morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Uncle Johnnies Hostel, Erwin Tenn. 

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

Day 27. My apologies to all my readers for the long delay in updating this journal. So many places in the southern Appalachian region just do no have wi-fi. I'm glad I came in last night, as that makes today a full zero day. I woke in the hostel knowing I don't need to walk today. My feet need the break. I can spread everything out on the lawn and sir out my quilt. After spending so much time in the mountains, is forgotten that it get hot here in the lowlands. It's going to top 90 degrees today. Snapper was also here last night, and he took off this morning for another 25+ miles. I went to the pizza house for lunch and had the buffet and salad bar. That should hold until dinner. The shuttle driver was good enough to run me to the post office so I could mail home two pair of socks that I haven't used. That will save me six ounces. Earlier this morning two women who stayed at the hostel left, with backpacks, to hike north. Later in the afternoon, the shuttle arrived with the two women. They said, "We went three miles and decided our pack are too heavy. We're done."   I struggled to lift one of the packs. We hung it from the scale, and it read 38.5 lbs. Five minutes before the shuttle to dinner left, Cary rolled in. Six of us went to the Los Jalepenos restaurant, where they serve jumbo frozen margaritas. I had one of those plus a regular sized. We ate our fill then walked to the Walmart behind the restaurant, to pick up trail supplies.With a good cell signal, I called Yvonne and talked for awhile. Tomorrow is our 47th wedding anniversary. We dropped Cary off at the Mountain Inn because they have a computer he can use to update his book. The computer at Uncle Johnnies is out of order.
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 28. The nice thing about a hostel is you can be mostly packed the night before. All I had to do was dress, fix my breakfast of cherry turnovers in the microwave, close my pack and go.   I'm walking at 6:20am.   I see my sixth bear today. We are walking side by side with a row of rhododendron bushes between us so neither of us is aware of the other's presence. Suddenly the bush row ends, and we are both startled. We are close enough I could reach over and pet him, but he darts away at high speed. I know this is going to be a tough day, with a full resupply load, and mostly uphill all day. Sure enough, two one-thousand foot climbs leaves me beat by the time I get to Cherry Gap shelter. Mike arrives as I make dinner. About thirty, he is very outgoing, and does bar tending for a living.   His demeanor reminds me of my own son Chad. He said he saw me earlier on the trail, and tried to catch me but couldn't.   After seeing the contents of his pack, I told him that hikers usually don't carry showers, and two weeks supply of food. There are several hikers here, but they all choose to tent. I'll stay in the shelter tonight, as it makes for a quicker getaway in the morning.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 16.3

Day 29. I know this is going to be one more hard day.   I'm headed for Roan High Knob shelter, and it will be uphill all day. It is slow going, I get there by 4:00. On the way up Roan Mountain, I noticed the fabulous job of trail work the maintainers have recent done. I'm amazed how they can move large stones into place to make steps going up the mountain. Roan High Knob shelter is totally enclosed, suitable for harsh weather. It is also the highest shelter on the AT, at 6190'.   The floor looked dirty so I set up my tent.   Just after I arrived, Kevin and Danny came in. They are both retired, and are out for a three day trip. Kevin was a school teacher, and was telling me he trades homes with people in Europe, for two weeks at a time.   There is a website where he finds couple wanting to vacation in the USA, and in turn he would vacation in Europe. Sounds like it works well. Dan is a retired railroad executive. They both are jovial and appear to be enjoying themselves. Together they are comical.   About 6:00 the skies open up and pours rain. Throughout the night the wind blows through the trees at the top of the mountain.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Mountain Harbor Hiker Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 30. The wind is blowing mercilessly early this morning. The walk down the mountain brings the forest back to normal. North of Carver Gap the mountain opens up Into clearings that yield incredible views that rival the Smokies, and stays open across Big Bald Mountain. Several artists with paint canvas and easels station themselves along the trail. On the way down I catch an older hiker named Hard Way. He is 66 and thru hiking. He started April 17 and is determined to make it to Maine. Like me, he's headed for the Mountain Harbor Hiker Hostel at mile 391.8. I arrive at 1:30 and devour a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. I walk into the hostel and am surprised at seeing the two girls at Uncle Johnnies, who said they quit hiking. They shuttled ahead here to meet one of the girl's mother. This hostel actually has two showers and two flush toilets. Unusual for a hostel. Vagabond is a 71 year old lady who runs the hostel, and thru hiked the trail last year at 70. She also drives the shuttle to town. Hard Way finally shows at 4:30, in time for the 5:00 dinner bus to town. Hard Way, Anarchist, another hiker our age, and myself go to Bob's Barbecue in Roan Mountain. We buy supplies at the grocery across the street, then head back to the hostel.
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Grove Rd. Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 31. I've heard that Mountain Harbor has a great breakfast, but they don't serve until 8:00. I'm up at 5:15, eat a Pop Tart breakfast, and am on the road by 6:20.   The terrain is relatively level today, so much so, it's like a stroll on the park. The eighteen miles go by quickly. I came upon Pick sitting in the trail. He's about 70, and asked me if the Mountaineer shelter was near. He got confused last night and wasn't sure where he was.   He is from Virginia, so I ask if he knew the transportation routes out of Damascus. I wanted to get to Lynchburg to catch the Amtrak home, but how to get to Lynchburg. Apparently the town of Bristol, just ten miles from Damascus, has a Greyhound terminal. Thank you Pick. I intended stopping at the campsite at mile 409, but Moreland Gap shelter was just 1.7 further. Good choice as strong winds and rain is in the air. Nineteen year old Blake, and his black and white border collie Tuck, came in for the night, and we settle in for a rainy night. About 6:00 Karen, Blake's mother also comes in. They are out for an eighteen day section hike.
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Dennis Grove Rd. Black Bear Resort

To: Vanderventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 32. This morning is one of the two days it actually rained, that is, poured during the morning hike. Good thing it's only six miles to the Black Bear Resort. Black Bear is a cozy place.   A combination bunkhouse, cabins, tenting sites, and RV's parking. Great shower and bathroom facilities. It's also a great place for families to rent a cottage as a home base while they go hiking. I got here at 10:00, so I guess this is a nero day, but it sure felt like a zero day. It wasn't long before Karen and son Blake arrived. At Moreland Gap shelter, she said they needed to rest a day here. The goal tomorrow is Vanderventer shelter, 17 miles up the trail.
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Vanderventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 33. The rock steps leading down to Laurel Falls are steep and slow, but the falls are beautiful. I did have a little trouble finding the trail north out of the gorge, so I had to backtrack up the hill before I finally found the switchback. There's nothing more refreshing than the trail coming right out on the public beach at Watuga Lake. That was unexpected. As I walked across Watuga Dam, I could see a group of people at the other end. As I approached the group took an interest in my hike. They are members of the Savannah Striders, a running club of folks my age. They offers me snacks and water, which I gratefully accepted. They even gathered around me for photos. My intention was to get water at the spring on the trail two miles before the shelter. The water at the shelter is four-tenths of a mile downhill from the shelter. No thanks, I'll carry the water from the spring on the trail. As I approached the spring, I see Karen sitting there. "How did you get here?", I asked. I had left her and her son at Black Bear this morning. "I shuttled ahead", she said. So Karen and Blake are with me again in the shelter tonight.
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Crazy Larry's - Damascus
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 34. It wasn't long after leaving the shelter that the trail enters a pastureland. The open grass fields were a refreshing change from the woods. The U.S. Forest Service owns the land but leases it to a local farmer. Hikers walk right next to grazing cattle, for an amusing change of pace. Uniformed US Forester Gilbert and his helper Mike were digging a fence post hole to keep cattle at bay. The terrain is fairly mild today so the 22.7 miles go by quickly, although it rains heavily the last four miles. At Abingdon Gap shelter are Bob, Donna with her dog Rudy, Theo, a young fellow with his fur covered razor blade German Pincher who has a violent bark, and Peter whom I passed on the trail earlier.Bob was taken with my gear, and asked how much my pack weighed. He bought all his gear in the 1990's, and says he needs to get lighter. I've heard that from countless people during this trip. Well tomorrow I have to pull off the trail.   I wish I could keep going, but will have to pick it up again next year.
Date: 2014-06-24
From: Crazy Larry's - Damascus

To: Crazy Larry's - Damascus
Miles today: 0.0

Day 35. I got into town around ten o'clock, and Theo and his dog were five minutes behind me. We stood at the welcome sign and took each other's pictures. The sign is an unwritten goal for hikers and a big milestone in AT hiking. We walked through town, and since the main bubble of hikers have already passed through, most of the hostels were closed. I proceeded to the far side of town and stopped at Crazy Larry's, who graciously welcomed me as a guest. The hostel is also Larry's home. For $30, you get a real bed with linens and a pillow, a shower and a real flush toilet, laundry done for you, and a great breakfast of eggs, biscuits, hash browns, and a pork chop. Larry takes care of everything as though every guest were his family. The AT passes on the road right in front of Larry's house, so hikers can't help but notice. It is said that location is everything. I go down the street for a subway sandwich and across the street for a couple of Foster's tall cans.   Sleep comes easy.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: My Home in Ohio

To: Crazy Larry's - Damascus
Miles today: 0.0

As I had orignially planned, I've divided my AT hike into 4 sections, a quarter of the trail each year for four years. This year I'll start the second section on May 12th, starting where I left off last year at Crazy Larry's in Damascus.It's been a rough year since I finished last June. On Christmas Day, 2014, our daughter died in a one car accident.   I was convinced that I'd never hike again, and had no desire to keep living. My wife and I grieved deeply throughout the winter. I have never cried so much. Ridden with guilt, we both decided to seek professional counseling. That was the greatest gift we've ever given ourselves. We realized that we were not the cause of Sarah's death, and we needed to resume our lives. So it is just within the last month I decided that I need to balance my life, and to go walking is the best thing I can do for myself, and is part of my ongoing therapy.   My wife, though not a hiker, agrees.If anyone asks me why I'm hiking the trail, well I think my reason has changed from last year. It used to be just a physical challenge. Now, it's a way to heal my soul and spirit.So to the trail I'll return on May 12. I intend to go as far as Harper's Ferry this year God willing. I've saved my pack list from last year, and am very near ready to go. I've dehydrated my dinners, made up 4 drop boxes, and lightened my pack to a 9.5 lb. base weight. Hey, I'm 69 years old. If I don't go light, I'll never make it.I'm also looking forward to reconnect with some friends I made last year. Cary from Wisconsin, father and son team Avatar and TicTac, among others.I'll keep this updated as often as I have a good signal. See you on the trail.
Date: 2015-05-12
To: Arriving in Damascus
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived at 1:00 in Marion Virginia, after an eighteen hour bus ride from Sandusky Ohio. The manufacturer of the bus expects the riders to sit upright, regardless of how long the trip. Trying to sleep through the night, adjusting to various contorted positions left me with a headache by the time the trip was over. It was good to see Gypsy Dave Stinnard again. During hiker season he shuttles full time. I told him the story of my daughters car accident and death, and he was greatly moved. When he dropped me off at Crazy Larrys, he didn't charge he for the ride. I didn't expect him to do that, but he insisted. Met some hikers staying at the hostel including Sage, a lady from New York who like me is sectioning from Damascus to Harpers Ferry, Square Peg, from San Antonio Texas, and Give Thanks, a local hiker soon to return home. The biggest surprise was meeting Mongo, who I spent time with last year in Hot Springs. By 7:30, I was in bed. I appreciate Larry giving me real sheets and a good pillow, not something most hostels do.
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Crazy Larry's - Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

I woke at 5:00 when Larry put his dog out. When I stirred, he said he would fix breakfast right away, which I appreciate since I like to get on the trail early. Larry does it right with sausage eggs and blueberry pancakes. What a fabulous morning to start hiking. Cool 50 degrees, and sunny. Last year I prided myself for not falling once in that six week hike. I was fanning my hiking poles overhead clearing out spider webs just as I caught my toe on a rock and fell face down. So much for that record. Even though this is my first day hiking, I felt strong through the morning, but I petered out quickly a couple miles before my goal at Lost Mountain Shelter. I struggled in and several hikers are already here. Among them are Prospector. He actually carries a portable sluce and a pan for panning gold. He's actually found about an ounce in the streams in Georgia and North Carolina. Sage also walked in about 20 minutes after me.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

I've never spent such a cold night on the trail. The temperature dipped to the 30's, with a strong breeze. My 20 degree bag just kept me warm enough. The day was beautiful once again though. I headed out at 6:45 with frozen hands, but it seemed to warm up quickly. It was an uphill climb all day, and by 11:00 I reached the Grayson Highlands area where wild ponies still run free. I walked into a herd and was greeted by a couple of friendly ponies. They love to lick the salt off my skin and one started chewing on the handles of my hiking poles. I made it to Thomas Knob shelter by 1:00. It was early to stop but I was exhausted by the all day climb. Legs thru hiked last year and is here sharing some trail magic. He day hiked here with a backpack full of apples, bananas, candy bars, and many cans of beer. Passing hikers were ecstatic with the treat. Two ponies walked up the trail and fed on the grass around the shelter. About 5:30, Sage arrived. She said that it was a "ball buster" of a day. I was a hard day walking over the rocks.
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

Another cold and foggy night. But then again Thomas Knob is at 5000 feet. The Grayson Highlands are amazing. The trail leads through large open grassland that affords many choice campsites, then leads through thick spruce fir forests that give way to high rocky outcrops. Open views of the grasslands below with herds of wild ponies. The ponies were brought here in the 1970s to keep the grassland in check. A horse breeder developed these thick long haired colorful ponies capable of withstanding the harsh winters. The ponies are use to humans and are very friendly. They will make their way to any passing hiker to lick the salt from their skin and equipment. The trail out of the Highlands leads down to an old cattle scale that is now a public camping area. The only camper was Jack, who invited me over to chat with him a while. He offered an ice cold Mountain Dew, and I great fully accepted. Two young women thru hikers named Lightning Bug and Moon Bug had passed through Thomas Knob shelter yesterday afternoon while I was there. We passed each other several times today, and as they walked by Jack's camper I called out their names. They seemed surprised that I remembered their names. Jack offered them some Little Debbie cakes. This is known as trail magic, when anyone offers hikers free food and drink. They are getting off the trail today to go to the Trail Days celebration in Damascus, then are going to a wedding in Minneapolis. They will return to the trail in a couple weeks. I've had good luck with my latest hiking shoes. So far I've had no blisters. I think the secret is to buy them wide enough so they don't squeeze the toes.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

This is my longest day so far, 18.8 miles, thanks to my lightweight pack. With only one more day of food remaining, my pack weight is now around 12 lbs. Much of the afternoon's hiking was on the high ridge, where water was scarce. A group six teenage girls, backpacking in the opposite direction, were out of water and were visibly distraught. I told them there's a good flowing stream just 5 minutes ahead. That calmed them considerably. Partnership shelter is unique among trail shelters in that it has a shower and an outside sink with city water. There is a U.S. Forest Service visitors center a tenth of a mile from the shelter. The center has an outside phone from which one can order pizza, cheeseburgers, dinners. The local pizza place will deliver. The night at Partnership was not my favorite experience. There were ten other young hikers, most of whom decided this was a good chance to party.   Someone made a beer run, and the loud talking kept me awake. I did enjoy a pizza and cheeseburger though.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins Virginia
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Just before walking into Atkins Va., this old school building still stands reminiscent of the way education looked like in the1800's. How beautiful is the Virginia countryside. The trail leading down to the little sleepy town of Aktins opened views of farmhouses on the hillside with cattle head down to the grass. The little portion I saw was the 50's style motel and gas station. I look forward to a hot shower and real food from a restaurant.   The motel refreshes me with a shower, laundry, and a real bed. I pick up the priority box I mailed myself a week ago. Ready to hit the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Atkins Virginia

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 86.9Total AT Completed = 557.1/2189.2 = 25.4%Today I encountered trail magic for the first time. Not once but twice. First was at an old school building built in the late 1800's. The local United Methodist church put sodas, various kinds of crackers.   Then just up the trail someone left a cooler full of ice cold Dr. Pepper, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The trail passed through a pasture land with dozens of cows blocking the path. As I walked by they approached me with curiosity. They were a little intimidating with there size. I got to Knot Maul shelter at 2:30 dead tired. I sat while many young thru hikers stopped in for a rest and a snack. I crashed early.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Miles this year = 106.9Total AT Completed = 577.1/2189.2 = 26.4%I got going at 6:00am this morning as it will be a 20 mile day today. Not by choice, but because there's no campsite or shelter in between. The first climb was 2000' to the Chestnut Knob shelter. Made of concrete block, it's totally enclosed with a door. At 4500' and unprotected, it needs protection from the elements. I thought that was the major effort for the day, but most of the day is spent on to of the ridge line, negotiating rocks on the trail. I ended the day with a couple of blisters on my feet. Being at the top on the mountains, there is no water for several miles.   Jenkins Shelter was a welcome sight. At least twenty other hikers spent the night with tents all around the shelter.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 122.2Total AT Completed = 592.4/2189.2 = 27.1%I woke at 5:00am, the dawn just barely breaking on the horizon, but still dark in the shelter. As usual I'm the first one to come to life. I seem to be on a different timetable than anyone else. The younger hikers like to hike late into the evening, then take their time getting up the next morning. I usually arrive at the next shelter by mid-afternoon before anyone else arrives.So from Jenkins I'm walking by 6:30am. The morning was spent walking through the woods, but by noon the trail leads out to a gravel road about a thousand feet above Interstate 77. The trail eventually leads over an overpass above I-77. As I walk across, passing cars honk from below. I ran into three hikers whose mission is to pick up every piece of trash they find on the trail from Georgia to Maine. They even have a Facebook page called Pack-It-Out. One hiker walked with a long grabbing device while another held a bag for the trash. I was impressed by their efforts. My AT Guide says that the water source at Helveys Mill Shelter, my destination for today, is 0.3 mile down a steep switch backed trail. I decide to load up with water at the stream where the trail enters back into the woods, and carry it for 1.4 miles instead. No extra descents and climbs today. Boston is here when I arrive, and is moving on to the next shelter. He is in his early forties, and is thru hiking. As a high school track runner, he ran the mile in 4:09, fastest in the nation that year. It earned him a full ride athletic scholarship to Providence College in Boston.