morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry Cabin shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's weather was perfect, temperatures in the high 50s and blue skys. As for the trail the first 6 miles was all up hill. 2500 feet gain in elevation which seems to be normal for leaving a town. The rest of the hike was along a rocky ridge line with great views. Tonight is supposed to drop into the low 30s to high 20s which will make for really comfortable sleeping. I'm camping with 5 new hikers. Moonpie, Jackstraw, Smokestack and Panda, Devo and his dog Leko and a section hiker named Just Wilson. Tomorrows weather is forecasted to be great. I will attempt a long day of 14 miles.TENNESSEE TOM
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Jerry Cabin shelter

To: Hogback Ridge shelter 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Today we woke to 30 degrees and sunshine and by the afternoon it was in the 60s. The hike started off tough for the first few miles then mellowed off for about 4 miles. The last 4 miles was really tough. I had to really watch my water supply because the last 4 miles were dry. After hiking 14+ miles I arrived at the shelter to see trail Angeles stopped in and left fresh fruit, cookies and plenty of cold Yuengling sitting in the stream. Tonight in camp we have Devo and his dog Loki. Also Jackstraw and Smokestacks. Panda didn't show up. 5 miles back she decided the trail like wasn't for her and went home. Tomorrow will also be a long day over big bald mountain. Hey, Ruel Lagutin, you need to be out here with us.Tennessee Tom
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Hogback Ridge shelter 

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

I can't get over how great the weather has been this past week. The 10 day forecast shows sunshine for the next 10 days. I guess mother nature is getting us ready for warm weather. The main consideration these days is finding water along the trail. Today I hiked mostly by myself. This is the last section I'm doing that I've hiked in the past. I was on a mission to get it over with even though the views from on top of Big Bald is always great. The hike from top of the bald down to Spivy Gap is always hard on the knees a 2400 foot steep decent. Tomorrow starts all new hiking for me. I've haven't done the next 100 + miles and I'm really looking forward to it. In 4 more days and about 60 miles I will cross Roan Mtn (6300')Tennessee Tom
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Today for some reason was tough on the knees and leg muscles even though it was just a few ups and downs (500-800 feet) for the first 7 miles and a long gradual down hill into Erwin. I'm staying a the famous Uncle Johnny's Hostel tonight with about 20 other hikers. Most I know but there are a few new faces and trail names. The experience of this traveling hiking gaggle of different types of people who totally get along is really neat. No matter your age or background we all have the same passion in common which is hiking. We all laugh at each other and support each other. The experience can only be explained over a few cold ones at night. It will be an endless night of stories. Tomorrow's plan is for 5 of us to do a short 8 mile slack pack.Tennessee Tom
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Erwin

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Today 4 of us slacked packed 8 miles back into Erwin. Half way into the hike Dr. Evil surprised us by pulling out of his pack beer for all of us. What a way to hike the trial. The hike was an easy 8 miles mostly down hill. So tomorrow we start at 3300 feet and have 100 miles till the next true hiker town which is Damascus Va. I will update when I can. I uploaded new pictures.Tennessee Tom
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Clyde Smith shelter 
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

Indian grave gap to Clyde Smith shelter 17.9 miles. Got an early start at 8:30. As usual I had a 2000 foot gain in elevation right off the start. Climbed over a large bald area called beauty spot. The next big mountain was completely covered in very dense fur trees. It was so dense it seemed like twilight even though it was noon and sunny out. After hiking 12 miles I developed a bad case of stupid and decided to push on for another 6 miles. This was the most miles I've done in one day so far. I was never so glad to see the shelter. Devo, is wife Zen and their dog Loki are here tonight. I gave the entire shelter to them and I'm staying in my tent about 20 yards away. I'm so tired I'm sure to be snoring loudly tonight. Tomorrow will be shorter in miles but tougher because of a 2500 gain in elevation in 3 miles going to the top of Roan Mtn.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Clyde Smith shelter 

To: Overmountain shelter 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Clyde Smith shelter to Overmountain shelter 13.1Yesterday it took me 10 hours to hike 18 miles. Today it took me 10 hours to hike 13 miles. The hike over Roan Mtn not only kicked my butt, it handed it to me on a platter. Once on top we had about a mile of hiking in snow. At 6200 feet not all the snow was gone. Some places were between 6 to 8 inches deep. On the other side of the mountain we have 2 large balds to climb over. The views were great from the top. Tonight we are staying in an old converted barn that allows the best views down the Mountain valley while laying in your sleeping bag. Camping tonight is Little Brown, Devo, Zen, Loki, Thrasher, Turkey and Me. Tomorrows plan is 12 miles. I will upload pictures the next time I come into a town.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Overmountain shelter 

To: Mountain Harbor hostel
Miles today: 9.1

Overmountain shelter to Mountain Harbor hostel. 9.2Today started off absolutely fantastic. We had as usual a steep elevation gain but quickly turned into nice trails leading up an over Little Hump Mountain then down to a gap before going up to the top of Hump mountain. These are part of the Roan highlands. Both mountains are large grassy balds. The views were some of the best I've seen so far on the trail. Next came the painful part. Four miles of down hill which at times was nothing more than rock hoping. I don't know how much longer my knees can take this. I'm staying at a great hiker hostel called Mountain Harbor. Feels great to have a shower and wash my clothes. Tomorrows plan is between 10 and 12 miles. Three more days until the next town that's when I should be able to upload some more pictures.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Mountain Harbor hostel

To: camp site on the 400 mile line
Miles today: 11.6

Mountain Harbor hostel to camp site 11.6We started off today with the best breakfast ever made at a hostel. Ms Mary made every breakfast food you could think of and in large quantities. It was more than delicious. The morning started off with light rain but quit as soon as we started hiking. The trail started off with about a 800 foot climb then mellowed off and bounced between 3000 and 3500. Today's hike was the most pleasant hike so far. Franky the Sleeper an I hiked together all day. We even took a long break along a great steam telling jokes . We're camping next to the trail deep in the woods. We have 5 tents set up in different area's but within 50 yards from each other. I built a fire were we gathered around until dark (9pm) which we call the hikers midnight . Tomorrow looks like is shouldn't be too tough so the plan is between 11 and 18 miles. Several factors in play but can't make the decision until we've completed at least have the miles. Today's hike was the most enjoyable hike so far.Tennessee Tom
Date: 2010-04-18
From: camp site on the 400 mile line

To: Laurel Forks Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Camp site to Laurel Fork shelter 14.7Another beautiful day to hike. When I woke up this morning the temp was a cool 35 degrees. Most of the day it felt very cool. When ever I stopped you had to try and get out of the wind or put on a light jacket. The terrain was mixed, some hills some rocks and some steep down hills. The down hills are killing my knees. Today I met a lot of different thru-hikers that I've met before. Everyone has their eyes on getting to Damascus VA. That is the last really big trail town in the south. Everyone is starting to show the fatigue of the trail. It's really starting to ware me down. Tomorrow I'll be heading into the town of Hampton TN for supplies. J
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Laurel Forks Shelter

To: Watauga Lake shelter 
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Laurel Fork shelter to Watauga Lake shelter 8.8Left the shelter early this morning about dawn. The hike over Pond Flats (which should be called Pond Mtn) wasn't as hard as I was expecting it to be, yet the down hills are always tough on my knees. I was able to get into town early enough to shower, wash clothes, re-supply and grab a Burger. Dan Brock sent me a bunch of girl scout cookies which all hikers love cookies. Thank you Dan! Hampton TN is a real small town. I decided to hike 2 miles out of town on the tail and stay at Watauga lake shelter. I got to the shelter at around 3:00pm. This way I can have an easy day to rest up and this will set me up for an early hike up Iron Mtn. I want to make it up the Mountain before it turns too hot. I'm planning on another short day tomorrow. Rain is also supposed to roll in tomorrow afternoon. Still not able to get access to a computer to up load pictures. I'm positive I will be able to in Damascus which should be in 3 to 4 days.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Watauga Lake shelter 

To: Iron Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Watauga lake shelter to Iron Mtn shelter. Today's hike had a view of Watauga lake most of the day. The initial climb up to the top of the ridge was a gain of 2500 feet. Once on top of the ridge the hiking was just a lot up small up and downs. We managed to make it to our camp spot just as the rain set in. Tonight we have 13 people camping here. Two are hikers I hiked with a few weeks ago and I'm glad to meet back up with them, Soul Searcher and Saguaro. We also have Devo, Zen, Loki, Grace and Glory, Walking Man, Boston, Braids, Hermit, Door Mouse, Sherlock, On the Loose, and Dirt Stew. It seems that tonight will be a rainy one. Tomorrows plan is a 15.9 mile day. ( oh my body is going to complain ).
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Iron Mountain Shelter 

To: Abingdon shelter 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Iron Mountain shelter to Abingdonaii shelter 15.9Today I got an early start. It was extremely foggy with light rain. The terrain was reality easy. We only had 4 hills to climb throughout the day and none were over 600 feet of elevation gain. The rain stopped around noon and the rest of the day was cool and cloudy. Tonight its clearing up and getting colder. Tomorrow we cross the border between Tennessee and Virginia. Wha hoo another state completed. I'm planning to go home for a week this Saturday to rest up and repair my body and celebrate my wife's birthday. Tonight we only have the older hikers here from last night. All the younger hikers pushed on into town 26 miles. It must be nice to be young. I believe the call of pizza and beer was stronger on them. Reymind me to tell you how Hermit takes care of the mice near his tent! I should ne able to upload pictures tomorrow night
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Abingdon shelter 

To: Damascus
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

This morning was absolutly beautiful. I was able to watch the sun come up from my sleeping bag. I hit the trail and was at full stride at 7:15 am. After about 2 miles of hiking I saw my first bear. It was about 20 yards from me and crossing the trail. The bear ran down the valley as soon as it saw me. I wasn't able to get my camera out in time. When I've seen bears in the Smoky Mountains, it's usually just the back end I see as they are running away. The main wild things Ive seen are lots of mice at the camp sites and shelters. Durning the nights we hear howls and coyotes all the time. Todays hike was a few small hills at first then it was a long steady down hill into Damascus. Damascus is the most friendly town on the trail. There are about 20 hikers in town today and the numbers vary on a dailey bases. I plan on a couple of slack packs before heading back home to Knoxville to rest up for a few days. I will upload a lot of new pictures on Sunday when I get home. The library in Damascus has a very slow system.Tennessee Tom
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Damascus

To: White Top Laurel Creek
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm trying to keep up with the miles while I'm off for a week with my wife. I slacked packed this section while leaving most of the heavy gear at the house. It rained most of the morning but I was on a mission to get this section done. It's amazing how fast you can hike with a light pack and also knowing you will be back in town for great food.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: White Top Laurel Creek

To: Massy Gap
Miles today: 16.3

Another slack pack section. Again it rained in the morning. A bit longer of a trip today but the area was beautiful into Mt Rogers Recreational area. The highlands remind me of out west with all the open space, large rocks and the best part are the wild ponies in the area. When I return to the trail on the 3rd of May I plan on bringing large carrots to feed the ponies. I will take pictures of them at that time. Hunter ( my oldest son) and I hiked this section a few years ago. It wasn't them same hiking this section without him. I have uploaded a bunch of new pictures. This week off the trail will enable me to rest up the knees and the entire body. I also plane to lighten up my load by removing some of my winter gear. The plan is to find someone to drive me to Damascus on Monday the 3rd of May, then hire an outfitter to shuttle me up to Massy gap so I can continue my hike. If anyone in the Knoxville TN area would like to drive me to Damascus, I will pay for the gas and by you lunch in Damascus. Until the 3rd I'm home.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Massy Gap

To: random campsite 
Miles today: 10.0

Massie Gap to random campsite 10 miles.Got a late start today after a drive to Damascus then had to wait and get a shuttle to Massive Gap. The weather was over cast with light wind with temps in the low 70s. I only did 10 miles and the hiking wasn't that hard. I was able to feed carrots to the wild ponies that graze this area of the Grayson Highlands. I will up load the pictures at a later date. I've met up with a few hikers I hiked with back in North Carolina. Tomorrows plan is to only do 12 miles but we will see.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: random campsite 

To: Holston River
Miles today: 15.0

Random campsite to Holston river 15 miles. Last night I camped with another retired military officer called Rodestone. The thru-hikers are starting to thin out. 2 of my hiking buddies have dropped out this past week. This morning we got an early start at 7:30am. The weather was warm and sunny. The trail was the usual ups and Downs but nothing really too hard. I've only seen a few other hikers all younger and doing high miles. Tonight Lodestone and I are camped next to a small river. Tomorrow's plan is to do another 15 mile day. The cellphone coverage so far in Virginia has been really spotty at best. Each time I get to the top of a Mountain I check for service. Today I found only one spot.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Holston River

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Holston river to Atkins VA. 20 miles.Well, my first 20 mile day. I might pay for it tomorrow with sore feet and knees. Today was very hot , I must have drank 6 liters of water. The hike had only 4 big hills to climb but overall not bad terrain. The high lights of the day were running into a raccoon on the trail that seemed to be looking for hand outs from the hikers. I was able to get some really close up pictures. The next thing was the trail went right by the Mount Rogers Recreational Headquarters that had a phone you could order pizza from and yes I ordered a pizza for lunch. We were only planning to do 15 miles but when we arrived at our campsite we remembered it was Cinco Demayo and the town was an easy 5 more miles. Before we knew it we were sitting in a cheap motel and drinking Caronas. Tomorrow I will try to make it a short mile day. Check out some newly added pictures.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Atkins VA

To: Knot Maul shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Atkins VA to Knot Maul Shelter 13.9Got a late start this morning due to staying in town to get a really good breakfast. I wasn't planning on doing very many miles so I took my time and hiked slow but still managed to do almost 14 miles. The hike only had 3 hills that really weren't that bad. The worst part was was after each major hill we had to decend into valleys that had beautiful pastures but the sun was out and it was really hot. I'm staying tonight with Kentucky and Naptime. Tomorrow I'm planning to do another 15 miles.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Knot Maul shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

Friday 7 May , Knot Maul shelter to Jenkins shelter 19 miles.Got a early start at 7:00am. Wanted to get to the top of Chestnut ridge a 2500 foot gain in elevation before the day got too hot. The views were great from Chestnut shelter where we had lunch. From there the real punishment started. For the next 7 miles the trail followed the most rocky ridge line that constantly went up and down. Water sources were far and few between. They say Virginia is flat well they can't read contours on a map. I think the real reasons hikers do longer miles in Virginia is because they are in better shape by now and Virginia is boring. Well after a long 19 mile day I'm staying in the Jinkins shelter all by my self. The younger crowd pushed on into town (31 miles) and the 2 other older guys bailed on me and camped 4 miles back. No one can complain about my snoring tonight. My body is holding up OK. The left knee only bothers me every once in a while on long down hills. My right leg is starting to hurt a bit on the front. Tomorrows plan is to hike into Bland Virginia for real food and supplies then hike out the same day.
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Jenkins Shelter 

To: Creekside campsite
Miles today: 18.1

Saturday May 8th. Jenkins shelter to Creekside campsite 18.1 miles. Last night it thundered,lighting and rain like there was no tomorrow. Luckily I was on a shelter all alone and was able to spread all my stuff out and sleep on the side with the least wind. This morning I got an early start again around 7:00am. The first 4 miles were in the rain then quickly cleared off as the front passed. The temps never seemed to get out of the 60s and the wind is still blowing. Today I managed to experience my first real fall. Untilled today I never fell to the ground even through all he snow and ice. I walked down to a stream to get water and stepped on a very slick rock and next ended up completely laying in the water. I guess mother nature new I needed a bath. The first 12 miles weren't that bad. We managed to hitch a ride into town for a quick Burger and supplies. The hike out of town was steep as always. Hiked another 6 and called it a day. Tomorrow's plan is another 18 miles. I
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Creekside campsite

To: Wapiti shelter 
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Sunday May 9th. Mothers day. Creekside campsite to Wapiti shelter 19.4 miles. This morning we woke up to a windy 37 degrees. I'm glad I still have one set of long under ware. Before we all set off I reminded everyone to call or text their moms and wife's because it's Mother's Day. The terrain was actually not bad today which made it easy to hike 19 miles. I spent most of the day hiking with an extra layer of clothes on because of the blowing cold wind. Half way through the day I took a break at Trent's store to warm up and get a warm lunch. Tonight I'm camping with Wizzard, Numchucks, Rabbit and Pinky. I'm planning on staying in Pearisburg an extra day to rest up because my right leg is hurting in the middle of my shin. Tomorrows plan is only 16 miles into Pearisburg. This should be a short day if I get an early start.U
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Wapiti shelter 

To: Pearisburg 
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

Monday May 10th. Wapiti shelter to Pearisburg 16.6 miles. Boy it was cold last night and this morning. My thermometer read 33 degrees. I guess Mother Nature wanted us to experience winter one more time. My leg has really been bothering me so I got up a 4 am to start my slow hike into town. I want to get in town early enough to see a doctor. The hike today started straight up with about a 1500 foot gain in elevation then leveled off most the way. Somewhere between Doc's Knob shelter and Angels Rest my right shin really started hurting bad. The last 3 miles was a descent of almost 2000 feet which was really painfull. I hobbled into town looking like a crippled homeless man. I will keep you posted on the status of my leg.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Pearisburg 

To: Unknown
Miles today: 0.0

The Appalachian Trail might have won this one battle but I will continue a different approach and become victorious in the end. Well, how do I start? I went and saw an Orthopedic doctor about my leg hoping it was just shin plints which I could handle. Unfortunately it was a stress fracture in my right leg. Even the x-ray showed a faint hair line crack in the tibia. The doctor who has sectioned hiked part of the AT knows the demand the trail can put on our bodies. He recommended a recovery of 6-8 weeks before getting back on the AT. What does this mean? My northbound thru-hike is over. But my goal of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail is still attainable. I will rest up for 2 weeks then start riding my bike up the hills here in Knoxville to try and stay in shape the best I can. Nothing really compares to carrying a 35 lb pack up and down the AT but I will do what ever I can. I have several options such as, in August go to Maine and start the hike in reverse and finish up where I left off or continue to do large sections each year until I complete the entire trail. I wish I could have completed a traditional northbound thru-hike but that is not in the cards this year. So as for the journal entry¢s, I will post later down the line my intentions. Please continue to follow others as they travel up the trail. Sign into their trail journals and give encouragement, it¢s always great to hear from a total stranger who is excited to follow and encourage you on your journey. We all have a common goal to enjoy the great out doors in all the different ways possible. I would like to leave you with two great quotes from John Muir;In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. John Muir Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. John Muir¢Tennessee Tom¢
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Unknown

To: Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 0.0

Well it's been 7 weeks and my leg feels great. I'm driving up to northern Virginia tomorrow to hike a 160 mile section of the AT. I've always wanted to hike the section of the AT through the Shenandoah National Park. I'll be hiking with one of my neighbors. We'll try to make it all the way to Harpers Ferry WV. within the 10 day window he has from work. I will up date along the the trail.
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Rock Fish gap

To: Calf Mtn shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Rock fish gap to Calf mtn shelter 7 miles. Michael Fleming and I drove 7 hours to where I was to leave my truck. Then took a shuttle ride for 2 hours before we started hiking. Only did 7 miles and got to the shelter in time to make supper and get into our sleeping bags. We're stay with 6 other hikers. Today's hike wasn't bad mostly 500 foot ups and downs. Tonight its going to drop into the low 60s. Tomorrow will be more the same and hike 13 miles. Glad to be back on the trail.