circumstances allowed us to meet. Jimmy has a YouTube channel titled: Interviewing Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers 2019. He asked if he could interview me and I obliged. I finished the night up icing my ankle and look forward to continuing this great adventure in the morning. I¢ll fall asleep tonight with the following quote that really seems to resonate with me. ¢I went into the woods because I wished to live life deliberately to front only the essential facts of life...and not when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.¢Henry David Thoreau Walden
Date: 2019-05-01
From: Daleville- Mile 729.7

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 22.3

Left the Super 8 hotel at about 6:30 this morning after eating breakfast. Daleville was a nice town. Large enough for variety, but small enough to walk about. Once again I was carrying four days of food with hopes to make the 79 miles to Buena Vista for my next resupply. Soon the noise of traffic was replaced by birds singing and the quiet solitude of the forest. I¢ve experienced this transition several times now and it always brings a sense of calm to me. I said my prayers and soon afterwards was running full throttle, but heavy. I only saw two other thru hikers on the trail today as the number of hikers has definitely thinned. There were a handful of day hikers, and they¢re easy to pick out because they smell so good. While hiking today I contemplated a question a friend asked during a phone conversation recently. He asked if I was still having fun? Without hesitation, I answered no, I¢ve never had fun. This is undoubtably the toughest thing I¢ve ever done. With that said, I would not trade this incredible experience for anything. Having trekked a third of my goal, I have witnessed spectacular sunrises and sunsets and so much of nature¢s beauty while experiencing boundless adventure and self reflection, as well as daily physical and mental challenges that have taught me more about my character. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have this opportunity and I embrace it while having the support of loved ones and so many friends back home. I finished the day with 22.3 miles and will stealth camp at mile 752.
Date: 2019-05-02
From: Mile 752

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 27.0

Headed out this morning at 4:45 and was treated last night and again this morning to an awesome star display. It was another warm morning and the sky was clear. This is one of the reasons I enjoy camping at higher elevations. First there¢s the bright display of stars and then I take time to focus beyond the first tier to the millions of stars beyond. I¢ll then spot satellites as they track across the sky. At times like this, falling stars seem to fall on the very next ridge line. The weather was in the mid 80¢s yesterday and today promises the same.At 7:00, I dropped down and crossed Virginia 614. There was a gentleman sitting in a truck who introduced himself as an employee of the Middle Creek Campground. He offered me a ride to the campground store to get something to eat. I had already eaten my breakfast regimen of a honey bun, protein bar and a cereal bar, but this was a bonus. Of course the usual questions applied such as how far away is it and will you bring me back? The campground was a mile away and he said we¢d return when I¢m ready. With that, I thought long and hard for about 5 seconds, then climbed into the back of the truck. Upon arrival, the lady running the place offered me breakfast. I didn¢t want to disappoint her so I obliged and opted for the breakfast platter with 2 eggs, bacon, hash browns, two slices of toast, coffee and juice. When she handed me the plate she said that this should help because I have a lot of climbing to do today. I knew this, but learned not to dwell on it. This was the best $8.00 I spent since the last time I ate and it¢s amazing how it props up my mental attitude for the remainder of the day.I then climbed from an elevation of 950 to 4225 feet for thirteen miles. I continued on and was going to camp near Thunder Hill when a fierce thunderstorm spawned up. As a result, I had to hike another 7 miles in a driving rain storm to  an alternate campsite. I finished the day with 27 miles and am camping tonight at Marble Springs.
Date: 2019-05-03
From: Marble Springs

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 20.8

Headed out of Marble Springs on another clear night. With yesterday evening¢s rain, it was slightly cooler and everything was damp. In an hour or so I made it up to the James River overlook where I downed my pack, stepped into the woods for a minute, then stood and ate breakfast while watching daybreak over the river. When ready to leave, I donned my pack and did a 360 looking to see where the trail continued. There were two other trails that merged at this location, so I was careful to ensure that I was on the AT. I found a white blaze and headed out. I hiked for about forty-five minutes when I met a couple referred to as Better Together. When arriving late yesterday evening on the saddle of Marble Springs to camp, they were finishing up their camp chores and going to bed. Needless to say, my jaw dropped as I realized I had gotten turned around and headed back in the direction in which I started. The Better Together couple were so sympathetic and remarked that the same thing had happened to them earlier on the trail. I was aggravated at myself as the hour and a half round trip error cost me about 3-4 miles. While hiking back to the overlook, I told the Better Together couple that I wish I had an 8x10 photo of their faces when they noticed it was me going the wrong way and a 20x40 photo of myself when I realized I was hiking the wrong way.When I reached the point of my error, I located the trail which button hooked over a slight hill. As hard and as many times as I pressed the mental reset button, but it took a while. From now on when I stop at an intersection, I¢ll be dropping a trekking pole pointing in the direction I need to continue! My intent was to catch Ninja Mouse as he came out of Glasgow for a minimal resupply. I had opted to carry enough food to make it into Buena Vista.I ended the day with 20.8 miles and camping on Rice Mountain.
Date: 2019-05-04
From: Rice Mountain 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 8.7

Headed out this morning for the chip shot of 8.7 miles into to Buena Vista, VA. Upon arrival at the Buena Vista Budget Inn, I did my town chores of drying out my tent, airing out my sleeping bag, washing my cooking equipment, unloading trash, showering, doing laundry, eating and resting. After some planning to determine where my next resupply would be, I figured out exactly what I need.It turns out that Ninja Mouse and a friend who came to visit are in the room next to mine. The friend offered the car for me to use to go accomplish my resupply.With all my chores finished, we will go to a Mexican Restaurant for dinner and I will have a margarita in honor of Cinco de Mayo. I will resume this great adventure tomorrow morning.
Date: 2019-05-05
From: Buena Vista

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 25.4

Cancelled my shuttle for this mornings lift back to the trailhead as Ninja Mouse insisted that he bring me. I started trekking at 5:30 in a light rain and it rained intermittently until about 4:30pm, at which time the wind began to blow and the sky somewhat cleared. I stopped at a shelter to take refuge from the rain while eating lunch and then moved on. Later in the evening, I met a Ridge Runner. This is first I¢ve seen of a Ranger since the Smokey Mountains. They¢re always very cordial, and he provided me with some updated permitting information for the Shenandoah¢s. I then pressed on as it was getting late. I crossed VA 56, then a suspension bridge and will camp tonight on the banks of the Tye River. My day encompassed 25.4 miles and I¢m now at mile 833.9. I¢d like to extend thanks to David Breaud for his research guestbook post regarding the photo of the unnatural bend on the tree limbs and the belief that this was done by Native Americans as a way to mark trails. I waited to mention this because I¢ve been looking for the other version which I¢ve seen in North Carolina, but have not seen since. I didn¢t take a photo, but these two trees appeared to have had their limbs bound together at an early stage and now the mature tree limbs look similar to a head of broccoli. There didn¢t appear to be any trauma to either tree and they looked alike, appearing highly unnatural. The 20 or so trees with large limbs that form an elbow were all on the side of the mountain along the trail, however the trees that I described resembling broccoli were both along ridge lines. It¢s just interesting, that¢s all. Secondly to my physical therapist, Mark Siegel for his advice with my ankle injury. While in Daleville I started a ice/heat regime. Yesterday morning and prior to setting out, I used KT tape per instructions I googled, followed by a compression sleeve from the lower ankle to the top of my calf to manage the swelling. After a long day of hiking, I now feel like I¢m 75%, but careful on my steps.
Date: 2019-05-06
From: The Tye River

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 24.8

I packed up and hit the trail at 4:30 this morning in hopes to cover ground to set me up to enter Waynesboro, VA the following day. The weather was slightly cooler, but the weather change was far from a cold front. I¢m still seeing a lot of wildlife on the trail, but no bear sightings that others have experienced. At about 10:30, I crossed VA 664 at Reeds Gap. There I met up with Ax, who was just getting back to the trail after a night at a friend¢s house. I first met Ax back at the Quarter Way Hostel at mile 555, then near Dismal Falls and lastly in Daleville. Ax, short for Axolotl which is neotenic salamander, and I hiked together as we shared the same goal of staging to head into Waynesboro tomorrow morning in time to catch the early hostel shuttle that will be bringing hikers back to the trail.I completed my goal and hiked 24.8 miles and will tent near the Paul Wolfe shelter.
Date: 2019-05-07
From: Pause Wolfe Shelter Area

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 12.7

Hit the trail this morning at 4:30 and headed to Rockfish Gap where Ax and I shared a shuttle into Waynesboro, VA. I paid a $10.00 ¢day use fee¢ at a Stanimal¢s Hostel which enabled me to shower, do my laundry and charge my phone and battery charger. Ax and I then grabbed a quick bite to eat at a local coffee shop and accomplished a resupply. I finished my laundry when I returned and then packed up and headed out, with a stop at the highly acclaimed Ming¢s all you can eat Chinese Buffet. A local Trail Angel then brought me and Ax to a local outfitter before heading back out to the trail. I purchased a pair of lightweight gaiters to keep sticks, leaves and dirt out of my shoes. With over 138 miles on my new shoes they are well broken in and unlike my previous pair of trail runners, the soles have soul which helps tremendously on the rock fields.Upon arrival at the trailhead, I registered for my back country permit and entered the Shenandoah National Park. I will camp tonight near the Calf Mountain shelter, 6.4 miles into the Shenandoah¢s and logging 12.7 miles for the day. By hiking into town and coming back out and continuing to hike, I¢ve accomplished what¢s referred to as a hero on the trail, as opposed to a nero when you remain in town.
Date: 2019-05-08
From: Calf Mountain 

To: Mount Katahdin, Katahdin 
Miles today: 26.2

Headed out at 5:00 this morning for my first full day of hiking in the Shenandoah¢s. Ax and I agreed on the departure time as she wanted to hike early, but is a bit uncertain about things or bears in the dark. I enjoyed the company, so compromised to leave a little later.Ax is a competent, intelligent and independent person and like others I¢ve enjoyed hiking with, she has common sense. Her boyfriend is also hiking the trail, but left later and is weeks behind. At about 7:00, we happened upon two bear cubs and a mama bear. The cubs were a little skittish and ran off while mama bear watched us walk by at a distance of about 25 feet. We continued on and had a great day of hiking, logging 26.2 miles and camping near the Pinefield shelter. The Shenandoah¢s are like the Smokies in that you¢re required to sleep in a shelter or camp nearby to one. Our other option would have been to camp near a shelter after only hiking 13 miles.As I lay my head down to sleep tonight I¢m anxious to visit with a friend who is flying up to visit tomorrow.
Date: 2019-05-09
From: Pinefield Shelter Area

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 19.9

It began raining at about 9:00pm last night and rained intermittently throughout the night making for restless sleep. I eventually broke camp and headed out with Ax at 5:00am. Although the rain had stopped, the trees were dripping and the fog was thick, limiting visibility to about 10 feet. I was both anxious and excited as a buddy from home, Tim Becnel was flying in to visit and support me. Ax¢s parents were coming in from Pittsburgh, so she was also anxious. We had several climbs, but this nor the weather seemed to dampen our spirits. We stopped briefly a couple of times, but were focused and there would be no stopping for scenery as we remained socked in by fog until noon. At about 12:10 we reached our destination of the Lewis Campground with 19.9 miles for the day. I treated myself to a Coke & Fritos while waiting for Tim to arrive. I met Ax¢s parents when they arrived, and then bidding farewell, wishing her all the best on her goal to reach Mount Katahdin. We are uncertain if we will see each other again, but like others I have hiked with, there is a bond there now and an appreciation for one another having pushed each other for the last few days. Upon Tim¢s arrival, we headed out about 8 miles to an Air B&B that he rented. The place is incredibly comfortable. After settling in and cleaning up, we headed out to accomplish my resupply. I also had to get a replacement pair of crocs (my camp shoes) that I left behind in the fog this morning. After dinner, we returned to the place for ¢Rachael & Rachel¢ cookies for dessert and late evening conversation to catch up. It was another great day on the trail, capped with a friend¢s unwavering support and company.
Date: 2019-05-10
From: Lewis Campground 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 26.3

Tim dropped me off at the Lewis Campground shortly after 6:00 this morning and I headed out traveling light with plans to do a 21 mile day. The overcast day soon gave way to sunny skies and a light breeze. There were plenty of views, but they were mostly overlooking town and villages in the distance. I was feeling good and at about midday was able to get a phone signal and called an audible. I now would have Tim pick me up Thornton Gap instead of the Pinnacle picnic area. As always, Tim was amenable and agreed to the new location and time. Shortly after 3:00 pm I walked off of the mountain and into the gap where Tim was waiting finishing the day with 26.3 miles. Having walked in the rain for a while, I placed my pack in the back and when I sat in the passenger seat, Tim handed me a double whopper cheeseburger with fries and a coke. I asked him how he knew I like Burger King and his reply was everyone likes Burger King. That¢s Tim, thoughtful and no stone left unturned. On the way back to the rental property, we stopped so I could pick up a can of beets, which I had been craving for a couple of weeks. Upon our return, I cleaned up, did laundry and sprayed my clothes, pack and tent again with permethrin. I did this back in Daleville, but was not impressed with the product. I have been seeing ticks in the woods and wanted to take every precaution. Tim prepared and cooked dinner. We had baked potatoes, Texas toast and of course my beets to go along with the 20oz. steaks he grilled. It was amazing!I failed to mention in a previous journal entry about the other night at about 10:00pm while sleeping, a bird began to sing. This went from that¢s kind of cool to I wish I had my sling shot. My sister-in-law Mary told me about the whip-poor-will, but this was my first experience. The bird would not shut up. Anyway my eastern whip-poor-will sang for the next several hours. Thank goodness for ear plugs. I¢ve posted a short video with the audio in case you want to listen to it when you go to bed.
Date: 2019-05-11
From: Thornton Gap

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 28.0

I woke up this morning and checked the weather radar and as a result just wasn¢t feeling it. There was rain all around us and more building to the west. Tim and I left the rental property this morning so that we¢d be at the McDonalds in Luray, VA at their opening time of 5:30. Apparently they operate on ¢island time¢ because there were people inside, but no indication that it would be soon. We then crossed the street where I got a cup of coffee and a microwaveable biscuit.It rained most of the way back to the trail and it was now drizzling with a 100% chance of rain predicted for the day. Shortly after 6:00, we arrived back at Thornton Gap. I went into the restroom and on the way out, looked in the mirror and told myself to get it together, there¢s a trail that needs walking. Besides being down about the rain, I was a little saddened to see Tim leave. We had a great visit and the last two days were simply incredible. I gave Tim a hug and thanked him for everything. His visit was timely and provided a huge mental boost. I then headed out onto the trail, stopping briefly to look back as he took a photo, while thinking it¢s kind of ironic that he¢s leaving exactly two months to the day I began this adventure.Soon the drizzle stopped and the morning went well. At about 9:30, I approached and decided to go into the Elkwallow Wayside camp store for breakfast. This was another Duane vs. Tank decision and Tank won again. There are several waysides or pathways throughout the Shenandoah¢s to access resorts or camp stores. These stores have an assortment of items and usually a short order grill. I ate a huge breakfast and had a couple of blackberry milkshakes along with some Rachael & Rachel cookies that I took with me. I¢m a believer that everything happens for a reason, and I¢m glad the McDonalds was not open. If it was, I would not have had my breakfast experience. When finished I pressed on as I had an ambitious distance goal. This would set me up for a zero on Sunday, while taking refuge from predicted heavy rain. At about 3:00pm, I stopped for lunch next to a creek, and yep, had cookies for dessert. A couple of hours later, I out-processed my back country Shenandoah National Park permit at the north park entrance kiosk. I entered the SNP on Tuesday, and now five days later was leaving the 103.2 miles of the AT that the park encompasses. I ended my day stopping at the Mountain Home, however there was no vacancy. The owners there shuttled me to the Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel where I¢ll spend the night. I plan to go into Front Royal tomorrow and rent a hotel room where I¢ll be close to amenities. I have reached mile 971.8, and accomplished 28 miles of hiking for the day.
Date: 2019-05-12
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

Had a great nights sleep and shuttled into town for breakfast. It¢s been raining all morning and is expected to rain into Monday morning. After breakfast I made it to the Super 8 motel where I shared a room with Ruggs, another thru hiker. Later in the day, and after lunch, I called Rachael. She cooked at Dad¢s house today where all of the kids gathered for Mother¢s Day and to celebrate my Granddaughter Caroline¢s first birthday. I then headed to the local outfitter to replace the tips on my Leki trekking poles and get a replacement small compass. My small button compass quit working after the 16 degree day some time ago. The rain continues here with predictions to continue until Tuesday. But then again, it was supposed to rain most of the day when Tim returned me to the trail on Saturday. I¢m still finding encouraging and supportive remnants of his visit. Similar to a previous visit with two other friends, it¢s hard to relate Tim and the word Angel in the same sentence, but that¢s how I feel and what I did. I told him that he doesn¢t comprehend the value of his visit and the mental boost it provided. Rachael asked him to fatten me up, and I¢ll vouch that he did his very best.With 50 miles or so to Harpers Ferry West Virginia, I plan to hike out in the morning and as always excited to see what I¢ll experience and where the trail will take me.