morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-21
From: deer park mountain

To: hot springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

I slept well last night. 10 hours at least. What a nice town. As I enter town I do what most hikers do. I stop at the smokey mountain diner. I try to call Marty. No ATT in the entire town. So I enjoy my eggs and pancakes. I check into my hotel. Iron horse station, cool place. I use the wifi. Hurray, contact! Alex and Marty will be here soon.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: hot springs

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Marty, Alex and I had a great visit. this is a very outdoorsy town. At this time of year there's a constant flow of thru hikers down Main Street. quite fun. Marty called the town charming. Marty and Alex stayed about four hours and left. The term zero day implies that you do nothing but reality is far from it. For the the first time in weeks I have reliable wifi. I have cut and pasted from drafts and hopefully my journal is now up to date. I think I also know how to upload photos. That's next. I also have real chores. I've had to replace my sternum strap. My air core mattress from the shelter has to be repaired. I've spent a couple of hours searching for and patching leaks. I ve mailed gear to REI that needs to be replaced. The rain ruined my prescription meds. The nearest pharmacy is 30-45 minutes away. Luckily I ran into ghost hiker this morning at the grill. Her husband was still asleep at their hotel so she grabbed their pick up and took me to CVS at 8:00 this morning to fill the script. Now that's trail magic. You get the picture. Lots to do if I'm to complete this odyssey. I just noticed, I started this trip exactly four weeks ago on Wednesday March 25. I have 800 unanswered e-mails. Egads. I guess I haven't been too responsive. I'll keep trying. One week at a time. One step at a time. Hike your own hike.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: hot springs

To: log cabin drive
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful climb out of hot springs. Good to be back on the trail. temperature drop at elevation. Prediction of high 20's. Make bag doesn't handle it. Headed to hemlock hollow inn. Bunks were nice and toasty but two hikers sick with croup and gunk. One headed to find a doctor and the other just hiking on. Great cheeseburger for dinner.
Date: 2015-04-25
From: flint mountain gap

To: bald mountain shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Great hike today. Stretch, Old Eagle and I traded stories. We covered travel, music, the marines. Miles flew by. Clear skies. Great views. We saluted mr. Basset for his trail creativity. We tented. Virus or something is going around. We're avoiding shelters and bunk houses. Worn out. Going to sleep well.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: bald mountain shelter

To: erwin tn
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

First I need to update last night. Both Stretch and Old Eagle sick during the night. They shared water and we think that's the problem. I made it easily to Erwin, mostly downhill. Luckily both guys staggered into hostel by end of the day. I like Uncle Johnny's. Twister and I grabbed pvt rooms, old eagle selected a bunk and stretch camped in the courtyard. Mexican food for dinner. Tons of food. Re supply at Walmart. The porch played Neil young harvest album. Great vibe. I must say we enjoyed outstanding views of the Nolichucky river from the trail.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: erwin tn

To: campsites just past beauty spot
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

I skipped the breakfast run to Huddle House. Instead I enjoyed whole milk and granola. Huge bowl. It hit the spot. I took a second shower and finished laundry from night before. Clean and well fed I hit the trail around noon. Great hike out of Erwin. More views of the gorge and river. Hit the beauty spot near sunlight. Wow. Spectacular views. Windy and dropping temps. 360 views.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: campsites just past beauty spot

To: greasy creek gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept cold last night. Rose early. Packed up and started hiking up Unaka Mountain. Sluggish morning but stopped at cherry gap and cooked breakfast at 11:30. Great hike in the afternoon. Stopped in at greasy creek friendly. Opted to spend the night. Miss Connie runs a tight ship. I'm expecting a cool stay. More tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: greasy creek gap

To: stan murray shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Great day of hiking today. Climbed Roan Mountain, Round Bald and Jane Bald. Fine trails. Kudos to the volunteers that maintain this section of trail. Very well done. Lots of climbing. I'm dead tired. I had hoped to make it to the famous Overmountain shelter, the site of a revolutionary war battle but fell three miles short. I just didn't have the legs today. I plan to rise early tomorrow to make up for today's shortfall.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: stan murray shelter

To: campbell hollow road
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Early start today. Packed, ate hot breakfast of oatmeal, granola, in stand milk, raisins and walnuts. Yum. Walking by 7:15. I hit hump mountain mid to late morning. Blowing wind. See forever views. Gray skies. I left NC today. For the past week or so the trail crosses back and forth between NC and Tenn. I have only a few days left in Tenn and then VA.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: campbell hollow road

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Forgive me for rushing the last post. I was sitting with my iPad at a hostel updating several days of hiking when the word came out that the shuttle (pick-up truck) was headed back to trailhead in 20 minutes. I did not want to walk the three miles to the trailhead so I dropped everything and pack up my gear. As it turns out the shuttle left about an hour late but oh well.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: campbell hollow road

To: dennis cove road
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Really long day. Last night we were pummeled by a hail storm and very wet snow. By sunrise the storm had passed so Old Eagle and I packed up early and started hiking. Over the course of conversation both of us decided to push hard to Dennis cove and try to grab a bunk at the black bear hostel. Luckily the last seven miles were generally downhill but we were dog tired as we walked the last half mile down a beautiful country road bordered by a nice stream and rapids to the hostel.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: dennis cove road

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Dennis Cove and black bear hostel are defined by this picture perfect river with rapids that flows through the property. Very inviting. The owner told me that yesterday they caught 25 trout. I actually asked about renting a cottage the weekend of trail days but a biker club each year rents the entire place that weekend. Anyway I would come back here for a long weekend with Marty. By the way I slept in the hiker bunk house for $18. One of the better lit, cleaner bunkhouses and public showers. I did not sleep well. 8:30 lights out but I awoke at 11:30. My knees were throbbing from yesterday's long hike. Luckily I took Advil and did not feel bad in the morning. I took the morning off. Took the shuttle to McDonald's. I wanted wifi to contact the family and also Grabbed the big breakfast, something I've never done. Pancakes, eggs, hash browns, sausage, biscuit and three large coffees. Ate every morsel. I started hiking around 10:30.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: dennis cove road

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Dennis Cove and black bear hostel are defined by this picture perfect river with rapids that flows through the property. Very inviting. The owner told me that yesterday they caught 25 trout. I actually asked about renting a cottage the weekend of trail days but a biker club each year rents the entire place that weekend. Anyway I would come back here for a long weekend with Marty. By the way I slept in the hiker bunk house for $18. One of the better lit, cleaner bunkhouses and public showers. I did not sleep well. 8:30 lights out but I awoke at 11:30. My knees were throbbing from yesterday's long hike. Luckily I took Advil and did not feel bad in the morning. I took the morning off. Took the shuttle to McDonald's. I wanted wifi to contact the family and also Grabbed the big breakfast, something I've never done. Pancakes, eggs, hash browns, sausage, biscuit and three large coffees. Ate every morsel. I started hiking around 10:30.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: dennis cove road

To: us 321 hamton Tn
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

I think yesterday's hike from Dennis cove road to 321 has been one of my favorites. Beautiful blue skies. Nicely groomed trail, Much of it follows the river. About two miles in you're treated to Laurel Falls. It is a great place to photograph, have a snack and relax. The back half of the trail has a 2000 ft climb. I was drenched in sweat but I'm not complaining about 70 degree weather. At the summit you can see Lake Watauga. When I hit the main road a couple offered to drive me the three miles into Hampton TN. Perfect! Hampton is another in a string of small, pretty, mountain towns. Stayed at braemar castle hostel. I had dinner at the local grill about a mile from the hostel ( walked both ways). The young waitress asked all about my thru hike. She says recently a slew of hikers have been in town. After my house special of hamburger steak with gravy and onions, mashed potatoes with gravy, fried okra and cornbread I had to turn down the chocolate cake. The owner invited me back for breakfast. I'm tempted but the restaurant is in the opposite direction of the trailhead and I need to save my legs for tomorrow's hike.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: us 321 hamton Tn

To: iron mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

Now the march to Damascus begins. Lots of buzz about the popular trail town and the countdown to Trail Days. Very nice hike today. Crossed the Watauga Dam which I believe is part of the TVA system. Climbed back up to 4000 ft. Very interesting and fun group of hikers today. A father and son from West Virginia. Two guys from Nashville/Chattanooga. Very interesting hiker from philly who spent her summers as a camp counselor in Maine and is now hiking the AT solo, vegan. Finally a mental health nurse from Liverpool England and a young German I also ran into two guys who I met at the bakery, pizza shop a couple of days ago in Roan mountain Tenn. We laughed because all of our pizzas had walnuts on them.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: iron mountain shelter

To: damascus 
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: few clouds

I keep checking the math. I have no idea how I was able to hike 26.3 miles. However I did hike hard. I hit the trail at 8:00 sharp and crawled into Damascus at 8:15 that evening. At 3:00 in the afternoon I powered up iTunes for the first time on the AT. Wow. The music powered me up the trail. Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt......in addition I kept leapfrogging my two young friends from Nashville which kept me going. I also changed up my snack routine. No power bars. No chocolate. I munched on pretzels, mixed nuts (which included a large portion of walnuts, of course) and raisins. I stopped three times for brief yoga and stretching routine as well. Anyway as I hit town a kind man spotted my hobbling and directed me to the Methodist church where I grabbed a bunk. It turns out he's the caretaker for the church. I made to the cavalier diner before it closed a 9:00, ate a chef salad and chicken wings. Showered and asleep by 9:30.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: damascus 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just enjoyed this fine town today. Lots of restored old homes, bed and breakfasts, river flowing through the town. Peaceful. Sunny. Perfect temps. Errands. The local outfitter helped me repair my sternum strap, replaced my sleeping pad, restocked food, sent a package back to Atlanta, tried out the local IPA. Good day. Relaxing.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: bland

To: helveys mill shelter
Miles today: 2.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I can't believe it's been 11 days or so since I last posted. Lots to catch up on!I met Marty and Alex in Damascus two nights ago for trail days. Luckily Marty found us a hotel so we got to celebrate in some comfort and I sorely needed some R & R. I had tented the past 10 nights and only re supplied once in Marion. It's been my longest stretch so far without a shower or laundry. I semi bathed a couple of times in a stream but that's all. Luckily I made it to the hotel before Marty and Alex and was able to shower and wash some clothes before they arrived. We enjoyed trail days. Blueberry pancakes at Mojos, craft beer at Old Mill and oh the shopping. I geared up for warm weather. I bought trail shoes to replace my boots and a summer bag. Lots of exhibitors tempted me to buy more but for the most part I resisted. Marty and Alex stocked up on t-shirts and AT paraphernalia. According to Instagram etc the really party took place in tent city. Marty and Alex took me back to the trail on Saturday afternoon so we missed the hiker parade and the main festivities. By the looks of it the town was getting into full celebration mode. To be honest it feels good to be out of the craziness and back on the trail. The last two weeks of hiking have been very diverse and of course beautiful. From ridge lines, to open meadows, cow pastures, the climb up mt Rogers, the wild ponies at Grayson highlands, the settlers museum and schoolhouse, the very cool shelter at chestnut knob and lots of great camping spots it's been a good two weeks. Also been tiring. i needed a couple of days rest and Damascus did the trick. Now it's back to the trail.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Jennings Creek

To: cornelius creek shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

After spending the morning in Buchanan, Susan the owner of middle creek picked me up and shulltered me back to the campground. As I exited her Yukon I felt my lower back pull. Hot and humid weather. I started hiking at 2:00. The thunderstorm started at about 4:00. I hiked on until about 6:00. My backed hurt the entire hike. I ended the day soaked from head to toe. I hate wet shoes and socks. I called it a day after 8 miles. I had a shelter to myself. Spread out. Tried to dry out and stretch my back. I probably took a total of six ibuprofen.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: cornelius creek shelter

To: US 501. glasgow Va
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

I hiked hard today trying to catch the group and make up for yesterday's short day. Back hurt all day but I made good time and arrived in Glasgow late afternoon. Eagle, walking home, frisbee and others were there. I like Glasgow. The town provides an open field for hikers to pitch their tents. There is a shower, small shelter, electricity to recharge phones, and privy. Within 100 yards there is a food store, pizza joint, laundromat, Mini mart and dollar general. Very convenient. After I set up my tent I purchased a 10 lb bag of ice. I laid on it so it covered my entire back and hips. The guys helped me pitch my tent. I like the town. Simple but very convenient and hiker friendly. Eight ibuprofen day.
Date: 2015-05-30
From: US 501. glasgow Va

To: brown mountain creek shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

I haven't mentioned the trail much lately. Trust me, beauty everywhere. Everyday awesome views, vistas, interesting rocks etc. everyday. Mountain laurel in full bloom. Some paths are lined with the white/pink flowers. Back is getting back to normal. I hiked without pain. Except for my knees. Haha.
Date: 2015-05-31
From: brown mountain creek shelter

To: seeley woodworth shelter
Miles today: 15.8

First bear! I was hiking solo at about 7:10 in the morning. I was about a mile north of the footbridge at the shelter/campground. As I was walking along the path I saw a plaque which made me think that maybe I was walking south instead of north. I turned around to check a blaze and about 35 yards off to the right I glimpsed a bear approaching the trail. The bear climbed onto the trail and stopped. He looked my way and after a second or two scampered up the high side of the trail into the forest. Just like that he was gone. It turns out I was walking north. If I hadn't had questioned if I was walking the right direction he would have crossed the trail behind me and I would have never known. He was very quiet. Anyway I spent the next half hour looking over my shoulder.
Date: 2015-06-01
From: seeley woodworth shelter

To: maupin field shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I climbed the Priest in the morning and three ridges mountain in the afternoon. Half way up three ridges it looked like t'storms and lighting were headed my direction. I hiked hard hoping not to get caught on the ridge during the lighting. Luckily the storm passed me by. I finished the day dead tired.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: maupin field shelter

To: waynesboro
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

It rained hard last night. Woke up to rain. I got a late start, 9:00. Usually I'm hiking by 6:30 but I needed some extra sleep. I hate hiking in wet shoes and socks but that the type of day it was. Drizzle and later steady rain. At 5:30 pm I hit Paul c Wolfe shelter. Knowing waynesboro, hot shower, hot food and dry bed was only 5 miles away I took two ibuprofen, ate half a pop tart and a hand full of raisins and hiked in a downpour. 7:30 I was sitting in the grace Lutheran hikers hostel.
Date: 2015-06-03
From: waynesboro

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Grace Lutheran hikers hostel is outstanding. Hikers sleep on cots in fellowship hall, have access to hot showers and a lounge with food and big screen TV. It's clean and convenient. It's donation based which allows all hikers some shelter and hot water when they need it. Its out by 9:00 in the morning and then reopens at 5:00 in the evening. I checked out of the hostel Wednesday morning and checked into the Tree Streets Inn on Walnut Street. It's a nice bed and breakfast in a turn of the century home. I'm sitting in the upstairs sunroom. I have an ice pack that I alternate from my lower back to my left knee. I need a rest day. I'm a little beat up but actually my back has gotten better. To be honest my feet hurt and my ankles aren't so great. Walking on rocks is plain tiring and difficult. I constantly worry about my balance and falling especially in this rain. I have not turned an ankle yet, thank goodness. I really have the sense that this town is at a transition point on the AT. Leaving the true south and entering the shenandoahs and mid section of the AT. Supposedly the avg elevation will be less and the climbs not as strenuous. We'll see about that. I do know it's harder to find grits at the Kroger. This could be a problem. After two months I have a diet that works for me. I do not cook. I have eliminated my stove and gas canister. My diet consists of high protein oatmeal, instant milk, granola, tortillas, peanut butter, grits with bacon bits, couscous, raisins and nuts. Most nights I combine the grits for flavor with the couscous for nutrition. Add cold water and olive oil. After ten minutes mix in raisins and nuts. It's quite tasty and works for me. So, I have Marty mailing me grits. Most hikers seem to increase mileage at this point of the trail. We'll give it back in the Whites. I'm hoping to hike 20 miles on a regular basis. Anyway I'm not complaining, honestly. The views, the mountain vistas, the flowers , the wildlife, the humour, the comraderie of the trail and being part hobo keeps me going. Onward and upwardSent from my iPad
Date: 2015-06-05
From: calf mountain shelter

To: loft mountain campground
Miles today: 19.7

Long day but good hike. Mostly hike alone today. When I checked into the park the ranger offered to drive me to the wayside so that I could grab and burger and a shower before it closed. I gratefully excepted. Root beer and a burger. Hit the spot. Shower was Luke warm. No complaints. The ranger thru hiked as a recent college grad in 1974. He said that he spent one two week stretch in Georgia/NC when he saw no other hikers. What a difference from today. As I was walking the 1.5 miles from shower to campsite I bumped into old Eagle Scout. We shared a camp site.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: hightop hut

To: bootens gap
Miles today: 15.0

sitting in max factors wonderful mountain condo in massanuten va. Cyborg, stealth bomber, Sam I am, taco and shell, old Eagle Scout and me. What a host! Max has given us beds, hot showers, tons of food and lots of magic. He celebrates the memory of his son by providing hikers with a place to rest up, recoperate and just plain relax. great experience. Max and his wife hope to thru hike in a coming year (2016?) as part of the healing process over the loss of their son. I will support their trek when it happens. Thank you max! God bless you and your wife.
Date: 2015-06-09
From: skyland resort and restuarant

To: gravel springs hut
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

Hiked strong all day. At 3:00 I arrive at elk wallow wayside. Club sandwich and root beer float. I hear that my buddies are one shelter up. Party. I buy a six pack. Runs with beer agrees to pack the beer in. I give him three beers. Arrive at shelter around 6:30. Fire in the pit. Hot dogs, spam on a stick, chips, lots of beer. Good time. Good day.
Date: 2015-06-10
From: gravel springs hut

To: front royal
Miles today: 13.4

Casual hike. A half dozen of us walked together discussing various topics but mostly food options. Arrived at mountain home cabbin hostel around 2:00. Three of us checked in the others chose different options. Met up at restaurant/pub on Main Street. After burgers and beer visited the ice cream shoppe. Found grocery store to re supply. At 5:30 dropped in at Chinese place. Ate family style with lots of entrees. Finally go back to grocery store. Purchased two liter root beer and gallon of vanilla. Root beer floats back at hostel.
Date: 2015-06-12
From: ashby gap

To: bears den hostel. mile 1000 +-
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lisa gave us tour of old historic home that she and Scott are renovating. What a project. Will be very impressive when complete. 3-5 years!Wow. Virginia roller coaster kicked our butts. Very difficult and unexpectedly difficult 13 miles of ups and downs. Late in the day thunderstorm drenches us. Four of us arrive at bears den soaked and worn out.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: bears den hostel. mile 1000 +-

To: appalachian trail conservancy
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

Bears den is a cool place. It's an old estate that was given to ATC. Hostel itself looks like an old castle. The grounds are beautiful. Two Boy Scout troops spread tents through out. Last night take five, walking home, stash and I visit horseshoe bar and grill. Great place. Highly recommended. Blues band. Very enjoyable evening listening to live music. Local section hikers give is a ride back to hostel. Arrived at ATC mid afternoon. I am thru hiker 583 this year. Harpers ferry is delightful historic town. My first visit ever. It won't be my last. Nice stay at tea horse hostel.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: appalachian trail conservancy

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice relaxing day in HF. I like this town and its sister Bolivar. I took an afternoon nap. Will visit post office tomorrow to collect three packages. Hiking group is going in different directions. some meeting spouses and others getting off of the trail. I'm fully focused now on second half of trail. Maine is still far away but heck I've walked over 1000 miles. Feels good to do nothing but rest and plan out the next week of hiking.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: appalachian trail conservancy

To: dahlgren backpack campground
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Picked up my box from Marty as soon as post office opened. Yum. Granola, Lulus special peanut butter and other treats. Hit the trail about 10:00. Hiked alone all day. Puddles and mud. Humid. Last to arrive at camp but the group was there. Had good time catching up with everyone. Hot showers at the camp! Good ending to the end. Back in hiker mode.