morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-06
From: US 321

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Eggs and sausage for breakfast and it was good. Last night at the house and the house has been rejuvenating but ready to be back on the trail for several days. Back to US 321 and on the trail. The morning hike was fantastic with a walk beside Watauga Lake all AM. Able to view the lake as hiked up to 3500 feet from 2100 feet. Very gentle slope and in shorts and t shirt as temperature in he 50's. It was the first day I was not in thermal underwear to start the day. It was a perfect day for hiking. Arrived at lunch about 1:00. We have about 6.8 miles to do for next shelter and 600 feet. Afternoon was a roller coaster of ups and down with a gradual increase of 600 feet. Temperature got up as high as 70 during the day. At night it was warm so gathered firewood and then a fire. Now sitting beside the fire basking in the warmth. It is heavenly to sit here and not be freezing.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Moved out at about 8:00 and it was perfect. Took time to cook oatmeal for breakfast and have a leisurely packing morning. Not being cold in the AM for the first time was fantastic. Second time to start out without long johns. During day hiked in long pants and short sleeve shirt. Very nice. World is waking up. Saw chipmunks, many birds and can see buds on the trees and the rhododendron bushes. Stopped at lunch and had "church" with each of us sharing a bible verse and what it means to me. Very nice to sit and talk. Nice when lunch does not have to be rushed due to fingers going numb. Afternoon was gentle hike and again in about 4:30 so gathered firewood and then set up in shelter followed by cooking dinner. Big fire for a couple of hours so sat beside it, did my journal notes for downloading in Damascus. It was fantastic to sit in the glow of the fire.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6:00 AM to get down to Damascus early. Out by 6:45 so getting quick at the packing and moving. Trail was fantastic. It was gentle slope down with a few rises of about 100 feet. Trail did not have many rocks or roots so very quickly down but a fun hike. Was down in just over 3 hours. Damascus was fantastic. Got to do laundry, mail postcards and buy food for the next days. Had to buy first replace,net gear (socks). My socks were showing wear and I was taking no chances on blisters. Out to dinner at local bar where they had 50 cent wings. Every one in town was very friendly and it was a great day. Many of the hikers who started from mid-February to early March were there as weather had caused delays of early starters so a big crowd. It was a lot of fun but looking forward to being back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 7:00 and then stopped at coffee house on the way out. Had an enjoyable conversation with Gummi Bear who was hiking after teachings English in Dubai for 5 years. The trail is so fascinating in terms of the eclectic mix of people. However with trail names and little gear it is impossible to tell anything about anyone unless one spends time talking. The trail is an amazing place in terms of the people. The morning hike was beside a creek it was nice to walk and listen to the water pouring over the rocks. The slope was again gently up with few rocks and roots. It was also enjoyable to look up the mountain and see the red buds on the trees opening and flowers on the trail. Lunch was on a mountain top and sitting in the sun for about an hour. Hiking is great! A 12 inch sub and five cookies with no guilt. The calories will be gone in a few hours as we hike to the next shelter for dinner and sleep. That lunch is of course on top of breakfast (Payday bar and two oatmeals), early morning snack (granola bar), late morning snack (peanut brittle bar), early afternoon snack (beef,jersey) and late afternoon snack (cheese and cracker) and of course we cannot forget the 800 calorie dinner. All that and in Damascus the scale said I had lost 14 pounds in 6 weeks. This AT diet is awesome. Afternoon hike also good and came to river about an hour before camp. Stopped and put our feet in the ice cold water. It hurt but also felt good. Hiked to camp and lome wolf was here with a cold beer for each hiker. i then ate dinner and had a fire. In bed now writing journal. We have about 30 in the camp and a little noisy but an amazing day.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: clear sky

Up early and out by 7:45. Looks like another great day to hike. At early morning snack called Troutdale Baptist about hostel. As checked on details learned Post Office hours had changed to close at 12:00 on all days as of two weeks ago. Meant I thought had to make up four hours since I had planned a food drop pick up at 4:00 PM. II took off after lunch hard to make up hours. Hike was brutal in terms of rocks. I also found the hike less enjoyable because all I was doing was pumping out miles. No looking around, no sharing with another hiker; just head down and pound out the miles. I am now sitting here writing my journal at 8:00 having just finished dinner. It is late and I am tired and it was not a great afternoon which spoiled the day. Really enjoying watching the beautiful sunset as a pick-me-up. Just re-enforces slow down and.savor each day. I think now would one day have made a difference? Could I not have just picked up the food when returned? Still trying to turn off drive to schedule that is so engrained from years in the corporate life I lived. Live each moment but have a long term goal is going to be my strategy.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Highway 650 (Troutdale)
Miles today: 10.1

Awake at 2:30 AM and not sure if excitement of going home tomorrow or worry about stuff to be done got me up. Finally gave up at 3:30 and got up. Cooked oatmeal and it was really awesome to turn off the headlamp and be in the dark with the ethanol stove flickering. Packed and out by 4:00. Hiked by headlamp as there was no moon. Trail was well marked and fairly easy. Interesting to hike where I could on,y see 10 to 50 feet with the light depending upon vegetation. Hearing and feeling were heightened by dark and could feel when moving closer to a mountain stream by drop in temperature. I had never noticed that during day time hikes. Saw no animals and heard no major noises. It may have been lack of a moon and proximity to city but nothing moving around during hike. I got to Troutdale at about 9:00 as Post Office opened. Was able to pick up food drop and a special package of cookies from from sister-in-law. Pastor was working to hook up the showers for the hiker season when I got to hostel so helped him and then was able to be first to test them. It was great to have a hot shower. Washed a pair of socks in a bucket of water with soap for the trip home (TSA at the airport will appreciate me not being in4 day old socks when I take my boots off for security). Troutdale Hostel is a very nice hostel and recommend it. It is about 1.5 miles down highway 16 (to the right) when get off at 650. No resupply or food in town but showers, bunk and clothesline. Started hike to 603 to meet Nomad and as headed out of town Nomad 's van came by from grocery run so had ride out to AT. Lunch there and then to TRI airport to start journey home. Felt strange to be off trail but right thing. Be off for 5 days.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Highway 650 (Troutdale)

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

 Stayed at Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel the night before and about 3:00 AM rain and thunder rolled in. Nice to be inside and not tenting in the rain. Hiked out and it was raining so started off in rain gear. It was a light rain and it was cool so actually a very nice walk. Got ride from Pastor's wife as walking down road to trail head so a great start. It was really nice to be back on the trail. Hiked a couple of hours and had a snack. Beginning to sweat in rain gear so the rain is getting frustrating. Too heavy for no rain gear but not heavy enough to keep me cool. Lunch at Partnership Shelter was at about 1:30. I waited on lunch to be out of the rain. Moxie was there and Slapp and Leprechaun were in town. Made a decision to push to next shelter after about an hour. Nice talk with Moxie. Rain had stopped so took off rain pants and shirt to allow clothes to dry out. In shelter at 5:30 so changed to shorts and thermal top to hang everything I had worn to dry. Will see in the AM if that works. Supposed to rain all week so need a plan to hike all day in the rain but have dry clothes the next day. Got shelter set up with footprint, pad and beg and then had nice dinner. Now about 7:30 and in bag but leaning against wall doing IPAD. There is a mountain stream in front of the shelter and it is amazingly peaceful.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Knot Maul branch Shelterm
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Chatfield Shelter to Knot Maul Branch ShelterApril 18 18.7 milesUp with the sun at about 6:15. Slow morning that included cooked oatmeal and slow packing. Even stretched for the first time. Morning hike was great. Cool temperatures and for first time very flat terrain. Stopped by 1890 farm and 1894 school which were along route. Really enjoyed the school and looking at the old farm implements. Hiked along creek in AM so a lot of rhododendron and at times just a tunnel to walk through. Pine trees at other times and nice to smell pine (reminds me of Christmas). At about 5 miles down trail came to Atkins so stopped to eat. It was time for morning snack which became eggs, bacon biscuits and orange juice. Nice to relax and enjoy the journey. In AM jumped about 8 deer and in PM another two. Spring is really happening. See trees with red buds, white buds and orange buds. Flowers of pink, purple, and white. It is really beautiful, made it to shelter but tired. Dinner of stuffing and chicken (whole package of stove top and a can of chicken). It was good. Now getting dark so bed time.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Knot Maul branch Shelterm

To: VA 615 Laurel Creek Campsite
Miles today: 23.8

Up early and out of camp. Have a 1700 foot climb to start. Best hikers up by making 9 miles to shelter (1700 feet up) in 3.5 hours . Very nice hike. Afternoon was tough. Hiked 10 miles down in rain. Terrain was tough, rocks, mud and rain. It was also very steep so tough hike. Slipping and sliding and trying not to fall. Exhausted by end. Just before shelter ate raisins, drank water and felt ready to go again. Realized it was 4 miles to mile 680 and Fresh Ground and his special trail magic. It had also stopped raining. Decided to push to mile 680 and Laurel Falls campground. Trail was great. Gentle slope, no rocks and no roots. Fixed sour mood I was in. Had 4 hot dogs, beans, green beans, two cups of coffee and some chocolate. It was great. The site was crowded and so saw many hikers I had hiked with. It was an outstanding evening to talk, share etc.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: VA 615 Laurel Creek Campsite

To: Brushy Mountain
Miles today: 23.5

A great day for hiking. It was like the rain the day before had made all of the tree p out their leaves or I had not noticed it before. The trees were simply covered in new leaves. Like my daughter-in-law stated; each part plays a role enjoy each for its uniqueness. I should have enjoyed the rain more the day before but it hard when one is cold and falling down because of slick rocks. Saw first lizard so reptiles are coming out. Will have to begin to watch for snakes coming out to sun themselves. We have seen one snack so far but am now expecting more. In. Tent on the side of a mountain by myself. Sun is going down and in tent because another cold snap has come in. Expect about 30 tonight but bag will be plenty warm so should be great sleeping weather.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Brushy Mountain

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 0.0

A perfect start to the day, down hill and into a rising sun. It was cold but that was okay. Very tired in the AM so going to need a down day sometime soon. Averaging 21 for last 5 days and body is wearing down. I will stay at hostel tonight. Nomad had trail magic by Hostel and there by 3:00 so had late lunch. Interesting that trees at this elevation do not have leaves yet. Saw first wild turkey in the AM walk. Wood's hole hostel had no phone service and no Internet so rode with Nomad to pick up hikers in Bland. Stped at Diry Queen for dinner. A blizzard tasted great. Able to make critical phone calls while on the road. It is fascinating to see Spring in the low elevations and trees with no leaves up high. Ab.d to go from Winter to Spring in one day ( sometimes several times a day).
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Campsite by Wind Rock
Miles today: 20.0

Slept late and was not awake until 7:30. Body was tired from hard hike day before. Saw three turkeys as took off. It was a beautiful view from the shelter. Lunch break was fantastic. Stopped by creek, soaked feet in a mountain stream (nice to be out of boots for a time), had two peanut butter and jelly tortilla and drew water. Nice hour break.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Campsite by Wind Rock

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful hike down to first shelter. Saw a deer from about 30 feet. Wind was in my face so he saw me at about the same times saw i him so we both froze. Watch for a few seconds and I was able to put my poles down and unbuckle pack but as swung pack down for camera he bolted. Beautiful sight to see them gracefully move through the underbrush.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Niday Shelter

To: John spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.7

Hike today was ver good until the end. Picture is of a salamander or a nematoad in the traial. He as bright orange and i had wondered if he was toxic so i did not touch him. Amazing something that brightly colored could survive if did not have some defensive mechanism. pushed hard all day for Starver and met up with Hair at Starver. Hair and I decided to push past Starver and on o Niday since it was only 4:00 and Starver was 0.4 miles off of the trail and 300 feet down hill from the trail. Issue was 15 minutes later we got into a thunderstorm. We had missed the signs. We began to hurry and I slipped on a rock and fell banging my right arm. First blood sacrifice so far. Minor scratch but some bruising the next day. Was stupid and tried to go to fast. We did the six mile hike in about 2 hours. Pushed too hard and legs were very sore next day. I had done what I said I would not. Will get to Daleville and take a down day to let them get better. Feet are also sore from rocks so need to get inserts to cushion my feet.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: John spring Shelter

To: Campsite on Trail
Miles today: 18.8

Hiked to McAfee knob and Tinker Cliffs today. McAfee knob is the most photographed place on the trail. Being close to Roanoke a lot of people do it as a day hike. It was beautiful and the trail was well maintained. We then hiked to Tinker Cliffs and I got us lost for about 30 minutes. There was a second trail where people had camped below the cliffs and no white blade to indicate a turn. There was also a beautiful rock formation to distract me. Lessons are to balance looking around and enjoying the view with seeing the white blazes, also not to go down a trail blindly. We went almost 1/4 mile beforehand realizing our mistake. The trail was tough as it was less used and so we were watching our steps. Again need to pay attention to the markers. Took aff from Tinker and went to the shelter. We decided to push and camp under the stars. Hoosier, Hair and I wanted to get to Cracker Barrel for second breakfast and have as much down time as possible. We knew the hotel was calling and we were on a roll to get there.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Campsite on Trail

To: Daleville
Miles today: 7.0

Camped on side of mountain to be as close to town as our legs would carry us. Trying to get to Cracker Barrel as early as possible. Hike down to town was easy and at Howard Johnson's by 9:00. They let us check in so we went to rooms, dropped gear and cleaned up some. We then went to Cracker Barrel at about 10:00 and ordered about the biggest breakfast possible. We finished at about 11:00 and they had started lunch so we ordered blackberry cobblers for dessert. We may have created a new trend breakfast with dessert. Lunch was Pizza Hut and 3 plates of salad. Diner was a Mexican food restaurant. I almost felt human after a day in town, three meals, hot shower and clean clothes. We had a good discussion the next day at breakfast in that we were all surprised at how poorly we slept. The beds were too soft and the pillows made our necks sore due to being too hi compared to sleeping pads. Funny what we can get used to. This trip continues to teach me to appreciate the little things like a cold glass of water without having to filter it.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Daleville

To: Mill's gap
Miles today: 19.9

Punkin Pie slack packed yesterday South from Mill's Gap to Daleville and was returning to Mill's Gap to go North. He volunteered to take Hoosier and I to Mill's Gap to slack pack back to Daleville. The hike was 19.9 miles and was fairly flat so it was expected to be a nice hike. Only issue is another cold front was blowing in so temperature was about 40 F, wind was about 20 MPH and it was supposed to rain all day (beginning to believe winter will never end). It was probably a perfect day to slack pack so we could get back to the hotel and dry our clothes and not start a week out with no wet gear. It was truly wonderful of Punkin Pie and Gloria to drive us there. It was also perfect in that we were able to skip meals and focus on hiking to complete the hike is 7.5 hours because we knew we hot hot meals in town. We ate snacks on the move. The trail today was spectacular in that the trees had leaves that were almost too bright green to believe. It was like the forest had simply exploded with leaves due to the rain over the last 24 hours. Where we could see from the trail down the mountain was now a sea of green. it was spectacular. It was wonderful to see the change in the forest because being from South Texas we do not see the seasons change as abruptly. The world is an amazing place when we slow down to just enjoy the amazing miracles that all around us every day like the blooming of the leaves from the trees in Spring.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Mill's gap

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Took off from hotel and had the night desk attendant drive us to Mill's Gap. Ashley was wonderful to drive us to the gap. Howard Johnson's was a great place to stay. Morning hike was in a fog and it a little cool. Morning break at Cove Mountain. It was a perfect morning. Quiet in the forest due to the fog. Nice to see dew on the leaves and the forest was bright green and clean (see picture). Fog started to lift about 10:45 when stopped for first morning break. Late morning hike was beautiful as the sun came out and the birds began to sing. It was wonderful to listen to them. At Bryant Ridge for lunch at 1:30. Going to push to next shelter and to get there will have to do a 2000 foot climb. The climb went very well but at the end of the day had one short climb and it turned out to be a disaster. It was very rocky so no way to get any rhythm and the hiking poles could not be used for forward momentum but just to keep from twisting an ankle or falling. . Very slow hike. It is really impossible to plan this hike as we did not know the terrain ahead. When rocks and bad terrain are put in our way we must simply put our heads down and push our way through the tough stuff. The trail life is a reflection of real life outside of the trail. It some times looks like an easy path ahead and it turns out to be tough. At those times we just have to settle in and do the best we can. It will get better. Follow the white blazes one step and one blaze at a time knowing you are on the right path and will come to shelter and rest soon.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning it was foggy again so dew on the leaves was gathering and then falling on the tin roof. It was enjoyable to listen to the drops play different tones on the roof at different beats while laying in the warm sleeping bag needing to get up and going but not wanting to get out of the warmth. It was kind of like a outdoor version of Name That Tune. Morning hike was in the fog all morning. Pushing hard to do 47 miles over the next two days to get to Fresh Ground and good food at the end of tomorrow instead do in the middle of the next day. The sun came out in the PM and the hike was much easier. We also passed through a valley where the James River passed. A great view of the river coming down (picture attached) and some great foot bridges to go over (including the longest one on the AT). One great suspension foot bridge to get on and get to rocking and swaying as you go across. Great fun. The lesson I thought about today is to put good things around you, Sunshine or positive people can make all of the difference just like the afternoon hike was much easier than the AM in the fog. . Negative people or foggy, damp weather can make it hard. Did longest day yet as we pushed to 25 miles. Very tired coming in but knew we had set ourselves up well for Fresh Ground. A little extra work today but a nice reward tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Gap Camp
Miles today: 22.5

Morning was in the fog again. My shirt was still wet from the night before. Hard to put on cold gear. It was very interesting in that we were by a pond and the frogs were very noisy but then occasionally they would go silent. The silence was eerie and then on cue they would start again. Made 9 miles to lunch and the sun came out. Had to actually put on sun screen in the PM. Big climb in the PM ( about 3200 feet straight up). Divided it into 3 pieces. Climbed 800 to a shelter and had a late lunch (800 feet done), climbed to a road crossing with a rest area for a snack (another 900 done) and then went for it. Hard work but by taking on bite size pieces it worked well ( just like lots of things in life). Interesting at high elevation it is still winter with little green (see pictue). Went across ridge line and into Hog Gap Camp and Fresh Ground. Hoosier and I hiked together for 4 days and did 88 miles. We both agreed that we would not have made it without the other. Two are definitely better than one. We can push or pull each other as needed. Together we can do things neither of us can do alone.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter 

To: Rock Fish Gap (waynesboro)
Miles today: 5.2

Did short hike into town and got to pick up point at about 9:00. Great list of shuttlers and called first name on the list who was Miss Lady and she was on her way out with a hiker to the drop off point so she came to get us in.about 5 minutes. Short ride to town and she was so wonderful. She took us by the Quality Inn to drop off our packs and then provided a tour of the town. At end she dropped us off at Weise's, a local pancake house where we went in to eat breakfast. Great food and ran into a number of hikers. Great times just eating slow and talking to Gummi and Hair. To post office, picked up food, and then to hotel where showered and did laundry. Dinner was Chinese. A great day.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Rock Fish Gap (waynesboro)

To: Off Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Plan was to slack pack but woke up at 3:00 very sick.. Finally went to emergency room at 9:00 because of sever vomiting. Learned I probably have Giardiasis (from drinking contaminated water despite chemically treating every drop I have drunk). On antibiotics and drugs to stop me from throwing up. Slept rest of day. Will not share any pictures as it was a pretty ugly scene.